Pen and Touch Input Systems

Abstract

A pen and touch input system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a touch input device including a sensor unit and a controller for controlling the sensor unit, and a stylus pen operable with the touch input device. [Representative diagram] Figure 1a

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE This disclosure relates to pen and touch input systems. [Background technology]

[0002] A variety of touch input devices, such as mobile phones, smartphones, laptop computers, digital broadcasting terminals, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable multimedia players (PMPs), navigation systems, slate PCs, tablet PCs, ultrabooks, and wearable devices, are equipped with touch sensors.

[0003] In such touch input devices, a touch sensor may be located on a display panel that displays images or may be located as part of the touch input device, and a user may interact with the electronic device by touching the touch sensor, thereby providing the user with an intuitive user interface.

[0004] A user can use a stylus pen for precise touch input. Stylus pens can be classified into active stylus pens and passive stylus pens depending on whether they contain a battery and electronic components.

[0005] Active stylus pens have the advantage of being superior in basic performance compared to passive stylus pens and offering additional functions (pressure, hovering, buttons), but they have the disadvantage of being expensive and requiring a power source to be charged, so they are not widely used except by a few high-end users.

[0006] Passive stylus pens have the advantages of being cheaper than active stylus pens and not requiring batteries, but they have the disadvantage of being less capable of precise touch recognition than active stylus pens. However, recently, two technologies have been proposed to realize passive stylus pens that can achieve precise touch recognition: the inductive resonance method, EMR (Electro Magnetic Resonance), and the capacitive resonance method.

[0007] The EMR method has an advantage in the quality of writing / drawing, which is the core function of a stylus pen, but has the disadvantage of being thick and costly because a separate EMR sensor panel and EMR driver IC must be added in addition to the capacitance touch panel.

[0008] The capacitive resonance method uses a general capacitance touch sensor and touch controller IC, which does not require additional costs and also improves the performance of the IC to support pen touch.

[0009] In the EMR or capacitive resonance method, the amplitude of the resonance signal must be large for the touch sensor to accurately identify a touch by a stylus pen, and therefore the frequency of the drive signal transmitted to the stylus pen must be approximately the same as the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit built into the stylus pen. However, with conventional EMR or capacitive resonance methods, even if the resonant frequency and the drive signal frequency match, there is a problem of very large attenuation in signal transmission, making signal transmission difficult. As a result, despite many attempts by many touch controller IC vendors over the years, they have not been able to produce a sufficient output signal, and no manufacturer has yet succeeded in mass production.

[0010] Therefore, in order to manufacture an EMR or capacitive resonant stylus pen that can generate the maximum output signal, how to design the internal resonant circuit and the pen structure is a very important factor.

[0011] Meanwhile, in the case of passive stylus pens that use the electro-magnetic resonance (EMR) method, a digitizer transmits a magnetic signal to the pen and then receives a resonance signal from the pen. Such digitizers have a dense array of coils in which a current can be induced by a magnetic signal to receive touch information from the pen. However, such digitizers have problems such as being unable to accommodate the miniaturization and thinning of touch input devices and being unable to be flexibly designed.

[0012] On the other hand, conventional stylus pens must use expensive pressure sensors to detect writing pressure, making it difficult to measure writing pressure accurately. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0013] The present embodiment is directed to providing a pen and touch input system including a stylus pen that is capable of producing a sufficient output signal.

[0014] The present invention also provides a pen and touch input system including a multi-function touch input device that can detect a touch position, drive a stylus pen, and detect the position of the stylus pen.

[0015] Also, the present invention provides a pen and touch input system including 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.

[0016] In addition, the present invention provides a pen and touch input system including a touch input device that can widen the operating frequency bandwidth of touch drive signals and pen drive signals when the screen of the touch input device is expanded to the size of a tablet PC screen.

[0017] The present invention also provides a pen and touch input system including a touch input device that can reduce attenuation of a pen sensing signal when the screen of the touch input device is expanded to the size of the screen of a tablet PC.

[0018] Also provided is a pen and touch input system that can be implemented on a single layer.

[0019] Also provided is a pen and touch input system that can improve touch sensing performance using a stylus pen.

[0020] Also provided is a pen and touch input system including a stylus pen that can detect writing pressure with a simple structure.

[0021] Also provided is a pen and touch input system including a stylus pen capable of distinguishing the contact state of the stylus pen with respect to a touch device.

[0022] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above. [Means for solving the problem]

[0023] A pen and touch input system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a touch input device including a sensor unit and a control unit that controls the sensor unit, and a stylus pen that can interact with the touch input device, wherein the sensor unit: the plurality of first patterns extending in a first direction and having first side ends electrically connected to the controller; the plurality of second patterns extending in the first direction and disposed adjacent to the first patterns; the plurality of third patterns extending in a second direction different from the first direction and having first side ends electrically connected to the controller; and the plurality of fourth patterns extending in the second direction and disposed adjacent to the third patterns, wherein at least some second side ends of the plurality of second patterns are electrically connected to each other and at least some second side ends of the plurality of fourth patterns are electrically connected to each other; the controller applies touch driving signals to the plurality of first patterns and receives touch sensing signals to the plurality of third patterns; and the controller applies a stylus pen driving signal to at least one of the plurality of first patterns to the fourth patterns. and the control unit is configured to receive a stylus pen sensing signal from at least one of the first through fourth patterns. The stylus pen includes a body portion at least a portion of which extends in one direction; an inductor portion including a ferrite core disposed within the body portion and a coil wound in multiple layers on at least a portion of the ferrite core; a capacitor portion disposed within the body portion and including a capacitor electrically connected to the coil of the inductor portion; and a core body at least a portion of which is disposed within the body portion and moves in the one direction in response to pressure applied to one end thereof, the capacitor portion including a first electrode moving in conjunction with the core body and a second electrode fixedly installed on the first electrode in the one direction, and a capacitance of the capacitor portion changes in response to pressure applied to one end of the core body.

[0024] According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a pen and touch input system including a touch input device including a sensor unit and a controller for controlling the sensor unit, and a stylus pen operable with the touch input device. The sensor unit includes a plurality of first patterns extending in a first direction and having first side ends electrically connected to the controller, a plurality of second patterns extending in the first direction and disposed adjacent to the first patterns, a plurality of third patterns extending in a second direction different from the first direction and having first side ends electrically connected to the controller, and a plurality of fourth patterns extending in the second direction and disposed adjacent to the third patterns, wherein second side ends of at least some of the second patterns are electrically connected to each other and second side ends of at least some of the fourth patterns are electrically connected to each other, and the controller is configured to apply touch driving signals to the plurality of first patterns and receive touch sensing signals to the plurality of third patterns, and the controller is configured to control the plurality of first patterns and the plurality of third patterns. and the control unit is for applying a stylus pen driving signal through at least one pen driving pattern among the first to fourth patterns, and the control unit is for receiving a stylus pen sensing signal from at least one pen sensing pattern among the first to fourth patterns. The stylus pen includes a body portion, an inductor portion including a ferrite core fixedly installed within the body portion and having a through hole passing through in one direction and a coil wound in multiple layers on at least a portion of the ferrite core, a capacitor portion located within the body portion and including a capacitor electrically connected to the coil of the inductor portion, and a core body at least a portion between one end and the other end of which is disposed in the through hole of the ferrite core and moves in the one direction in response to pressure applied to the one end. The capacitor portion includes a first electrode connected to the other end of the core body and moving in conjunction with the core body, and a second electrode fixedly installed on the first electrode, and the first electrode moves in the one direction in response to pressure applied to the one end of the core body, thereby changing an overlapping area between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0025] According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a pen and touch input system including a touch input device including a sensor unit and a controller that controls the sensor unit, and a stylus pen operable with the touch input device. The sensor unit includes: a plurality of first patterns extending in a first direction and having first side ends electrically connected to the controller; a plurality of second patterns extending in the first direction and disposed adjacent to the first patterns; a plurality of third patterns extending in a second direction different from the first direction and having first side ends electrically connected to the controller; and a plurality of fourth patterns extending in the second direction and disposed adjacent to the third patterns, wherein second side ends of at least some of the second patterns are electrically connected to each other and second side ends of at least some of the fourth patterns are electrically connected to each other; and the controller is configured to apply touch driving signals to the plurality of first patterns and receive touch sensing signals to the plurality of third patterns; the control unit is for applying a stylus pen driving signal using at least one pen driving pattern among the first through fourth patterns, and the control unit is for receiving a stylus pen sensing signal from at least one pen sensing pattern among the first through fourth patterns. The stylus pen includes: a body portion at least a portion of which extends in one direction; an inductor portion including a ferrite core disposed within the body portion and a coil wound in multiple layers on at least a portion of the ferrite core; a capacitor portion disposed within the body portion and including a capacitor electrically connected to the coil of the inductor portion; and a core body at least a portion of which is disposed within the body portion and moves in the one direction in response to pressure applied to one end thereof, wherein the ferrite core of the inductor portion is interlocked with the core body, and the inductor portion includes a magnetic body fixedly installed inside the body portion, and the inductance of the inductor portion changes in response to pressure applied to one end of the core body.

[0026] According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a pen and touch input system including a touch input device including a sensor unit and a controller that controls the sensor unit, and a stylus pen operable with the touch input device. The sensor unit includes a plurality of first patterns extending in a first direction and having first ends electrically connected to the controller, a plurality of second patterns extending in the first direction and disposed adjacent to the first patterns, a plurality of third patterns extending in a second direction different from the first direction and having first ends electrically connected to the controller, and a plurality of fourth patterns extending in the second direction and disposed adjacent to the third patterns, wherein second ends of at least some of the second patterns are electrically connected to each other and second ends of at least some of the fourth patterns are electrically connected to each other, and the controller is configured to apply touch driving signals to the plurality of first patterns and receive touch sensing signals to the plurality of third patterns. and a core body, at least a portion of which between one end and the other end is disposed in the through-hole of the ferrite core and moves in the one direction in response to pressure applied to the one end, the ferrite core of the inductor body including a magnetic body fixed inside the body, and the ferrite core moves in the one direction in response to pressure applied to the one end, the ferrite core of the inductor body including a magnetic body fixed inside the body, and the ferrite core moves in the one direction in response to pressure applied to the one end, the magnetic body

[0027] According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a pen and touch input system including a touch input device including a sensor unit and a controller that controls the sensor unit, and a stylus pen operable with the touch input device. The sensor unit includes a plurality of first patterns extending in a first direction and having first ends electrically connected to the controller, a plurality of second patterns extending in the first direction and disposed adjacent to the first patterns, a plurality of third patterns extending in a second direction different from the first direction and having first ends electrically connected to the controller, and a plurality of fourth patterns extending in the second direction and disposed adjacent to the third patterns, wherein second ends of at least some of the second patterns are electrically connected to each other and second ends of at least some of the fourth patterns are electrically connected to each other, and the controller is configured to apply touch driving signals to the plurality of first patterns and receive touch sensing signals to the plurality of third patterns. and a control unit configured to receive a stylus pen sensing signal from at least one of the first through fourth patterns. The stylus pen includes: a body portion at least a portion of which extends in one direction; an inductor portion including a ferrite core disposed in the body portion and a coil wound in multiple layers on at least a portion of the ferrite core; a capacitor portion disposed in the body portion and including a first capacitor electrically connected to the coil of the inductor portion and a second capacitor electrically connectable to the first capacitor; a core at least a portion of which is disposed in the body portion and moves in the one direction in response to pressure applied to one end of the core; and a switching member disposed in the body portion and switching an electrical connection between the first capacitor and the second capacitor in response to movement of the core in the one direction, wherein a capacitance of the capacitor portion changes in response to pressure applied to one end of the core.

[0028] According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a pen and touch input system including a touch input device including a sensor unit and a controller that controls the sensor unit, and a stylus pen operable with the touch input device. The sensor unit includes a plurality of first patterns extending in a first direction and having first side ends electrically connected to the controller, a plurality of second patterns extending in the first direction and disposed adjacent to the first patterns, a plurality of third patterns extending in a second direction different from the first direction and having first side ends electrically connected to the controller, and a plurality of fourth patterns extending in the second direction and disposed adjacent to the third patterns, wherein second side ends of at least some of the second patterns are electrically connected to each other and second side ends of at least some of the fourth patterns are electrically connected to each other, and the controller applies touch driving signals to the plurality of first patterns and generates touch sensing signals to the plurality of third patterns. the control unit is configured to apply a stylus pen driving signal in at least one pen driving pattern among the first through fourth patterns, and the control unit is configured to receive a stylus pen sensing signal from at least one pen sensing pattern among the first through fourth patterns. The stylus pen includes: a body portion at least a portion of which extends in one direction; an inductor portion including a ferrite core fixedly disposed within the body portion and a coil wound in multiple layers on at least a portion of the ferrite core; a capacitor portion disposed within the body portion and electrically connected to the inductor portion; a core body at least a portion of which is disposed within the body portion and moves in the one direction in response to pressure applied to one end thereof; and a magnetic body disposed within the body portion and moves in the one direction in conjunction with the core body, wherein the inductance of the inductor portion changes in response to pressure applied to one end of the core body.

[0029] According to another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a pen and touch input system including a touch input device including a sensor unit and a controller that controls the sensor unit, and a stylus pen operable with the touch input device. The sensor unit includes a plurality of first patterns extending in a first direction and having first ends electrically connected to the controller, a plurality of second patterns extending in the first direction and disposed adjacent to the first patterns, a plurality of third patterns extending in a second direction different from the first direction and having first ends electrically connected to the controller, and a plurality of fourth patterns extending in the second direction and disposed adjacent to the third patterns, wherein second ends of at least some of the second patterns are electrically connected to each other and second ends of at least some of the fourth patterns are electrically connected to each other, and the controller is configured to apply touch driving signals to the plurality of first patterns and receive touch sensing signals to the plurality of third patterns. the control unit is for receiving a stylus pen sensing signal from at least one of the pen sensing patterns among the first through fourth patterns, and the stylus pen includes: a body portion; an inductor portion fixedly installed within the body portion and including a ferrite core having a through hole passing through in one direction and a coil wound in multiple layers on at least a portion of the ferrite core; a capacitor portion located within the body portion and including a capacitor electrically connected to the coil of the inductor portion and an additional capacitor electrically connectable to the capacitor; a core body at least a portion between one end and the other end of which is disposed in the through hole of the ferrite core and moves in the one direction in response to pressure applied to the one end; and a switching member for switching on and off an electrical connection between the capacitor and the additional capacitor in response to pressure applied to the core body, and the inductor portion includes a magnetic body whose separation distance from the ferrite core changes in response to pressure applied to the core body.

[0030] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a pen and touch input system including a touch input device including a sensor unit and a controller controlling the sensor unit, and a stylus pen operable with the touch input device. The sensor unit includes a plurality of first patterns extending in a first direction and having first ends electrically connected to the controller, and a plurality of third patterns extending in a second direction different from the first direction and having first ends electrically connected to the controller. The controller is configured to apply touch driving signals to the plurality of first patterns and receive touch sensing signals to the plurality of third patterns. The controller is configured to apply stylus pen driving signals to at least one pen driving pattern among the plurality of first patterns and the plurality of third patterns. The stylus pen is for receiving a stylus pen sensing signal from at least one pen sensing pattern among the plurality of first patterns and the plurality of third patterns, and includes a body portion at least a portion of which extends in one direction; an inductor portion including a ferrite core disposed within the body portion and a coil wound in multiple layers on at least a portion of the ferrite core; a capacitor portion disposed within the body portion and including a capacitor electrically connected to the coil of the inductor portion; and a core body at least a portion of which is disposed within the body portion and moves in the one direction in response to pressure applied to one end thereof, the capacitor portion including a first electrode interlocking with the core body and a second electrode fixedly installed on the first electrode in the one direction, and the capacitance of the capacitor portion changes in response to pressure applied to one end of the core body.

[0031] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a pen and touch input system including a touch input device including a sensor unit and a controller that controls the sensor unit, and a stylus pen that can operate with the touch input device. The sensor unit includes a plurality of first patterns that are formed to extend along a first direction and have first side ends electrically connected to the controller, and a plurality of third patterns that are formed to extend in a second direction different from the first direction and have first side ends electrically connected to the controller, and the controller is configured to apply touch driving signals to the plurality of first patterns and receive touch sensing signals to the plurality of third patterns, and the controller is configured to: the control unit is configured to receive a stylus pen sensing signal from at least one of the first patterns and the third patterns, and the stylus pen includes a body portion; an inductor portion fixedly installed within the body portion and including a ferrite core having a through hole passing through in one direction and a coil wound in multiple layers on at least a portion of the ferrite core; and a capacitor portion located within the body portion and including a capacitor electrically connected to the coil of the inductor portion. The capacitor includes a core body, at least a portion of which between one end and the other end is disposed in a through hole of the ferrite core and which moves along the one direction in response to pressure applied to the one end, and the capacitor part includes a first electrode connected to the other end of the core body and interlocking with the core body, and a second electrode fixedly installed on the first electrode, and the first electrode moves in the one direction in response to pressure applied to the one end of the core body, changing the overlapping area between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0032] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a pen and touch input system including a touch input device including a sensor unit and a controller for controlling the sensor unit, and a stylus pen operable with the touch input device. The sensor unit includes a plurality of first patterns extending in a first direction and having a first side end electrically connected to the controller, and a plurality of third patterns extending in a second direction different from the first direction and having a first side end electrically connected to the controller. The controller is configured to apply touch driving signals to the plurality of first patterns and receive touch sensing signals to the plurality of third patterns. The controller is configured to apply stylus pen driving signals to at least one pen driving pattern among the plurality of first patterns and the plurality of third patterns. and a core body at least a portion of which is disposed within the body portion and moves in the one direction in response to pressure applied to one end thereof, the ferrite core of the inductor body being interlocked with the core body, and the inductor body including a magnetic material fixedly installed within the body portion, and the inductance of the inductor body is changed in response to pressure applied to one end thereof.

[0033] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a pen and touch input system including a touch input device including a sensor unit and a controller for controlling the sensor unit, and a stylus pen operable with the touch input device. The sensor unit includes a plurality of first patterns extending in a first direction and having a first side end electrically connected to the controller, and a plurality of third patterns extending in a second direction different from the first direction and having a first side end electrically connected to the controller. The controller is configured to apply touch driving signals to the plurality of first patterns and receive touch sensing signals to the plurality of third patterns. The controller is configured to apply stylus pen driving signals to at least one pen driving pattern among the plurality of first patterns and the plurality of third patterns. and a core body, at least a portion of which between one end and the other end is disposed in the through hole of the ferrite core and moves in the one direction in response to pressure applied to the one end. The ferrite core of the inductor section is coupled to the core body and moves in conjunction with the core body. The inductor section includes a magnetic body fixedly installed inside the body section. The ferrite core moves in the one direction in response to pressure applied to one end of the core body, changing the separation distance between the ferrite core and the magnetic body.

[0034] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a pen and touch input system including a touch input device including a sensor unit and a controller for controlling the sensor unit, and a stylus pen operable with the touch input device. The sensor unit includes a plurality of first patterns extending in a first direction and having a first side end electrically connected to the controller, and a plurality of third patterns extending in a second direction different from the first direction and having a first side end electrically connected to the controller. The controller is configured to apply touch driving signals to the plurality of first patterns and receive touch sensing signals to the plurality of third patterns. The controller is configured to apply stylus pen driving signals to at least one pen driving pattern among the plurality of first patterns and the plurality of third patterns. and a switching member disposed within the body portion and switching on and off an electrical connection between the first capacitor and the second capacitor in response to pressure applied to one end of the core, wherein the capacitance of the capacitor unit changes depending on the pressure applied to one end of the core.

[0035] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a pen and touch input system including a touch input device including a sensor unit and a controller that controls the sensor unit, and a stylus pen operable with the touch input device. The sensor unit includes a plurality of first patterns that are formed to extend along a first direction and have first side ends electrically connected to the controller, and a plurality of third patterns that are formed to extend in a second direction different from the first direction and have first side ends electrically connected to the controller, the controller is configured to apply touch driving signals to the plurality of first patterns and receive touch sensing signals to the plurality of third patterns, and the controller is configured to apply stylus pen driving signals to at least one pen driving pattern out of the plurality of first patterns and the plurality of third patterns. the control unit is for receiving a stylus pen sensing signal from at least one pen sensing pattern among the plurality of first patterns and the plurality of third patterns, and the stylus pen includes: a body portion at least a portion of which extends in one direction; an inductor portion including a ferrite core fixedly disposed within the body portion and a coil wound in multiple layers on at least a portion of the ferrite core; a capacitor portion disposed within the body portion and electrically connected to the inductor portion; a core body at least a portion of which is disposed within the body portion and moves in the one direction in response to pressure applied to one end of the core body; and a magnetic body disposed within the body portion and moves in the one direction in conjunction with the core body, and an inductance of the inductor portion changes in response to pressure applied to one end of the core body.

[0036] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a pen and touch input system including a touch input device including a sensor unit and a controller for controlling the sensor unit, and a stylus pen operable with the touch input device. The sensor unit includes a plurality of first patterns extending in a first direction and having a first side end electrically connected to the controller, and a plurality of third patterns extending in a second direction different from the first direction and having a first side end electrically connected to the controller. The controller is configured to apply touch driving signals to the plurality of first patterns and receive touch sensing signals to the plurality of third patterns. The controller is configured to apply stylus pen driving signals to at least one pen driving pattern among the plurality of first patterns and the plurality of third patterns. and a switching member for switching the electrical connection between the capacitor and the additional capacitor in accordance with the pressure applied to the core, wherein the inductor portion includes a magnetic material whose separation distance from the ferrite core changes depending on the pressure applied to the core. [Effects of the Invention]

[0037] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, an optimal structure of the resonant circuit of the stylus pen is proposed, which has the advantage of being able to generate a sufficient output signal even with a thin diameter.

[0038] At least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure has the advantage of being able to provide a stylus pen that is robust against external factors.

[0039] The touch input device according to the embodiment of the present invention has the advantage that it is possible to detect the touch position, drive the stylus pen, and detect the position of the stylus pen.

[0040] Also, there is an advantage that the problem of the output voltage of the sensing circuit varying depending on the position of the stylus pen can be solved.

[0041] In addition, when the screen of the touch input device is expanded to the size of the screen of a tablet PC, there is an advantage that the operating frequency bandwidth of the touch driving signal and the pen driving signal can be widened.

[0042] In addition, when the screen of the touch input device is expanded to the size of the screen of a tablet PC, there is an advantage that attenuation of the pen sensing signal can be alleviated.

[0043] Another advantage is that the manufacturing cost of the touch input device can be reduced.

[0044] Another advantage is that it can provide a thinner and smaller form factor.

[0045] Another advantage is that the SNR (signal-noise ratio) of the signal output from the stylus pen can be improved.

[0046] Another advantage is that the sensitivity of receiving touch input can be improved.

[0047] Another advantage is that the touch position can be calculated more accurately.

[0048] Another advantage is that palm rejection can be performed.

[0049] Another advantage is that the manufacturing cost of a stylus pen capable of detecting writing pressure can be reduced.

[0050] Another advantage is that it can measure the precise writing pressure of a stylus pen.

[0051] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those described above, and better or unique effects can be achieved for each embodiment in the "Mode for Carrying Out the Invention" described below. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0052] [Figure 1a] FIG. 1a is a conceptual diagram illustrating a pen and touch input system including a stylus pen and a touch input device. [Figure 1b] FIG. 1b is a diagram illustrating an uplink and a downlink in the pen and touch input system shown in FIG. 1a. [Figure 1c] FIG. 1c is a diagram illustrating the spacing between the + drive channel and the − drive channel in the uplink. [Figure 1d] FIG. 1d is a conceptual diagram illustrating another embodiment of a pen and touch input system including a stylus pen and a touch input device. [Figure 2a] FIG. 2a is a diagram illustrating a signal transmission operation between a stylus pen and a touch input device. [Figure 2b] FIG. 2b is a schematic diagram illustrating the stacked structure of a portion of the touch input device of FIG. 1a. [Figure 2c] FIG. 2c is a schematic diagram of the stack-up of a portion of the touch input device of FIG. 1d. [Figure 2d] FIG. 2d is a schematic diagram of a stacked structure of a portion of the touch input device of FIG. 1d. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a touch input device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a stylus pen according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram specifically showing the inductor part of the stylus pen. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a graph showing the inductance and Q value as a function of frequency. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing enameled wire and Litz wire. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing enameled wire and Litz wire. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a multi-layer winding scheme. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a graph showing the results of the comparative experiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a graph showing the results of the comparative experiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a graph showing the results of the comparative experiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating that the 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. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining, through current sensing, that the output voltages (Vout11, Vout2) of the CVA vary depending on the position of the pen 10 in FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining, through voltage sensing, that the output voltages (Vout1, Vout2) of the CVA vary depending on the position of the pen 10 in FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the sensor unit 100 of the touch input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of the sensor unit 100 shown in FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram schematically illustrating another example of the sensor unit 100 shown in FIG. [Figure 19]FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a sensor unit 100' of a touch input device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the sensor unit 100' shown in FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram schematically illustrating another example of the sensor unit 100' shown in FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of still another example of the sensor unit 100′ shown in FIG. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of still another example of the sensor unit 100′ shown in FIG. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a specific embodiment of the touch input device shown in FIG. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a method in which the control unit 300 of FIG. 24 applies a pen driving signal to drive the stylus pen to a plurality of second patterns 102A. [Figure 26] 26(a) to 26(f) are diagrams for roughly explaining the operation principle of the touch input device of FIG. 24 in a stylus sensing mode. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a specific embodiment of the touch input device shown in FIG. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a specific embodiment of the touch input device shown in FIG. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a specific embodiment of the touch input device shown in FIG. [Figure 30] FIG. 30 is a diagram schematically illustrating a modified sensor unit that can replace the sensor units according to the various embodiments described above. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 shows a modification of the sensor unit shown in FIG. [Figure 32] FIG. 32 is a variation of the sensor portion according to the various embodiments previously described. [Figure 33] FIG. 33 is a variation of the sensor portion according to the various embodiments previously described. [Figure 34] FIG. 34 is a variation of the sensor portion according to the various embodiments previously described. [Figure 35] FIG. 35 is a variation of the sensor portion according to the various embodiments previously described. [Figure 36] FIG. 36 is a variation of the sensor portion according to the various embodiments previously described. [Figure 37] FIG. 37 is a variation of the sensor portion according to the various embodiments previously described. [Figure 38] FIG. 38 is a variation of the sensor portion according to the various embodiments previously described. [Figure 39] FIG. 39 is a variation of the sensor portion according to the various embodiments previously described. [Figure 40] FIG. 40 is a diagram illustrating a first modified example of the fifth pattern 105 shown in FIG. [Figure 41] FIG. 41 is a modification of FIG. [Figure 42] FIG. 42 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the fifth pattern 105' shown in FIG. [Figure 43] FIG. 43 is a modification of FIG. [Figure 44] FIG. 44 is a diagram for explaining a modified example of the third pattern 103 and the fourth pattern 104 in the sensor unit shown in FIG. 34 or FIG. [Figure 45] FIG. 45 is a diagram for explaining a modified example of the third pattern 103 and the fourth pattern 104 in the sensor unit shown in FIG. 34 or FIG. [Figure 46] FIG. 46 is a diagram schematically illustrating a portion of a touch input device according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 47] FIG. 47 is a diagram illustrating an example of an arrangement of electrodes (or patterns) and traces of a touch unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 48] FIG. 48 is a diagram illustrating another example of an arrangement of electrodes (or patterns) and traces of a touch unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 49] FIG. 49 illustrates a case where a stylus pen is positioned above a sensor unit of a touch unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 50] FIG. 50 is a graph showing a method for measuring a signal of a touch portion according to the embodiment shown in FIGS. [Figure 51] FIG. 51 is a graph showing a sensing signal from a stylus pen according to one embodiment. [Figure 52] FIG. 52 is a graph showing a sensing signal from a stylus pen according to one embodiment. [Figure 53] FIG. 53 is a graph showing a sensing signal from a stylus pen according to another embodiment. [Figure 54] FIG. 54 is a graph showing a sensing signal from a stylus pen according to another embodiment. [Figure 55] FIG. 55 illustrates a case where a stylus pen is positioned above a sensor unit of a touch unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 56] FIG. 56 is a graph showing a sensing signal from a stylus pen according to one embodiment. [Figure 57] FIG. 57 is a graph showing a sensing signal from a stylus pen according to one embodiment. [Figure 58] FIG. 58 is a graph showing a sensing signal from a stylus pen according to another embodiment. [Figure 59] FIG. 59 is a graph showing a sensing signal from a stylus pen according to another embodiment. [Figure 60] FIG. 60 is a block diagram showing a schematic diagram of a touch input device. [Figure 61] FIG. 61 is a diagram schematically illustrating a part of a touch unit according to an embodiment. [Figure 62] FIG. 62 is a diagram showing an example of an arrangement of electrodes (or patterns) and traces of a touch unit according to another embodiment. [Figure 63]FIG. 63 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method for driving a stylus pen in the touch input device 2 or the stylus driving device according to the present invention. [Figure 64] FIG. 64 is a diagram specifically illustrating a method for activating a stylus pen in the touch input device 2 or the stylus driving device according to the present invention. [Figure 65] FIG. 65 is a schematic diagram for explaining a stylus signal detection method in the touch input device 2 according to the present invention. [Figure 66] FIG. 66 is a diagram for specifically explaining a method for detecting a signal from a stylus pen in the touch input device 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 67] FIG. 67 is a diagram for specifically explaining a method for detecting a signal from a stylus pen in the touch input device 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 68] FIG. 68 is a diagram for specifically explaining a method for detecting a signal from a stylus pen in the touch input device 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 69] FIG. 69 illustrates various wiring structures of the second electrode in a touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 70] FIG. 70 shows an experimental process and results for verifying the signal detection capability of a stylus using a touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 71] FIG. 71 shows an experimental process and results for verifying the signal detection capability of a stylus using a touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 72] FIG. 72 is a block diagram showing the touch unit and the host. [Figure 73] FIG. 73 is a diagram illustrating an example of touch data provided from the touch unit to the host. [Figure 74] FIG. 74 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the resonant circuit unit 12 of the stylus pen shown in FIG. [Figure 75] FIG. 75 is a diagram showing a partial structure of a resonance circuit unit of a stylus pen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 76] FIG. 76 is a diagram showing a partial structure of a resonance circuit unit of a stylus pen according to the second embodiment. [Figure 77] FIG. 77 is a diagram showing a partial structure of a resonance circuit unit of a stylus pen according to the third embodiment. [Figure 78] FIG. 78 is a diagram showing a partial structure of a resonance circuit unit of a stylus pen according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 79] FIG. 79 is a graph showing the change in capacitance value of the stylus pen according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 80] FIG. 80 is a diagram showing a partial structure of a resonance circuit unit of a stylus pen according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 81] FIG. 81 is a diagram showing the structure of the dielectric of FIG. [Figure 82] FIG. 82 is a graph showing the change in capacitance value of the stylus pen according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 83] FIG. 83 is a diagram showing a partial structure of a resonance circuit unit of a stylus pen according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 84] FIG. 84 is a graph showing the change in capacitance value of the stylus pen according to the sixth embodiment shown in FIG. [Figure 85] FIG. 85 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the resonance circuit unit 12 of the stylus pen shown in FIG. [Figure 86] FIG. 86 is a diagram showing a partial structure of a resonance circuit unit of a stylus pen according to the first embodiment. [Figure 87] FIG. 87 is a graph showing changes in inductance value of the stylus pen according to the first mode. [Figure 88] FIG. 88 is a diagram showing the structure of the magnetic body of FIG. [Figure 89] FIG. 89 is a diagram showing a partial structure of a resonance circuit unit of a stylus pen according to the second embodiment. [Figure 90] FIG. 90 is a diagram showing a partial structure of a resonance circuit unit of a stylus pen according to the third embodiment. [Figure 91] FIG. 91 is a graph showing changes in inductance value of the stylus pen according to the third mode. [Figure 92] FIG. 92 is a diagram showing a partial structure of a resonance circuit unit of a stylus pen according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 93] FIG. 93 is a diagram showing still another embodiment of the resonant circuit unit 12 of the stylus pen shown in FIG. [Figure 94] FIG. 94 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the stylus pen of FIG. 93 according to the writing pressure. [Figure 95] FIG. 95 is a diagram schematically showing an equivalent circuit of the resonant circuit section of the stylus pen of FIG. [Figure 96] FIG. 96 is a diagram showing still another embodiment of the resonant circuit unit 12 of the stylus pen shown in FIG. [Figure 97] FIG. 97 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the stylus pen of FIG. 96 in response to the writing pressure. [Figure 98] FIG. 98 is a diagram schematically showing an equivalent circuit of the resonant circuit section of the stylus pen of FIG. [Figure 99] FIG. 99 is a diagram showing still another embodiment of the resonance circuit unit 12 of the stylus pen shown in FIG. [Figure 100] FIG. 100 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the stylus pen of FIG. 99 in response to the writing pressure. [Figure 101] FIG. 101 is a diagram schematically showing an equivalent circuit of the resonance circuit portion of the stylus pen of FIG. [Figure 102] FIG. 102 is a graph showing an example of the change in LC value due to the pressure of the stylus pen in FIG. [Figure 103] FIG. 103 is a graph showing an example of the frequency response characteristics of the stylus pen of FIG. [Figure 104] FIG. 104 schematically shows a stylus pen 10f according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 105] FIG. 105 schematically illustrates a stylus pen 10f according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 106] FIG. 106 schematically shows a stylus pen 10f according to the sixth embodiment. [Figure 107] FIG. 107 schematically illustrates a stylus pen 10f according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 108] FIG. 108 schematically shows a stylus pen 10f according to the eighth embodiment. [Figure 109] FIG. 109 schematically illustrates a stylus pen 10f according to the ninth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0053] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present document will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the technology described in the present document to a specific embodiment, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives of the embodiments of the present document. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar components.

[0054] Furthermore, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for the convenience of explanation, and the present invention is not necessarily limited to those shown. Thicknesses are exaggerated in the drawings to clearly show various layers and regions. Also, in the drawings, the thicknesses of some layers and regions are exaggerated for the convenience of explanation.

[0055] Furthermore, when a part such as a layer, film, region, or plate is said to be "on" a different part, this includes not only the case where it is "directly on" the different part, but also the case where there is another different part in between. Conversely, when a part is said to be "directly on" a different part, it means that there is no different part in between. Furthermore, being "on" a reference part means being located above or below the reference part, and does not necessarily mean being located "on" the side opposite to gravity.

[0056] In this document, the terms "have," "may have," "include," or "may include" indicate the presence of a given feature (e.g., a value, function, operation, or component such as a part) and do not exclude the presence of additional features.

[0057] In this document, phrases such as "A or B," "at least one of A and / or B," or "one or more of A and / or B" may include all possible combinations of the items listed together. For example, "A or B," "at least one of A and B," or "at least one of A or B" can refer to all of the following: (1) including at least one A; (2) including at least one B; or (3) including at least one A and at least one B.

[0058] Terms such as "first," "second," "first," or "second" used herein may modify various components regardless of order and / or importance, and are used only to distinguish one component from another, not to limit the component. For example, a first user device and a second user device may refer to different user devices regardless of order or importance. For example, a first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, a second component may be referred to as a first component, without departing from the scope of the rights described herein.

[0059] When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being "operatively or communicatively coupled with" or "connected to" another component (e.g., a second component), it should be understood that a component may be directly coupled to a different component or may be coupled through another component (e.g., a third component). Conversely, when a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being "directly coupled with" or "directly connected to" another component (e.g., a second component), it should be understood that there is no other component (e.g., a third component) between the component and the different component.

[0060] As used herein, the phrase "configured to" may be used alternatively, depending on the context, e.g., "suitable for," "having the capacity to," "designed to," "adapted to," "made to," or "capable of." The term "configured to" does not necessarily refer only to hardware that is "specifically designed to." Instead, in some contexts, the phrase "device configured to" may mean that the device is "capable of" working with different devices or components. For example, the phrase "a processor configured to perform A, B, and C" may refer to a dedicated processor for performing those operations (e.g., an embedded processor) or a general-purpose processor (e.g., a CPU or application processor) that can perform those operations by executing one or more software programs stored in a memory device.

[0061] The terms used in this document are merely used to describe particular embodiments and may not be intended to limit the scope of other embodiments. A singular expression may include a plural expression unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, may have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art described in this document. Terms used in this document that are defined in a general dictionary may be interpreted as meanings that are identical to or similar to the meanings they have in the context of the relevant art, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined in this document. In some cases, even terms defined in this document may not be interpreted to exclude embodiments of this document.

[0062] A touch input device according to various embodiments of this document may include, for example, at least one of a smartphone, a tablet personal computer, 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. According to various embodiments, the wearable device may include at least one of an accessory type (e.g., a watch, a ring, a bracelet, an anklet, a necklace, eyeglasses, contact lenses, 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).

[0063] Hereinafter, a pen and touch input system including a touch input device including a sensor unit and a control unit that controls the sensor unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, and a stylus pen that can operate with the touch input device will be described with reference to the necessary drawings.

[0064] In addition, with reference to the necessary drawings, a touch input device including a sensor unit according to an embodiment of the present invention and a control unit that controls the sensor unit, and a pen and touch input system including a stylus pen that can operate with the touch input device will be described in detail.

[0065] FIG. 1a is a conceptual diagram illustrating a pen and touch input system including a stylus pen and a touch input device.

[0066] 1a, a stylus pen 10 can receive (or uplink) signals output from the touch input device 2 or the touch screen 20 in the vicinity of the touch screen 20 of the touch input device 2, and can transmit (or downlink) signals to the touch screen 20. Here, the touch input device 2 includes a sensor unit and a control unit that controls the sensor unit, and interacts with the stylus pen 10, so it may also be called a "pen and touch input device."

[0067] FIG. 1b is a diagram illustrating an uplink and a downlink in the pen and touch input system shown in FIG. 1a.

[0068] Referring to the left side of Fig. 1b, in the uplink, an electromotive force (V2 or Vemf) is generated in the coil inside the stylus pen 10 of Fig. 1a. Referring to the right side of Fig. 1b, in the downlink, an electromotive force (V1 or Vemf) is generated in the sensor part of the touch screen 20. In other words, the coil inside the stylus pen and the sensor part of the touch input device act as a transformer with each other.

[0069] FIG. 1c is a diagram illustrating the spacing between the + drive channel and the − drive channel in the uplink.

[0070] Referring to Figure 1c, the optimum spacing between the + and - drive channels in the uplink depends on the shape and position of the inductor inside the stylus pen. As a general design standard for stylus pens, it is preferable that the spacing between the + and - drive channels be at least one channel apart (4 mm).

[0071] FIG. 1d is a conceptual diagram illustrating another embodiment of a pen and touch input system including a stylus pen and a touch input device.

[0072] 1d, the touch input device 2 is foldable. The stylus pen 10 can receive signals output from the touch input device 2 or the touch screen 20 in the vicinity of the touch screen 20 of the foldable touch input device 2 and transmit signals to the touch screen 20.

[0073] In a rectangular foldable touch input device 2 or a component such as the touch screen 20 included therein, the long side located on the left side of the plane will be referred to as the first long side LS1, the long side located on the right side will be referred to as the second long side LS2, the short side located on the upper side will be referred to as the first short side SS1, and the short side located on the lower side will be referred to as the second short side SS2.

[0074] The foldable touch input device 2 may be folded along a predetermined folding direction based on a folding axis AXIS_F that crosses the first short side SS1 and the second short side SS2. That is, the foldable touch input device 2 may be convertible between a folded state and an unfolded state along the folding direction based on the folding axis AXIS_F.

[0075] FIG. 2a is a diagram illustrating a signal transmission operation between a stylus pen and a touch input device.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 2 a ( a ), the touch screen 20 a includes a digitizer 29 , a display panel 251 , a sensor unit 21 , and a window 22 .

[0077] In the case of an EMR (Electro-Magnetic Resonance) type passive stylus pen, when a digitizer 29 transmits a magnetic signal B to an EMR type stylus pen 10a, a resonant circuit included in the stylus pen 10a resonates with the magnetic signal B. Then, a digitizer 33 receives an input of the resonated magnetic signal B from the stylus pen 10a.

[0078] The digitizer 29 may be attached below the display panel 251 and includes a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) on which multiple conductive antenna loops are formed, and a ferrite sheet that blocks the magnetic field generated by the antenna loops and blocks eddy currents that may be generated in other electrical elements and components when the antenna loops form a magnetic field.

[0079] The FPCB has multiple antenna loops in multiple layers for detecting the position where the resonant signal is input. Each antenna loop overlaps at least one other antenna loop in the Z-axis direction. This makes the FPCB thick. Therefore, when using the digitizer 29, it is difficult to make the touch input device 2 thinner and more compact.

[0080] When such a digitizer 29 is mounted in a foldable / flexible touch input device 2, deformation may occur in the FPCB attached to the folding area when the device is folded. Repeated folding may apply stress to the wiring member forming the antenna loop, eventually resulting in damage to the wiring member. The ferrite sheet blocks the influence of the magnetic field generated by the antenna loop on the inside of the touch input device 2. The ferrite sheet is also thick, so it is prone to deformation when the touch input device 2 is folded, and may be damaged by repeated folding.

[0081] Referring to (b) of FIG. 2 a, the touch screen 20 b includes a display panel 251 , a sensor unit 21 , and a window 22 .

[0082] In the case of a stylus pen 10 including a resonant circuit, when the electrode (or pattern) of the sensor unit 21 transmits a magnetic signal B to the stylus pen 10, the resonant circuit included in the stylus pen 10 resonates with the magnetic signal B. Then, the electrode (or pattern) of the sensor unit 21 can receive the resonated electromagnetic signal (E and / or B) from the stylus pen 10. When the electrode (or pattern) of the sensor unit 21 is formed of a metal mesh with low resistance, it is possible to detect the magnetic signal from the stylus pen 10.

[0083] Similarly, compared to the digitizer 29, the touch screen 20b does not require an additional unit or module to transmit magnetic signals to the stylus pen 10, which allows the touch screen 20b to be thinner and has advantages in terms of manufacturing costs.

[0084] Referring to FIG. 2 a ( c ), the touch screen 20 c includes a loop coil 264 , a display panel 251 , a sensor unit 21 , and a window 22 .

[0085] In the case of the stylus pen 10 including a resonant circuit, when the loop coil 264 transmits a magnetic signal B to the stylus pen 10, the resonant circuit included in the stylus pen 10 resonates with the magnetic signal B. Then, the electrodes (or patterns) of the sensor unit 21 can receive the resonated electromagnetic signals (E and / or B) from the stylus pen 10.

[0086] Compared to the digitizer 29, the loop coil 264 does not receive the magnetic signal B for detecting the touch position, which simplifies the wiring structure and allows the touch screen 20c to be made thinner, thereby enabling the touch input device 2 to be made thinner and more compact. In addition, the loop coil 264 can be formed in various sizes and at various positions, making such a touch screen 20c applicable to a foldable / flexible touch input device 2.

[0087] The loop coil 264 may include a substrate on which the antenna loop is located and a ferrite sheet. The antenna loop may be made of a conductive material such as copper or silver. The antenna loop may be located on the same layer as the sensor unit 21, other than the substrate. In this case, the antenna loop may be made of a conductive material exhibiting high transmittance and low impedance, such as metal mesh, ITO, graphene, or silver nanowire. The antenna loop may also be located under a window. In this case, the substrate may not be included in the loop coil 264.

[0088] In the above, the sensor unit 21 may include a plurality of electrodes (or patterns) for detecting touch coordinates. For example, the sensor unit 21 may include a plurality of first touch electrodes for detecting touch coordinates in a first direction and a plurality of second touch electrodes for detecting touch coordinates in a second direction intersecting the first direction. Although the sensor unit 21 is shown in one layer in FIG. 2, the first touch electrodes and the second touch electrodes may be located on different layers, may be located overlapping each other, or may not be located overlapping each other, and a separate layer may be interposed between the first touch electrodes and the second touch electrodes, but is not limited thereto.

[0089] Referring to (d) of FIG. 2 a , a touch screen 20 d includes a display panel 251 , a sensor unit 21 , and a window 22 .

[0090] In the case of an active stylus pen 10' including a resonant circuit, the resonant circuit included in the active stylus pen 10' resonates using a power source within the active stylus pen 10' (e.g., a battery (including a secondary battery) for storing power and a capacitor such as an EDLC (electric double layered capacitor)). Then, the electrodes of the sensor unit 21 can receive the resonated electromagnetic signal (E and / or B) from the stylus pen 10'. If the electrodes (or patterns) of the sensor unit 21 are formed of a metal mesh with low resistance, the magnetic signal from the stylus pen 10' can be detected. The active stylus pen 10' may include not only a resonant circuit for generating the electromagnetic signal, but also a circuit that outputs the electromagnetic signal (E and / or B) having a predetermined frequency using a power source. Alternatively, the active stylus pen 10' may include both the resonant circuit and a circuit that outputs the electromagnetic signal (E and / or B) having a predetermined frequency.

[0091] The touch screen 20d can receive an electromagnetic signal from the stylus pen 10' without transmitting a magnetic signal to the stylus pen 10'. That is, the touch screen 20d does not require an additional unit or module to generate a signal to resonate the resonant circuit included in the stylus pen 10', so the touch screen 20d can be made thinner and smaller, and there are advantages in terms of power consumption and manufacturing costs.

[0092] Next, the structure of the touch screen 20b of FIG. 2a(b) will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2b to 2d.

[0093] FIG. 2b is a schematic diagram illustrating the stacked structure of a portion of the touch input device of FIG. 1a.

[0094] 2b, the display panel 251 may include a circuit driving layer 2512 disposed on a substrate 2510. The circuit driving layer 2512 may include circuits for driving the light emitting layers 2514 of the pixels that display images. For example, the circuit driving layer 2512 may include a plurality of thin film transistors and capacitors.

[0095] An emitting layer 2514 may be disposed on the circuit driving layer 2512. The emitting layer 2514 may include an organic emitting layer. The emitting layer 2514 can emit light with various luminance levels according to a driving signal transmitted from the circuit driving layer 2512.

[0096] A common electrode layer 2516 may be disposed on the light emitting layer 2514. The common electrode layer 2516 may have at least one opening in the form of a slit.

[0097] An encapsulation layer (not shown) may be disposed on the common electrode layer 2516. The encapsulation layer (not shown) may include an inorganic film or a laminated film of an inorganic film and an organic film. In other examples, a glass film, a sealing film, or the like may be used as the encapsulation layer (not shown).

[0098] A touch electrode layer 21 or a touch electrode may be disposed on the encapsulation layer (not shown). The touch electrode layer 21 may function as a touch element as a layer that recognizes touch input. The touch electrode layer 21 may include a plurality of touch areas and touch electrodes. The touch electrode layer 21 may also be called a "sensor unit" or a "sensor layer" because it recognizes touch input from an object such as a finger or a stylus pen.

[0099] A polarizing layer 23 may be disposed on the touch electrode layer 21. The polarizing layer 23 may serve to reduce external light reflection. The polarizing layer 23 may be attached to the touch electrode layer 21 via an adhesive layer. The polarizing layer 23 may be omitted.

[0100] A protective layer 22 may be disposed on the polarizing layer 23. The protective layer 22 may include, for example, a window member or a cover layer. The protective layer 22 may be attached onto the polarizing layer 23 by an optically clear adhesive or the like.

[0101] A magnetic field shielding layer 24 may be disposed under the display panel 251. The magnetic field shielding layer 24 may include a ferrite sheet that blocks magnetic fields. Alternatively, the magnetic field shielding layer 24 may include ferrite powder adhered under the substrate 2510. The magnetic field shielding layer 24 can block eddy currents that may be generated from other electrical elements and components when the touch electrode layer 21 and / or the stylus pen 10 generate a magnetic field.

[0102] 2c and 2d are schematic diagrams illustrating the stacked structure of a portion of the touch input device of FIG. 1d.

[0103] The stacked structure of Figure 2c is the same as the stacked structure of Figure 2b, but when the foldable touch input device 2 is folded based on the folding axis AXIS_F, the magnetic field shielding layer 24 can be located in the folded area (hereinafter referred to as the folding area) FA.

[0104] 2c, the stacked structure of FIG. 2d may include a magnetic field shielding layer 24 positioned in an area other than the folding area FA or the area included in the folding area FA. For example, the magnetic field shielding layer 24 may include a first sheet 24a positioned in an area between the folding area FA and the long side LS1, and a second sheet 24b positioned in an area between the folding area FA and the long side LS2. The magnetic field shielding layer 24 may include multiple sheets other than two sheets, and in this case, the magnetic field shielding layer 24 may be positioned in an area other than the folding area FA or a part of the folding area FA on the rear surface of the display panel 251.

[0105] Next, the touch input device 2 according to the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0106] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a touch input device capable of interacting with a stylus pen.

[0107] As shown, the touch input device 2 may include a wireless communication unit 210, a memory 220, an interface unit 230, a power supply unit 240, a display unit 250, a touch unit 260, and a control unit 270. The components shown in Fig. 3 are not essential for implementing a touch input device, and the touch input device described in this disclosure may have more or fewer components than those listed above.

[0108] More specifically, the wireless communication unit 210 among the components may include one or more modules that enable wireless communication between the touch input device 2 and a wireless communication system, between the touch input device 2 and another touch input device 2, or between the touch input device 2 and an external server. The wireless communication unit 210 may also include one or more modules that connect the touch input device 2 to one or more networks.

[0109] The wireless communication unit 210 may include a wireless internet module 211 and a short-range communication module 212 .

[0110] The wireless internet module 211 refers to a module for wireless internet connection and may be built into the touch input device 2. The wireless internet module 211 transmits and receives wireless signals over a communication network using wireless internet technologies, such as Wireless LAN (WLAN), Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wireless Fidelity Direct (Wi-Fi), Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA), Wireless Broadband (WiBro), World Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), High Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High Speed ​​Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), New Radio (NR), Long Term Evolution (LTE), and Long Term Evolution-Advanced (LTE-A), and the wireless internet module 211 transmits and receives data using at least one of these wireless internet technologies, including technologies not listed above.

[0111] The near-field communication module 212 may support near-field communication using at least one of Bluetooth™, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), UWB (Ultra Wideband), ZigBee, NFC (Near Field Communication), Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and Wireless Universal Serial Bus (Wireless USB) technologies for short-range communication. The near-field communication module 212 may support wireless communication between the touch input device 2 and a wireless communication system, between the touch input device 2 and a wireless communication-enabled device, or between the touch input device 2 and a network in which an external server is located, via a near-field wireless communication network. The near-field wireless communication network may be a wireless personal area network.

[0112] Here, the wireless communication enabled device may be a mobile terminal (e.g., a smartphone, a tablet PC, a notebook, etc.) capable of exchanging data with (or linking to) the touch input device 2 according to the present invention. The near field communication module 212 may detect (or recognize) a wireless communication enabled device that is capable of communicating with the touch input device 2 in the vicinity of the touch input device 2. Furthermore, if the detected wireless communication enabled device is a device authenticated to communicate with the touch input device 2 according to an embodiment, the control unit 270 may transmit at least a portion of data processed by the touch input device 2 to the wireless communication enabled device via the near field communication module 212. Therefore, a user of the wireless communication enabled device may use the data processed by the touch input device 2 via the wireless communication enabled device.

[0113] The memory 220 also stores data supporting various functions of the touch input device 2. The memory 220 may store a number of application programs (or applications) run by the touch input device 2, as well as data and commands for the operation of the touch input device 2.

[0114] The interface unit 230 functions as a passageway for various types of external devices connected to the touch input device 2. The interface unit 230 may include at least one of a wired / wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired / wireless data port, a memory card port, a port for connecting a device equipped with an identification module, an audio I / O (Input / Output) port, a video I / O port, and an earphone port.

[0115] The power supply unit 240, under the control of the control unit 270, receives an external power source or an internal power source and supplies power to each component included in the touch input device 2. The power supply unit 240 includes a battery, which may be a built-in battery or a replaceable battery.

[0116] The display unit 250 displays (outputs) information processed by the touch input device 2. For example, the display unit 250 may display execution screen information of an application program driven by the touch input device 2, or UI (User Interface) or GUI (Graphical User Interface) information based on such execution screen information.

[0117] The display unit 250 may include a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), an e-ink display, a quantum dot light-emitting display, a micro LED (Light-emitting diode) display, or the like.

[0118] The display unit 250 includes a display panel 251 that displays an image, and a display controller 252 connected to the display panel 251 and supplying signals for displaying an image to the display panel 251. For example, the display panel 251 may include a plurality of pixels connected to signal lines such as a plurality of scan lines and a plurality of data lines, and a scan driver / receiver that supplies scan signals to the scan lines. The display controller 252 may include a data driver IC that generates data signals to be applied to the data lines, a timing controller that processes image signals and controls the overall operation of the display unit 250, a power management IC, etc.

[0119] The touch unit 260 senses a touch (or touch input) applied to a touch area using a predetermined method, such as a capacitance method. For example, the touch unit 260 may be configured to convert a change in capacitance, voltage, or current generated at a specific location into an electrical input signal. The touch unit 260 may be configured to detect the position, area, and capacitance of a touch object that applies a touch to the touch area on the touch unit 260. Here, the touch object is an object that applies a touch to the touch screen, and may be, for example, a user's body part (e.g., a finger, a palm), a passive or active stylus pen 10, etc.

[0120] The touch unit 260 includes a touch panel 261 including the sensor unit 21 of FIG. 2, and a touch controller 262 that applies a driving signal to the touch panel 261, receives a sensing signal from the touch panel 261, and transmits touch data to the control unit 270 and / or the display controller 252. The touch panel 261 may include a sensor unit that can sense a touch input from a finger or a stylus pen. The sensor unit may include a number of patterns (or electrodes). The sensor unit can sense an object such as a finger or a stylus pen and drive the stylus pen. Specific sensor units will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 16 and subsequent figures.

[0121] The touch controller 262 may include a first driver / receiver connected to at least one of the plurality of first touch electrodes of the sensor unit 21 of FIG. 2 to apply a driving signal and receive a sensing signal, a second driver / receiver connected to at least one of the plurality of second touch electrodes to apply a driving signal and receive a sensing signal, and an MCU (micro control unit) to control the operation of the first driver / receiver and the second driver / receiver and acquire a touch position using the sensing signals output from the first and second driver / receivers.

[0122] The touch controller 262 may be integrated with the control unit 270 (described later) into a single IC, or may be integrated with the display controller 252 into a single IC. Alternatively, the touch controller 262 may be integrated with the display controller 252 and the control unit 270 into a single IC. The touch controller 262 and the control unit 270, or the touch controller 262 and the display controller 252, or the touch controller 262, the display controller 252, and the control unit 270 may be integrated into one and named a "control unit."

[0123] The display panel 251 and the touch panel 261 may be layered together or integrally formed, and may be referred to as a touch screen 20 .

[0124] The controller 270 controls driving of the touch input device 2 and can output touch coordinate information in response to a touch sensing result of the touch input device 2. In addition, the controller 270 can change the frequency of the driving signal in response to a touch sensing result.

[0125] In addition to operations related to the application programs, the control unit 270 typically controls the overall operation of the touch input device 2. The control unit 270 processes signals, data, information, etc. input or output via the components described in detail above, and drives application programs stored in the memory 220 to provide or process appropriate information or functions to the user.

[0126] 3 in order to drive the application program stored in the memory 220. Furthermore, the control unit 270 can operate at least two or more of the components included in the touch input device 2 in combination with each other to drive the application program.

[0127] Although the touch unit 260 has been described as being included in the touch input device 2 together with the display unit 250, the touch input device 2 may include only the touch unit 260.

[0128] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a stylus pen according to an embodiment.

[0129] The stylus pens of FIG. 4 commonly include a resonant circuit portion 12 within a housing.

[0130] The resonant circuit unit 12 is an LC resonant circuit that can resonate with the driving signal output from the touch screen 20 of FIGS. 2 and 3. The driving signal may include a signal (e.g., a sine wave, a square wave, etc.) having a frequency corresponding to the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit unit 12. For resonance to occur, the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit unit 12 and the frequency of the driving signal must be the same or very similar. The resonant frequency of the stylus pens 10a and 10b depends on the design value of the resonant circuit unit 12 of the stylus pens 10a and 10b. When the sensor unit 21 of FIG. 2(b) or the loop coil 264 of FIG. 2(c) generates an electromagnetic field in response to the driving signal, the resonant circuit unit 12 of the stylus pens 10a and 10b resonates using the signal received through changes in the magnetic field.

[0131] If the inductance of the inductor unit 14 and / or the capacitance of the capacitor unit 13 included in the resonant circuit unit 12 is changed, the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit unit 12 is changed. That is, if writing pressure is applied to the stylus pen 10, the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit unit 12 is changed, and therefore the frequency of the electromagnetic field (electromagnetic force) output from the stylus pen 10 is changed. Then, the touch controller 262 can detect the writing pressure by calculating the amount of change in the inductance and / or capacitance of the resonant circuit unit 12 from the changed frequency of the electromagnetic force.

[0132] The elements of the stylus pens 10a and 10b may be housed in a housing. The housing may have, but is not limited to, a cylindrical, polygonal, partially curved, entasis, frustum of pyramid, or circular truncated cone shape. The housing has an open interior, allowing the elements of the stylus pens 10a and 10b, such as the resonant circuit unit 12, to be housed therein. Such a housing may be made of a non-conductive material. The housing may also be referred to as a body.

[0133] 4(a), the EMR-type stylus pen 10a includes a resonant circuit section 12. The resonant circuit section 12 includes an inductor section 14 and a capacitor section 13. The inductor section 14 includes a ferrite core 115 and a coil 116 wound around the outer surface of the ferrite core 115.

[0134] The EMR-type stylus pen 10a may further include a tip 11a. The tip 11a is the tip of the stylus pen 10a and may be disposed so as to penetrate the ferrite core 115 as shown in FIG. 4(a), or may protrude from the ferrite core 115. The tip 11a may be a non-conductor, or may be a conductor, such as an electrode core made of a conductive metal or a hard resin mixed with conductive powder. Here, the tip 11a may or may not be electrically connected to the resonant circuit unit 12.

[0135] The ferrite core 115 may be made of a ferrite material and have a cylindrical shape. The ferrite core 115 may have a through-hole formed in the axial direction with a predetermined diameter (e.g., 1 mm) for inserting the tip 11a. Alternatively, the ferrite core 115 may have the shape of a cylinder, a polygonal prism, a pillar with at least a curved surface, a cylindrical pillar, a truncated pyramid, a truncated cone, a toroid, a ring, or the like.

[0136] The coil 116 may be wound over the entire length in the axial direction of the ferrite core 115 or over a portion of the length. The coil 116 is electrically coupled to the capacitor portion 13.

[0137] The capacitor unit 13 may include a plurality of capacitors connected in parallel. Each capacitor on the printed circuit board may have a different capacitance and may be trimmed during the manufacturing process.

[0138] As shown in Figure 4(b), an ECR (Electrically Coupled Resonance) type stylus pen 10b includes a conductive tip 11b and a resonant circuit unit 12. The resonant circuit unit 12 may include an inductor unit 14 and a capacitor unit 13 and may be grounded. The inductor unit 14 includes a ferrite core 115 and a coil 116 wound around the outer surface of the ferrite core 115.

[0139] The conductive tip 11b may be entirely or at least partially made of a conductive material (for example, but not limited to, metal, conductive rubber, conductive fabric, conductive silicon, etc.).

[0140] The coil 116 may be wound over the entire length in the axial direction of the ferrite core 115 or over a portion of the length. The coil 116 is electrically coupled to the capacitor portion 13.

[0141] The capacitor unit 13 may include a plurality of capacitors connected in parallel. Each capacitor on the printed circuit board may have a different capacitance and may be trimmed during the manufacturing process.

[0142] FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram specifically showing the inductor portion of the stylus pen shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b).

[0143] Referring to FIG. 5, the inductor section 14 includes a ferrite core 115 and a coil 116 wound around the ferrite core 115 .

[0144] At this time, the inductance of the inductor unit 14 is determined by the following Equation 1.

[0145] As can be seen from Equation 1, the inductance (L) is proportional to the permeability of the ferrite core 115, the cross-sectional area of ​​the coil 116, and the number of windings, and is inversely proportional to the length of the winding of the coil 116.

[0146] The design of the inductor section 14 in the resonant circuit section 12 housed in the stylus pen shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b) is very important. In particular, in the design of the inductor section 14, the inductance (L) and Q value are very important parameters, as shown in Figure 6. Here, the Q value is a quantity that indicates the coil characteristics as a resonant circuit element, and is expressed as follows: JPEG0007728048000002.jpg1338 where L and R are the inductance and resistance of the coil, respectively, and f is the frequency. The higher the Q value of a coil, the sharper the resonance characteristics can be obtained.

[0147] In the design of the stylus pen shown in Figures 4(a) and 4(b), L must have a sufficiently large self-resonance frequency for the frequency to be used, and it is preferable that the Q value has a maximum value at the frequency to be used. To achieve this, the material of the ferrite core, the type of coil wire, and the winding scheme must be optimized. Also, a method is needed that can obtain a high output signal while maintaining a thin pen diameter.

[0148] In the following embodiment, the most optimized stylus pen design method among various ferrite core materials, coil wire types, and winding schemes will be described.

[0149] (1) Ferrite core material In this embodiment, the ferrite core is made of manganese (Mn) and nickel (Ni).

[0150] (2) Wire type The types of wire used for the coil in this embodiment were enameled wire and Litz wire.

[0151] 7, enameled wire 100 is an electric wire made by coating the surface of copper wire 101 with insulating enamel 102 and heating it at high temperature, and is used for windings and wiring in electric devices, communication devices, electric meters, etc. In this embodiment, an enameled wire with a total thickness (T) of 0.2 mm, a wire diameter (Φ) of 0.18 mm, and a coating thickness (t) of 0.01 mm is used.

[0152] As shown in Figure 8, Litz wire 200 is a special insulated wire made by twisting together several thin insulated wires 100 (e.g., enameled wires) with a diameter of about 0.1 mm into one wire, and then covering it with an insulating coating 201 made of nylon or the like. Litz wire 200 can reduce the skin effect by increasing the surface area, and is used for coils in high-frequency circuits, etc.

[0153] In this embodiment, a Litz wire having an overall thickness (T) of 0.2 mm, a wire diameter (Φ) of 0.06 mm, and a coating thickness (t) of 0.007 mm was used.

[0154] (3) Winding method In the present embodiment, a winding method having a multi-layer winding structure is used to obtain a sufficient inductance value (i.e., a sufficient number of windings) in the limited space of a stylus pen. Specifically, two types of multi-layer winding methods are used, as shown in Figures 9(A) and 9(B).

[0155] The winding scheme in Figure 9(A) is the simplest winding scheme, which is a sequential layer winding scheme in which the winding of the layer immediately above is started after the winding of the lower layer is finished. In this case, the winding of the layer immediately above starts where the winding of the previous layer ends, and this will be referred to as a U-type winding scheme below.

[0156] The winding scheme shown in FIG. 9(B) is an alternate layer winding scheme, in which adjacent winding layers are alternately wound, i.e., the windings of adjacent layers are wound in a zigzag pattern. Hereinafter, this will be referred to as a zigzag winding scheme. Specifically, the second layer winding is wound sequentially on top of the first layer winding, the third layer winding is wound between the first and second layer windings, the fourth layer winding is wound on top of the second layer winding, and then the fifth layer winding is wound between the second and fourth layer windings. This zigzag winding scheme has the advantages of minimizing the voltage difference between windings of adjacent layers and reducing winding self-capacitance. Winding self-capacitance, a type of parasitic capacitance, is a parameter that indicates the electric field energy stored in the winding.

[0157] Comparative experiment 1 (comparison of characteristic values ​​by material) The coil wire type was enameled wire, and the winding was performed using the U-type winding method. The ferrite core material was changed to manganese, nickel, and magnesium, and the Q value was measured.

[0158] As a result of the measurement, there was almost no difference in the Q value characteristics of each core material, and the measured Q value was far too low to be realized as a product.

[0159] Comparison experiment 2 (comparison of characteristic values ​​by winding type) The Q value was measured for Inductor 1 and Inductor 2, which were manufactured using manganese (Mn) as the ferrite core material, a U-type winding method, and enameled wire and Litz wire as the coil wire types, respectively.

[0160] FIG. 8 is a graph showing the Q values ​​of inductors 1 and 2 measured by changing the frequency using a Keysight Technologies E4980A precision LCR meter.

[0161] In Figure 10, a is a waveform showing the change in Q value versus frequency for inductor 1 (manganese core / enamel wire / U-type winding method), and b is a waveform showing the change in Q value versus frequency for inductor 2 (manganese core / litz wire / U-type winding method).

[0162] Inductor 2 made from litz wire shows almost its maximum Q value at a frequency of around 400 kHz (frequency f1), while inductor 1 made from enamel wire shows almost its maximum Q value at a frequency of around 150 kHz (frequency f2).

[0163] Comparing Figure 10a and b, we can see that the maximum Q value of inductor 2 is approximately 1.5 times higher than the maximum Q value of inductor 1. This shows that litz wire is superior to enamel wire as the inductor coil that forms the resonant circuit of the stylus pen.

[0164] However, the maximum Q value of inductor 2 measured in comparative experiment 2 was only about half the target value (Qtarget) required for commercialization.

[0165] Comparison experiment 3 (comparison of characteristic values ​​by winding method) The Q value was measured for inductors 3 to 5, which were manufactured by changing the ferrite core material to manganese (Mn), changing the wire type to enameled wire and Litz wire, and changing the winding method to U type and zigzag type.

[0166] FIG. 11 is a graph showing the Q values ​​of inductors 3 to 5 measured by changing the frequency using a Keysight Technologies E4980A precision LCR meter.

[0167] In Figure 11, a is a waveform showing the change in Q value versus frequency for inductor 3 (manganese core / enamel wire / U-type winding method), b is a waveform showing the change in Q value versus frequency for inductor 4 (manganese core / enamel wire / zigzag-type winding method), and c is a waveform showing the change in Q value versus frequency for inductor 5 (manganese core / litz wire / zigzag-type winding method).

[0168] As can be seen from waveform c in Figure 11, inductor 5, which was made using the litz wire / zigzag winding method, has a Q value that is nearly at its maximum at a frequency of around 300 kHz (frequency f3). Inductor 4, which was made using the enameled wire / zigzag winding method, and inductor 3, which was made using the enameled wire / U-type winding method, have a Q value that is nearly at its maximum at a frequency of around 150 kHz (frequency f2).

[0169] Furthermore, by comparing Figure 11a, b, and c, it can be seen that the maximum Q value of inductor 5 is approximately 1.5 times higher than that of inductor 4, and more than twice as high as that of inductor 3. This shows that the zigzag winding method is superior to the U-type winding method when it comes to winding the inductor that forms the resonant circuit of the stylus pen.

[0170] However, the level measured in Comparative Experiment 2 was only about 3 / 4 of the target value (Qtarget) required for commercialization of Inductor 5 (manganese core / litz wire / zigzag type winding method).

[0171] Comparative experiment 4 (comparison of characteristic values ​​by core material) In this embodiment, manganese and nickel are used as the material for the ferrite core. Nickel generally has a magnetic permeability of 200 to 300, while manganese has a magnetic permeability of 3000 to 5000.

[0172] Since manganese used in this embodiment has a magnetic permeability about 15 times higher than nickel, assuming the cross-sectional area and length of the coil are the same, the number of windings of manganese can be reduced by about 4 times compared to the number of windings of nickel to obtain the same inductance value. Therefore, it can be seen that using manganese is more effective than nickel in terms of the number of windings alone.

[0173] Meanwhile, the inductor unit 14 has a complex structure including a coil wound around a core, which additionally generates parasitic capacitance, which reduces the Q value and therefore reduces the amplitude of the resonant signal.

[0174] Parasitic capacitance formed in the inductor section 14 may occur between the wound coils and between the core and the coil, but by adopting the zigzag winding method as described above, the parasitic capacitance between the wound coils can be reduced.

[0175] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, in order to reduce the parasitic capacitance between the core and the coil, core materials with a lower dielectric constant than manganese were tested, and as a result of the test, it was confirmed that nickel core is the best material for the ferrite core.

[0176] The important physical property of manganese and nickel, which are mainly used as ferrite core elements, is permeability, which has a significant effect on the inductance value as shown in Equation 1. However, permittivity is a physical property that is of little interest in manganese and nickel as ferrite elements, and in fact, in the case of nickel, there is no relevant information even on the data sheets provided by manufacturers.

[0177] In this embodiment, in order to confirm the permittivity of manganese and nickel, the permittivity of manganese and nickel was measured using an E4980A precision LCR meter from KEYSIGHT TECHNOGIES, and the measurement results are shown in Table 1 below. [Table 1]

[0178] Measurement 1 and Measurement 2 were taken using the same Keysight Technologies E4980A precision LCR meter, and Measurement 1 shows the dielectric constant automatically calculated by the measurement software. Measurement 1 shows that the dielectric constant of manganese is 2400, but the dielectric constant of nickel cannot be measured.

[0179] Measurement 2 was a method of calculating the dielectric constant by measuring the capacitance, area, and distance between ferrite cores. According to Measurement 2, the dielectric constant of manganese was measured to be 8300, and the dielectric constant of nickel was measured to be 2.

[0180] There was a large difference in the dielectric constant between Measurement 1 and Measurement 2, and in particular, in Measurement 2, it was confirmed that there was a considerable error due to capacitance, area, distance, etc. However, the results of Measurements 1 and 2 show that the dielectric constant of nickel is at least 1 / 1000 smaller than that of manganese.

[0181] In Comparative Experiment 4, the Q values ​​of inductors 6 and 7 were measured, which were manufactured by changing the winding method to U type and zigzag type, with the ferrite core material changed to nickel and the wire type changed to Litz wire.

[0182] FIG. 12 is a graph showing the Q values ​​of the inductors 6 and 7 measured by changing the frequency using a Keysight Technologies E4980A precision LCR meter.

[0183] In Figure 12, a is a waveform showing the change in Q value versus frequency for inductor 6 (nickel core / litz wire / U-type winding method), and b is a waveform showing the change in Q value versus frequency for inductor 7 (nickel core / litz wire / zigzag-type winding method).

[0184] As can be seen from the waveform in Figure 12b, inductor 7, which was made using the nickel core / litz wire / zigzag winding method, has a Q value that is nearly maximum at a frequency of around 400 kHz (frequency f5). Inductor 6, which was made using the nickel core / litz wire / U-type winding method, has a Q value that is nearly maximum at a frequency of around 200 kHz (frequency f6). Comparing Figure 11a and b shows that the maximum Q value of inductor 7 is almost twice as high as that of inductor 6.

[0185] On the other hand, it was found that the maximum Q value of inductor 7 (nickel core / litz wire / zigzag type winding method) measured in comparative experiment 4 almost reached the target value (Qtarget) required for commercialization.

[0186] In the comparative experiments 1 to 4 described above, inductors were manufactured by changing the combination of ferrite core material, coil wire type, and winding scheme, and the Q value was tested. As a result of the tests, it was found that the highest Q value was obtained when the inductor part of the capacitive resonant stylus pen was designed with a nickel core, Litz wire, and a zigzag type winding scheme. Furthermore, it was found that the maximum Q value of the inductor manufactured with this combination reached the target value (Q target) for commercialization.

[0187] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, a nickel core was used as the ferrite core and a Litz wire was used as the wire type of the core, but similar results would be obtained if a material with a dielectric constant of 1000 or less was used as the ferrite core other than a nickel core and if a wire in the form of one coil covering two or more insulated wire strands other than a Litz wire was used.

[0188] Before describing in detail the touch input device in the pen and touch input system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the reason why the output voltage (Vout) of a CVA (Capacitor Voltage Amplitude) changes depending on the position of the stylus pen on the touch screen will be explained below.

[0189] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating how the output voltage (Vout) of a CVA (Capacitor Voltage Amplitude) changes depending on the position of a stylus pen 10 on a conventional touch screen.

[0190] Referring to FIG. 13, the reason why the CVA output varies depending on the position of the stylus pen 10 on the touch screen is that the impedance ratio on both sides of the stylus pen 10 on the sensing line changes.

[0191] Based on the long axis of a conventional touchscreen, the resistance (R) of a metal mesh touch sensor is approximately 1.2k (ohm), and the capacitance (C) is approximately 250pF.

[0192] Based on 10 distributed models, at a drive frequency of 300kHz, the impedance of the capacitor is approximately 200 times greater than the resistance (120 ohms vs. 1 / (2π*300k*25pF)=21k ohms). Therefore, the capacitor is the main cause.

[0193] Figure 14 is a diagram for explaining, through current sensing, that the output voltages (Vout1, Vout2) of the CVA differ depending on the position of the stylus pen 10 in Figure 13, and Figure 15 is a diagram for explaining, through voltage sensing, that the output voltages (Vout1, Vout2) of the CVA differ depending on the position of the stylus pen 10 in Figure 13.

[0194] 14 and 15, the output voltage of the CVA varies depending on the position of the stylus pen 10 on the sensing line. That is, the closer the stylus pen 10 is to the sensing circuit unit 50, the larger the output voltage of the CVA is, and the farther the stylus pen 10 is from the sensing circuit unit 50, the smaller the output voltage of the CVA is.

[0195] Hereinafter, touch input devices according to various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0196] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the sensor unit 100 of the touch input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0197] 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 a height, and a control unit (not shown) for controlling the sensor unit 100 may be disposed below the sensor unit 100. For example, such a touch input device corresponds to the shape of a smartphone.

[0198] The sensor unit 100 can not only detect the position of an object such as a finger placed on the screen, but also drive the stylus pen 10 shown in FIG. 1a placed on the screen, and detect the position of the stylus pen placed on the screen by sensing a signal (stylus pen signal) emitted from the stylus pen.

[0199] The sensor unit 100 includes a large number of patterns (or a large number of electrodes).

[0200] The sensor unit 100 may include a number of first to fourth patterns 101, 102, 103, and 104.

[0201] The first pattern 101 has a shape extending along an arbitrary first direction y. The first direction may be the long axis direction of the screen of the touch input device. The first pattern 101 may also be named ATX (Active TX). The first pattern 101 may have a predetermined shape in which an electrical path is formed along the arbitrary first direction y.

[0202] The second pattern 102 has a shape extending along the first direction y, is disposed adjacent to the first pattern 101, and is disposed at a predetermined distance from the first pattern 101. The second pattern 102 may also be named DTX (Dummy TX). The second pattern 102 may have a predetermined shape adjacent to the first pattern 101 and in which an electrical path is formed along the first direction y.

[0203] The third pattern 103 has a shape extending along a second direction x different from the first direction. The second direction x may be perpendicular to the first direction y and may be the minor axis direction of the screen of the touch input device. The third pattern 103 may also be named ARX (Active RX). The third pattern 103 may have a predetermined shape in which an electrical path is formed along an arbitrary second direction x.

[0204] The fourth pattern 104 has a shape extending along the second direction x, is disposed adjacent to the third pattern 103, and is disposed at a predetermined distance from the third pattern 103. The fourth pattern 104 may also be named DRX (dummy RX). The fourth pattern 104 may have a predetermined shape adjacent to the third pattern 103 and in which an electrical path is formed along the second direction x.

[0205] The third and fourth patterns 103 and 104 are disposed on the first and second patterns 101 and 102, and are spaced a predetermined distance apart from the first and second patterns 101 and 102. Meanwhile, the sensor unit in which the first to fourth patterns are disposed on the same layer will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0206] The multiple first patterns 101 are arranged along the second direction x, and the multiple second patterns 102 are also arranged along the second direction x. The multiple third patterns 103 are arranged along the first direction y, and the multiple fourth patterns 104 are also arranged along the first direction y.

[0207] The first patterns 101 extend along a first direction y, and the third patterns 103 extend along a second direction x, and the first direction y is longer than the second direction x, so the number of the multiple first patterns 101 is less than the number of the multiple third patterns 103. Therefore, the number of channels of the multiple first patterns 101 is less than the number of channels of the multiple third patterns 103.

[0208] Here, the number of the first patterns 101 and the number of the third patterns 103 may be increased or decreased depending on the size of the screen of the touch input device.

[0209] The second patterns 102 may correspond one-to-one to the first patterns 101 and may be configured in the same number. The other ends (or second side ends) of the second patterns 102 are electrically connected to each other via a conductive pattern. Here, the conductive pattern may be a metal mesh or a silver trace.

[0210] One end (or a first side end) of the plurality of second patterns 102 may be electrically connected to a control unit (not shown). Here, as shown in FIG. 17, one end of two or more of the plurality of second patterns 102 may be electrically connected via a conductive pattern. With this configuration, the number of channels of the plurality of second patterns 102 may be reduced to half the number of channels of the plurality of first patterns 101. Here, two or more of the plurality of second patterns 102 may be adjacent to each other.

[0211] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 18, one end of each of the second patterns 102 may be individually connected to one conductive pattern.

[0212] 16 again, since the multiple third patterns 103 are arranged along the first direction y, the number of the multiple third patterns 103 is greater than the number of the multiple first patterns 101. Therefore, the number of channels of the multiple third patterns 103 is greater than the number of channels of the multiple first patterns 101.

[0213] The fourth patterns 104 may correspond one-to-one to the third patterns 103 and may be configured in the same number as the third patterns 103. The other ends (or second side ends) of the fourth patterns 104 are electrically connected to each other via conductive patterns.

[0214] 16, the plurality of first patterns 101 and the plurality of third patterns 103 basically sense touches by an object such as a finger. To this end, the plurality of first patterns 101 may operate as touch driving electrodes (TX electrodes) to which a touch driving signal is applied, and the plurality of third patterns 103 may operate as touch sensing electrodes (RX electrodes or touch receiving electrodes) to which a touch sensing signal is received. Of course, they may operate in the opposite manner.

[0215] 16 may use various combinations of first to fourth patterns 101, 102, 103, and 104 to drive and sense a stylus pen. Various combinations are shown in Table 2 below. In Table 2 below, "1" indicates multiple first patterns 101, "2" indicates multiple second patterns 102, "3" indicates multiple third patterns 103, and "4" indicates multiple fourth patterns 104. [Table 2]

[0216] Referring to Table 2 above, in various combinations (No. 1 to No. 32), the multiple first patterns 101 and the multiple third patterns 103 are used to sense touches by an object such as a finger. Specifically, the multiple first patterns 101 act as touch driving electrodes, and the multiple third patterns 103 act as touch receiving electrodes. Of course, the reverse is also possible.

[0217] At least one or two of the first through fourth patterns 101, 102, 103, and 104 may function as a stylus driving electrode for driving a stylus pen. At least one or two of the first through fourth patterns 101, 102, 103, and 104 may be used to form a current loop for driving the stylus pen. For example, X-axis driving may be any one of the first patterns 101 and the second patterns 102, and Y-axis driving may be any one of the third patterns 103 and the fourth patterns 104. The stylus pen may be driven by either X-axis driving or Y-axis driving, or both.

[0218] At least one or two of the first through fourth patterns 101, 102, 103, and 104 may operate as sensing electrodes for sensing stylus pen signals emitted from a stylus pen. For example, since both X-axis sensing and Y-axis sensing are required to sense stylus pen signals, two of the first through fourth patterns 101, 102, 103, and 104 may be used. X-axis sensing may be any one of the first patterns 101 and the second patterns 102, and Y-axis sensing may be any one of the third patterns 103 and the fourth patterns 104.

[0219] In Table 2 above, "uplink signal magnitude" refers to the magnitude of the driving signal for driving the stylus pen 10 of Fig. 1a. When the same stylus pen driving signal is applied to a number of first patterns 101 and a number of second patterns 102, and the magnitude of the signal received by the stylus pen is compared, the uplink signal is relatively larger when the stylus pen driving signal is applied to a number of second patterns 102 than when the stylus pen driving signal is applied to a number of first patterns 101.

[0220] This is because the other ends (or second end portions) of the multiple second patterns 102 are electrically connected, and at least one current loop is formed by appropriately selecting two or more second patterns to which a stylus pen driving signal is applied. However, the other ends (or second end portions) of the multiple first patterns 101 are not electrically connected to each other, and therefore no current loop is formed. When a current flows through each first pattern 101, the RC of each first pattern 101 is charged, and therefore the current does not flow smoothly from one end (or first end portion) of each first pattern 101 to the other end (or second end portion) of each first pattern 101. In addition, the stylus pen driving signal applied through the multiple first patterns 101 is transmitted to the multiple second patterns 102, in which a current loop is formed, through capacitive coupling, and at this time, signal attenuation occurs due to capacitive coupling.

[0221] Similarly, when the stylus pen driving signal is applied to a number of the fourth patterns 104, the uplink signal is relatively larger than when the stylus pen driving signal is applied to a number of the third patterns 103.

[0222] In Table 2 above, "downlink signal magnitude" refers to the magnitude of the stylus pen signal received from the stylus pen 10 of Fig. 1a. When the same stylus pen signal is received via multiple first patterns 101 and multiple second patterns 102 and the signal magnitudes are compared, the downlink signal is relatively larger when the stylus pen signal is received via multiple second patterns 102 than when the stylus pen signal is received via multiple first patterns 101.

[0223] The reason is that the other ends (second side ends) of the multiple second patterns 102 are electrically connected to form a current loop, but the other ends (first side ends) of the multiple first patterns 101 are not electrically connected to each other, and in particular, the stylus pen signal is transmitted from the multiple second patterns 102, which form a current loop, to the multiple first patterns 101 through capacitive coupling, which causes attenuation of the downlink signal.

[0224] Similarly, when the stylus pen signals are received via multiple fourth patterns 104, the downlink signal is relatively larger than when the stylus pen signals are received via multiple third patterns 103.

[0225] In Table 2 above, "additional stylus channel" refers to whether an additional channel must be configured for a stylus pen other than touch sensing. If multiple second patterns 102 and / or multiple fourth patterns 104 are used for driving and sensing the stylus pen, an additional channel is required (shown as "yes" in Table 2). On the other hand, if multiple first patterns 101 and / or multiple third patterns 103 for driving and sensing the stylus pen are used, an additional channel is not required (shown as "no" in Table 2).

[0226] Below, some examples of the various combinations (No. 1 to No. 32) in Table 2 above will be described in detail below. Combinations not described here will be fully understood by those skilled in the art from the detailed description below.

[0227] In No. 1, the plurality of first patterns 101 are used as touch driving electrodes for touch sensing of an object and as stylus sensing electrodes for sensing a stylus pen signal. The plurality of second patterns 102 are used as stylus driving electrodes for driving a stylus pen. The plurality of third patterns 103 are used as touch sensing electrodes for touch sensing of an object and as stylus sensing electrodes for sensing a stylus pen signal. The plurality of fourth patterns 104 are electrically floating. Here, being electrically floating may mean that only the other ends (second side ends) of the plurality of fourth patterns 104 are electrically connected to each other, and one end (first side end) of the plurality of fourth patterns 104 is not connected to any other component.

[0228] In the case of No. 1, the magnitude of the uplink signal is relatively large because a plurality of second patterns 102 are used as stylus driving electrodes. The magnitude of the downlink signal is relatively small because a plurality of first patterns 101 and a plurality of third patterns 103 are used as stylus sensing electrodes. Furthermore, because a plurality of second patterns 102 are separately used as stylus driving electrodes, an additional channel for driving the stylus pen is required, but an additional channel for sensing the stylus pen is not required.

[0229] In No. 4, the multiple first patterns 101 are used as touch driving electrodes for touch sensing of an object. The multiple second patterns 102 are used as stylus driving electrodes for driving a stylus pen and also as stylus sensing electrodes for sensing a stylus pen signal. The multiple third patterns 103 are used as touch sensing electrodes for touch sensing of an object. And the multiple fourth patterns 104 are used as stylus sensing electrodes for sensing a stylus pen signal.

[0230] In the case of No. 4, the magnitude of the uplink signal is relatively large because the multiple second patterns 102 are used as stylus driving electrodes. The magnitude of the downlink signal is relatively large because the multiple second patterns 102 and the multiple fourth patterns 104 are used as stylus sensing electrodes. Furthermore, because the multiple second patterns 102 are separately used as stylus driving electrodes and stylus sensing electrodes, and the multiple fourth patterns 104 are separately used as stylus sensing electrodes, additional channels are required for driving and sensing the stylus pen.

[0231] In No. 8, a plurality of first patterns 101 are used as touch driving electrodes for touch sensing of an object. A plurality of second patterns 102 are used as stylus sensing electrodes for sensing a stylus pen signal. A plurality of third patterns 103 are used as touch sensing electrodes for touch sensing of an object. And a plurality of fourth patterns 104 are used as stylus driving electrodes for driving a stylus pen and also as stylus sensing electrodes for sensing a stylus pen signal.

[0232] In the case of No. 8, the magnitude of the uplink signal is relatively large because a large number of fourth patterns 104 are used as stylus driving electrodes. The magnitude of the downlink signal is relatively large because a large number of second patterns 102 and a large number of fourth patterns 104 are used as stylus sensing electrodes. In addition, because 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 stylus driving electrodes and stylus sensing electrodes, additional channels are required for driving and sensing the stylus pen.

[0233] In No. 12, a plurality of first patterns 101 are used as touch driving electrodes for touch sensing of an object. A plurality of second patterns 102 are used as stylus driving electrodes for driving a stylus pen and as stylus sensing electrodes for sensing a stylus pen signal. A plurality of third patterns 103 are used as touch sensing electrodes for touch sensing of an object. And a plurality of fourth patterns 104 are used as stylus driving electrodes for driving a stylus pen and as stylus sensing electrodes for sensing a stylus pen signal.

[0234] In the case of No. 12, the magnitude of the uplink signal is relatively large because the multiple second and fourth patterns 102 and 104 are used as stylus driving electrodes. The magnitude of the downlink signal is relatively large because the multiple second patterns 102 and the multiple fourth patterns 104 are used as stylus sensing electrodes. Furthermore, because the multiple second patterns 102 are separately used as stylus driving electrodes and stylus sensing electrodes, and the multiple fourth patterns 104 are separately used as stylus driving electrodes and stylus sensing electrodes, additional channels are required for driving and sensing the stylus pen.

[0235] In No. 13, the plurality of first patterns 101 are used as touch driving electrodes for touch sensing of an object, as stylus driving electrodes for driving a stylus pen, and as stylus sensing electrodes for sensing a stylus pen signal. The plurality of third patterns 103 are used as touch sensing electrodes for touch sensing of an object, and as stylus sensing electrodes for sensing a stylus pen signal. The plurality of second and fourth patterns 102 and 104 are electrically floating.

[0236] In the case of No. 13, the magnitude of the uplink signal is relatively small because the multiple first patterns 101 are used as stylus driving electrodes. The magnitude of the downlink signal is relatively small because the multiple first patterns 101 and the multiple third patterns 103 are used as stylus sensing electrodes. Furthermore, because the multiple first patterns 101 are used as stylus driving electrodes and stylus sensing electrodes and the multiple third patterns 103 are used as stylus sensing electrodes, no additional channels are required for driving and sensing the stylus pen.

[0237] In No. 17, the multiple first patterns 101 are used as touch driving electrodes for touch sensing of an object and as stylus sensing electrodes for sensing a stylus pen signal. The multiple third patterns 103 are used as touch sensing electrodes for touch sensing of an object, as stylus driving electrodes for driving a stylus pen, and as stylus sensing electrodes for sensing a stylus pen signal. The multiple second and fourth patterns 102 and 104 are electrically floating.

[0238] In the case of No. 17, the magnitude of the uplink signal is relatively small because a plurality of third patterns 103 are used as stylus driving electrodes. The magnitude of the downlink signal is relatively small because a plurality of first patterns 101 and a plurality of third patterns 103 are used as stylus sensing electrodes. Furthermore, because a plurality of first patterns 101 are used as stylus sensing electrodes and a plurality of third patterns 103 are used as stylus driving electrodes and stylus sensing electrodes, no additional channels are required for driving and sensing the stylus pen.

[0239] In No. 21, the plurality of first patterns 101 are used as touch driving electrodes for touch sensing of an object, as stylus driving electrodes for driving a stylus pen, and as stylus sensing electrodes for sensing a stylus pen signal. The plurality of third patterns 103 are used as touch sensing electrodes for touch sensing of an object, as stylus driving electrodes for driving a stylus pen, and as stylus sensing electrodes for sensing a stylus pen signal. The plurality of second and fourth patterns 102 and 104 are electrically floating.

[0240] In the case of No. 21, the magnitude of the uplink signal is relatively small because the multiple first and third patterns 101 and 103 are used as stylus driving electrodes. The magnitude of the downlink signal is relatively small because the multiple first patterns 101 and the multiple third patterns 103 are used as stylus sensing electrodes. Furthermore, because the multiple first patterns 101 are used as stylus driving electrodes and stylus sensing electrodes and the multiple third patterns 103 are used as stylus driving electrodes and stylus sensing electrodes, no additional channels are required for driving and sensing the stylus pen.

[0241] Among the various combinations (No. 1 to No. 32) in Table 2 above, Nos. 1, 5, 9, 25, and 29 are in the "Stylus Additional Channel" column, with "Yes" for driving and "No" for sensing. Nos. 1, 5, 9, 25, and 29 use multiple first and third patterns 101 and 103 for sensing the stylus pen and multiple second and / or fourth patterns 102 and 104 for driving the stylus pen. Even if multiple second and / or fourth patterns 102 and 104 are used when driving the stylus pen, it may be somewhat difficult to form a magnetic field for resonating the stylus pen. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 17, one end (first side end) of two or more adjacent second patterns may be electrically connected. Similarly, one end (first side end) of two or more adjacent fourth patterns may be electrically connected. This configuration has the advantage of reducing the number of additional channels for driving the stylus pen.

[0242] A control unit (not shown) controls the sensor unit 100 .

[0243] Specifically, as shown in No. 1 to No. 32 in Table 2 above, a control unit (not shown) may apply touch driving signals to the plurality of first patterns 101 and receive touch sensing signals from the plurality of third patterns 103.

[0244] The control unit (not shown) may be configured to apply a stylus pen driving signal in at least one of the first pattern 101 to the fourth pattern 104, as shown in No. 1 to No. 32 in Table 2 above, and to receive a stylus pen sensing signal in at least one of the first pattern 101 to the fourth pattern 104.

[0245] The control unit (not shown) may be configured to apply a stylus pen driving signal in at least one of the plurality of first patterns 101 or the plurality of third patterns 103, as shown in No. 13 to No. 32 in Table 2 above.

[0246] The control unit (not shown) may be configured to receive a stylus pen sensing signal in at least one of the plurality of first patterns 101 or the plurality of third patterns 103, such as Nos. 1 to 3, 5 to 7, 9 to 11, 13 to 15, 17 to 19, 21 to 23, 25 to 27, and 29 to 31 in Table 2 above.

[0247] The control unit (not shown) may be configured to apply a stylus pen driving signal in at least one of the second patterns 102 or the fourth patterns 104, such as Nos. 1 to 12 and 25 to 32 in Table 2 above.

[0248] The control unit (not shown) may be configured to receive a stylus pen sensing signal in at least one of the second patterns 102 or the fourth patterns 104, such as Nos. 2-4, 6-8, 10-12, 14-16, 19-20, 22-24, 26-28, and 30-32 in Table 2 above.

[0249] A control unit (not shown) may select at least one of the first through fourth patterns 101 through 104 as a pen driving electrode and apply a stylus pen driving signal to the selected pen driving electrode. The selection of at least one of the first through fourth patterns 101 through 104 as a pen driving electrode may depend on the position of the stylus pen 10 on the touch screen 20 of the touch input device 2 of FIG. 1a. The pattern selected when the stylus pen is in a hover state may be different from the pattern selected when the stylus pen is in a contact state. For example, the control unit (not shown) may select one of the first and second patterns 101 and 102 as a pen driving electrode when the stylus pen is in a hover state, and select one of the third and fourth patterns 103 and 104 as a pen driving electrode when the stylus pen is in a contact state. The opposite is also possible.

[0250] A control unit (not shown) may select at least two of the first through fourth patterns 101 through 104 as pen sensing electrodes and sense a stylus pen signal emitted from the stylus pen through the selected pen sensing electrodes. The selection of at least two of the first through fourth patterns 101 through 104 as pen sensing electrodes may depend on the position of the stylus pen 10 on the touch screen 20 of the touch input device 2 of FIG. 1a. The pattern selected when the stylus pen is in a hover state may be different from the pattern selected when the stylus pen is in a contact state. For example, the control unit (not shown) may select one of the first and second patterns 101 and 102 as the pen sensing electrode when the stylus pen is in a hover state, and select one of the third and fourth patterns 103 and 104 as the pen sensing electrode when the stylus pen is in a contact state. Of course, the opposite is also possible.

[0251] FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a sensor unit 100' of a touch input device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0252] The touch input device according to the second embodiment of the present invention is a landscape type touch input device. Such a landscape type touch input device has a width greater than a height, and a control unit (not shown) for controlling the sensor unit 100' may be disposed below the sensor unit 100'. For example, such a touch input device may correspond to the shape of a tablet PC.

[0253] The configuration of the sensor unit 100' of the touch input device according to the second embodiment of the present invention is the same as the configuration of the sensor unit 100 of the touch input device according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 16, except that the direction is rotated by 90 degrees.

[0254] The sensor unit 100′ of the touch input device according to the second embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of first to fourth patterns 101, 102, 103, and 104. The first pattern 101 and the second pattern 102 are disposed adjacent to each other and have shapes extending in one direction. Alternatively, the first pattern 101 and the second pattern 102 may have a predetermined shape with an electrical path formed in one direction. The third pattern 103 and the fourth pattern 104 are disposed adjacent to each other and have a shape extending in a direction different from the one direction. Alternatively, the third pattern 103 and the fourth pattern 104 may have a predetermined shape with an electrical path formed in the other direction. The other ends (second side ends) of the plurality of second patterns 102 are electrically connected to each other, and the other ends (second side ends) of the plurality of fourth patterns 104 are also electrically connected to each other.

[0255] When the sensor unit 100' of the touch input device according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 19 is configured with a screen size of approximately 10 to 14 inches, which is the screen size of a landscape type tablet PC, and is embodied as example No. 1 in Table 2 above, the number of total channels and the number of drive trace channels (TX Trace Channels) of the sensor unit 100' can be roughly summarized as shown in Table 3 below. [Table 3]

[0256] In Table 3 above, the number of channels of Stylus TX is the number of the plurality of first patterns 101 divided by 2. This is because although the number of the plurality of second patterns 102 is the same as the number of the plurality of first patterns 101, as shown in FIG. 20, the number of channels is reduced by half because two adjacent ends of the plurality of second patterns 102 are electrically connected to each other.

[0257] In Table 3 above, the number of TX trace channels is the sum of the number of Finger TX channels and the number of Stylus TX channels. The number of TX trace channels is a major factor that determines the thickness of the widthwise bezel of the touch input device according to the second embodiment. This is because the control unit (not shown) is disposed below (or above) the sensor unit 100′ in the touch input device according to the second embodiment. The fewer the number of TX trace channels, the thinner the widthwise bezel of the touch input device can be.

[0258] Meanwhile, if the screen size of the touch input device shown in FIG. 19 is the same as that of a smartphone screen, for example, 6.9 inches, there is no particular problem. However, if the screen size of the touch input device shown in FIG. 19 is increased to 11 inches or 12.9 inches, which are the screen sizes of tablet PCs, the lengths of the first through fourth patterns 101, 102, 103, and 104 of the sensor unit 100′ also increase, resulting in an increase in the resistance and capacitance of the sensor unit 100′. The increase in resistance and capacitance narrows the operating frequency bandwidth of a touch driving signal applied to any one of the first or third patterns used as a touch driving electrode and a stylus driving signal for driving a stylus pen, which can result in a problem of not being able to obtain the operating frequency bandwidth required for the design. To solve this problem, one could consider reducing the resistance and capacitance of the sensor unit 100′, but there is a limit to how much this value can be reduced, and even if these values ​​are reduced to the maximum extent, the above problem still cannot be solved.

[0259] In addition, the stylus pen signal received from the stylus pen and input to the control unit of the touch input device is also attenuated as the sensor unit 100' becomes larger. In particular, the stylus pen sensing signal from the part of the first through fourth patterns 101, 102, 103, and 104 of the sensor unit 100' that is located farthest from the control unit is attenuated during transmission to the control unit, resulting in a problem that a voltage value required by design cannot be output.

[0260] The above-mentioned problem can be solved by using a plurality of second patterns 102 as stylus pen sensing electrodes for sensing stylus pen signals, as in the examples of Nos. 3, 4, 7, 8, 11, 12, 15, 16, 19, 20, 23, 24, 27, 28, 31, and 32 in Table 2, or by using a plurality of fourth patterns 104 as stylus pen sensing electrodes for sensing stylus pen signals, as in the examples of Nos. 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, and 32 in Table 2. In these examples, the plurality of second and fourth patterns 102 and 104 directly receive electromotive force through magnetic induction by the stylus pen, so there is no signal attenuation due to capacitive coupling from the second pattern 102 to the first pattern 101 or from the fourth pattern 104 to the third pattern 103.

[0261] As a specific example, when the sensor unit 100' of the touch input device according to the second embodiment is configured with a screen size of approximately 10 to 14 inches, which is the screen size of a landscape type tablet PC, and is embodied as example No. 3 in Table 2 above, the number of total channels and the number of drive trace channels (TX Trace Channels) of the sensor unit 100' are summarized as shown in Table 4 below. [Table 4]

[0262] In Table 4 above, the number of channels of the Stylus TX is the same as the number of the plurality of second patterns 102. This is because the number of the plurality of second patterns 102 is the same as the number of the plurality of first patterns 101, and each end of the plurality of second patterns 102 is individually connected to one conductive pattern, as shown in FIG.

[0263] In Table 4 above, the number of TX trace channels is the sum of the number of Finger TX channels and the number of Stylus TX channels. The number of TX trace channels is the main factor that determines the thickness of the bezel on the minor axis of the touch input device. The fewer the number of TX trace channels, the thinner the bezel on the minor axis of the touch input device can be.

[0264] The example of Table 4 above has the disadvantage of having a slightly increased number of channels compared to Table 3 above, but has the advantage of having a larger voltage value of the stylus sensing signal received by the controller because the pen sensing signal from the stylus pen is received through a plurality of second patterns 102 rather than a plurality of first patterns 101. The applicant has confirmed through experiments that the voltage value of the stylus sensing signal received by the controller is about twice as large as that of Table 3.

[0265] In addition, since each of the multiple second patterns 102 is composed of one channel, when the multiple second patterns 102 are used as stylus driving electrodes (Stylus TX), the spacing between channels is reduced by half compared to the example in Table 3, which has the advantage of improving the resolution of stylus driving.

[0266] As another specific example, when the sensor unit 100′ of the touch input device according to the second embodiment is configured with a screen size of approximately 10 to 14 inches, which is the screen size of a landscape type tablet PC, and is embodied as example No. 8 in Table 2 above, the number of total channels and the number of drive trace channels (TX Trace Channels) of the sensor unit 100′ are summarized as shown in Table 5 below. [Table 5]

[0267] In Table 5 above, the number of channels of the Stylus TX is the same as the number of the multiple fourth patterns 104. This is because the number of the multiple fourth patterns 104 is the same as the number of the multiple third patterns 103, and each end of the multiple fourth patterns 104 is individually connected to one conductive pattern, as shown in FIG.

[0268] In Table 5 above, the number of TX trace channels is the same as the number of Finger TX channels. The number of TX trace channels is the main factor that determines the thickness of the bezel on the minor axis of the touch input device. The fewer the number of TX trace channels, the thinner the bezel on the minor axis of the touch input device can be.

[0269] Table 5 above has the disadvantage of slightly increasing the total number of channels compared to the example in Table 3 above, but has the advantage of receiving pen sensing signals from the stylus pen through multiple fourth patterns 104, thereby increasing the voltage value of the pen sensing signals received by the control unit.

[0270] In addition, since each of the multiple fourth patterns 104 is composed of one channel, when the multiple fourth patterns 104 are used as driving electrodes (Stylus TX), the spacing between the channels is reduced by half compared to the example in Table 3 above, which has the advantage of improving driving resolution.

[0271] Also, the number of TX trace channels can be reduced to 1 / 4 to 1 / 3 of the example in Table 3 above, which is advantageous in that the thickness of the width direction bezel B of the touch input device can be reduced.

[0272] FIG. 23 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of still another example of the sensor unit 100′ shown in FIG.

[0273] In the sensor unit 100'' of Fig. 23, each first pattern 101' includes at least two or more 1a patterns 101a and 1b patterns 101b, and each second pattern 102' includes at least two or more 2a patterns 102a and 2b patterns 102b. The multiple third and fourth patterns 103, 104 are the same as those in the sensor unit 100 of Fig. 19.

[0274] The 1a pattern 101a and the 1b pattern 101b are arranged along the extension direction of the first pattern 101'. The 2a pattern 102a and the 2b pattern 102b are arranged along the extension direction of the second pattern 102'.

[0275] The other ends of the plurality of 2a patterns 102a are electrically connected to each other, and the other ends of the plurality of 2b patterns 102b are electrically connected to each other, where the other ends of the plurality of 2a patterns 102a and the other ends of the plurality of 2b patterns 102b face each other.

[0276] One ends of the plurality of 2a patterns 102a may be electrically connected to two or more adjacent 2a patterns. One ends of the plurality of 2b patterns 102b may also be electrically connected to two or more adjacent 2b patterns. Here, one ends of the plurality of 2a patterns 102a and one ends of the plurality of 2b patterns 102b may be electrically connected to individual conductive patterns, as shown in FIG.

[0277] As a specific example, if the sensor unit 100'' shown in FIG. 23 is configured with a screen size of approximately 10 to 14 inches, which is the screen size of a landscape-type tablet PC, and is configured as in example No. 1 of Table 2 above, the number of total channels and the number of TX trace channels of the sensor unit 100'' can be summarized as shown in Table 6 below. [Table 6]

[0278] In Table 6 above, the number of channels of Stylus TX is the number of the plurality of second patterns 102′ divided by 2. This is because the number of the plurality of second patterns 102′ is the same as the number of the plurality of first patterns 101′, and the plurality of second patterns 102′ is formed by electrically connecting two adjacent second patterns to each other.

[0279] In Table 6 above, the number of TX trace channels is the sum of the number of Finger TX channels and the number of Stylus TX channels. The number of TX trace channels is the main factor that determines the thickness of the bezel in the width direction of the touch input device. The fewer the number of TX trace channels, the thinner the bezel in the minor axis of the touch input device can be.

[0280] Table 6 above has the disadvantage of slightly increasing the number of channels compared to the example in Table 3 above, but has the advantage of reducing the length of each of the first patterns 101′ and the second patterns 102′ by half, thereby reducing the resistance and capacitance of the sensor unit 100″ and widening the operating frequency bandwidth of the touch driving signal applied to the touch driving electrode and the pen driving signal for driving the stylus pen.

[0281] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a specific embodiment of the touch input device shown in FIG.

[0282] Referring to FIG. 24, a touch input device 500 may include a sensor unit 100A and a control unit 300 for controlling the sensor unit 100A.

[0283] The sensor unit 100A is an example of the sensor unit 100' shown in Fig. 20. Therefore, the sensor unit 100A includes a number of first to fourth patterns 101A, 102A, 103A, and 104A.

[0284] The first pattern 101A has a shape extending along a first direction (width direction). The first direction may be the long axis direction L of the screen of the touch input device 500. The first pattern 101A may also be named ATX (Active TX).

[0285] The first pattern 101A 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.

[0286] The first pattern 101A may have an opening in which the second pattern 102A is disposed. The shape of the opening may correspond to the outer shape of the first pattern 101A. The first pattern 101A may have a structure that surrounds the second pattern 102A. The first pattern 101A is disposed at a predetermined distance from the second pattern 102A.

[0287] The second pattern 102A has a shape extending along the first direction, is disposed adjacent to the first pattern 101A, and is disposed at a predetermined distance from the first pattern 101A. The second pattern 102A may also be named DTX (Dummy TX).

[0288] The second pattern 102A is disposed inside the first pattern 101A.

[0289] The second pattern 102A 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.

[0290] The main pattern portion of second pattern 102A may have a shape corresponding to the main pattern portion of first pattern 101A, and the connect pattern portion of second pattern 102A may have a shape corresponding to the connect pattern portion of first pattern 101A.

[0291] The third pattern 103A has a shape extending along a second direction different from the first direction. The second direction may be perpendicular to the first direction and may be the minor axis direction S of the screen of the touch input device. The third pattern 103A may also be named ARX (Active RX).

[0292] The third pattern 103A 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.

[0293] The third pattern 103A may have an opening in which the fourth pattern 104A is disposed. The shape of the opening may correspond to the outer shape of the third pattern 103A. The third pattern 103A may have a structure that surrounds the fourth pattern 104A. The third pattern 103A is disposed at a predetermined distance from the fourth pattern 104A.

[0294] The fourth pattern 104A has a shape extending along the second direction, is disposed adjacent to the third pattern 103A, and is disposed at a predetermined distance from the third pattern 103A. The fourth pattern 104A may also be named DRX (dummy RX).

[0295] The fourth pattern 104A is disposed inside the third pattern 103A.

[0296] The fourth pattern 104A 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.

[0297] The main pattern portion of fourth pattern 104A may have a shape corresponding to the main pattern portion of third pattern 103A, and the connect pattern portion of fourth pattern 104A may have a shape corresponding to the connect pattern portion of third pattern 103A.

[0298] The third and fourth patterns 103A and 104A are disposed on the first and second patterns 101A and 102A, and are spaced a predetermined distance apart from the first and second patterns 101A and 102A. Meanwhile, the sensor unit in which the first to fourth patterns are disposed on the same layer will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

[0299] Although not shown in the drawings, one end (first side end) of each of the first patterns 101A is electrically connected to the control unit 300, and the other end (second side end) is electrically open. Here, the one end (first side end) is relatively close to the control unit 300, and the other end (second side end) is relatively far from the control unit 300.

[0300] Although not shown in the drawings, one end of each of the first patterns 101A may be electrically connected to the control unit 300 via a conductive pattern. The conductive pattern connecting the first patterns 101A to the control unit 300 may be arranged inside a widthwise bezel B of the touch input device 500.

[0301] One ends (first side ends) of the plurality of second patterns 102A may be electrically connected to the control unit 300 via the second conductive pattern after two adjacent ones of the patterns are electrically connected by the first conductive pattern. The other ends (second side ends) of the plurality of second patterns 102A are electrically connected via the conductive pattern. The one ends (first side ends) are relatively close to the control unit 300, and the other ends (second side ends) are relatively far from the control unit 300.

[0302] 24, the second conductive pattern connecting the plurality of second patterns 102A and the control unit 300 may be arranged inside a widthwise bezel B of the touch input device 500. Here, the second conductive pattern connecting the plurality of second patterns 102A and the control unit 300 may be arranged inside a widthwise bezel B of the touch input device 500 together with a conductive pattern (not shown) connecting the plurality of first patterns 101A and the control unit 300.

[0303] If the other ends of the second patterns 102A are electrically connected to each other, the capacitance of each second pattern 102A is added, reducing the overall impedance, thus providing the same effect as if the other ends of the second patterns 102A were AC GND.

[0304] Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawings, the other ends of the plurality of second patterns 102A that are electrically connected to one another may be grounded. Also, although not shown in the drawings, the other ends of the plurality of second patterns 102A may not be electrically connected to one another, and a predetermined capacitor may be connected to the other end of each second pattern 102A.

[0305] The multiple first patterns 101A and the multiple second patterns 102A may be arranged on the same layer. A metal mesh can be used to form the multiple first patterns 101A and the multiple second patterns 102A on the same layer.

[0306] One end (first end) of each of the third patterns 103A is electrically connected to the control unit 300, and the other end (second end) is electrically open. Here, the one end (first end) is relatively close to the control unit 300, and the other end (second end) is relatively far from the control unit 300. One end of each of the third patterns 103A may be electrically connected to the control unit 300 via a conductive pattern.

[0307] One end (first side end) of the plurality of fourth patterns 104A may be electrically open. The other end (second side end) of the plurality of fourth patterns 104A may be electrically connected in the same manner as the plurality of second patterns 102A. Here, the one end (first side end) is relatively close to the control unit 300, and the other end (second side end) is relatively far from the control unit 300.

[0308] Meanwhile, although not shown in the drawings, the other ends of the plurality of fourth patterns 104A that are electrically connected to one another may be grounded. Alternatively, the other ends of the plurality of fourth patterns 104A may not be electrically connected to one another, and a predetermined capacitor may be connected to the other end of each fourth pattern 104A.

[0309] The plurality of third patterns 103A and the plurality of fourth patterns 104A may be arranged on the same layer. The plurality of third patterns 103A and the plurality of fourth patterns 104A may be formed on the same layer using a metal mesh. Here, the plurality of third patterns 103A and the plurality of fourth patterns 104A may be arranged on a different layer from the plurality of first patterns 101A and the plurality of second patterns 102A. For example, the plurality of third patterns 103A and the plurality of fourth patterns 104A may be arranged on a first floor, and the plurality of first patterns 101A and the plurality of second patterns 102A may be arranged on a second floor different from the first floor. Meanwhile, a sensor unit in which the first to fourth patterns are arranged on the same layer will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 30.

[0310] The control unit 300 is electrically connected to the sensor unit 100A and can control the operation of the sensor unit 100A. The control unit 300 and the sensor unit 100A may be electrically connected to each other via a number of conductive patterns.

[0311] The control unit 300 may include a plurality of driving circuit units 310 and a plurality of sensing circuit units 330. Although not shown in separate drawings, at least one of the plurality of driving circuit units 310 and the plurality of sensing circuit units 330 may not be included in the control unit 300 but may be disposed outside the control unit 300.

[0312] The plurality of driving circuits 310 may include a driving circuit unit that provides touch driving signals to the plurality of first patterns 101A for sensing a touch position of an object such as a finger, and a driving circuit unit that provides pen driving signals for driving a stylus pen.

[0313] The plurality of sensing circuits 330 may receive sensing signals via the plurality of third patterns 103A and may include a sensing circuit for detecting a touch position of an object such as a finger and a sensing circuit for sensing a stylus pen, where some of the plurality of sensing circuits may perform both sensing of the touch position and sensing of the stylus pen.

[0314] The controller 300 may control the sensor unit 100A to operate in one of a touch driving / sensing mode, an antenna driving mode, and a stylus pen sensing mode. The controller 300 may selectively electrically connect and control a plurality of driving / sensing circuits 310 and 330 to the sensor unit 100A according to each mode. To this end, the controller 300 may include a plurality of switches that electrically connect the plurality of driving / sensing circuits 310 and 330 to the sensor unit 100A according to a command from the controller 300.

[0315] The operation mode of the touch input device 500 shown in Fig. 24 will be described in detail. Here, Fig. 24 is shown as an example of No. 1 in Table 2 above, and therefore the description will be based on this.

[0316] In the touch driving / sensing mode, the controller 300 can electrically connect a plurality of driving circuits 310 to a plurality of first patterns 101A of the sensor unit 100A to sense a touch position of an object such as a finger. The controller 300 can electrically connect conductive patterns connected to the plurality of first patterns 101A to a plurality of driving circuits 310 by controlling a plurality of switches.

[0317] In addition, the control unit 300 can electrically connect a plurality of sensing circuit units 330 for sensing a touch position to a plurality of third patterns 103A of the sensor unit 100A. The control unit 300 can electrically connect the conductive patterns connected to the plurality of third patterns 103A to the plurality of sensing circuit units 330 by controlling a plurality of switches.

[0318] In this touch driving / sensing mode, the controller 300 simultaneously or sequentially applies driving signals (or touch driving signals) for touch sensing to the plurality of first patterns 101A and receives sensing signals (or touch sensing signals) from the plurality of third patterns 103A. The plurality of sensing circuits of the controller 300 electrically connected to the plurality of third patterns 103A can output information on capacitance change amounts included in the input sensing signals as predetermined voltage values. The controller 300 can process the output voltage values ​​to detect the touch position.

[0319] Meanwhile, in the touch driving / sensing mode, the controller 300 may electrically connect the driving circuit units 310 to the second patterns 102A so that capacitive coupling between the first patterns 101A and the second patterns 102A does not occur. At this time, the controller 300 may control the second patterns 102A to apply the same driving signal as the driving signal applied to the first patterns 101A. Alternatively, the controller 300 may control the second patterns 102A to apply a predetermined reference potential when a driving signal is applied to the first patterns 101A.

[0320] In the antenna driving mode (or stylus driving mode or stylus uplink mode), the control unit 300 can electrically connect a plurality of driving circuit units 310 for driving the antenna to a plurality of second patterns 102A of the sensor unit 100A. The control unit 300 can electrically connect the conductive patterns connected to the plurality of second patterns 102A to a plurality of driving circuit units 310 by controlling a plurality of switches.

[0321] The control unit 300 may control the driving signals (or pen driving signals) output from each driving circuit unit 310 connected to the second patterns 102A. For example, the control unit 300 may control the first driving circuit unit of the multiple driving circuits 310 connected to the second patterns 102A to output a pulse signal of a predetermined frequency, the second driving circuit unit to not output any pulse signal, and the third driving circuit unit to output an inverted pulse signal having an opposite phase to the pulse signal output from the first driving circuit. In this case, a current loop is formed between the second pattern electrically connected to the first driving circuit unit and the second pattern electrically connected to the third driving circuit unit. A magnetic field is generated by the formed current loop, and a stylus pen located near the sensor unit 100A may be driven by the magnetic field.

[0322] The control unit 300 may control any two of the drive circuits 310 electrically connected to the second patterns 102A to output opposite drive signals. Therefore, the control unit 300 may vary the size and position of the current loop. For example, when the control unit 300 detects the position of a stylus pen close to the sensor unit 100A, the control unit 300 may control the drive circuits electrically connected to two second patterns around the position of the stylus pen to output opposite pulse signals. When the control unit 300 cannot detect the position of the stylus pen, the control unit 300 may control the drive circuits electrically connected to the two second patterns located on the outermost sides of the second patterns 102A to output opposite pulse signals.

[0323] Fig. 25 is a diagram illustrating a method in which the control unit 300 of Fig. 24 applies a pen driving signal for driving a stylus pen to a plurality of second patterns 102A. For reference, Fig. 25 simply illustrates one second pattern 102A shown in Fig. 24 with one line Ch, and each line Ch corresponds to one channel.

[0324] As shown in Figure 25, two adjacent second patterns are electrically connected to form one channel. In this configuration, the same signal is simultaneously applied to the two electrically connected second patterns. Figure 25 shows 84 second patterns connected in pairs to form 42 channels Ch0, Ch1, ..., Ch41.

[0325] For example, if the stylus pen 50 is located between the second channel Ch2 and the third channel Ch3 among the 42 channels Ch0, Ch1, ..., Ch41, the control unit 300 can control the stylus pen 50 to output a pen driving signal from one or more channels located on the second channel Ch2 side relative to the stylus pen 50, and can control the stylus pen 50 to output a pen driving signal having an inverted phase of the pen driving signal from one or more channels located on the third channel Ch3 side relative to the stylus pen 50.

[0326] In the stylus sensing mode (or the stylus downlink mode), the controller 300 can electrically connect a plurality of sensing circuit units 330 for stylus sensing to a plurality of first patterns 101A and a plurality of third patterns 103A of the sensor unit 100A. The controller 300 can control a plurality of switches to electrically connect conductive patterns connected to the plurality of first patterns 101A and a plurality of third patterns 103A to a plurality of sensing circuit units 330.

[0327] The touch input device 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention has an advantage that, in the stylus sensing mode, the output voltage values ​​of the multiple sensing circuits 330 are substantially unchanged depending on the position of the stylus pen on the sensor unit 100 A due to the configuration of the sensor unit 100 A. The specific principle behind this will be described with reference to (a) to (f) of FIG.

[0328] 26(a) to 26(f) are diagrams for roughly explaining the operation principle of the touch input device of FIG. 24 in a stylus sensing mode.

[0329] Figure 26(a) is a circuit diagram schematically modeling any one of the first patterns 101A shown in Figure 24 and the sensing circuit unit 330 of the control unit 300 electrically connected thereto, and Figure 26(b) is a circuit diagram schematically modeling a second pattern 102A disposed inside any one of the first patterns 101A. Figure 26(c) is a voltage distribution graph in the circuit diagram of Figure 26(a), and Figure 26(d) is a voltage distribution graph in the circuit diagram of Figure 26(b).

[0330] 26(a) and 26(c), when a stylus pen approaches point A on the first pattern 101A, which is as far away as possible from the sensing circuit unit 330, a voltage (Vemf, hereinafter referred to as "induced voltage") induced by a signal emitted from the stylus pen is generated at point A. When the induced voltage (Vemf) is generated at point A, the equivalent capacitance of the first pattern 101A viewed to the left from point A decreases, and the equivalent impedance increases. Therefore, most of the induced voltage (Vemf) is applied to the left of point A, and a voltage close to 0 (V) is applied to the right of point A, resulting in almost no current flow. Moreover, the voltage close to 0 (V) to the right of point A gradually decreases due to the equivalent resistance of the first pattern 101A, and almost no voltage is applied to the input terminal of the sensing circuit unit.

[0331] 26(b) and 26(d), when an induced voltage (Vemf) is generated at point A, the other ends of the second patterns 102A are electrically connected to each other on the left side of point A, so the equivalent capacitance when viewed from the left side of point A increases 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 102A is open on the right side of point A, so no voltage drop occurs due to the equivalent resistance and Vemf is applied directly.

[0332] Comparing (c) and (d) of Figures 26A and 26B, it can be seen that a potential difference of approximately Vemf exists between the first pattern 101A and the second pattern 102A at any position. The potential difference of approximately Vemf between the first pattern 101A and the second pattern 102A causes capacitive coupling between the first pattern 101A and the second pattern 102A. Due to this capacitive coupling, current flows from the second pattern 102A to the first pattern 101A, as shown in (e) of Figure 26A. As the position of the stylus pen moves farther away from the sensing circuit 330 of the control unit 300, the current generated in the first pattern 101A itself gradually decreases. However, because current flows from the second pattern 102A to the first pattern 101A, the current output from the first pattern 101A to the sensing circuit 330 of the control unit 300 becomes almost constant depending on the position of the pen. Therefore, the control unit 300 can sense the position of the stylus pen through the sensing circuit unit 330 electrically connected to the first pattern 101A.

[0333] 26(a) to 26(e), even if point A moves left or right, the potential difference between the first pattern 101A and the second pattern 102A remains constant as Vemf. Therefore, regardless of whether the position of the stylus pen on the sensor unit 100A is close or far from the sensing circuit unit, the control unit 300 can sense the stylus pen from a constant signal output from the sensing circuit unit 330.

[0334] 26(e), the current flowing from the second pattern 102A to the first pattern 101A is due to capacitive coupling, but this is not limiting. For example, the current flowing from the second pattern 102A to the first pattern 101A can also be due to magnetic coupling.

[0335] The principles of (a) to (e) of Figure 26 described above are also directly applied to any one of the third pattern 103 and the fourth pattern 104 in the second direction, and are also directly applied to the touch input device according to the first embodiment shown in Figure 16.

[0336] FIG. 26(f) is a voltage distribution graph showing the case where the sensing circuit unit 330 is connected to the open terminal on the right side of the modeled circuit diagram of the second pattern 102A shown in FIG. 26(b). That is, the voltage distribution graph of FIG. 26(f) illustrates the case where one end of the second pattern 102A is connected to the sensing circuit unit 330 of the control unit 300. Comparing FIG. 26(f) with FIG. 26(d), a voltage drop occurs due to equivalent resistance toward the right of point A in FIG. 26(f). Therefore, in the case of FIG. 26(f), a potential difference of Vemf between the first and second patterns cannot be maintained, as in FIG. 26(e), and current cannot transfer from the second pattern to the first pattern. Therefore, the current output from the first pattern decreases as the pen position moves farther from the control unit 300. In the stylus sensing mode, it is preferable to open one end of the second pattern 102A to allow it to float.

[0337] 26 is the same size as a smartphone screen, for example, 6.9 inches, there is no particular problem, but if the screen size of the touch input device shown in FIG. 26 is increased to approximately 10 to 14 inches, the same size as a tablet PC screen, the sensor unit 100A also increases in size, resulting in an increase in the resistance and capacitance of the sensor unit 100A. The increase in resistance and capacitance results in a problem in that the operating frequency bandwidth of the touch drive signal applied to the touch drive electrode and the pen drive signal for driving the stylus pen becomes much narrower than that of a smartphone (6.9 inches), making it difficult to obtain the operating frequency bandwidth required for the design.

[0338] In addition, the pen detection signal received from the stylus pen is also attenuated as the sensor unit 100A becomes larger. In particular, the pen detection signal from the part of the sensor unit 100A located farthest from the control unit 300 is attenuated during transmission to the control unit 300, which can cause a problem that the voltage value required for the design cannot be output.

[0339] The following describes a touch input device that can solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0340] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a specific embodiment of the touch input device shown in FIG.

[0341] Referring to FIG. 27, a touch input device 500'' may include a sensor unit 100A'' and a control unit 300 for controlling the sensor unit 100A''.

[0342] The sensor unit 100A'' includes a plurality of first to fourth patterns 101A, 102A'', 103A, and 104A. Here, the plurality of first to fourth patterns 101A, 103A, and 104A are the same as the plurality of first to fourth patterns 101A, 103A, and 104A shown in FIG. 24, and therefore, description thereof will be omitted.

[0343] Hereinafter, the plurality of second patterns 102A'' will be described, but a description of the same parts as the plurality of second patterns 102A in FIG. 12 will be omitted for the sake of convenience.

[0344] One end (first side end) of each of the plurality of second patterns 102A'' may be electrically connected to the control unit 300 via a conductive pattern. This is different from the plurality of second patterns 102A of FIG.

[0345] The other ends (second side ends) of the plurality of second patterns 102A'' are electrically connected via a conductive pattern. One end is relatively close to the control unit 300, and the other end is relatively far from the control unit 300.

[0346] The operation mode of the touch input device 500'' shown in FIG. 27 will now be described in detail.

[0347] In the touch driving / sensing mode, the controller 300 can electrically connect a plurality of driving circuit units 310 to a plurality of first patterns 101A of the sensor unit 100A″ to sense a touch position of an object such as a finger. The controller 300 can electrically connect conductive patterns connected to a plurality of first patterns 101A to a plurality of driving circuit units 310 by controlling a plurality of switches.

[0348] In addition, the control unit 300 can electrically connect a plurality of sensing circuit units 330 for sensing a touch position to a plurality of third patterns 103A of the sensor unit 100A″. The control unit 300 can electrically connect conductive patterns connected to a plurality of third patterns 103A to a plurality of sensing circuit units 330 by controlling a plurality of switches.

[0349] In this touch driving / sensing mode, the controller 300 simultaneously or sequentially applies driving signals (or touch driving signals) for touch sensing to the plurality of first patterns 101A and receives sensing signals (or touch sensing signals) from the plurality of third patterns 103A. The plurality of sensing circuits of the controller 300 electrically connected to the plurality of third patterns 103A can output information on capacitance change amounts included in the input sensing signals as predetermined voltage values. The controller 300 can process the output voltage values ​​to detect the touch position.

[0350] In the antenna driving mode (or stylus driving mode or stylus uplink mode), the control unit 300 can electrically connect a plurality of driving circuit units 310 for driving the antenna to a plurality of second patterns 102A″ of the sensor unit 100A″. The control unit 300 can electrically connect conductive patterns connected to a plurality of second patterns 102A″ to a plurality of driving circuit units 310 by controlling a plurality of switches.

[0351] The control unit 300 can control the driving signals (or pen driving signals) output from each of the driving circuits 310 connected to the second patterns 102A''. The control unit 300 can control any two of the driving circuits 310 electrically connected to the second patterns 102A'' to output opposite pulse signals. Therefore, the control unit 300 can variably change and set the size and position of the current loop.

[0352] In the stylus sensing mode (or stylus downlink mode), the control unit 300 can electrically connect a plurality of sensing circuit units 330 for stylus sensing to a plurality of second patterns 101A″ and a plurality of third patterns 103A of the sensor unit 100A″. This is different from the stylus sensing mode of the touch input device shown in FIG. 12.

[0353] The control unit 300 can electrically connect the conductive patterns connected to the second patterns 101A'' and the third patterns 103A to the sensing circuit units 330 by controlling the switches.

[0354] The touch input device 500″ shown in FIG. 27 differs from the touch input device shown in FIG. 24 in the configuration for connecting the multiple second patterns 102A″ of the sensor unit 100A″ to the controller 300. That is, in the multiple second patterns 102A of FIG. 24, two adjacent second patterns are electrically connected by a first conductive pattern and then connected to the controller 300 via the second conductive pattern, whereas the multiple second patterns 102A″ of FIG. 27 are each connected to the controller 300 via a conductive pattern. Due to this structural feature, the touch input device 500″ shown in FIG. 27 has a disadvantage of having more channels than the touch input device 500 of FIG. 24. However, it has the advantage of being able to reduce power consumption by applying a pen driving signal only to a specific portion where a stylus pen is located in an antenna driving mode for driving a stylus pen.

[0355] In addition, the touch input device 500 shown in FIG. 24 has a pattern for detecting signals emitted from a stylus pen in the stylus sensing mode, which is a plurality of first patterns 101A in the major axis direction L and a plurality of third patterns 103A in the minor axis direction S, whereas the touch input device 500″ shown in FIG. 27 has a pattern for detecting signals emitted from a stylus pen in the stylus sensing mode, which is a plurality of second patterns 102A″ in the major axis direction L and a plurality of third patterns 103A in the minor axis direction S.

[0356] In the touch input device 500'' shown in FIG. 27, if the pattern in the longitudinal direction L that senses the signal emitted from the stylus pen in the stylus sensing mode is a plurality of second patterns 102A'' instead of a plurality of first patterns 101A, the coupling capacitance between the first patterns 101A and the second patterns 102A'' can be reduced compared to the touch input device 500 shown in FIG. 24, thereby improving the operating frequency bandwidth of the touch driving signal and the touch sensing signal for sensing the touch position and improving the operating frequency bandwidth of the pen driving signal for driving the stylus pen.

[0357] In addition, since the controller 300 receives the pen sensing signal from the stylus pen through a plurality of second patterns 102A'' in the stylus sensing mode, the voltage value of the received pen sensing signal is relatively high. In particular, the voltage value of the pen sensing signal received at the point farthest from the controller 300 in the major axis direction L is relatively higher than in the case of FIG. 24, which is advantageous in improving sensing sensitivity. This is because capacitive coupling between the first pattern 101A and the second pattern 102A does not need to be taken into consideration. Specifically, in the case of FIG. 24, as described in FIG. 26(e), current flows from the second pattern 102A to the first pattern 101A due to the capacitive coupling between the first pattern 101A and the second pattern 102A, and therefore attenuation of the pen sensing signal input to the controller 300 via the first pattern 101A occurs. However, in the touch input device 500'' of FIG. 27, the pen sensing signal is directly input to the control unit 300 through the second pattern 102A'' instead of the first pattern 101A without capacitive coupling, so there is no attenuation of the pen sensing signal due to capacitive coupling.

[0358] In addition, since each of the multiple second patterns 102A'' is composed of one channel, when the multiple second patterns 102A'' are used as driving electrodes (Stylus TX), the distance between the channels is reduced by half compared to the touch input device of FIG. 24, which has the advantage of improving driving resolution.

[0359] FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a specific embodiment of the touch input device shown in FIG.

[0360] Referring to FIG. 28, a touch input device 500''' may include a sensor unit 100A''' and a control unit 300 for controlling the sensor unit 100A'''.

[0361] The sensor unit 100A''' includes a plurality of first to fourth patterns 101A, 102A''', 103A, and 104A'. Here, the plurality of first and third patterns 101A and 103A are the same as the plurality of first and third patterns 101A and 103A shown in FIG. 24, and therefore, description thereof will be omitted.

[0362] Hereinafter, the second and fourth patterns 102A''', 104A' will be described, but for the sake of convenience, a description of the same parts as the second and fourth patterns 102A, 104A of FIG. 24 will be omitted.

[0363] One end of the plurality of second patterns 102A''' may be floating, and the other end of the plurality of second patterns 102A''' may be electrically connected via a conductive pattern. One end may be relatively close to the control unit 300, and the other end may be relatively far from the control unit 300.

[0364] One end of each of the fourth patterns 104A' is electrically connected to the control unit 300 through a conductive pattern, and the other end of each of the fourth patterns 104A' is electrically connected to the control unit 300 through the conductive pattern. One end is relatively close to the control unit 300, and the other end is relatively far from the control unit 300.

[0365] The operation mode of the touch input device 500''' shown in FIG. 28 will now be described in detail.

[0366] In the touch driving / sensing mode, the controller 300 can electrically connect a plurality of driving circuit units 310 to a plurality of first patterns 101A of the sensor unit 100A''' to sense a touch position of an object such as a finger. The controller 300 can electrically connect conductive patterns connected to a plurality of first patterns 101A to a plurality of driving circuit units 310 by controlling a plurality of switches.

[0367] In addition, the control unit 300 can electrically connect a plurality of sensing circuit units 330 for sensing a touch position to a plurality of third patterns 103A of the sensor unit 100A'''. The control unit 300 can electrically connect the conductive patterns connected to the plurality of third patterns 103A to a plurality of sensing circuit units 330 by controlling a plurality of switches.

[0368] In this touch driving / sensing mode, the controller 300 simultaneously or sequentially applies driving signals (or touch driving signals) for touch sensing to the plurality of first patterns 101A and receives sensing signals (or touch sensing signals) from the plurality of third patterns 103A. The plurality of sensing circuits of the controller 300 electrically connected to the plurality of third patterns 103A can output information on capacitance change amounts included in the input sensing signals as predetermined voltage values. The controller 300 can process the output voltage values ​​to detect the touch position.

[0369] In the antenna driving mode (or stylus driving mode or stylus uplink mode), the control unit 300 can electrically connect a plurality of driving circuit units 310 for driving the antenna to a plurality of fourth patterns 104A' of the sensor unit 100A'''. The control unit 300 can electrically connect the conductive patterns connected to the plurality of fourth patterns 104A' to a plurality of driving circuit units 310 by controlling a plurality of switches.

[0370] The control unit 300 can control the driving signals (or pen driving signals) output from each of the driving circuits 310 connected to the fourth patterns 104A'. The control unit 300 can control any two of the driving circuits 310 electrically connected to the fourth patterns 104A' to output opposite pulse signals. Therefore, the control unit 300 can variably change and set the size and position of the current loop.

[0371] In the stylus sensing mode (or stylus downlink mode), the control unit 300 can electrically connect a plurality of sensing circuit units 330 for stylus sensing to a plurality of first patterns 101A and a plurality of fourth patterns 104A' of the sensor unit 100A'''. This is different from the stylus sensing mode of the touch input device of FIG. 24.

[0372] The control unit 300 can electrically connect the conductive patterns connected to the first patterns 101A and the fourth patterns 104A′ to the sensing circuit units 330 by controlling the switches.

[0373] The touch input device 500''' shown in FIG. 28 differs from the touch input device shown in FIG. 24 in that the multiple second patterns 102A''' of the sensor unit 100A''' are electrically floating and unused, and the stylus pen is driven via the multiple fourth patterns 104A'. Due to this structural feature, the touch input device 500''' shown in FIG. 28 has the disadvantage of having an increased number of channels compared to the touch input device 500 of FIG. 24, but because the multiple second patterns 102A are not used, there is no conductive pattern connected to one end of the multiple second patterns 102A. Therefore, it has the advantage of being able to significantly reduce the thickness of the left / right bezels B compared to FIG. 24.

[0374] The touch input device shown in Fig. 28 has the disadvantage of having a slightly increased number of total channels compared to the touch input device of Fig. 24, but has the advantage of receiving a pen sensing signal directly from the stylus pen via multiple fourth patterns 104A', resulting in a higher voltage value of the pen sensing signal received by control unit 300. This has the advantage of being approximately twice as high as the voltage value of the pen sensing signal received by control unit 300 of the touch input device of Fig. 24.

[0375] In addition, since each of the multiple fourth patterns 104A' is composed of one channel, when the multiple fourth patterns 104A' are used as driving electrodes (Stylus TX), the spacing between channels is reduced by half compared to the touch input device of Figure 24, which has the advantage of improving driving resolution.

[0376] Also, the number of TX trace channels can be reduced to 1 / 4 to 1 / 3 of that of the touch input device shown in FIG. 24, and the thickness of the bezel B can be reduced.

[0377] FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a specific embodiment of the touch input device shown in FIG.

[0378] Referring to FIG. 29, a touch input device 500' may include a sensor unit 100A'' and a control unit 300 for controlling the sensor unit 100A''.

[0379] The sensor unit 100A'' includes a plurality of first to fourth patterns 101A', 102A', 103A, and 104A. Here, the plurality of third and fourth patterns 103A and 104A are the same as the plurality of third and fourth patterns 103A and 104A shown in FIG. 24, and therefore, description thereof will be omitted.

[0380] Hereinafter, the plurality of first and second patterns 101A' and 102A' will be described, but for the sake of convenience, a description of the same parts as the plurality of first and second patterns 101A and 102A in FIG. 24 will be omitted.

[0381] The first pattern 101A' has a shape extending along a first direction. The first direction may be a long axis direction L of the screen of the touch input device. The first pattern 101A' includes a pattern 1a' and a pattern 1b' 101b'. The pattern 1a' 101a' and the pattern 1b' 101b' are arranged along the first direction and spaced apart by a predetermined distance. The first pattern 101A' including the pattern 1a' 101a' and the pattern 1b' 101b' may also be called ATX (Active TX).

[0382] The second pattern 102A' has a shape extending along the first direction, is disposed adjacent to the first pattern 101A', and is spaced a predetermined distance apart from the first pattern 101A'. The second pattern 102A' includes a 2a pattern 102a' and a 2b pattern 102b'. The 2a pattern 102a' and the 2b pattern 102b' are arranged along the first direction and spaced a predetermined distance apart from each other. The second pattern 102A' including the 2a pattern 102a' and the 2b pattern 102b' may also be called DTX (Dummy TX).

[0383] Of the plurality of first patterns 101A', one end of each of the plurality of 1a patterns 101a' is electrically connected to the control unit 300 and the other end is electrically open. Also, one end of each of the plurality of 1b patterns 101b' is electrically connected to the control unit 300 and the other end is electrically open. Here, one end is relatively close to the control unit 300 and the other end is relatively far from the control unit 300.

[0384] One end of each of the plurality of 1a patterns 101a' may be electrically connected to the control unit 300 via a conductive pattern. The conductive patterns connecting the plurality of 1a patterns 101a' to the control unit 300 may be arranged along the minor axis direction S inside the bezel B of the touch input device 500.

[0385] One end of each of the plurality of patterns 1b 101b′ may be electrically connected to the control unit 300 via a conductive pattern. The conductive patterns connecting the plurality of patterns 1b 101b′ to the control unit 300 may be arranged along the minor axis direction S inside the bezel B of the touch input device 500.

[0386] In the plurality of second patterns 102A', one end of each of the plurality of second patterns 102a' is electrically connected to the controller 300 via the second conductive pattern after two adjacent ends of the plurality of second patterns 102a' are electrically connected to each other via the first conductive pattern, and the other end of the plurality of second patterns 102a' is electrically connected to the controller 300 via the second conductive pattern. Similarly, one end of each of the plurality of second patterns 102b' is electrically connected to the controller 300 via the second conductive pattern after two adjacent ends of the plurality of second patterns 102b' are electrically connected to the controller 300 via the first conductive pattern, and the other end of the plurality of second patterns 102b' is electrically connected to the controller 300 via the conductive pattern. Here, one end is relatively close to the controller 300 and the other end is relatively far from the controller 300.

[0387] The second conductive patterns connecting the plurality of second a and second b patterns 102a', 102b' and the control unit 300 may be arranged in the minor axis direction S inside the bezel B of the touch input device 500'. Here, the second conductive patterns connecting the plurality of second a and second b patterns 102a', 102b' and the control unit 300 may be arranged inside the bezel B of the touch input device 500 together with a conductive pattern (not shown) connecting the plurality of first patterns 101A' and the control unit 300.

[0388] If the other ends of the multiple 2a patterns 102a' are electrically connected to each other, the capacitance of each 2a pattern 102a' is added, thereby reducing the overall impedance. This has the same effect as if the other ends of the multiple 2a patterns 102a' were AC GND. Similarly, if the other ends of the multiple 2b patterns 102b' are electrically connected to each other, the capacitance of each 2b pattern 102b' is added, thereby reducing the overall impedance. This has the same effect as if the other ends of the multiple 2b patterns 102b' were AC GND.

[0389] The operation mode of the touch input device 500' shown in FIG. 29 will now be described in detail.

[0390] In the touch driving / sensing mode, the controller 300 can electrically connect a plurality of driving circuits 310 to a plurality of first patterns 101A' of the sensor unit 100A' to sense a touch position of an object such as a finger. The controller 300 can electrically connect the conductive patterns connected to the plurality of first patterns 101A' to a plurality of driving circuits 310 by controlling a plurality of switches.

[0391] In addition, the control unit 300 can electrically connect a plurality of sensing circuit units 330 for sensing a touch position to a plurality of third patterns 103A of the sensor unit 100A'. The control unit 300 can electrically connect the conductive patterns connected to the plurality of third patterns 103A to the plurality of sensing circuit units 330 by controlling a plurality of switches.

[0392] In this touch driving / sensing mode, the controller 300 simultaneously or sequentially applies driving signals (or touch driving signals) for touch sensing to the plurality of first patterns 101A' and receives sensing signals (or touch sensing signals) from the plurality of third patterns 103A. The plurality of sensing circuits of the controller 300 electrically connected to the plurality of third patterns 103A can output information on capacitance change amounts included in the input sensing signals as predetermined voltage values. The controller 300 can process the output voltage values ​​to detect the touch position.

[0393] In the antenna driving mode (or stylus driving mode or stylus uplink mode), the control unit 300 can electrically connect a plurality of driving circuit units 310 for driving the antenna to a plurality of second a patterns 102a' and a plurality of second b patterns 102b' of the sensor unit 100A'. The control unit 300 can electrically connect conductive patterns connected to the plurality of second a patterns 102a' and a plurality of second b patterns 102b' to a plurality of driving circuit units 310 by controlling a plurality of switches.

[0394] The control unit 300 can control driving signals (or pen driving signals) output from each driving circuit unit 310 connected to the plurality of 2a patterns 102a' and the plurality of 2b patterns 102b'. The control unit 300 can control any two driving circuits 310 electrically connected to the plurality of 2a patterns 102a' and the plurality of 2b patterns 102b' to output opposite pulse signals. Therefore, the control unit 300 can variably change and set the size and position of the current loop.

[0395] In the stylus sensing mode (or stylus downlink mode), the controller 300 can electrically connect a plurality of sensing circuit units 330 for stylus sensing to a plurality of first patterns 101A' and a plurality of third patterns 103A' of the sensor unit 100A'. The controller 300 can control a plurality of switches to electrically connect conductive patterns connected to the plurality of first patterns 101A' and a plurality of third patterns 103A to a plurality of sensing circuit units 330.

[0396] The touch input device 500′ shown in FIG. 29 differs from the touch input device shown in FIG. 24 in the configuration of the plurality of first and second patterns 101A′ and 102A′ of the sensor unit 100A′. That is, the plurality of first and second patterns 101A′ and 102A′ are obtained by dividing the first and second patterns 101A and 102A of FIG. 24 in half, and therefore are twice as many as the plurality of first and second patterns 101A and 102A of FIG. 24.

[0397] Due to these structural features, the touch input device 500' shown in FIG. 29 has the disadvantage of having more channels than the touch input device 500 of FIG. 24, but has the advantage of being able to reduce power consumption because a pen drive signal can be applied only to a specific part where the stylus pen is located in an antenna drive mode for driving the stylus pen.

[0398] In addition, the touch input device shown in FIG. 29 has the disadvantage of having a slightly increased number of channels compared to the touch input device of FIG. 24, but has the advantage that the length of each of the first patterns 101A′ and second patterns 102A′ is reduced by half, thereby reducing the resistance and capacitance, thereby widening the operating frequency bandwidth of the touch driving signal applied to the patterns used as the touch driving electrodes of the sensor unit 100A′ and the pen driving signal for driving the stylus pen.

[0399] FIG. 30 is a diagram schematically illustrating a modified example of the sensor unit 100, 100' shown in FIG. 16 or FIG.

[0400] 30 may be used as the sensor unit of the touch input device according to the various embodiments of the present invention described above. Therefore, the specific structure and shape of the sensor unit 100B will be described below, and the driving method of the touch input device including the sensor unit 100B will be substituted for the above-described method.

[0401] 30, the sensor unit 100B includes a plurality of first to fourth patterns 101A, 102A, 103B, and 104B. The plurality of first to fourth patterns 101A, 102A, 103B, and 104B are arranged together in the same layer.

[0402] The first pattern 101A has a shape extending along a first direction (width direction). The first direction may be the long axis direction of the screen of the touch input device. The first pattern 101A may also be named ATX (Active TX). The first pattern 101A has a predetermined shape in which an electrical path is formed along the first direction (width direction).

[0403] The first pattern 101A 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.

[0404] The first pattern 101A may have an opening in which the second pattern 102A is disposed. The shape of the opening may correspond to the outer shape of the first pattern 101A. The first pattern 101A may have a structure that surrounds the second pattern 102A. The first pattern 101A is disposed at a predetermined distance from the second pattern 102A.

[0405] The second pattern 102A has a shape extending along the first direction, is disposed adjacent to the first pattern 101A, and is disposed at a predetermined distance from the first pattern 101A. The second pattern 102A may also be named DTX (Dummy TX). The second pattern 102A has a predetermined shape that forms an electrical path along the first direction (width direction) adjacent to the first pattern 101A.

[0406] The second pattern 102A is disposed inside the first pattern 101A.

[0407] The second pattern 102A 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 has a diamond shape, but is not limited thereto and may have various shapes different from the connecting pattern portion.

[0408] The main pattern portion of second pattern 102A may have a shape corresponding to the main pattern portion of first pattern 101A, and the connect pattern portion of second pattern 102A may have a shape corresponding to the connect pattern portion of first pattern 101A.

[0409] The other ends (second side ends) of the second patterns 102A are electrically connected to one another by the second conductive pattern D2.

[0410] The third pattern 103B is disposed above and below one connecting pattern portion of the first pattern 101A. The third pattern 103B may have a diamond shape, but is not limited thereto and may have various shapes different from the connecting pattern portion. The third pattern 103B may have an opening within which the fourth pattern 104B is disposed. The shape of the opening may correspond to the outer shape of the third pattern 103B. The third pattern 103B may have a structure surrounding the fourth pattern 104B. The third pattern 103B is disposed at a predetermined distance from the fourth pattern 104B. The third pattern 103B may also be called ARX (Active RX), and the fourth pattern 104B may also be called DRX (Dummy RX).

[0411] The third patterns 103B arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction are electrically connected by the third conductive pattern D3. Therefore, the third patterns arranged along the second direction are electrically connected by the third conductive pattern D3, which may be the same as the electrical connection direction (electrical path) of the third pattern 103 shown in FIG. 16 or 19.

[0412] The third conductive pattern D3 is disposed so as to cross the connecting pattern portion of the first pattern 101A disposed between two adjacent third patterns. The third conductive pattern D3 may also be called a conductive bridge. Both ends of the third conductive pattern D3 are connected to vias connected to the third pattern 103B.

[0413] The fourth patterns 104B arranged along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction are electrically connected by the fourth conductive pattern D4. Therefore, the fourth patterns arranged along the second direction are electrically connected by the fourth conductive pattern D4, which may be the same as the electrical connection direction (electrical path) of the fourth patterns 104 shown in FIG. 16 or 19.

[0414] The fourth conductive pattern D4 is disposed to cross the connecting pattern portion of the first pattern 101A disposed between two adjacent fourth patterns 104B. The fourth conductive pattern D4 is disposed furthest from the connecting portion of the multiple fourth patterns 104B and electrically connects the fourth patterns 104B arranged along the first direction. The fourth conductive pattern D4 may also be called a conductive bridge. Both ends of the fourth conductive pattern D4 are connected to vias connected to the fourth patterns 104B.

[0415] The first through fourth patterns 101A, 102A, 103B, and 104B may be disposed together on the same first layer, and the second through fourth conductive patterns D2, D3, and D4 may be disposed together on the same second layer, where the first and second layers are physically and electrically separated from each other.

[0416] FIG. 31 shows a modification of the sensor unit shown in FIG.

[0417] 31, in the sensor unit, the 1-1 pattern portions located at the first and / or second side ends among the plurality of 1-1 pattern portions have a shape that is open in a first direction (or a lateral direction), and therefore, the 1-2 pattern portions located at the first and / or second side ends among the plurality of 1-2 pattern portions may be exposed to the outside.

[0418] The first-2 pattern portions located at the second end of the plurality of first-2 pattern portions are electrically connected to each other through a connection pattern without vias. Here, the connection pattern may be a conductive trace. Compared to FIG. 30, the first-2 pattern portions located at the second end of the plurality of first-2 pattern portions are advantageously arranged in the same layer as the connection pattern without being connected through vias.

[0419] In addition, in the sensor unit, the 2-1 pattern portions located at the first and / or second side ends among the plurality of 2-1 pattern portions have a shape that is open in the second direction (or vertical direction), and therefore the 2-2 pattern portions located at the first and / or second side ends among the plurality of 2-2 pattern portions may be exposed to the outside.

[0420] The 2-2 pattern portions located at the second end of the plurality of 2-2 pattern portions are electrically connected to each other through a connection pattern without vias. Here, the connection pattern may be a conductive trace. Compared to FIG. 30, the 2-2 pattern portions located at the second end of the plurality of 2-2 pattern portions are advantageously not connected to each other through vias but are arranged in the same layer as the connection pattern.

[0421] The sensor unit shown in FIG. 31 is also controlled by the controller 300 and can be driven in any one of a touch sensing mode, an antenna driving mode, and a stylus sensing mode. Specifically, in the touch sensing mode, the controller 300 controls ATX1, ATX2, and ATX3 to apply touch driving signals and receives touch receiving signals from ARX1, ARX2, and ARX3 to detect a touch position. In the antenna driving mode, the controller 300 can apply pen driving signals to DTX1, DTX2, and DTX3, or pen driving signals to DRX1, DRX2, and DRX3. In the stylus sensing mode, the controller 300 can receive pen receiving signals from ATX1, ATX2, and ATX3 and ARX1, ARX2, and ARX3 to detect a stylus pen position. Various combinations of Table 2 can be applied to the sensor unit 200′ of FIG. 31. Therefore, the sensor unit of FIG. 31 can be driven in various ways by the control unit 300 in one of a touch sensing mode, an antenna driving mode, and a stylus sensing mode.

[0422] FIG. 32 is a diagram showing another modified example of the sensor unit.

[0423] Referring to FIG. 32, the structures of the main pattern portions of the first to fourth patterns 101', 102', 103', and 104' are different from those in FIG.

[0424] In FIG. 32, the outer periphery of the second pattern 102′ or the fourth pattern 104′ is formed with a concave-convex structure, and the openings of the first pattern 101′ or the fourth pattern 104′ have a shape corresponding to the outer periphery structure of the second pattern 102′ or the fourth pattern 104′.

[0425] This structure has the advantage of being able to improve the mutual capacitance Cm between the first pattern 101' and the second pattern 102' in the same layer, and also being able to improve the mutual capacitance Cm between the third pattern 103' and the fourth pattern 104' in another same layer. As the mutual capacitance Cm is improved, the voltage output from the sensing circuit unit of the control unit 300 in the stylus sensing mode can be increased. Therefore, the stylus sensing sensitivity can be improved.

[0426] Here, the modified example shown in FIG. 32 can be applied as is to the sensor units according to the various embodiments described above.

[0427] FIG. 33 shows yet another modified example of the sensor unit.

[0428] The sensor unit 100'' shown in FIG. 33 further includes a number of fifth patterns 105 and a number of sixth patterns 106 compared to the sensor unit 100A shown in FIG.

[0429] The plurality of fifth patterns 105 are arranged in the same layer (second layer) as the plurality of first patterns 101, and are arranged in a plurality of rows along the first and second directions.

[0430] Each fifth pattern 105 includes a shape that corresponds to and overlaps a part of the main pattern portion of the third pattern 103 arranged on another layer (first layer), and is electrically connected to the fourth pattern 104 arranged on another layer (first layer) through a via.

[0431] The plurality of fifth patterns 105 may form a mutual capacitance Cm in the vertical direction with the plurality of 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.

[0432] The plurality of sixth patterns 106 are arranged in the same layer (first layer) as the plurality of third patterns 103, and are arranged in a large number along the first direction and the second direction.

[0433] Each sixth pattern 106 includes a shape that corresponds to and overlaps a part of the main pattern portion of the first pattern 101 disposed on another layer (second layer), and is electrically connected to the second pattern 102 disposed on another layer (second layer) through a via.

[0434] The sixth patterns 106 may form a mutual capacitance Cm in the vertical direction with the first patterns 101. In addition, since the sixth patterns 106 are electrically connected to the second patterns 102 inside the first patterns 101, the first patterns 101 may form a mutual capacitance Cm not only with the second patterns 102 but also with the sixth patterns 106.

[0435] 33 has the advantage that mutual capacitance can be formed not only in the horizontal direction but also in the vertical direction of the first pattern 101, and mutual capacitance can be formed not only in the horizontal direction but also in the vertical 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 300 can be increased, thereby improving the stylus sensing sensitivity.

[0436] Here, the modified example shown in FIG. 33 can be applied as is to the sensor units according to the various embodiments described above.

[0437] FIG. 34 shows yet another modified example of the sensor unit.

[0438] The sensor unit 100''' shown in FIG. 34 differs from the sensor unit 100A shown in FIG. 24 in that a portion of the second pattern 102' is arranged on a different layer from the remaining portion. Specifically, the second pattern 102' includes a plurality of main pattern portions and a connecting pattern portion connecting two adjacent main pattern portions of the plurality of main pattern portions, and the plurality of main pattern portions of the second pattern 102' are arranged on a different layer from the plurality of connecting pattern portions of the second pattern 102'.

[0439] The multiple main pattern portions of the second pattern 102' are arranged on the same layer as the third pattern 103 and the fourth pattern 104, and the multiple connecting pattern portions of the second pattern 102' are arranged on the same layer as the first pattern 101, as in FIG.

[0440] Similar to the sensor unit 100A shown in FIG. 24, the sensor unit 100''' shown in FIG. 34 may be driven in a touch sensing mode, an antenna driving mode, or a stylus pen sensing mode by the control unit 300. Also, various combinations of Table 2 can be applied to the sensor unit 100''' shown in FIG. 34. Therefore, the sensor unit 100''' shown in FIG. 34 can be driven in any one of the touch sensing mode, the antenna driving mode, and the stylus sensing mode by the control unit 300 in various ways.

[0441] FIG. 35 shows yet another modified example of the sensor unit.

[0442] The sensor unit 100'''' shown in FIG. 35 is different from the sensor unit 100''' shown in FIG. 34 in that a portion of a fourth pattern 104' is disposed on a different layer from the remaining portion. Specifically, the fourth pattern 104' includes a plurality of main pattern portions and a connecting pattern portion connecting two adjacent main pattern portions of the plurality of main pattern portions, and the plurality of main pattern portions of the fourth pattern 104' are disposed 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 disposed on the same layer as the first pattern 101, and the plurality of connecting pattern portions of the fourth pattern 104' are disposed on the same layer as the plurality of main pattern portions of the second pattern 102' and the third pattern 103.

[0443] 35, the first pattern 101, the multiple connecting pattern portions of the second pattern 102', and the multiple main pattern portions of the fourth pattern 104' are arranged on a first layer, and the third pattern 103, the multiple connecting pattern portions of the fourth pattern 104', and the multiple main pattern portions of the second pattern 102' are arranged on a second layer. Here, the first layer and the second layer are different layers, and they may be positioned such that one is arranged on top of the other.

[0444] 24, the sensor unit 100'''' shown in FIG. 35 may be driven in a touch sensing mode, an antenna driving mode, or a stylus pen sensing mode by the control unit 300. Also, various combinations of Table 2 can be applied to the sensor unit 100'''' shown in FIG. 35. Therefore, the sensor unit 100'''' shown in FIG. 35 can be driven in any one of the touch sensing mode, the antenna driving mode, and the stylus sensing mode by the control unit 300 in various ways.

[0445] FIG. 36 shows yet another modified example of the sensor unit.

[0446] The sensor unit 100''''' shown in FIG. 36 is a modified version of the sensor unit 100'''' shown in FIG. 35. Compared to the sensor unit 100'''' shown in FIG. 35, the sensor unit 100''''' shown in FIG. 36 differs in the second pattern 102'' and the fourth pattern 104''.

[0447] 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 portions 102a'' is larger than that of the second pattern 102' of the sensor unit 100'''' shown in FIG. 35. The size and shape of the main pattern portions 102a'' may correspond to those of the main pattern portions of the first pattern 101.

[0448] The fourth pattern 104'' includes a plurality of main pattern portions 104a'' and a plurality of connecting pattern portions 104b', and the main pattern portions 104a'' are larger than the main pattern portions of the fourth pattern 104' of the sensor unit 100'''' shown in FIG. 35. The main pattern portions 104a'' may have a size and shape corresponding to the main pattern portions of the third pattern 103.

[0449] Since the main pattern portion 102a'' of the second pattern 102'' is larger than the main pattern portion of the second pattern 102' of FIG. 35, the corresponding area with the first pattern 101 is increased, 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.

[0450] 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. 35, 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 can be further improved in the stylus sensing mode.

[0451] FIG. 37 is a diagram showing yet another modified example of the sensor unit.

[0452] Compared to the sensor unit 100A shown in FIG. 24, the sensor unit 100'''''' shown in FIG. 37 has the other ends (second side ends) of the multiple second patterns 102 and the other ends (second side ends) of the multiple fourth patterns 104 electrically connected to each other.

[0453] In this configuration, when the sensor unit 100' is operated in the stylus sensing mode, one fourth pattern 104 is electrically connected to not only other fourth patterns but also a number of second patterns 102, which has the advantage of further reducing impedance.

[0454] 24, the sensor unit 100'''''' shown in FIG. 37 may be driven in a touch sensing mode, an antenna driving mode, or a stylus pen sensing mode by the control unit 300. Also, various combinations of Table 2 can be applied to the sensor unit 100'''''' shown in FIG. 37. Therefore, the sensor unit 100'''' shown in FIG. 37 can be driven in any one of the touch sensing mode, the antenna driving mode, and the stylus sensing mode by the control unit 300 in various ways.

[0455] FIG. 38 shows yet another modified example of the sensor unit.

[0456] The sensor unit 100''''''' shown in Figure 38 differs from the sensor unit 100A shown in Figure 24 in that the second pattern 102' and the fourth pattern 104' are different, and the sensor unit 100''''''' further includes a plurality of fifth patterns 105' and a plurality of sixth patterns 106', and further includes capacitors (caps) electrically connected to the fifth patterns 105' and the sixth patterns 106'. The remaining configuration is the same, so the remaining parts will be described in detail below.

[0457] 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' is disposed in the same layer (second layer) as the first pattern 101.

[0458] The fourth pattern 104' may be a bar pattern disposed inside the third pattern 103 and extending in a first direction. Here, the fourth pattern 104' may have a constant width. The fourth pattern 104' is disposed in the same layer (first layer) as the third pattern 103.

[0459] The plurality of fifth patterns 105′ are disposed on the same layer (second layer) as the plurality of first patterns 101 and are arranged in a plurality of rows along the first and second directions. The plurality of fifth patterns 105′ may be arranged in a plurality of rows between the plurality of first patterns 101.

[0460] Each fifth pattern 105' corresponds to and includes an overlapping shape with a main pattern portion of the third pattern 103 disposed on another layer (first layer), and is electrically connected to the fourth pattern 104' disposed on another layer (first layer) through a via.

[0461] The fifth patterns 105' electrically connected to one of the fourth patterns 104' are arranged in the second direction. A predetermined capacitor (cap) is connected to the fifth pattern 105' arranged at the other edge of the fifth patterns 105' arranged in the second direction. The capacitor (cap) may be grounded. The fifth pattern 105' arranged at the other edge of the fifth patterns 105' arranged in the second direction is the pattern electrically connected farthest from the controller 300 shown in FIG. 24. Although not shown in a separate drawing, the capacitor (cap) may be connected between the fifth pattern 105' and an ELVSS of the display panel (not shown). One end of the capacitor (cap) may be connected to the fifth pattern 105', and the other end may be connected to another layer (first layer) on which the third pattern 103, the fourth pattern 104', and the sixth pattern 106' are arranged.

[0462] The plurality of fifth patterns 105' may form a mutual capacitance Cm in the vertical direction with the plurality of 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'.

[0463] The sixth patterns 106′ are arranged in the same layer (first layer) as the third patterns 103 and are arranged in a plurality of rows along the first and second directions. The sixth patterns 106′ may be arranged in a plurality of rows between the third patterns 103.

[0464] Each sixth pattern 106' corresponds to and includes an overlapping shape with a main pattern portion of the first pattern 101 disposed on another layer (second layer), and is electrically connected to the second pattern 102' disposed on another layer (second layer) through a via.

[0465] The sixth patterns 106' electrically connected to one of the second patterns 102' among the sixth patterns 106' are arranged in the first direction. A predetermined 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. The sixth pattern 106' arranged at the other edge of the sixth patterns 106' arranged in the first direction is the pattern electrically connected farthest from the controller 300 shown in FIG. 24. Although not shown in a separate drawing, the capacitor (cap) may be connected between the sixth pattern 106' and an ELVSS of the display panel (not shown). One end of the capacitor (cap) may be connected to the sixth pattern 106', and the other end may be connected to another layer (a second layer) on which the first pattern 101, the second pattern 102', and the fifth pattern 105' are arranged.

[0466] The sixth patterns 106' may form a mutual capacitance Cm in the vertical direction with the first patterns 101. In addition, since the sixth patterns 106' are electrically connected to the second patterns 102' inside the first patterns 101, the first patterns 101 may form a mutual capacitance Cm not only with the second patterns 102' but also with the sixth patterns 106'.

[0467] 38 has the advantage that mutual capacitance can be formed not only in the horizontal direction but also in the vertical direction of the first pattern 101, and mutual capacitance can be formed not only in the horizontal direction but also in the vertical 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 300 can be increased, thereby improving the stylus sensing sensitivity.

[0468] Furthermore, unlike the second pattern 102 and the fourth pattern 104 of the sensor unit 100A of Figure 24, the second pattern 102' and the fourth pattern 104' do not have a diamond-shaped main pattern portion, which has the advantage of further improving visibility compared to the sensor unit 100A of Figure 24 when a display panel is located below the sensor unit 100''''''''.

[0469] 24, the sensor unit 100''''''' shown in FIG. 39 may be driven in a touch sensing mode, an antenna driving mode, or a stylus pen sensing mode by the control unit 300. Also, various combinations of Table 2 can be applied to the sensor unit 100'''''''' shown in FIG. 39. Therefore, the sensor unit 100''''''' shown in FIG. 39 can be driven in any one of the touch sensing mode, the antenna driving mode, and the stylus sensing mode by the control unit 300 in various ways.

[0470] Meanwhile, although not shown in a separate drawing, a capacitor (cap) may be electrically connected to the other end of each of the second and fourth patterns 102 and 104, without the fifth and sixth patterns 105' and 106'. Furthermore, in the sensor units according to the various embodiments described above, the other ends of the second and fourth patterns may not be connected to each other, but a capacitor may be connected to each other end.

[0471] FIG. 39 shows yet another modified example of the sensor unit.

[0472] In the case of the sensor unit 100A of Fig. 24, when the stylus pen 10 is positioned on the right edge (or left edge) of the sensor unit 100A, it may be difficult for the stylus pen 10 to provide a sufficient magnetic field signal, and the signal emitted from the stylus pen 10 may not be large enough. To solve this problem, the sensor unit 100'''''''' shown in Fig. 39 further includes a first trace t1 and a second trace t2 in addition to the sensor unit 100A shown in Fig. 24.

[0473] The first trace t1 and the second trace t2 are directly connected to the conductive trace t0 that electrically connects the other ends of the multiple second patterns 102, and are arranged in an inactive area that is outside the active area tp (or touch area) of the touch input device. Here, at least a portion of the conductive trace t0 may also be arranged outside the active area tp. The active area tp refers to an area that can be directly touched by an object, such as a finger or a stylus pen 10, and an inactive area is arranged around the active area tp. The inactive area may be, for example, a bezel area.

[0474] Specifically, the first trace t1 may be disposed in an inactive area outside the active area tp, one end of which may be directly connected to the conductive trace t0, and the other end of which may be connected to the driving circuit unit of the control unit 300 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.

[0475] The second trace t2 is arranged in an inactive area outside the active area tp, and one end may be directly connected to the conductive trace t0, and the other end may be connected to the driving circuit unit of the control unit 300 via a switch sw in the antenna driving mode.

[0476] The first trace t1 may be disposed in the inactive region surrounding one of the left and right sides of the active region tp, and the second trace t2 may be disposed in the inactive region surrounding the other side of the active region tp.

[0477] The first trace t1 and the second trace t2 can provide a sufficient magnetic field signal to the stylus pen 10 even when the stylus pen 10 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. 25. Therefore, in the touch input device including the sensor unit 100'''''''' shown in FIG. 39, the stylus pen 10 can receive a sufficient magnetic field signal and emit a sufficient signal no matter where the stylus pen 10 is located in the active area tp.

[0478] Each of the first and second traces t1 and t2 of the sensor unit 100'''''''' shown in FIG. 39 is responsible for one channel in FIG. 25, and the driving method shown in FIG. 25 can be applied as is.

[0479] 24, the sensor unit 100'''''''' shown in FIG. 39 may be driven in a touch sensing mode, an antenna driving mode, or a stylus pen sensing mode by the control unit 300. Also, various combinations of Table 2 can be applied to the sensor unit 100'''''''' shown in FIG. 39. Therefore, the sensor unit 100'''''''' shown in FIG. 39 can be driven in any one of the touch sensing mode, the antenna driving mode, and the stylus sensing mode by the control unit 300 in various ways.

[0480] FIG. 40 is a diagram illustrating a first modified example of the fifth pattern 105 shown in FIG.

[0481] Referring to FIG. 40, 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.

[0482] 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.

[0483] A portion of the fifth pattern 105' may be arranged to overlap the third pattern 103 in the vertical direction, and another portion may be arranged to overlap the fourth pattern 104 in the vertical direction. For example, the outer edge portion of the fifth pattern 105' may overlap the inner edge portion of the third pattern 103 arranged in another layer. The inner edge portion of the fifth pattern 105' may overlap the outer edge portion of the fourth pattern 104 arranged in another layer.

[0484] The fifth pattern 105′ is electrically connected to the fourth pattern 104 arranged on another layer through conductive vias v. Here, the number of vias v may be large and may be arranged on the outer edge portion of the fourth pattern 104.

[0485] The fifth pattern 105' may form a mutual capacitance Cm in the vertical direction with the third pattern 103 disposed in another layer. In addition, the fifth pattern 105' is electrically connected to the fourth pattern 104 inside the third pattern 103 through the via v, so that 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.

[0486] Although not shown in a separate drawing, the sixth pattern 106 shown in FIG. 33 may also have the same shape as the fifth pattern 105′ shown in FIG. 40. In this case, the outer edge of the sixth pattern (not shown) may overlap the inner edge of the first pattern 101 disposed in another layer, and the inner edge of the sixth pattern (not shown) may overlap the outer edge of the second pattern 102 disposed in another layer. The sixth pattern (not shown) may be electrically connected to the second pattern 102 disposed in another layer through a conductive via. Similarly, the sixth pattern (not shown) may also form a mutual capacitance in the vertical direction with the first pattern 101. Since the sixth pattern (not shown) is electrically connected to the second pattern 102 inside the first pattern 101, the first pattern 101 may ultimately form a mutual capacitance Cm not only with the second pattern 102 but also with the sixth pattern (not shown).

[0487] 40 can form mutual capacitance not only in the horizontal direction but also in the vertical direction of the third pattern 103, and the sensor unit including the sixth pattern (not shown) can also form mutual capacitance not only in the horizontal direction but also in the vertical direction of the first pattern 101. Therefore, the voltage value output from the sensing circuit unit of the control unit can be increased in the stylus sensing mode, thereby improving stylus sensing sensitivity.

[0488] FIG. 41 is a modification of FIG.

[0489] FIG. 40 shows that the fifth pattern 105' is arranged below the third and fourth patterns 103 and 104, while FIG. 41 shows that the fifth pattern 105' is arranged above the third and fourth patterns 103 and 104.

[0490] The structure of the fifth pattern 105' shown in FIGS. 40 and 41 can be applied to the sensor units according to the various embodiments described above.

[0491] FIG. 42 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the fifth pattern 105' shown in FIG.

[0492] Referring to FIG. 42, the fifth pattern 105'' has the same shape and position as the fifth pattern 105' shown in FIG. 40. The fifth pattern 105'' differs from the fifth pattern 105' shown in FIG. 40 in that the fifth pattern 105'' is electrically connected to the third pattern 103 arranged on another layer through a conductive via v. The via v is arranged on the inner edge of the third pattern 103.

[0493] 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.

[0494] The sensor unit including the modified fifth pattern 105'' shown in FIG. 42 also has the advantage of being able to form mutual capacitance not only in the horizontal direction but also in the vertical direction.

[0495] FIG. 43 is a modification of FIG.

[0496] FIG. 42 shows that the fifth pattern 105'' is arranged below the third and fourth patterns 103, 104, while FIG. 43 shows that the fifth pattern 105'' is arranged above the third and fourth patterns 103, 104.

[0497] The structure of the fifth pattern 105' shown in FIGS. 42 and 43 can be applied to the sensor units according to the various embodiments described above.

[0498] 44 and 45 are diagrams for explaining modified examples of the third pattern 103 and the fourth pattern 104 in the sensor unit shown in FIG. 34 or 35. In FIG.

[0499] 44 and 45, the third pattern 103 and the fourth pattern 104 according to the modified example are arranged on different layers, and a portion of the third pattern 103 and a portion of the fourth pattern 104 are arranged to overlap in the up-down direction (or vertical direction). For example, the inner edge portion of the third pattern 103 may be arranged to overlap in the vertical direction with the outer edge portion of the fourth pattern 104. In FIG. 44, the third pattern 103 is arranged above the fourth pattern 104, and in FIG. 45, the third pattern 103 is arranged below the fourth pattern 104.

[0500] The sensor unit including the third and fourth patterns 103 and 104 shown in Figures 44 and 45 may form a mutual capacitance Cc_Tx in the vertical direction rather than the horizontal direction. Although not shown in separate drawings, the first and second patterns 101 and 102 shown in Figures 34 and 35 may also have the structure shown in Figures 44 and 45.

[0501] The modified structures shown in FIGS. 44 and 45 can be applied to the sensor units according to the various embodiments described above.

[0502] FIG. 46 is a diagram schematically illustrating a portion of a touch input device according to yet another embodiment.

[0503] A touch unit (or touch device) 260 included in a touch input device according to yet another embodiment includes a touch panel 261 and a touch controller 262 that controls the touch panel 261. The touch controller 262 may include a first driver / receiver 2620 and a second driver / receiver 2622 that transmit and receive signals to and from the touch panel 261, and a controller 2624.

[0504] The touch panel 261 may include a plurality of first touch electrodes 111-1 to 111-m for detecting touch coordinates in a first direction and a plurality of second touch electrodes 121-1 to 121-n for detecting touch coordinates in a second direction intersecting the first direction. For example, the plurality of first touch electrodes 111-1 to 111-m may extend in the second direction, and the plurality of second touch electrodes 121-1 to 121-n may extend in the first direction. In the touch panel 261, the plurality of first touch electrodes 111-1 to 111-m may be arranged along the first direction, and the plurality of second touch electrodes 121-1 to 121-n may be arranged along the second direction.

[0505] The first driving / receiving unit 2620 may apply driving signals to the plurality of first touch electrodes 111-1 to 111-m, and the second driving / receiving unit 2622 may receive sensing signals from the plurality of second touch electrodes 121-1 to 121-n.

[0506] Although the touch panel 261 has been described above as being implemented using a mutual capacitance method, the touch panel 261 may also be implemented using a self-capacitance method. It would be easy for an ordinary engineer to appropriately modify the touch electrodes 111-1 to 111-m, 121-1 to 121-n, the first driving / receiving unit 2620, and the second driving / receiving unit 2622 in the mutual capacitance method, add new components, or omit some components to modify them to suit the self-capacitance method.

[0507] That is, the touch panel 261 may include a plurality of self-capacitance type touch electrodes (or touch patterns), in which case the touch electrodes (or touch patterns) may be arranged in a dot pattern or may be arranged in a unidirectional pattern as described above.

[0508] Next, the electrodes (or patterns) and traces will be described with reference to FIG.

[0509] FIG. 47 is a diagram illustrating an example of an arrangement of electrodes (or patterns) and traces of a touch unit according to an embodiment.

[0510] The sensor unit of the touch unit may include an antenna to which the touch electrodes 111 and 121 and dummy electrodes are connected. For example, a plurality of dummy electrodes 121D may be located on the same layer as the touch electrodes 111 and 121, and some of the plurality of dummy electrodes 121D may be connected by a bridge 121b. The bridge 121b may be connected to the pads 113a and 113b via the trace 112.

[0511] The touch controller 262 can apply a drive signal to the antenna 121a to resonate the stylus pen 10. The drive signal can include a signal (e.g., a sine wave, a square wave, etc.) having a frequency corresponding to the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit unit 12, and can be an AC voltage or AC current having a predetermined frequency. The frequency and magnitude of the drive signal can be changed under the control of the control unit 2624. Specifically, the touch controller 262 can apply a drive signal to one of two adjacent bridges 121b and ground the other.

[0512] The touch electrodes 111 and 121 are connected to pads 113a and 113b via traces 112, 122a and 122b in the peripheral region located at the edge of the touch area. The first touch electrodes 111-1, 111-2, 111-3, ... are connected to the corresponding traces 112, and the second touch electrodes 121-1, 121-2, 121-3, ... are connected to the corresponding traces 122a and 122b.

[0513] The touch electrodes 111 and 121 and the traces 112, 122a, and 122b may be formed on the same layer. The touch electrodes 111 and 121 and the traces 112, 122a, and 122b may be formed of a conductive material exhibiting high transmittance and low impedance, such as a metal mesh or a silver nanowire. However, the touch electrodes 111 and 121 and the traces 112, 122a, and 122b may be located on different layers and may be made of, but are not limited to, ITO or graphene.

[0514] The pads 113a and 113b are connected to the touch controller 262, and transmit signals (eg, drive signals) from the touch controller 262 to the touch electrodes 111 and 121, and transmit signals (eg, sense signals) from the touch electrodes 111 and 121 to the touch controller 262.

[0515] FIG. 48 is a diagram illustrating another example of an arrangement of electrodes (or patterns) and traces of a touch unit according to an embodiment.

[0516] Similar to FIG. 47, touch electrodes 111, 121 are coupled to pads 113a, 113b via traces 112, 122a, 122b in the peripheral region located on the edge of the touch area.

[0517] Each touch electrode has two signal input terminals, and the two signal input terminals are connected to two corresponding traces. For example, the second touch electrode 121-9 is a "U"-shaped electrode, and has a first signal input terminal TE1 located at the top and a second signal input terminal TE2 located at the bottom.

[0518] One of the two signal input terminals may be connected to ground or to the driver / receiver 2620 via a switch. For example, the first signal input terminal TE1 is connected to the driver / receiver 2620, and the second signal input terminal TE2 is connected to a switch SW. The switch SW connects the second signal input terminal TE2 to ground or to the driver / receiver 2620.

[0519] The touch controller 262 may apply a driving signal by connecting one signal input terminal to ground to resonate the stylus pen 10. The touch controller 262 may simultaneously receive sensing signals from two signal input terminals. Furthermore, when driving for a general finger touch, the touch controller 262 may apply driving signals of the same phase to the two signal input terminals.

[0520] Although it has been described above that one signal input terminal is connected to ground and a driving signal is applied thereto, the touch controller 262 may apply driving signals of opposite phases to two signal input terminals.

[0521] Next, with reference to FIG. 49, signals induced in the touch electrodes 111 and 121 and the traces 112, 122a, and 122b when the stylus pen 10a or 10b is positioned on the touch screen 20 will be described.

[0522] FIG. 49 illustrates a case where a stylus pen is positioned on a sensor unit of a touch unit according to an embodiment.

[0523] As shown in FIG. 49, the inductor portions 14 of the stylus pens 10a and 10b are located on the touch screen 20 between the first touch electrodes 111-5 and 111-6 and between the second touch electrodes 121-8 and 121-9.

[0524] The stylus pens 10a and 10b resonate in response to a drive signal applied to the antenna 121a or the touch electrodes 111 and 121 having two signal input terminals. The resonance causes a current Ir to flow through the coil of the inductor unit 14. This current Ir generates an eddy current in the touch electrodes 111 and 121 and the traces 112, 122a, and 122b. This eddy current is formed in the opposite direction to the current Ir.

[0525] Therefore, currents Ia1 and Ia2 are formed in the -Y-axis direction in first touch electrodes 111-4 and 111-5 located on the left side (-X-axis direction) of inductor unit 14, and currents Ia3 and Ia4 are formed in the +Y-axis direction in first touch electrodes 111-6 and 111-7 located on the right side (+X-axis direction) of inductor unit 14. That is, the direction of the current induced in first touch electrodes 111-1 to 111-5 and the direction of the current induced in first touch electrodes 111-6 to 111-10 are opposite to each other.

[0526] Currents Ib1 and Ib2 are induced in the -Y-axis direction in second touch electrodes 121-7 and 121-8 located above inductor unit 14 (in the +Y-axis direction), and currents Ib3 and Ib4 are induced in the +X-axis direction in second touch electrodes 121-9 and 121-10 located below inductor unit 14 (in the -Y-axis direction). That is, the direction of the current induced in second touch electrodes 121-1 to 121-8 is opposite to the direction of the current induced in second touch electrodes 121-9 to 121-16.

[0527] Currents Ic1 and Ic2 flow in the negative Y-axis direction in trace 122a located on the left side of inductor section 14, and currents Ic3 and Ic4 flow in the positive Y-axis direction in trace 122b located on the right side of inductor section 14. In other words, the direction of the current induced in trace 122a and the direction of the current induced in trace 122b are opposite to each other.

[0528] The direction of the current induced in the second touch electrodes 121-1 to 121-8 is the same as the direction of the current induced in the trace 122a connected to the second touch electrodes 121-1 to 121-8. The direction of the current induced in the second touch electrodes 121-9 to 121-16 is opposite to the direction of the current induced in the trace 122b connected to the second touch electrodes 121-9 to 121-16.

[0529] Looking at the direction of the current in detail with respect to pads 113a and 113b, at a certain point in time, current may be drawn from second touch electrodes 121-1 to 121-8 to pad 113a. Depending on the magnitude of the current induced in second touch electrodes 121-9 to 121-16 and trace 122b connected thereto, current may be drawn from pad 113b to second touch electrodes 121-9 to 121-16, or from second touch electrodes 121-9 to 121-16 to pad 113b. However, in FIG. 49, inductor portion 14 of stylus pen 10 is located closer to second touch electrodes 121-9 to 121-16 than trace 122b, so current may be drawn from second touch electrodes 121-9 to 121-16 to pad 113b.

[0530] Separately, in the case of the stylus pen 10b of FIG. 4(b), the electric field signal E is output to the touch electrodes 111 and 121, and thus the sensing signals are received according to the electric field signal E applied to the first touch electrodes 111-5 and 111-6 and the second touch electrodes 121-8 and 121-9.

[0531] In this regard, a method for measuring a signal from the touch unit 260 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0532] FIG. 50 is a graph showing a method for measuring a signal of a touch portion according to the embodiment shown in FIGS.

[0533] FIG. 50 shows a voltage change V8 of the second touch electrode 121-8 and a voltage change V9 of the second touch electrode 121-9 in which currents are induced in opposite directions.

[0534] The first driver / receiver 2620 and the second driver / receiver 2622 sample the voltage change according to the frequency of the drive signal to measure the sensing signal according to the voltage change. At least one sampling point (I, Q, IB, QB) may be any timing that can be periodically set in relation to the frequency of the drive signal. For example, the period between I and I is equal to half the period of the drive signal.

[0535] The sense signal is the difference between the voltage measured at time I and the voltage measured at time IB. JPEG0007728048000009.jpg817, and / or the difference between the voltage measured at time Q and the voltage measured at time QB Contains JPEG0007728048000010.jpg1016.

[0536] Next, the sensing signal by the stylus pen 10b in FIG. 4(b) will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0537] 51 and 52 are graphs illustrating sensing signals from a stylus pen according to an embodiment.

[0538] FIG. 51 is a graph of the sensing signals received from the first touch electrodes 111-1 to 111-10.

[0539] 51, the currents are induced in opposite directions between the first touch electrodes 111-1 to 111-5 and the first touch electrodes 111-6 to 111-10, and therefore the measured sensing signal AB1 has opposite signs between the first touch electrodes 111-5 and 111-6. Also, since a larger current is induced closer to the inductor unit 14, the magnitude of the current induced in the first touch electrodes 111-5 and 111-6 is larger than the magnitude of the current induced in the other first touch electrodes 111-1 to 111-4 and 111-7 to 111-10.

[0540] The stylus pen 10b outputs an electric field signal E to the first touch electrodes 111-5 and 111-6 through the conductive tip 11b, and thus a sensing signal AE1 is received.

[0541] The sensing signal AC1 received by the first driving / receiving unit 2620 has a form obtained by combining the sensing signal AB1 and the sensing signal AE1. In this case, the controller 2624 may determine the touch point between the two first touch electrodes 111-5 and 111-6 where the difference in magnitude of the sensing signal AC1 is the largest, and the exact touch point may be calculated using interpolation, etc.

[0542] FIG. 52 is a graph of the sensing signals received from the second touch electrodes 121-1 to 121-16.

[0543] 52, the currents are induced in opposite directions between second touch electrodes 121-1 to 121-8 and second touch electrodes 121-9 to 121-16, and therefore, the sense signal AB2 measured in second touch electrodes 121-8 and 121-9 has opposite signs. Also, since a larger current is induced closer to inductor unit 14, the magnitude of the current induced in second touch electrodes 121-8 and 121-9 is larger than the magnitude of the current induced in the other second touch electrodes 121-1 to 121-7 and 121-10 to 121-16.

[0544] The stylus pen 10b outputs the electric field signal E to the second touch electrodes 121-8 and 121-9 through the conductive tip 11b, and thus the sensing signal AE2 is received.

[0545] The sensing signal AC2 received by the second driving / receiving unit 2622 has a form obtained by combining the sensing signal AB2 and the sensing signal AE2. In this case, the controller 2624 may determine the touch point between the two second touch electrodes 121-8 and 121-9 where the difference in magnitude of the sensing signal AC2 is greatest, and the exact touch point may be calculated using interpolation, etc.

[0546] Next, the sensing signal by the stylus pen 10a in FIG. 4(a) will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0547] 53 and 54 are graphs showing sensing signals from a stylus pen according to another embodiment.

[0548] FIG. 53 is a graph of the sensing signals received from the first touch electrodes 111-1 to 111-10.

[0549] 53, since the currents are induced in opposite directions between the first touch electrodes 111-1 to 111-5 and the first touch electrodes 111-6 to 111-10, the sensing signal AB3 received by the first driving / receiving unit 2620 has opposite signs between the first touch electrodes 111-5 and 111-6. Also, since a larger current is induced closer to the inductor unit 14, the magnitude of the current induced in the first touch electrodes 111-5 and 111-6 is larger than the magnitude of the current induced in the other first touch electrodes 111-1 to 111-4 and 111-7 to 111-10.

[0550] In this case, the controller 2624 may determine the touch point between two first touch electrodes 111-5 and 111-6, where the signs of the sensing signal AB3 are opposite and the magnitudes of the sensing signals are large, and the exact touch point may be calculated using interpolation, etc. In this case, the controller 2624 may differentiate the sensing signal AB3 and determine the area having the maximum value as the touch point. Alternatively, the controller 2624 may receive differential signals from two adjacent first touch electrodes among the first touch electrodes 111-1 to 111-10 and determine the touch point of the stylus pen based on the maximum or minimum value of the received differential signal. For example, the controller 2624 may determine the area having the maximum or minimum value of the received differential signal as the touch point. Here, the two adjacent first touch electrodes may be two adjacent first touch electrodes (111-1 and 111-2 or 111-2 and 111-3). Alternatively, the two adjacent first touch electrodes may be two first touch electrodes (111-1 and 111-3 or 111-2 and 111-4) that are not adjacent to each other, and at least one other first touch electrode (111-2 or 111-3) may be disposed between the two first touch electrodes (111-1 and 111-3 or 111-2 and 111-4).

[0551] FIG. 54 is a graph of the sensing signals received from the second touch electrodes 121-1 to 121-16.

[0552] 54, since the currents are induced in opposite directions between the second touch electrodes 121-1 to 121-8 and the second touch electrodes 121-9 to 121-16, the sensing signal AB4 received by the second driving / receiving unit 2622 has opposite signs between the second touch electrodes 121-8 and 121-9. Also, since a larger current is induced closer to the inductor unit 14, the magnitude of the current induced in the second touch electrodes 121-8 and 121-9 is larger than the magnitude of the current induced in the other second touch electrodes 121-1 to 121-7 and 121-10 to 121-16.

[0553] In this case, the controller 2624 may determine the touch point between two second touch electrodes 121-8 and 121-9 where the signs of the sensing signal AB4 are opposite and the magnitudes of the sensing signals are large, and the exact touch point may be calculated using interpolation, etc. In this case, the controller 2624 may differentiate the sensing signal AB4 and determine the area with the maximum value as the touch point. Alternatively, the controller 2624 may receive differential signals from two adjacent second touch electrodes among the second touch electrodes 121-1 to 121-8 and determine the touch point of the stylus pen based on the maximum or minimum value of the received differential signal. For example, the controller 2624 may determine the area with the maximum or minimum value of the received differential signal as the touch point. Here, the two adjacent second touch electrodes may be two second touch electrodes (121-1 and 121-2 or 121-2 and 121-3) adjacent to each other. Alternatively, the two adjacent second touch electrodes may be two second touch electrodes (121-1 and 121-3 or 121-2 and 121-4) that are not adjacent to each other, and at least one other second touch electrode (121-2 or 121-3) may be disposed between the two second touch electrodes (121-1 and 121-3 or 121-2 and 121-4).

[0554] Next, with reference to FIG. 55, signals induced in the touch electrodes 111 and 121 and the traces 112, 122a, and 122b when the stylus pen 10a or 10b is positioned on the touch screen 20 will be described.

[0555] FIG. 55 illustrates a case where a stylus pen is positioned on a sensor unit of a touch unit according to an embodiment.

[0556] As shown in FIG. 55, the inductor portions 14 of the stylus pens 10a and 10b are located on the touch screen 20 between the first touch electrodes 111-2 and 111-3 and between the second touch electrodes 121-2 and 121-3.

[0557] The stylus pens 10a and 10b resonate in response to a drive signal applied to the antenna 121a or the touch electrodes 111 and 121 having two signal input terminals. The resonance causes a current Ir to flow through the coil of the inductor unit 14. This current Ir generates an eddy current in the touch electrodes 111 and 121 and the traces 112, 122a, and 122b. This eddy current is formed in the opposite direction to the current Ir.

[0558] Therefore, currents Ia1 and Ia2 are formed in the -Y-axis direction in first touch electrodes 111-1 and 111-2 located on the left side (-X-axis direction) of inductor unit 14, and currents Ia3 and Ia4 are formed in the +Y-axis direction in first touch electrodes 111-3 and 111-4 located on the right side (+X-axis direction) of inductor unit 14. That is, the direction of the current induced in first touch electrodes 111-1 and 111-2 is opposite to the direction of the current induced in first touch electrodes 111-3 to 111-10.

[0559] Currents Ib1 and Ib2 are formed in the -X-axis direction in second touch electrodes 121-1 and 121-2 located above inductor unit 14 (in the +Y-axis direction), and currents Ib3, Ib4, Ib5, and Ib6 are formed in the +X-axis direction in second touch electrodes 121-3, 121-4, 121-9, and 121-10 located below inductor unit 14 (in the -Y-axis direction). That is, the direction of the current induced in second touch electrodes 121-1 and 121-2 is opposite to the direction of the current induced in second touch electrodes 121-3 to 121-16.

[0560] Currents Ic1 to Ic4 are induced in the -Y-axis direction in trace 122a located on the left side of inductor section 14, and currents Ic5 and Ic6 are induced in the +Y-axis direction in trace 122b located on the right side of inductor section 14. In other words, the direction of the current induced in trace 122a and the direction of the current induced in trace 122b are opposite to each other.

[0561] Furthermore, the direction of the current induced in the second touch electrodes 121-1 and 121-2 is the same as the direction of the current induced in the trace 122a connected to the second touch electrodes 121-1 and 121-2. The direction of the current induced in the second touch electrodes 121-3 to 121-8 is opposite to the direction of the current induced in the trace 122a connected to the second touch electrodes 121-3 to 121-8. The direction of the current induced in the second touch electrodes 121-9 to 121-16 is opposite to the direction of the current induced in the trace 122b connected to the second touch electrodes 121-9 to 121-16.

[0562] At a certain point in time, when the direction of the current is examined in detail with respect to pads 113a and 113b, current may be drawn from second touch electrodes 121-1 and 121-2 to pad 113a. Depending on the magnitude of the current induced in second touch electrodes 121-3 to 121-16 and traces 122a and 122b connected thereto, current may be drawn from pads 113a and 113b to second touch electrodes 121-3 to 121-16 or drawn from second touch electrodes 121-3 to 121-16 to pads 113a and 113b.

[0563] Separately, in the case of the stylus pen 10b of FIG. 4(b), the electric field signal E is output to the touch electrodes 111 and 121, and thus sensing signals are received according to the electric field signal E applied to the first touch electrodes 111-2 and 111-3 and the second touch electrodes 121-2 and 121-3.

[0564] Next, the sensing signal by the stylus pen 10b in FIG. 4(b) will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0565] 56 and 57 are graphs illustrating sensing signals from a stylus pen according to an embodiment.

[0566] 56, the currents are induced in opposite directions between the first touch electrodes 111-1 and 111-2 and the first touch electrodes 111-3 to 111-10, and therefore the measured sensing signal AB5 has opposite signs between the first touch electrodes 111-2 and 111-3. Also, since a larger current is induced closer to the inductor unit 14, the magnitude of the current induced in the first touch electrodes 111-2 and 111-3 is larger than the magnitude of the current induced in the other first touch electrodes 111-1 and 111-4 to 111-10.

[0567] The stylus pen 10b outputs an electric field signal E to the first touch electrodes 111-2 and 111-3 through the conductive tip 11b, and thus a sensing signal AE5 is received.

[0568] The sensing signal AC5 received by the first driver / receiver 2620 has a form in which the sensing signal AB5 and the sensing signal AE5 are combined. In this case, the controller 2624 may determine the touch point between the two first touch electrodes 111-2 and 111-3 where the difference in magnitude of the sensing signal AC5 is the largest, and the exact touch point may be calculated using interpolation, etc.

[0569] FIG. 57 is a graph of the sensing signals received from the second touch electrodes 121-1 to 121-16.

[0570] 57, the currents are induced in opposite directions between the second touch electrodes 121-1 and 121-2 and the second touch electrodes 121-3 to 121-16, so that the sense signal AB6 measured by the second touch electrodes 121-2 and 121-3 has the opposite sign. Also, since a larger current is induced closer to the inductor unit 14, the magnitude of the current induced in the second touch electrodes 121-2 and 121-3 is larger than the magnitude of the current induced in the other second touch electrodes 121-1 and 121-4 to 121-16.

[0571] The stylus pen 10b outputs the electric field signal E to the second touch electrodes 121-2 and 121-3 through the conductive tip 11b, and thus the sensing signal AE6 is received.

[0572] The sensing signal AC6 received by the second driving / receiving unit 2622 has a form in which the sensing signal AB6 and the sensing signal AE6 are combined. In this case, the controller 2624 may determine the touch point between the two second touch electrodes 121-2 and 121-3 where the difference in magnitude of the sensing signal AC6 is greatest, and the exact touch point may be calculated using interpolation, etc.

[0573] Next, with reference to FIGS. 58 and 59, the sensing signal by the stylus pen 10a in FIG. 4(a) will be described.

[0574] 58 and 59 are graphs showing sensing signals from a stylus pen according to another embodiment.

[0575] FIG. 58 is a graph of the sensing signals received from the first touch electrodes 111-1 to 111-10.

[0576] 58, since the currents are induced in opposite directions between the first touch electrodes 111-1 and 111-2 and the first touch electrodes 111-3 to 111-10, the sensing signal AB7 received by the first driving / receiving unit 2620 has opposite signs between the first touch electrodes 111-2 and 111-3. Also, since a larger current is induced closer to the inductor unit 14, the magnitude of the current induced in the first touch electrodes 111-2 and 111-3 is larger than the magnitude of the current induced in the other first touch electrodes 111-1 and 111-4 to 111-10.

[0577] In this case, the control unit 2624 can determine the touch point between the two first touch electrodes 111-2 and 111-3 where the signs of the sensing signal AB7 are opposite and the magnitudes of the respective signals are large, and the exact touch point can be calculated using interpolation, etc.

[0578] FIG. 59 is a graph of the sensing signals received from the second touch electrodes 121-1 to 121-16.

[0579] 59, since the currents are induced in opposite directions between the second touch electrodes 121-1 and 121-2 and the second touch electrodes 121-3 to 121-16, the sensing signal AB8 received by the second driving / receiving unit 2622 has opposite signs between the second touch electrodes 121-2 and 121-3. Also, since a larger current is induced closer to the inductor unit 14, the magnitude of the current induced in the second touch electrodes 121-2 and 121-3 is larger than the magnitude of the current induced in the other second touch electrodes 121-1 and 121-4 to 121-16.

[0580] In this case, the control unit 2624 can determine the touch point between the two second touch electrodes 121-2 and 121-3 where the signs of the sensing signal AB8 are opposite and the magnitudes of the respective signals are large, and the exact touch point can be calculated using interpolation, etc.

[0581] Meanwhile, the signal measuring methods of the touch unit shown in Figures 49 to 59 may be applied to the sensor unit and the control unit shown in Figures 16 to 45. Specifically, any one of first to fourth patterns 101, 102, 103, and 104 shown in Figure 16 may correspond to first touch electrodes 111-1 to 111-10 or second touch electrodes 121-1 to 121-16 shown in Figure 49. For example, any one of first pattern 101 and second pattern 102 shown in Figure 16 may correspond to first touch electrodes 111-1 to 111-10 shown in Figure 49, and any one of third pattern 103 and fourth pattern 104 shown in Figure 16 may correspond to second touch electrodes 121-1 to 121-16 shown in Figure 49.

[0582] 16 corresponds to the first touch electrodes 111-1 to 111-10 shown in FIG. 49, and the third pattern 103 shown in FIG. 16 corresponds to the second touch electrodes 121-1 to 121-16 shown in FIG. 49, the plurality of first patterns 101 of the sensor unit 100 of FIG. 16 may be pen sensing patterns in the horizontal axis direction, and the plurality of third patterns 103 may be pen sensing patterns in the vertical axis direction. In this case, a controller that controls the sensor unit 100 receives stylus pen sensing signals from the plurality of first patterns 101. The controller may determine a touch point on the horizontal axis of the stylus pen between two pen sensing patterns that output two pen sensing signals having maximum and minimum values ​​among the stylus pen sensing signals received from the plurality of first patterns 101. In addition, the control unit may determine the touch point on the vertical axis of the stylus pen between two pen sensing patterns that output two pen sensing signals with opposite signs and the largest magnitudes among the stylus pen sensing signals received from the multiple third patterns 103.

[0583] Alternatively, the controller may determine a point between two adjacent patterns of stylus pen sensing signals having opposite signs as a horizontal axis touch point of the stylus pen among the plurality of first patterns 101. Also, the controller may determine a point between two adjacent patterns of stylus pen sensing signals having opposite signs as a vertical axis touch point of the stylus pen among the plurality of third patterns 103.

[0584] Alternatively, the control unit may differentiate the stylus pen sensing signals received from the plurality of first patterns 101 and determine a position on the pen sensing pattern where the differential value is maximized as a horizontal axis touch point of the stylus pen. Also, the control unit may differentiate the stylus pen sensing signals received from the plurality of third patterns 103 and determine a position on the pen sensing pattern where the differential value is maximized as a vertical axis touch point of the stylus pen.

[0585] Alternatively, the control unit may receive differential signals from two adjacent first patterns among the plurality of first patterns 101 and determine a touch point of the stylus pen based on a maximum or minimum value of the received differential signals. For example, a position on the pen sensing pattern having a maximum or minimum value of the received differential signals may be determined as a horizontal axis touch point. Here, the two adjacent first patterns may be two first patterns adjacent to each other. Alternatively, the two adjacent first patterns may be two first patterns that are not adjacent to each other, with at least one other first pattern disposed between the two first patterns.

[0586] The control unit may also receive differential signals from two adjacent third patterns among the plurality of third patterns 103 and determine a touch point of the stylus pen based on a maximum or minimum value of the received differential signals. For example, the control unit may determine a position on the pen sensing pattern having a maximum or minimum value of the received differential signals as a vertical axis touch point. Here, the two adjacent third patterns may be two third patterns adjacent to each other. Alternatively, the two adjacent third patterns may be two third patterns that are not adjacent to each other, with at least one other third pattern disposed between the two third patterns.

[0587] Next, with reference to FIG. 60, a touch input device 2 having the touch screen 20c of FIG. 2a(c) will be described.

[0588] FIG. 60 is a block diagram showing a schematic diagram of a touch input device.

[0589] 60 further includes a loop coil 264 and a coil driver 263 that applies a drive signal to the loop coil 264, as compared with the touch input device of FIG.

[0590] The loop coil 264 may be located near the touch screen 20 or at any position within the touch input device 2. The loop coil 264 may also be configured as an antenna for a near field communication module 212 such as RFID or NFC. The drive signal includes an AC voltage or AC current having a predetermined frequency.

[0591] FIG. 61 is a diagram schematically illustrating a part of a touch unit according to an embodiment.

[0592] 46, the touch unit in FIG. 61 further includes a loop coil 264 and a coil driver 263 that drives the loop coil 264.

[0593] The coil driver 263 applies a drive signal to the loop coil 264. The drive signal may include a signal (e.g., a sine wave, a square wave, etc.) having a frequency corresponding to the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit section 12, or may be an AC voltage or AC current having a predetermined frequency. The frequency and magnitude of such a drive signal may be changed under the control of the control section 2624.

[0594] The stylus pens 10a and 10b resonate due to the drive signal applied to the loop coil 264. The resonance causes a current Ir to flow through the coil of the inductor section 14.

[0595] FIG. 62 is a diagram showing an example of an arrangement of electrodes (or patterns) and traces of a touch unit according to another embodiment.

[0596] The touch electrodes 111, 121 in the sensor portion of the touch section are connected to pads 113a, 113b via traces 112, 122a, 122b in the peripheral region located on the edge of the touch area. The first touch electrodes 111-1, 111-2, 111-3, ... are connected to the corresponding traces 112, and the second touch electrodes 121-1, 121-2, 121-3, ... are connected to the corresponding traces 122a, 122b.

[0597] The touch electrodes 111 and 121 and the traces 112, 122a, and 122b may be formed on the same layer. The touch electrodes 111 and 121 and the traces 112, 122a, and 122b may be formed of a conductive material exhibiting high transmittance and low impedance, such as a metal mesh or silver nanowire. However, the touch electrodes 111 and 121 and the traces 112, 122a, and 122b may be located on different layers and may be made of, but are not limited to, ITO or graphene.

[0598] The pads 113a and 113b are connected to the touch controller 262, and transmit signals (eg, drive signals) of the touch controller 262 to the touch electrodes 111 and 121, and transmit signals (eg, sense signals) from the touch electrodes 111 and 121 to the touch controller 262.

[0599] Figure 63 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method for driving a stylus pen in the touch input device 2 or stylus driving device according to the present invention, and Figure 64 is a diagram for specifically explaining a method for activating a stylus pen in the touch input device 2 or stylus driving device according to the present invention.

[0600] 63, the touch input device 2 according to the present invention generates a magnetic field using a touch panel 261, and the magnetic field operates the resonant circuit 12 of the stylus 2. The resonant circuit 12 of the stylus 2 includes a capacitor and an inductor, and a current is generated in the resonant circuit 12 of the stylus 2 by electromagnetic induction due to the electromagnetic field generated by the touch panel 261.

[0601] (a) of Figure 64 shows a method of generating a magnetic field by controlling the direction of current flowing through multiple first electrodes extending along the Y-axis, and (b) shows a method of generating an electromagnetic field by controlling the direction of current flowing through multiple second electrodes extending along the X-axis.

[0602] In another embodiment, the direction of the current flowing through the first electrode and the second electrode can be controlled simultaneously to generate a magnetic field. As shown in the coordinate system of FIG. 64, the horizontal direction of the drawing indicates the Y axis, and the vertical direction of the drawing indicates the X axis.

[0603] The direction of current flowing through the plurality of first electrodes may be controlled individually. In this case, the directions of current flowing through the electrodes arranged on the left and right sides of the position P of the tip of the stylus 2 are controlled to be opposite directions. The direction of current flowing through each of the plurality of first electrodes of the touch panel 261 is controlled based on the position of the first electrode around the tip of the stylus 2. Since the plurality of first electrodes arranged adjacent to each other and in parallel do not form a closed loop, individual current control must be performed for each of the plurality of first electrodes.

[0604] If an electromagnetic field is generated without forming a closed loop, as in the embodiment of the present invention, a conventional touch sensor can be used as is, and therefore it can be readily applied to various types of electronic devices (smartphones, TVs, etc.) such as foldable or rollable to achieve the same functions. In addition, since products can be produced using conventional production equipment and methods, manufacturing costs can be improved. From another perspective, even existing products that only detect finger touches can be made to use a stylus through a firmware upgrade, thereby expanding the functionality of existing products.

[0605] 64(b) again, the directions of current flowing through the first electrode arranged on the left side and the first electrode arranged on the right side of an imaginary line passing through the tip of the stylus 2 and parallel to the Y axis are driven to be opposite to each other. Although it is possible to control the current direction of the electrodes on both sides by determining the position of the tip of the stylus 2 in advance, it is also possible to enable the stylus 2 to respond to the electromagnetic field wherever it is located on the touch panel 261 by dividing the entire surface of the touch panel 261 into multiple regions and controlling the current direction of the electrodes included in each of the multiple regions. An example may be a method in which the current directions of the electrodes arranged on the left edge and the right edge of the divided regions are controlled in opposite directions, but this is not limiting and various application examples and modifications may be considered.

[0606] As shown in (b) of Figure 64, the direction of current flowing through the plurality of second electrodes may also be controlled individually. In this case, the direction of current flowing through the electrodes arranged above and below the position P of the tip of the stylus 2 is controlled to be opposite. In other words, the direction of current flowing through the second electrodes is adjusted based on the position of the second electrodes around the tip of the stylus 2.

[0607] Since the plurality of second electrodes arranged adjacent to each other and in parallel do not form a closed loop, individual current control must be performed for each of the plurality of second electrodes.

[0608] More specifically, the currents flowing in the second electrodes arranged on the upper side and the second electrodes arranged on the lower side are driven to flow in opposite directions with respect to an imaginary line parallel to the X-axis passing through the tip of the stylus 2. In this case, in relation to the control of the current direction of each electrode, the current direction may be controlled for all first electrodes and / or all second electrodes included in the touch panel 261, but if the position of the tip of the stylus 2 is known in advance, it is also possible to control only the electrodes within a predetermined distance from the stylus tip.

[0609] Similarly, by dividing the entire surface of the touchpad 261 into a plurality of regions and controlling the direction of current in the electrodes included in each of the plurality of regions, the stylus 2 can respond to the magnetic field wherever it is located on the touch panel 261. One example would be a method of controlling the current direction of the electrodes arranged on the upper edge of the divided regions in opposite directions to that of the electrodes arranged on the lower edge.

[0610] Currents flow in opposite directions left and right and / or up and down around the tip of the stylus 2, forming an electromagnetic field, which induces a current in the resonant circuit 12 of the stylus 2, causing the stylus 2 to generate an electromagnetic field signal. The current generated in the resonant circuit 12 of the stylus 2 forms an electromagnetic field around the inductor coil, which generates a current signal around the tip of the stylus 2. This current signal has the characteristic of rotating clockwise or counterclockwise around the tip of the stylus 2.

[0611] The touch input device 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention can determine the coordinates where the tip of the stylus 2 is located by receiving the current signal generated from the stylus 2 using at least one electrode (or pattern) of the touch panel 261. Hereinafter, a method for receiving a signal generated by the activated stylus 2 by the touch panel 261 and determining the touch coordinates will be described in detail.

[0612] Signal detection from a stylus pen The touch input device according to the embodiment of the present invention uses a touch panel 261 to detect signals from a stylus pen.

[0613] Figure 65 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method for detecting a signal from a stylus 2 in a touch input device 2 according to the present invention, and Figures 66 to 68 are drawings for specifically explaining a method for detecting a signal from a stylus pen in a touch input device 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0614] When a current is induced in the resonant circuit 12 of the stylus 2 by a magnetic field generated by individually controlling the direction of the current flowing through the electrodes included in the touch panel 261 (the current value reaches a maximum value at the resonant frequency), an electromagnetic field is induced around the inductor coil by the current generated in the resonant circuit 12 of the stylus 2 as shown in (a) of Fig. 65, and the electromagnetic field again causes the stylus 2 to generate a current signal as shown in (b) of Fig. 65. Below, a method for receiving the magnetic field signal of the stylus 2 and acquiring touch coordinates will be described.

[0615] Figure 66 shows a current signal generated by the magnetic field generated by the stylus 2. The electromagnetic field generated by the current induced in the resonant circuit 12 of the stylus 2 generates a current signal that rotates counterclockwise around the tip of the stylus 2, as shown in Figure 66. In other embodiments, a current signal that rotates clockwise may be generated. The current signal that rotates clockwise or counterclockwise may be, but is not limited to, an eddy current.

[0616] A current signal rotating counterclockwise causes current flows as shown in FIG. 66(a) in the first electrodes 121Y-1 to 121Y-m of the touch panel 261. That is, a current signal rotating counterclockwise with respect to the position P of the tip of the stylus 2 as a reference will cause current flows in opposite directions in the first electrodes arranged on the left side and the first electrodes arranged on the right side with respect to an imaginary line passing through the tip of the stylus 2 and parallel to the Y axis. A current signal rotating clockwise will generate an opposite current signal in the first electrodes of the touch panel 261.

[0617] Similarly, a current signal rotating counterclockwise causes current flows as shown in FIG. 66(b) in the second electrodes 121X-1 to 121X-n of the touch panel 261. That is, a current signal rotating counterclockwise with respect to the position P of the tip of the stylus 2 as a reference will cause current flows in opposite directions in the second electrodes arranged on the upper surface and the second electrodes arranged on the lower surface with respect to an imaginary line passing through the tip of the stylus 2 and parallel to the X-axis. A current signal rotating clockwise will generate an opposite current signal in the second electrodes of the touch panel 261.

[0618] In part A of (b) of Figure 66, a current signal rotating counterclockwise by the stylus creates a predetermined current flow in the second electrodes, as described above. Since the traces connected to each second electrode also create a predetermined current flow due to the current signal rotating counterclockwise, the current flow in some of the second electrodes included in part A and the current flow in the wires connected to those second electrodes may be in opposite directions, resulting in a relatively reduced magnitude of the current output from those wires. On the other hand, in part B of (b) of Figure 66, the current flow in other parts of the second electrodes included in part B and the current flow in the wires connected to those second electrodes may be in the same direction, resulting in a relatively larger magnitude of the current output from the wires connected to those second electrodes than the magnitude of the current output from the wires included in part A. This is because wires are connected to one side of some of the second electrodes and to the other side of the other second electrodes.

[0619] Figure 67 is a diagram illustrating the current signal detected from the first electrode extending in the Y-axis direction when the stylus receives a signal. The direction of the current flowing through the first electrode changes depending on the positional relationship between the tip of the stylus 2 and the current signal generated by the stylus 2 (which rotates clockwise around the tip).

[0620] Specifically, when a current signal generated by the stylus 2 generates a current that rotates clockwise, as shown in (a) of Figure 67, the direction of the current flowing through the first electrodes arranged on the left and right sides of the tip of the stylus 2 changes according to the direction of movement (direction of rotation) of the current signal generated by the stylus 2. With reference to an imaginary line CLy that passes through the tip of the stylus 2 and is parallel to the Y-axis, the direction of the current flowing through the first electrode arranged on the left side is opposite to the direction of the current flowing through the first electrode arranged on the right side.

[0621] As shown in the bottom graph of FIG. 67(b), the signals received from the n first electrodes each have a sudden current change at the position of the tip of the stylus 2. By differentiating the signals and finding the coordinates corresponding to the peak values, the X-coordinate value of the touch position by the stylus 2 can be determined. Here, differential signals are received from two adjacent first electrodes among the n first electrodes, and the touch point of the stylus pen can be determined based on the maximum or minimum value of the received differential signals. For example, the X-coordinate value of the touch position by the stylus pen 2 can be determined from the coordinates corresponding to the maximum or minimum value of the received differential signals. Here, the two adjacent first electrodes may be two first electrodes adjacent to each other. Alternatively, the two adjacent first electrodes may be two first electrodes that are not adjacent to each other, with at least one other first electrode disposed between the two first electrodes.

[0622] Here, the direction of current flowing through the first electrode of touch panel 261 corresponding to the direction of rotation (movement) of the current signal means that, for example, if the current signal rotates clockwise around the tip of the stylus, the current flows upward through the first electrode located to the left of the tip of the stylus, and downward through the electrode located to the right. Conversely, if the current signal rotates counterclockwise around the tip of the stylus, the current flows downward through the first electrode located to the left of the tip of the stylus, and upward through the electrode located to the right.

[0623] If we consider the current to move in a clockwise circular motion around the tip of the stylus, then the current will flow upward in the first electrode located to the left of the tip of the stylus, corresponding to the tangent vector at a point 180 degrees from the trajectory of the circular motion, and the current will flow downward in the electrode located to the right, corresponding to the tangent vector at a point 0 degrees from the trajectory of the circular motion.

[0624] 68 is a diagram illustrating the current signal detected from the second electrode extending in the X-axis direction when the stylus receives a signal. The current signal generated by the stylus 2 causes the direction of the current flowing through the first electrode to change depending on the positional relationship with the tip of the stylus 2.

[0625] That is, the current flowing through the second electrodes disposed above and below the tip of the stylus 2 has a direction corresponding to the rotation direction of the current signal induced by the electromagnetic field of the stylus. Specifically, the current flowing through the tip of the stylus 2 to the second electrode disposed above and the second electrode disposed below the imaginary line CLx parallel to the X-axis has opposite directions corresponding to the rotation direction of the current signal.

[0626] When the signals detected from each of the m second electrodes are analyzed, a sudden change in current occurs at the position of the tip of the stylus 2. After differentiating the detected current value, the coordinate corresponding to the peak value is found and determined as the Y-coordinate value of the touch position by the stylus 2. Here, differential signals are received from two adjacent second electrodes among the m second electrodes, and the touch position of the stylus pen 2 can be determined based on the maximum or minimum value of the received differential signals. For example, the Y-coordinate value of the touch position by the stylus pen 2 can be determined from the coordinate corresponding to the maximum or minimum value of the received differential signals. Here, the two adjacent second electrodes may be two second electrodes adjacent to each other. Alternatively, the two adjacent second electrodes may be two second electrodes that are not adjacent to each other, with at least one other second electrode disposed between the two second electrodes.

[0627] The direction of the current flowing through each of the plurality of second electrodes of the touch panel 261 corresponds to the direction of rotation (movement) of the current signal caused by the stylus 2. For example, if the current signal rotates clockwise around the tip of the stylus, the current flows to the right of the second electrodes located above the tip of the stylus, and the current flows to the left of the electrodes located below. Of course, if the direction of rotation changes, the direction of the current flowing through each electrode will also be reversed.

[0628] If we assume that the current moves in a clockwise circular motion around the tip of the stylus, it can be explained that the current flows to the right in the second electrode located above the tip of the stylus, corresponding to the tangent vector at a point 90 degrees from the trajectory of the circular motion, and the current flows to the left in the electrode located below, corresponding to the tangent vector at a point 270 degrees from the trajectory of the circular motion.

[0629] In the embodiment of the present invention, the stylus 2 is activated using electrodes (or patterns) of the touch panel that do not form a closed loop, and the electromagnetic field signal of the stylus is detected. That is, the n parallel aligned first electrodes and the m parallel aligned second electrodes orthogonally intersect with each other and individually receive the electromagnetic field signal of the stylus, which allows for more precise detection of the touch position of the stylus.

[0630] FIG. 69 illustrates various wiring structures of the second electrode in a touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0631] Figure 68 is shown assuming a structure in which the wiring (or traces) of multiple second electrodes extending parallel to the X-axis, as in (a) of Figure 69, are connected to the left side of the second electrodes arranged at the top, with the center of the touch panel 261 as the base point, and to the right side of the second electrodes arranged at the bottom.

[0632] The electrode wiring may be changed in various ways, and as shown in (b) of Figure 69, the wiring may be connected only to the left side of the touch panel 261, or only to the right side. In this case, the shape of the graph of the received signal may change, but in any case, the signal pattern changes suddenly at the point where the tip of the stylus 2 is located, and the touch coordinates can be determined based on this.

[0633] 70 and 71 show the experimental process and results for verifying the signal detection capability of a stylus using a touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0634] This experiment was conducted using an EMR pen adjusted to have a resonant frequency of 400 kHz. As shown in Figure 70(a), after the EMR pen was positioned at a first position P1 and a second position P2 on the touch surface of the touch input device 2, signals were detected, confirming that the EMR pen was activated and emitted a signal by the touch input device 2. This means that a current was induced in the resonant circuit of the EMR pen by the electromagnetic field generated by the touch panel 261. When the EMR pen was positioned at the first position P1, the signal received through the first electrode of the touch pad 261 was analyzed to obtain a graph as shown in Figure 70(b). The X-coordinate of the EMR pen, determined by analyzing the point where the signal suddenly changed, was compared with the X-coordinate of the EMR pen at the first position P1, and they were found to match.

[0635] The signal received by the touch panel 261 from the EMR pen at the second position P2 is shown in (c) of Figure 70. The X coordinate of the EMR pen grasped at the point where the signal suddenly changes and the X coordinate of the EMR pen at the second position P2 were compared and found to be consistent.

[0636] The graphs (b) and (c) in Figure 70 are for the IQ sampling signals, with each line representing the ΔI signal and the ΔQ signal, the vertical axis representing the magnitude of the signal value, and the horizontal axis representing the numbers numbering the first electrodes (18 electrodes) in the order of their arrangement.

[0637] FIG. 71 shows a signal received through the second electrode of the touchpad 261 in the same experiment. As shown in FIG. 71(a), a signal was detected after an EMR pen was placed at a first position P1 and a second position P2 on the touch surface of the touch input device 2. A signal generated by the EMR pen was received through the second electrode of the touchpad 261. This means that a current was induced in the resonant circuit of the EMR pen by the electromagnetic field generated by the touch panel 261. When the signal received through the second electrode of the touchpad 261 when the EMR pen was at the first position P1 was analyzed, a graph like FIG. 71(b) was shown. The Y coordinate of the EMR pen, determined by analyzing the point where the signal suddenly changed, was compared with the Y coordinate of the EMR pen at the first position P1, and they were found to be consistent.

[0638] Thereafter, the signal received by the second electrode of the touch panel 261 at the second position P2 is shown as (c) in Figure 71. The Y coordinate of the EMR pen grasped at the point where the signal suddenly changes and the Y coordinate of the EMR pen at the second position P2 were compared and found to match. The graphs in (b) and (c) in Figure 71 are for the IQ sampling signals, with the respective lines representing the ΔI signal and the ΔQ signal, the vertical axis representing the magnitude of the signal value, and the horizontal axis representing the numbers numbering the second electrodes (40 electrodes) in the order in which they are arranged.

[0639] 70 and 71, it was confirmed that the stylus 2 can be driven by the touch input device 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention, and the signals generated thereby can be accurately detected.

[0640] The touch input device according to the embodiment of the present invention can receive stylus signals in various ways and determine the touch position of the stylus. As mentioned above, the touch input device according to the embodiment of the present invention receives stylus signals using a touch panel having at least one electrode (or pattern) that does not form a closed loop, so that a conventional touch sensor can be used as is, and even an existing product that only detects touches by a finger can be made to use a stylus through a firmware upgrade, etc., thereby expanding the functionality of the existing product.

[0641] A touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a touch panel including a plurality of first electrodes extending along a Y axis and a plurality of second electrodes extending along an X axis, and a control unit (or touch controller) that determines touch coordinates based on a signal received from a stylus. In this case, as described above, the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes may not form a closed loop.

[0642] At this time, an electromagnetic field generated by the current induced in the resonant circuit of the stylus induces a current signal that rotates clockwise or counterclockwise around the tip of the stylus, and the control unit determines the touch coordinates based on the current signal.

[0643] Specifically, a current signal is generated by the magnetic field generated by the stylus. An electromagnetic field generated by a current induced in a resonant circuit of the stylus generates a current signal that rotates counterclockwise about the tip of the stylus. In other embodiments, a clockwise rotating current signal may be generated. A clockwise or counterclockwise rotating current signal may be, but is not limited to, an eddy current.

[0644] At this time, the direction of current flowing through the first electrode or the second electrode of the touch panel arranged above, below, left, or right around the tip of the stylus is determined according to the rotation direction of the current signal, and the current signal generated by the stylus passes through the tip of the stylus so that currents flow in opposite directions to the first electrode arranged on the left side and the first electrode arranged on the right side based on an imaginary line parallel to the Y axis, or passes through the tip of the stylus so that currents flow in opposite directions to the second electrode arranged on the upper side and the second electrode arranged on the lower side based on an imaginary line parallel to the X axis.

[0645] By detecting the current induced in the first electrode and the second electrode, the coordinates where the stylus tip is located can be detected precisely. This has been described in detail above, so a repeated description will be omitted.

[0646] In this case, the stylus may be an active stylus that includes a resonant circuit and a power supply and resonates by itself. The active stylus pen has a built-in resonant circuit and a power supply. The power supply may be a battery or a module that receives power from an external device via wired or wireless connection (such as a wired connection terminal or a wireless charging module). The active stylus may provide various additional functions such as pressure sensitivity, hovering, and buttons.

[0647] In another embodiment, the stylus may be a passive stylus including a resonant circuit that resonates with an external signal. The passive stylus may be driven by various methods, such as an inductive resonance method, an EMR (Electro Magnetic Resonance) method, or a capacitive resonance method.

[0648] A passive stylus does not have a built-in power supply such as a battery, so it has the advantage of being lightweight and can be used anywhere, anytime.

[0649] If the passive stylus employs an EMR (Electro-Magnetic Resonance) method, as described above, the stylus may be activated by an electromagnetic field generated by the touch panel 261. If the passive stylus employs an ECR (Electrically Coupled Resonance) method, the stylus may be activated by a signal transmitted by an electrode of the touch panel 261.

[0650] Meanwhile, a method for controlling a touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention drives a stylus using a touch panel including a plurality of first electrodes extending in a Y-axis direction and a plurality of second electrodes extending in an X-axis direction, and receives a signal from the stylus. In this case, the plurality of first electrodes included in the touch panel may not form a closed loop, and the plurality of second electrodes may not form a closed loop. In addition, the first electrodes and the second electrodes may not form a closed loop with each other.

[0651] A control method for a touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a driving step of individually controlling the direction of current flowing through a plurality of first electrodes or a plurality of second electrodes to generate an electromagnetic field and activate a stylus, and a determining step of determining touch coordinates based on a signal generated by the stylus.

[0652] The driving step generates an electromagnetic field by individually adjusting the direction of current flowing through the first electrode or the second electrode based on the position of the first electrode or the second electrode around the tip of the stylus, thereby driving the stylus. Driving the stylus means that current is induced in an internal resonant circuit, causing resonance. Of course, it is also possible to generate an electromagnetic field by simultaneously adjusting the direction of current flowing through the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0653] Although the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes included in the touch panel do not form a closed loop, the stylus can be driven simply by controlling the direction of the current. In other words, since the stylus can be activated by generating an electromagnetic field using a touch panel consisting only of open-loop electrodes (i.e., the ends of the plurality of first electrodes are not directly connected, and the ends of the plurality of second electrodes are not directly connected), conventional touch panels can be used as they are, and components such as expensive digitizers are not required.

[0654] The driving step drives the stylus so that currents flow in opposite directions to the first electrode arranged on the left side and the first electrode arranged on the right side with respect to an imaginary line parallel to the Y axis through the tip of the stylus, or drives the stylus so that currents flow in opposite directions to the second electrode arranged on the upper side and the second electrode arranged on the lower side with respect to an imaginary line parallel to the X axis through the tip of the stylus, thereby generating the electromagnetic field and inducing current in the resonant circuit of the stylus or causing resonance.

[0655] If the stylus is activated by the driving step, the receiving step is performed.

[0656] An electromagnetic field induces a current in the resonant circuit of the stylus, and the magnetic field generated by the current induced in the resonant circuit induces a current signal that rotates clockwise or counterclockwise around the tip of the stylus. In the receiving step, the current signal is received to determine the touch coordinates.

[0657] At this time, the direction of the current flowing through the first electrode or the second electrode arranged above, below, left, or right around the tip of the stylus is determined according to the rotation direction of the current signal. Specifically, the current flowing through the first electrode arranged on the left side of the stylus tip and the current flowing through the first electrode arranged on the right side of the stylus tip may flow in opposite directions, and the current flowing through the second electrode arranged on the upper side of the stylus tip and the current flowing through the second electrode arranged on the lower side of the stylus tip may flow in opposite directions, based on an imaginary line parallel to the X axis.

[0658] Meanwhile, the signal measuring methods of the touch input device shown in Figures 66 to 71 can be applied to the sensor unit and the control unit shown in Figures 16 to 45. Specifically, any one of first to fourth patterns 101, 102, 103, and 104 shown in Figure 16 may correspond to first electrodes 121-1Y to 121Y-m or second electrodes 121X-1 to 121X-n shown in Figure 66. For example, any one of first pattern 101 and second pattern 102 shown in Figure 16 may correspond to first electrodes 121-1Y to 121Y-m shown in Figure 66, and any one of third pattern 103 and fourth pattern 104 shown in Figure 16 may correspond to second electrodes 121X-1 to 121X-n shown in Figure 66.

[0659] 16 corresponds to the first electrodes 121-1Y to 121Y-m shown in FIG. 66, and the third pattern 103 shown in FIG. 16 corresponds to the second electrodes 121X-1 to 121X-n shown in FIG. 66, the plurality of first patterns 101 of the sensor unit 100 of FIG. 16 may be pen sensing patterns in the horizontal axis direction, and the plurality of third patterns 103 may be pen sensing patterns in the vertical axis direction. In this case, a controller that controls the sensor unit 100 receives stylus pen sensing signals from the plurality of first patterns 101. The controller may determine a touch point on the horizontal axis of the stylus pen between two pen sensing patterns that output two pen sensing signals having maximum and minimum values ​​among the stylus pen sensing signals received from the plurality of first patterns 101. In addition, the control unit can determine the touch point on the vertical axis of the stylus pen between two pen sensing patterns that output two pen sensing signals having the maximum and minimum values ​​among the stylus pen sensing signals received from the multiple third patterns 103.

[0660] Alternatively, the controller may determine a point between two adjacent patterns of stylus pen sensing signals having opposite signs as a horizontal axis touch point of the stylus pen among the plurality of first patterns 101. Also, the controller may determine a point between two adjacent patterns of stylus pen sensing signals having opposite signs as a vertical axis touch point of the stylus pen among the plurality of third patterns 103.

[0661] Alternatively, the controller may differentiate the stylus pen sensing signals received from the plurality of first patterns 101 and determine a predetermined position on the plurality of first patterns 101 where the differential value is maximized as the horizontal axis touch point of the stylus pen. Also, the controller may differentiate the stylus pen sensing signals received from the plurality of third patterns 103 and determine a predetermined position on the plurality of third patterns 103 where the differential value is maximized as the vertical axis touch point of the stylus pen.

[0662] Alternatively, the control unit may receive differential signals from two adjacent first patterns among the plurality of first patterns and determine a touch position of the stylus pen based on a maximum or minimum value of the received differential signals. For example, a predetermined position on the plurality of first patterns 101 where the received differential signals have a maximum or minimum value may be determined as a horizontal axis touch point of the stylus pen. Here, the two adjacent first patterns may be two first patterns adjacent to each other. Alternatively, the two adjacent first patterns may be two first patterns that are not adjacent to each other, with at least one other first pattern disposed between the two first patterns.

[0663] The control unit may also receive differential signals from two adjacent third patterns among the plurality of third patterns and determine a touch position of the stylus pen based on a maximum or minimum value of the received differential signals. For example, the control unit may determine a predetermined position on the plurality of third patterns 103 where the received differential signals have a maximum or minimum value as a vertical axis touch position of the stylus pen. Here, the two adjacent third patterns may be two third patterns adjacent to each other. Alternatively, the two adjacent third patterns may be two third patterns that are not adjacent to each other, with at least one other third pattern disposed between the two third patterns.

[0664] FIG. 72 is a block diagram showing a touch unit and a host, and FIG. 73 is a diagram showing an example of touch data provided from the touch unit to the host.

[0665] 72, the host 270 can provide touch data to the touch controller 262 included in the touch unit 260. For example, the host 270 can be a mobile System-on-Chip (SoC), an Application Processor (AP), a Media Processor, a microprocessor, a Central Processing Unit (CPU), or a similar device.

[0666] After one frame is completed, the touch unit 260 may generate information about the touch input during one frame as touch data and transmit the generated touch data to the host 270.

[0667] 72 and 73, touch data 600 may be transmitted from the touch unit 260 to the host 270 and may include a touch count field 610 and at least one touch entity field 612, 614. In addition, the touch data 600 may further include sensor input data from the stylus pen 10, data indicating changes in the resonance signal, etc.

[0668] The touch count field 610 may contain a value indicating the number of touches input during one frame period. The touch entity fields 612 and 614 include fields indicating information about each touch input. For example, the touch entity fields 612 and 614 include a flag field 620, an X-axis coordinate field 621, a Y-axis coordinate field 622, a Z-value field 623, an area field 624, and a touch action field 625.

[0669] The number of touch entities in the touch entity fields 612 and 614 may be the same as the value entered in the touch count field 610 .

[0670] A value indicating a touch object may be entered in the flag field 620. For example, a finger, a palm, and a stylus pen may be entered with different values ​​in the flag field 620. Values ​​indicating calculated touch coordinates may be entered in the X-axis coordinate field 621 and the Y-axis coordinate field 622. A value corresponding to the signal strength of the sensing signal may be entered in the Z-value field 623. A value corresponding to the area of ​​the touched region may be entered in the area field 624.

[0671] According to an embodiment, the host 270 that receives the touch data 600 uses the value of the area field 624 to determine that the touch object is a finger if the touch area is greater than a threshold value, and determines that the touch object is a stylus pen 10 if the touch area is less than the threshold value.

[0672] According to an embodiment, the host 270 that receives the touch data 600 can also use the value of the flag field 620 to identify whether the touch object is a finger or a stylus pen 10.

[0673] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the stylus pen 10 shown in FIG. 4 will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0674] FIG. 74 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the resonant circuit unit 12 of the stylus pen shown in FIG.

[0675] 74, the inductor unit 14 includes a coil 116 wound around a ferrite core 115, and the capacitor unit 13 includes a first electrode 117, a second electrode 118, and a dielectric 119. The coil 116 of the inductor unit 14 and the electrodes 117 and 118 of the capacitor unit 13 are electrically connected to each other.

[0676] The core 11 is inserted into the through-hole of the ferrit...

Claims

1. A pen and touch input system including a touch input device including a sensor unit and a control unit that controls the sensor unit, and a stylus pen that can interact with the touch input device, The sensor unit a plurality of first patterns extending in a first direction, the first side end of the first patterns being electrically connected to the control unit; a plurality of third patterns extending in a second direction different from the first direction, the third patterns having first side ends electrically connected to the control unit; the controller is configured to apply touch driving signals in the plurality of first patterns and receive touch sensing signals in the plurality of third patterns; the control unit is configured to receive a stylus pen sensing signal from at least one of the plurality of first patterns and the plurality of third patterns; The stylus pen is a body portion at least a portion of which is formed to extend in one direction; an inductor portion including a ferrite core disposed within the body portion and a coil wound around at least a portion of the ferrite core; a capacitor portion disposed within the body portion and including a capacitor electrically connected to a coil of the inductor portion; a core body at least a portion of which is disposed within the body portion and which moves along the one direction when pressure is applied to one end thereof; The capacitance of the capacitor unit and / or the inductance of the inductor unit are changed by pressure applied to one end of the core body, the ferrite core is fixedly installed within the body portion and has a through hole passing through in one direction; At least a portion between one end and the other end of the core body is disposed in the through hole of the ferrite core, the capacitor unit includes a first electrode connected to the other end of the core body and interlocking with the core body, and a second electrode fixedly installed on the first electrode; A pen and touch input system, wherein pressure applied to one end of the core body causes the first electrode to move in the one direction, changing the overlapping area between the first electrode and the second electrode.

2. A pen and touch input system including a touch input device including a sensor unit and a control unit that controls the sensor unit, and a stylus pen that can interact with the touch input device, The sensor unit a plurality of first patterns extending in a first direction, the first side end of the first patterns being electrically connected to the control unit; a plurality of third patterns extending in a second direction different from the first direction, the third patterns having first side ends electrically connected to the control unit; the controller is configured to apply touch driving signals in the plurality of first patterns and receive touch sensing signals in the plurality of third patterns; the control unit is configured to receive a stylus pen sensing signal from at least one of the plurality of first patterns and the plurality of third patterns; The stylus pen is a body portion at least a portion of which is formed to extend in one direction; an inductor portion including a ferrite core disposed within the body portion and a coil wound around at least a portion of the ferrite core; a capacitor portion disposed within the body portion and including a capacitor electrically connected to a coil of the inductor portion; a core body at least a portion of which is disposed within the body portion and which moves along the one direction when pressure is applied to one end thereof; The capacitance of the capacitor unit and / or the inductance of the inductor unit are changed by pressure applied to one end of the core body, The ferrite core is disposed in the body portion and has a through hole passing through in one direction. At least a portion between one end and the other end of the core body is disposed in the through hole of the ferrite core, the ferrite core of the inductor portion is coupled to the core body and interlocks with the core body; the inductor portion includes a magnetic body fixedly installed inside the body portion, A pen and touch input system, wherein the ferrite core moves in the one direction when pressure is applied to one end of the core body, thereby changing the separation distance between the ferrite core and the magnetic body.

3. A pen and touch input system including a touch input device including a sensor unit and a control unit that controls the sensor unit, and a stylus pen that can interact with the touch input device, The sensor unit a plurality of first patterns extending in a first direction, the first side end of the first patterns being electrically connected to the control unit; a plurality of third patterns extending in a second direction different from the first direction, the third patterns having first side ends electrically connected to the control unit; the controller is configured to apply touch driving signals in the plurality of first patterns and receive touch sensing signals in the plurality of third patterns; the control unit is configured to receive a stylus pen sensing signal from at least one of the plurality of first patterns and the plurality of third patterns; The stylus pen is a body portion at least a portion of which is formed to extend in one direction; an inductor portion including a ferrite core disposed within the body portion and a coil wound around at least a portion of the ferrite core; a capacitor portion disposed within the body portion and including a capacitor electrically connected to a coil of the inductor portion; a core body at least a portion of which is disposed within the body portion and which moves along the one direction when pressure is applied to one end thereof; The capacitance of the capacitor unit and / or the inductance of the inductor unit are changed by pressure applied to one end of the core body, the capacitor unit includes a first capacitor electrically connected to a coil of the inductor unit and a second capacitor electrically connectable to the first capacitor; a switching member disposed in the body portion and configured to switch an electrical connection between the first capacitor and the second capacitor in response to movement of the core in one direction; The capacitance of the capacitor section changes depending on the pressure applied to one end of the core body. , pen and touch input systems.

4. the ferrite core is fixedly disposed within the body portion, a magnetic body disposed in the body portion and moving in the one direction in conjunction with the core body, The pen and touch input system of claim 1 , wherein the inductance of the inductor portion is changed by pressure applied to one end of the core body.

5. A pen and touch input system including a touch input device including a sensor unit and a control unit that controls the sensor unit, and a stylus pen that can interact with the touch input device, The sensor unit a plurality of first patterns extending in a first direction, the first side end of the first patterns being electrically connected to the control unit; a plurality of third patterns extending in a second direction different from the first direction, the third patterns having first side ends electrically connected to the control unit; the controller is configured to apply touch driving signals in the plurality of first patterns and receive touch sensing signals in the plurality of third patterns; the control unit is configured to receive a stylus pen sensing signal from at least one of the plurality of first patterns and the plurality of third patterns; The stylus pen is a body portion at least a portion of which is formed to extend in one direction; an inductor portion including a ferrite core disposed within the body portion and a coil wound around at least a portion of the ferrite core; a capacitor portion disposed within the body portion and including a capacitor electrically connected to a coil of the inductor portion; a core body at least a portion of which is disposed within the body portion and which moves along the one direction when pressure is applied to one end thereof; The capacitance of the capacitor unit and / or the inductance of the inductor unit are changed by pressure applied to one end of the core body, the ferrite core is fixedly installed within the body portion and has a through hole passing through in one direction; the capacitor unit includes a capacitor electrically connected to a coil of the inductor unit and an additional capacitor electrically connectable to the capacitor; At least a portion between one end and the other end of the core body is disposed in the through hole of the ferrite core, a switching member that switches an electrical connection between the capacitor and the additional capacitor according to pressure applied to the core body, The inductor unit includes a magnetic material whose separation distance from the ferrite core changes depending on the pressure applied to the core body.

6. The sensor unit a plurality of second patterns extending in the first direction and disposed adjacent to the first patterns; a plurality of fourth patterns extending in the second direction and disposed adjacent to the third patterns, At least some second side ends of the plurality of second patterns are electrically connected to each other; At least some second side ends of the fourth patterns are electrically connected to each other; the control unit is for applying a stylus pen driving signal in at least one of the first to fourth patterns; the control unit is configured to receive a stylus pen sensing signal from at least one of the first through fourth patterns; 6. A pen and touch input system according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

7. The pen and touch input system of claim 1 , wherein the second electrode has a through hole or cavity into which the first electrode is inserted.

8. further comprising a dielectric disposed within the through-hole or cavity of the second electrode; The pen and touch input system of claim 1 , wherein the dielectric has a through hole or cavity sized to allow the first electrode to be inserted therethrough.

9. The pen and touch input system of claim 8 , wherein the dielectric has a different thickness or area along the one direction.

10. the dielectric includes a first dielectric and a second dielectric arranged in sequence along the one direction, The pen and touch input system of claim 8 , wherein the dielectric constant of the first dielectric is greater than the dielectric constant of the second dielectric.

11. The pen and touch input system of claim 1 , further comprising an additional capacitor electrically connected to the first electrode when the first electrode moves a predetermined distance in the one direction due to pressure applied to one end of the core body.

12. 6. The pen and touch input system of claim 2, 4, or 5, wherein the separation distance between the ferrite core and the magnetic material increases or decreases as the pressure applied to one end of the core body increases.

13. The pen and touch input system of claim 2 , 4 or 5 , wherein the magnetic material has a thickness or area that varies along the one direction.

14. The pen and touch input system according to claim 2 or 5, wherein the magnetic body is disposed on an inner surface of the body or protrudes from the inner surface of the body.

15. the switching member includes a movable part coupled to the other end of the core body and moving in conjunction with the core body, and a fixed part fixedly installed between the movable part and the ferrite core, the movable portion of the switching member includes a movable electrode electrically connected to the capacitor portion, and the fixed portion of the switching member includes a fixed electrode electrically connected to the capacitor portion; The pen and touch input system according to claim 3 or 5, wherein the contact state of the movable part with the fixed part is changed by pressure applied to the core body.

16. When no pressure is applied to one end of the core body, the movable part maintains contact with the fixed part, and the movable electrode is electrically connected to the fixed electrode; 16. The pen and touch input system of claim 15, wherein when pressure is applied to one end of the core body, the movable part moves to electrically separate the movable electrode from the fixed electrode, thereby electrically isolating the movable electrode from the fixed electrode.

17. 17. The pen and touch input system of claim 16, wherein after the movable electrode is electrically separated from the fixed electrode, the separation distance between the ferrite core and the magnetic material increases as the pressure applied to one end of the core body increases.

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