Electronic Devices

Abstract

To provide an electronic device capable of preventing an abnormally weak touch signal generated in an area that is not actually touched during a finger mutual touch operation and preventing a significant increase in capacitance observed in a touch driving electrode and a touch receiving electrode.SOLUTION: The present invention discloses an electronic device. This device includes a sensor unit and a control unit, in which the sensor unit includes: a plurality of first patterns extending in a first direction; a plurality of second patterns extending in the first direction, in which the plurality of second patterns are disposed adjacent to the plurality of first patterns and have one ends that are electrically connected to each other; a plurality of third patterns extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and a plurality of fourth patterns extending in the second direction, in which the plurality of fourth patterns are disposed adjacent to the plurality of third patterns and have one ends that are electrically connected to each other.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device, and more particularly to an electronic device that can prevent abnormal touch signals from occurring in areas that are not actually touched during a finger touch operation, and can prevent coupling capacitance and mutual capacitance that occur when a pen driving electrode and a pen receiving electrode are grounded. [Background technology]

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

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

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

[0005] Conventionally, R-type touchscreens, which can simultaneously recognize the user's finger and a stylus pen, have been widely used. However, R-type touchscreens have had problems with reflection caused by the air gap between the ITO layers.

[0006] As a result, C-type touchscreens are now widely used.

[0007] Here, the C-type touch screen is a touch screen that operates by detecting the difference in capacitance of transparent electrodes that occurs when an object touches it.

[0008] However, the C-type touchscreen has the disadvantage that it is difficult to physically distinguish between the hand and the pen, and that unintentional contact with the hand can lead to operational errors when using the pen.

[0009] To overcome these drawbacks, traditionally, the hand and pen have been distinguished using software that distinguishes between hands and pens based on the contact area, or by using a separate position measurement device similar to the EMR (electromagnetic resonance) method in addition to the C-type touch screen.

[0010] In other words, the EMR method has the advantage of being insensitive to display and external noise by using a magnetic field instead of an electric field as the driving force when using the touch function with a stylus pen while the touch and display are operating.

[0011] However, this technology requires the creation of a separate sensor film made of FPCB and attaching it to the back of the display in order to generate a magnetic field, transmit it to the stylus pen, and then receive the magnetic field generated by the stylus pen.

[0012] This part is a digitizer, and when the position of the stylus pen that generates a magnetic field moves, a separate EMR IC detects the change in the magnetic field that occurs as a result of the interaction.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating that the output voltage (Vout) of a CVA (Capacitance to Voltage Amplifier) ​​changes depending on the position of a stylus pen 10 on a flexible display panel in a conventional electronic device.

[0014] Referring to FIG. 1, the reason why the output of the CVA varies depending on the position of the pen 10 on the flexible display panel is that the impedance ratio on both sides of the sensing line centered on the pen 10 changes.

[0015] Based on the long axis of a conventional flexible display panel, the resistance R of a metal mesh touch sensor is about 1.2 k (ohm), and the capacitance C is about 250 pF.

[0016] Based on 10 distributed models, at a drive frequency of 300kHz, the impedance of the capacitor is approximately 200 times greater than that of the resistor (120 ohms vs. 1 / (2π*300k*25pF)=21k ohms). Therefore, the capacitor becomes the main element.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining, through current sensing, that the output voltages (Vout1, Vout2) of the CVA vary depending on the position of the pen 10 in FIG.

[0018] FIG. 3 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.

[0019] 2 and 3, the output voltage of the CVA varies depending on the position of the pen 10 on the sensing line. That is, the closer the pen 10 is to the sensing circuit unit 50, the larger the output voltage of the CVA becomes, and the farther the pen 10 is from the sensing circuit unit 50, the smaller the output voltage of the CVA becomes.

[0020] However, due to the capacitive coupling phenomenon, touch driving coupling and / or touch receiving coupling may occur between a touch driving electrode and an adjacent touch receiving electrode, and an abnormally weak touch signal may be generated between a touch driving electrode in an area that is not actually touched and an adjacent touch receiving electrode.

[0021] Furthermore, since the pen receiving electrodes are electrically connected to each other in separate upper and lower parts, there is a problem in that irregular steps occur due to different amounts of coupling.

[0022] Furthermore, when the pen driving electrode and the pen receiving electrode are grounded during operation in the self-sensing mode, there is a problem in that the capacitance seen between the touch driving electrode and the touch receiving electrode increases significantly due to the coupling capacitance and mutual capacitance between the electrodes. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0023] [Patent Document 1] JP2005-529414 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0024] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide an electronic device that can prevent abnormally weak touch signals from occurring in areas that are not actually touched during finger mutual touch operations and can prevent a significant increase in capacitance seen in touch driving electrodes and touch receiving electrodes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0025] An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a sensor unit and a control unit, and the sensor unit includes a plurality of first patterns extending in a first direction, a plurality of second patterns extending in the first direction and disposed adjacent to the first patterns, and having one ends electrically connected to each other, a plurality of third patterns extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a plurality of fourth patterns extending in the second direction and disposed adjacent to the third patterns, and having one ends electrically connected to each other.

[0026] In an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the controller controls the sensor unit to operate in a mutual sensing mode in which a touch driving signal is applied to a first touch electrode and a touch sensing signal is output from a second touch electrode. The controller applies the touch driving signal to the plurality of first patterns, receives the touch sensing signal through the plurality of third patterns, and applies one of a pen driving signal, a pen sensing signal, ground, and floating to the plurality of second patterns and the plurality of fourth patterns.

[0027] In an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the controller controls the sensor unit to operate in a self-sensing mode in which a touch driving signal is applied to one electrode and a touch sensing signal is output, and the controller applies the touch driving signal and receives the touch sensing signal via the plurality of first patterns and the plurality of third patterns.

[0028] The controller of the electronic device according to the embodiment of the present invention applies one of a touch driving signal, a ground, and a floating to the second patterns and the fourth patterns.

[0029] The controller of the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention controls the electronic device to operate in an uplink mode for driving a stylus pen, and the controller applies a pen driving signal for driving the stylus pen in the plurality of second patterns, and applies one of a touch driving signal, ground, and floating to the plurality of first patterns, the plurality of third patterns, and the plurality of fourth patterns.

[0030] The control unit of the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention controls the electronic device to operate in a downlink mode for sensing a touch position of the stylus pen, and when the control unit receives a pen sensing signal from the stylus pen through the plurality of first patterns and the plurality of third patterns, the control unit applies one of touch sensing signal reception, ground, and floating to the plurality of first patterns and the plurality of third patterns.

[0031] The control unit of the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, when receiving a pen sensing signal from the plurality of second patterns and the plurality of fourth patterns, it applies one of a touch receiving signal, ground, and floating to the plurality of first patterns and the plurality of second patterns.

[0032] The electronic device according to the embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the first to fourth patterns are spaced apart on the same layer.

[0033] The electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that when the plurality of first patterns and the plurality of third patterns are operated during operation in the self-sensing mode, the plurality of second patterns and the plurality of fourth patterns are also driven.

[0034] In the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of first patterns operate on the touch driving electrodes to which the touch driving signal is applied, the plurality of second patterns operate on the pen driving electrodes to which the pen driving signal is applied, the plurality of third patterns operate on the touch receiving electrodes to which the touch sensing signal is applied, and the plurality of first patterns to the plurality of fourth patterns operate on the pen receiving electrodes to which the pen sensing signal is applied.

[0035] The control unit of the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that, with respect to the connection with the multiple first patterns through the multiple fourth patterns, the control unit is configured in any one of the following cases: a case where the control unit is connected to the multiple first patterns, the multiple second patterns, and the multiple third patterns; a case where the control unit is connected to all of the multiple first patterns through the multiple fourth patterns; a case where the control unit is connected to the multiple first patterns, the multiple third patterns, and the multiple fourth patterns; a case where the control unit is connected to the multiple first patterns and the multiple third patterns; a case where the control unit is connected to the multiple first patterns, the multiple second patterns, and the multiple fourth patterns; a case where the control unit is connected to the multiple second patterns, the multiple third patterns, and the multiple fourth patterns; [Effects of the Invention]

[0036] According to the present invention, when a touch signal is sensed during a finger touch operation in an electronic device, an abnormally weak touch signal generated in an area that is not actually touched can be prevented in advance.

[0037] In addition, in a mutual sensing mode in which a driving signal is applied to a driving electrode and a sensing signal is output from a receiving electrode, by grounding a number of pen driving electrodes and a number of pen receiving electrodes, it is possible to minimize abnormal transfer of touch signals to other pen driving electrodes and / or pen receiving electrodes.

[0038] In addition, in a self-sensing mode in which input of a driving signal and output of a sensing signal are simultaneously performed through one electrode, if the pen driving electrode and the pen receiving electrode are grounded, a significant increase in parasitic capacitance observed in the touch driving electrode and the touch receiving electrode can be prevented. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0039] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating that an output voltage (Vout) of a capacitor voltage amplitude (CVA) changes depending on the position of a stylus pen 10 on a flexible display panel in a conventional electronic device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining, through current sensing, that the output voltages (Vout1, Vout2) of the CVA vary depending on the position of the pen 10 in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 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 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a sensor unit 100 in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a part of the touch input sensor pattern of the sensor unit 100 shown in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a portion of the touch input sensor pattern shown in FIG. 5, illustrating capacitances that occur between the touch input sensor patterns. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an equivalent circuit diagram of a portion of the touch input sensor pattern shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a plan view of a portion of the touch input sensor pattern shown in FIG. 6, illustrating a case where a touch reception signal is sensed even in an untouched area of ​​the touch input sensor pattern. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a table showing the change in capacitance of the sensed touch signal when the touch signal is received as a single touch (a) and when it is received as a differential touch (b) during mutual finger touching in the touch input sensor pattern shown in FIG. 6 . [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a graph showing the change in capacitance of the measured touch signal when the touch signal is received differentially (a) and when the touch signal is received single-touch (b) during mutual finger touching in the touch input sensor pattern shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a table showing control states of electrodes in an electronic device that are set when a finger touches the electronic device to prevent abnormal touch signals from being generated, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a table showing control states of electrodes in an electronic device that are set when touched with a stylus pen to prevent generation of abnormal touch signals according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a plan view of a portion of the touch input sensor pattern in the electronic device shown in FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a circuit diagram for explaining a problem that occurs when the first stylus electrode (STX) and the second stylus electrode (SRX) are grounded in the finger touch self-sensing mode. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a circuit diagram for explaining a means for solving the problem occurring in the circuit diagram shown in FIG. 15 according to the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of each electrode in the uplink mode of the present invention in the case of a stylus pen touch. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of each electrode in the downlink mode of the present invention in the case of a stylus pen touch. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0040] The following detailed description of the present invention refers to the accompanying drawings, which show, by way of example, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It should be understood that various embodiments of the present invention, although different from one another, are not necessarily mutually exclusive. For example, specific shapes, structures, and characteristics described herein in connection with one embodiment may be embodied in other embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It should also be understood that the location or arrangement of individual components within each disclosed embodiment may be modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the following detailed description is not intended to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is limited only by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims, if properly interpreted, are entitled. In the drawings, like reference numerals indicate the same or similar functionality throughout the various aspects.

[0041] The electronic device according to various embodiments of the present document may be an electronic device such as a typical smartphone, or may be an electronic device having a rectangular screen that is relatively larger than the screen of a typical smartphone, with a diagonal length of approximately 10 inches to 13 inches. For example, the electronic device may include at least one of a folder-type smartphone, a tablet personal computer (PC), a vehicle display device, an e-book reader, a laptop personal computer, and a netbook computer.

[0042] In addition, electronic devices according to various embodiments of the present invention can not only detect the position of an object such as a finger placed on a screen, but also output a drive signal for driving a stylus pen and detect the position of the stylus pen placed on the screen by sensing a signal emitted from the stylus pen.

[0043] Various embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a sensor unit 100 in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 5 is a plan view of a part of the touch input sensor pattern of the sensor unit 100 shown in FIG.

[0046] The electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention is a portrait-type electronic device. Such a portrait-type electronic device has a width smaller than a height, and a control unit (not shown) that controls the sensor unit 100 is disposed below the sensor unit 100. For example, the electronic device corresponds to the shape of a smartphone.

[0047] The sensor unit 100 can not only detect the position of an object such as a finger placed on the screen, but also drive a stylus pen placed on the screen and detect the position of the stylus pen placed on the screen by sensing a signal emitted from the stylus pen.

[0048] The sensor unit 100 includes a large number of patterns (or a large number of electrodes).

[0049] The sensor unit 100 may include a number of first to fourth patterns 101, 102, 103, and 104.

[0050] 4, 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 electronic device. The first pattern 101 may also be named TX (first touch electrode or touch drive electrode).

[0051] 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 STX (Stylus TX, first pen electrode, or pen driving electrode).

[0052] 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 electronic device. The third pattern 103 may also be named RX (second touch electrode or touch receiving electrode).

[0053] The fourth pattern 104 has a shape extending along the second direction y, is disposed adjacent to the third pattern 103, and is disposed at a predetermined distance from the third pattern 103. The fourth pattern 104 can also be named SRX (Stylus RX, second pen electrode, or pen receiving electrode).

[0054] The third and fourth patterns 103 and 104 are arranged in the same layer as the first and second patterns 101 and 102, and are spaced a predetermined distance apart from the first and second patterns 101 and 102.

[0055] 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.

[0056] Since 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, 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.

[0057] Here, the number of the plurality of first patterns 101 and the number of the plurality of third patterns 103 may be increased or decreased depending on the screen size of the electronic device.

[0058] The number of second patterns 102 may be the same as the number of first patterns 101. The other 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.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 5, one end of two or more adjacent second patterns 102 among the plurality of second patterns 102 may be electrically connected to each other via a conductive pattern.

[0060] 4 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.

[0061] The number of fourth patterns 104 may be the same as the number of third patterns 103. The other ends of the fourth patterns 104 are electrically connected to each other via conductive patterns.

[0062] In the sensor unit 100 of the electronic device shown in FIG. 4, the plurality of first patterns 101 and the plurality of third patterns 103 basically sense the touch of an object such as a finger.

[0063] Therefore, the first patterns 101 may operate as touch driving electrodes to which a touch driving signal is applied, and the third patterns 103 may operate as touch receiving electrodes (or touch sensing electrodes) to which a touch sensing signal is received. Of course, the operations may be reversed.

[0064] In order for the sensor unit 100 of the electronic device shown in FIG. 4 to drive and sense the stylus pen, a number of first to fourth patterns 101, 102, 103, and 104 may be used in various combinations.

[0065] The multiple first patterns 101 and the multiple third patterns 103 sense the touch of an object such as a finger.

[0066] Specifically, the plurality of first patterns 101 act as touch driving electrodes, and the plurality of third patterns 103 act as touch receiving electrodes.

[0067] In addition, one or two of the first to fourth patterns 101, 102, 103, and 104 may operate as a stylus driving electrode for driving a stylus pen. A current loop for driving a stylus pen may be formed using one or two of the first to fourth patterns 101, 102, 103, and 104.

[0068] The X-axis drive may be one of a plurality of first patterns 101 and a plurality of second patterns 102, and the Y-axis drive may be one of a plurality of third patterns 103 and a plurality of fourth patterns 104.

[0069] The stylus pen can be driven either along the X axis or the Y axis, or both.

[0070] Two of the first to fourth patterns 101, 102, 103, and 104 may function as pen sensing electrodes that sense a stylus pen signal emitted from a stylus pen.

[0071] In order to sense the stylus pen signal, both X-axis sensing and Y-axis sensing are required, so two patterns out of the first to fourth patterns 101, 102, 103, and 104 are used.

[0072] The X-axis sensing may be any one of a plurality of first patterns 101 and a plurality of second patterns 102, and the Y-axis sensing may be any one of a plurality of third patterns 103 and a plurality of fourth patterns 104.

[0073] 5, the sensor unit 100A includes a plurality of first to fourth patterns 101A, 102A, 103A, and 104A. The plurality of first to fourth patterns 101A, 102A, 103A, and 104A are arranged together on the same layer.

[0074] The first pattern 101A has a shape extending along a first direction (longitudinal direction). The first direction may be the long axis direction of the screen of the electronic device. The first pattern 101A may also be named TX.

[0075] 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 including the connecting pattern portion and other shapes.

[0076] The first pattern 101A may have an opening in which the second pattern 102A is disposed adjacent to the first pattern 101A. 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.

[0077] The second pattern 102A has a shape extending along the first direction, and is disposed adjacent to the first pattern 101A, with a predetermined distance therebetween. The second pattern 102A can also be named STX (Stylus TX).

[0078] The second pattern 102A is disposed adjacent to the first pattern 101A.

[0079] 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 including the connecting pattern portion and other shapes.

[0080] 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.

[0081] The third patterns 103A are arranged on the left and right sides of one connecting pattern portion of the first pattern 101A. The third patterns 103A may have a diamond shape, but are not limited thereto, and may have various shapes including connecting pattern portions and other shapes.

[0082] The third pattern 103A may have an opening adjacent to the third pattern 103A, 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 surrounding the fourth pattern 104A. The third pattern 103A is disposed at a predetermined distance from the fourth pattern 104A. The third pattern 103A may also be named RX, and the fourth pattern 104A may also be named SRX (Stylus RX).

[0083] Among the plurality of third patterns 103A, the third patterns extending along a second direction (width direction) perpendicular to the first direction are electrically connected by a third conductive pattern D3.

[0084] The third conductive pattern D3 is arranged so as to cross the connecting pattern portion of the first pattern 101A that is arranged between two adjacent third patterns.

[0085] Among the plurality of fourth patterns 104A, those extending along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction are electrically connected by a fourth conductive pattern D4.

[0086] The fourth conductive pattern D4 is arranged to cross the connecting pattern portion of the first pattern 101A arranged between two adjacent fourth patterns 104A, and electrically connects the fourth patterns 104A extending along the first direction.

[0087] The first to fourth patterns 101A, 102A, 103A, and 104A are disposed together on the same first layer, but spaced apart from one another.

[0088] Meanwhile, the term "uplink signal" refers to a driving signal for driving a stylus pen. When the same stylus pen driving signal is applied to a plurality of first patterns 101 and a plurality 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 plurality of second patterns 102 than when the stylus pen driving signal is applied to a plurality of first patterns 101.

[0089] This is because the other ends of the multiple second patterns 102 are electrically connected, and if two or more second patterns to which a stylus pen driving signal is applied are appropriately selected, at least one current loop is formed, but the other ends of the multiple first patterns 101 are not electrically connected to each other, and therefore no current loop can be formed.

[0090] When a current flows through each first pattern 101, the RC of each first pattern 101 is charged, so that the current cannot flow smoothly from one end of each first pattern 101 to the other end.

[0091] In addition, the stylus pen driving signal applied through a number of first patterns 101 is transmitted to a number of second patterns 102 in which a current loop is formed through capacitive coupling, and at this time, signal attenuation occurs due to capacitive coupling.

[0092] Similarly, when the stylus pen driving signal is applied to a large number of the fourth patterns 104, the uplink signal is relatively larger than when the stylus pen driving signal is applied to a large number of the third patterns 103.

[0093] Meanwhile, the term "downlink signal" refers to a stylus pen signal received from a stylus pen.

[0094] When the same stylus pen signal is received through 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 through multiple second patterns 102 than when the stylus pen signal is received through multiple first patterns 101.

[0095] The reason is that the other ends of the multiple second patterns 102 are electrically connected to form a current loop, but the other 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] FIG. 6 is a plan view of a portion of the touch input sensor pattern shown in FIG. 5, illustrating capacitances occurring between the touch input sensor patterns; m is the mutual capacitance, C b is the capacitance between each electrode and ground, C c denotes the coupling capacitance.

[0098] FIG. 7 is an equivalent circuit diagram of a portion of the touch input sensor pattern shown in FIG.

[0099] For example, in Figs. 6 and 7, C m,TX-Rx refers to the mutual capacitance between the first touch electrode TX and the second touch electrode RX, and C b,TX refers to the capacitance between the first touch electrode TX and ground, and C c,TX-STX refers to the coupling capacitance between the first touch electrode TX and the first stylus electrode STX.

[0100] However, in the touch input sensor pattern shown in FIG. 6, if a touch operation signal is applied to a predetermined position during mutual finger touch operation, the following problem occurs.

[0101] FIG. 8 is a plan view of a portion of the touch input sensor pattern shown in FIG. 6, illustrating a case where a touch reception signal is sensed even in an untouched area of ​​the touch input sensor pattern.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 8, when a finger touch occurs between the first touch electrode TX1 and the second touch electrode RX1, a normal touch signal is generally generated between the first touch electrode TX1 and the second touch electrode RX1.

[0103] However, due to the capacitive coupling phenomenon, touch driving coupling and / or touch receiving coupling may occur mainly between the first touch electrode TX and the first stylus electrode STX, and between the second touch electrode RX and the second stylus electrode SRX, which may result in an abnormally weak touch signal being generated between the first touch electrode TX and the second touch electrode RX.

[0104] First, the path through which touch drive coupling occurs is as follows.

[0105] When the No. 1-1 touch electrode TX1 is driven, a driving signal is coupled between the No. 1-1 touch electrode TX1 and the No. 1-1 stylus electrode STX1 due to a capacitive coupling phenomenon.

[0106] At this time, since all the first stylus electrodes STX are electrically connected as shown in FIG. 4, the driving signal coupling between the first-1 touch electrode TX1 and the first-1 stylus electrode STX1 also generates driving signal coupling between the first-2 touch electrode TX2 and the first-2 stylus electrode STX2.

[0107] As a result, coupling occurs between the 1-2 touch electrode TX2 and the adjacent 2-1 touch electrode RX1 due to mutual capacitance Cm, and ultimately an abnormally weak touch signal is generated between the 1-2 touch electrode TX2 and the 2-1 touch electrode RX1.

[0108] Next, the path through which touch reception coupling occurs is as follows.

[0109] When the 1-1 touch electrode TX1 is driven, driving signal coupling occurs between the 1-1 touch electrode TX1 and the 2-1 touch electrode RX1 due to the mutual capacitance Cm.

[0110] In addition, driving signal coupling occurs between the 2-1 touch electrode RX1 and the 2-1 stylus electrode SRX1 through a coupling capacitance Cc.

[0111] However, as shown in FIG. 4, the second stylus electrode SRX is electrically connected to the upper and lower parts, and therefore, the amount of coupling appears to be different, resulting in an abnormal step.

[0112] That is, the driving signal is coupled between the 2-2 stylus electrodes SRX2 due to the capacitive coupling phenomenon caused by the driving signal coupling occurring in the 2-1 stylus electrodes SRX1.

[0113] As a result, coupling occurs between the 2-2 touch electrode RX2 and the 1-1 touch electrode TX1 due to mutual capacitance Cm, causing an abnormally weak touch signal to be generated between the 2-2 touch electrode RX2 and the 1-1 touch electrode TX1, ultimately resulting in the abnormal step.

[0114] As a result of actual experiments, it was confirmed that in the touch input sensor pattern shown in FIG. 6, when two fingers touch each other, if the touch signal is received as a single touch or a differential touch, the touch signal is detected in an area that is not actually touched, as shown in FIG. 8, which will be described later.

[0115] FIG. 9 is a table showing the change in capacitance of the sensed touch signal when the touch signal is received as a single touch (a) and when it is received as a differential touch (b) during mutual finger touching in the touch input sensor pattern shown in FIG. 6 .

[0116] FIG. 10 is a graph showing the change in capacitance of the measured touch signal when the touch signal is received differentially (a) and when the touch signal is received single-touch (b) during mutual finger touching in the touch input sensor pattern shown in FIG. 6.

[0117] As shown in FIG. 9, in the case of single touch reception (a), it can be seen that the capacitance change of the touch signal is large in the area where touch drive coupling and touch reception coupling occur together (circle indicated by dotted line).

[0118] Furthermore, when touch signals are received differentially (b), it can be seen that the capacitance change of the touch signal is large even in areas that are not actually touched (circles indicated by dotted lines).

[0119] As can be seen in Figure 10, when the mutual finger touch signal is received differentially (a), the capacitance change of the touch signal changes from (-) to (+), and when it is received single-touch (b), an abnormal step occurs.

[0120] Therefore, in the present invention, when fingers mutually touch, the first stylus electrode STX and the second stylus electrode SRX are grounded, as will be described later, to prevent an abnormally weak touch signal from being generated between the first touch electrode TX and the second touch electrode RX.

[0121] FIG. 11 is a table showing control states of electrodes in an electronic device that are set when a finger touches the electronic device to prevent abnormal touch signals from being generated, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0122] FIG. 12 is a table showing control states of electrodes in an electronic device that are set when touched with a stylus pen to prevent generation of abnormal touch signals according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0123] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0124] FIG. 14 is a plan view of a portion of the touch input sensor pattern in the electronic device shown in FIG. 13, where Cm means mutual capacitance and Cc means coupling capacitance.

[0125] FIG. 15 is a circuit diagram illustrating a problem that occurs when the first stylus electrode STX and the second stylus electrode SRX are grounded in the finger touch self-sensing mode.

[0126] FIG. 16 is a circuit diagram for explaining a means for solving the problem occurring in the circuit diagram shown in FIG. 15 according to the present invention.

[0127] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of each electrode in the uplink mode of the present invention in the case of a stylus pen touch.

[0128] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of each electrode in the downlink mode of the present invention in the case of a stylus pen touch.

[0129] As shown in FIG. 13, the electronic device 100 of the present invention may include a sensor unit 100A and a control unit 300.

[0130] The sensor unit 100A includes a number of first to fourth patterns 101A, 102A, 103A, and 104A.

[0131] The first pattern 101A has a shape extending along a first direction (longitudinal direction). The first direction may be the long-axis direction L of the screen of the electronic device 100. The first pattern 101A may also be named TX (touch drive electrode).

[0132] 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 including the connecting pattern portion and other shapes.

[0133] The first pattern 101A may have an opening in which the second pattern 102A is disposed adjacent to the first pattern 101A. 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.

[0134] 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 can also be named STX (Stylus TX, first pen electrode).

[0135] The second pattern 102A is disposed adjacent to the first pattern 101A.

[0136] 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 including the connecting pattern portion and other shapes.

[0137] 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.

[0138] The third pattern 103A has a shape extending along a second direction (width direction) different from the first direction. The second direction may be perpendicular to the first direction and may be the short-axis direction S of the screen of the electronic device. The third pattern 103A may also be named RX (touch receiving electrode).

[0139] 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 including the connecting pattern portion and other shapes.

[0140] The third pattern 103A may have an opening adjacent to the third pattern 103A, 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.

[0141] 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 can also be named SRX (Stylus RX, second pen electrode).

[0142] The fourth pattern 104A is disposed adjacent to the third pattern 103A.

[0143] 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.

[0144] 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.

[0145] The third and fourth patterns 103A and 104A are arranged at a predetermined distance from the first and second patterns 101A and 102A on the same layer.

[0146] Meanwhile, 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 plurality of conductive patterns.

[0147] The case where the control unit 300 is connected to the sensor unit 100A is as follows.

[0148] The pattern can be set to any one of the following cases: (a) when connected to a large number of first patterns 101A, a large number of second patterns 102A, and a large number of third patterns 103A; (b) when connected to all of the large number of first patterns 101A through the large number of fourth patterns 104A; (c) when connected to a large number of first patterns 101A, a large number of third patterns 103A, and a large number of fourth patterns 104A; (d) when connected to a large number of first patterns 101A and a large number of third patterns 103A; (e) when connected to a large number of first patterns 101A, a large number of second patterns 102A, and a large number of fourth patterns 104A; (f) when connected to a large number of second patterns 102A, a large number of third patterns 103A, and a large number of fourth patterns 104A; or (g) when connected to a large number of second patterns 102A and a large number of fourth patterns 104A.

[0149] The control unit 300 may include a number of driving circuit units 310 and a number of sensing circuit units 330 .

[0150] The plurality of driving circuits 310 may include a touch driving circuit unit that provides touch driving signals to the plurality of first patterns 101A for sensing the touch position of an object such as a finger, and a pen driving circuit unit that provides pen driving signals to the plurality of second patterns 102A for driving a stylus pen.

[0151] The plurality of sensing circuits 330 may include a touch sensing circuit for detecting a touch position of an object such as a finger by receiving a sensing signal through the plurality of third patterns 103A, and a pen sensing circuit for sensing a stylus pen through the plurality of second patterns 102A and the plurality of fourth patterns 104A. Here, some of the plurality of sensing circuits may perform both touch position sensing and stylus pen sensing.

[0152] As shown in FIG. 11, when the control unit 300 senses a finger using the sensor unit 100A, the control unit 300 can control the sensor unit 100A to operate in either a mutual sensing mode or a self-sensing mode.

[0153] Also, as shown in FIG. 12, the control unit 300 can control the sensor unit 100A to operate in uplink mode when driving the stylus pen, and the control unit 300 can control the sensor unit 100A to operate in downlink mode when detecting the stylus pen.

[0154] First, in the case of a finger touch, the operation of the sensor unit 100A under the control of the control unit 300 is as follows.

[0155] The mutual sensing mode refers to a mode in which a driving signal is applied to a touch driving electrode and a sensing signal is output from an adjacent touch receiving electrode.

[0156] The self-sensing mode refers to a mode in which a sensing signal is outputted simultaneously with application of a driving signal to each electrode.

[0157] In the mutual sensing mode, the first touch electrodes TX of the plurality of first patterns 101A perform a driving operation in which a touch driving signal is applied, and the second touch electrodes RX of the plurality of third patterns 103A perform a receiving operation in which a touch sensing signal is output. The first stylus electrodes STX of the plurality of second patterns 102A may receive the touch driving signal, be electrically grounded (GND), or be electrically floating. The second stylus electrodes SRX of the plurality of fourth patterns 104A may output the touch sensing signal (Receiving), be electrically grounded (GND), or be electrically floating.

[0158] In particular, when the first stylus electrode STX and the second stylus electrode SRX are grounded (GND), the transfer of touch signals to other first stylus electrodes STX and / or second stylus electrodes SRX is minimized as detailed in Fig. 14. That is, it is possible to prevent or minimize the generation of abnormal weak touch signals in other first stylus electrodes STX and / or second stylus electrodes SRX as described in Fig. 14.

[0159] At this time, even if the first and second stylus electrodes STX and SRX are grounded (GND), the electrodes can be electrically connected to the control unit 300 and receive the ground potential.

[0160] However, in the self-sensing mode described below, if the first stylus electrode STX and the second stylus electrode SRX are grounded, a problem occurs in which the capacitance seen between the first touch electrode TX and the second touch electrode RX becomes very large, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 15.

[0161] In the self-sensing mode, the first touch electrodes TX and the second touch electrodes RX perform touch driving and receiving operations, and the first stylus electrodes STX, which are the plurality of second patterns 102A, may receive the touch driving signal (Driving), be electrically grounded (GND), or be electrically floating. The second stylus electrodes SRX, which are the plurality of fourth patterns 104A, may receive the touch driving signal (Driving), be electrically grounded (GND), or be electrically floating.

[0162] Next, in the case of a stylus pen touch that is detected by driving the stylus pen, the operation of the sensor unit 100A is as follows.

[0163] The uplink mode refers to a mode in which a stylus pen is driven.

[0164] The downlink mode refers to a mode in which a stylus pen signal is received from a stylus pen.

[0165] 12, in the uplink mode, only the first stylus electrode STX performs a driving operation in which a pen driving signal is applied, and the first touch electrode TX may be electrically floating or may receive the pen driving signal. The second touch electrode RX and the second stylus electrode SRX may be electrically floating or grounded. In the uplink mode, it is preferable that the remaining electrodes, except for the first stylus electrode STX to which the pen driving signal is applied, be electrically floating so that various capacitances are not generated.

[0166] As shown in FIG. 12, in the downlink mode, when the first touch electrode TX and the second touch electrode RX perform a receiving operation to output a pen sensing signal, the first pen electrode STX and the second pen electrode SRX may be electrically grounded (GND), may output the pen sensing signal (Receiving), or may be electrically floating.

[0167] Meanwhile, when the first pen electrode STX and the second pen electrode SRX perform a receiving operation to output a pen sensing signal, the first touch electrode TX and the second touch electrode RX may be electrically grounded (GND), may output the pen sensing signal (Receiving), or may be electrically floating.

[0168] Here, in the downlink mode, if the first stylus electrode STX and the second stylus electrode SRX are all grounded (GND), a current corresponding to a stylus signal may not flow, so it is preferable to electrically float the first stylus electrode STX and the second stylus electrode SRX.

[0169] When the first and second stylus electrodes STX and SRX are both electrically floating, the electrodes STX and SRX are not electrically connected to the control unit 300 and no potential is applied to them.

[0170] Hereinafter, a problem that occurs when the first stylus electrode STX and the second stylus electrode SRX are grounded in the self-sensing mode and a solution to this problem according to the present invention will be described in detail.

[0171] As shown in FIG. 15, when the first stylus electrode STX0 and the second stylus electrode SRX0 are grounded in the self-sensing mode, the capacitance seen by the touch driving electrode TX0 is the capacitance C between the first touch electrode TX and the ground. b,TX 2. The coupling capacitance C between the first touch electrode TX and the first pen electrode STX c,Tx-STX and the mutual capacitance C between the second pen electrode SRX and the first touch electrode TX. m,SRX-TX This causes a problem where the number of nodes is increased to a very large value.

[0172] Also, the capacitance seen by the touch receiving electrode RX0 is the capacitance C between the second touch electrode RX and ground. b,RX 2. The coupling capacitance C between the second touch electrode RX and the second pen electrode SRX c,RX-SRX and the mutual capacitance C between the first pen electrode STX and the second touch electrode RX. m,STX-RX This causes a problem where the number of nodes is increased to a very large value.

[0173] To solve this problem, in the present invention, when the touch driving electrode TX0 and the touch receiving electrode RX0 operate in the self-sensing mode, the first stylus electrode STX0 and the second stylus electrode SRX0 are also driven as shown in Fig. 16. That is, the touch driving signal applied to the touch driving electrode TX0 and the touch receiving electrode RX0 is simultaneously applied to the first stylus electrode STX0 and the second stylus electrode SRX0.

[0174] In such cases, the coupling capacitance Cc,Tx-STX and coupling capacitance C c,RX-SRX and mutual capacitance Cm, SRX-TX and mutual capacitance C m,STX-RX does not occur, so there is no ground capacitance C b,TX and / or ground capacitance C b,RX This prevents large capacitance from being added to the

[0175] 13, the control unit 300 can electrically connect and control a plurality of driving circuit units 310 and sensing circuit units 330 to the sensor unit 100A according to each mode. To this end, the control unit 300 may include a plurality of switches (not shown) that electrically connect the plurality of driving circuit units 310 and sensing circuit units 330 to the sensor unit 100A according to a command from the control unit 300.

[0176] As such, the present invention provides an electronic device that can prevent abnormally weak touch signals from occurring in areas that are not actually touched during finger mutual touch operations and can prevent a significant increase in capacitance seen in touch driving electrodes and touch receiving electrodes.

[0177] Through this, the present invention can prevent abnormally weak touch signals from occurring in areas that are not actually touched when touch signals are detected during finger mutual touch operations in an electronic device.

[0178] In addition, in a mutual sensing mode in which a driving signal is applied to a driving electrode and a sensing signal is output from a receiving electrode, by grounding a number of pen driving electrodes and a number of pen receiving electrodes, it is possible to minimize abnormal transfer of touch signals to other pen driving electrodes and / or pen receiving electrodes.

[0179] In addition, in a self-sensing mode in which input of a driving signal and output of a sensing signal are simultaneously performed through one electrode, when the pen driving electrode and the pen receiving electrode are grounded, not only the touch driving electrode and the touch receiving electrode but also the pen driving electrode and the pen receiving electrode are driven together, thereby preventing a significant increase in parasitic capacitance observed in the touch driving electrode and the touch receiving electrode.

[0180] The features, structures, effects, etc. described in the above embodiments are included in one embodiment of the present invention and are not necessarily limited to only one embodiment. Furthermore, the features, structures, effects, etc. exemplified in each embodiment can be combined or modified in other embodiments by a person skilled in the art to which the embodiment belongs. Therefore, content related to such combinations and modifications should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention.

[0181] Furthermore, although the above description has focused on the embodiments, these are merely examples and do not limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and applications other than those illustrated above are possible within the scope of the essential characteristics of the present invention. For example, each component specifically illustrated in the embodiments can be modified and implemented. Differences related to such modifications and applications should be construed as being included within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0182] 100, 100A: Sensor part 101, 101A: First pattern 102, 102A: Second pattern 103, 103A: Third pattern 104, 104A: 4th pattern 300: Control unit

Claims

1. a sensor unit and a control unit, The sensor unit a plurality of first patterns formed to extend in a first direction; a plurality of second patterns extending in the first direction, adjacent to the first patterns, spaced apart from the first patterns by a predetermined distance, and electrically connected to each other at one end; a plurality of third patterns extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; a plurality of fourth patterns extending in the second direction, adjacent to the third patterns, spaced apart from the third patterns by a predetermined distance, and electrically connected to each other at one end; the plurality of second patterns are configured in the same number as the plurality of first patterns, the plurality of fourth patterns are configured in the same number as the plurality of third patterns; the control unit controls the sensor unit in a mutual sensing mode, The mutual sensing mode is a mode in which the controller applies touch driving signals through the plurality of first patterns and receives touch sensing signals through the plurality of third patterns; In the mutual sensing mode, the control unit While the touch drive signal is being applied to the first patterns, the touch drive signal is applied to the second patterns, the second patterns are electrically grounded, or the second patterns are electrically floating. the touch sensing signal is received from the plurality of fourth patterns while the touch sensing signal is received via the plurality of third patterns; the touch sensing signal is electrically grounded; or the touch sensing signal is electrically floating; the control unit controls the sensor unit in a self-sensing mode, the self-sensing mode is a mode in which the controller applies touch driving signals to the first patterns and the third patterns, respectively, and receives touch sensing signals from the first patterns and the third patterns, respectively; In the self-sensing mode, the control unit configured to apply the touch drive signal to the second patterns and to apply the touch drive signal to the fourth patterns; Electronic devices.

2. the control unit controls the sensor unit to operate in an uplink mode for driving a stylus pen; In the uplink mode, the control unit configured to apply a pen driving signal for driving the stylus pen in the plurality of second patterns; The pen driving signal is applied to the first patterns, or the first patterns are electrically floated; The plurality of third patterns and the plurality of fourth patterns are electrically grounded or electrically floating. The electronic device of claim 1 .

3. the control unit controls the sensor unit to operate in a downlink mode for sensing a touch position of a stylus pen; In the downlink mode, the control unit configured to receive a pen sensing signal of the stylus pen from the plurality of first patterns and the plurality of third patterns; a pen sensing device configured to receive the pen sensing signals from the plurality of second patterns and the plurality of fourth patterns, and to electrically ground or electrically float the plurality of second patterns and the plurality of fourth patterns; The electronic device of claim 1 .

4. the control unit controls the sensor unit to operate in a downlink mode for sensing a touch position of a stylus pen; In the downlink mode, the control unit configured to receive a pen sensing signal of the stylus pen from the plurality of second patterns and the plurality of fourth patterns; a pen detection circuit configured to receive the pen detection signals from the plurality of first patterns and the plurality of third patterns, and to electrically ground or float the plurality of first patterns and the plurality of third patterns; The electronic device of claim 1 .

5. The first to fourth patterns are arranged spaced apart from each other on the same layer. The electronic device of claim 1 .

6. In the mutual sensing mode, the control unit The plurality of second patterns are electrically grounded, and the plurality of fourth patterns are electrically grounded. The electronic device of claim 1 .

7. The control unit With respect to the connections with the first patterns to the fourth patterns, (a) the plurality of first patterns, the plurality of second patterns, and the plurality of third patterns are connected; (b) a case where the plurality of first patterns to the plurality of fourth patterns are connected to each other; (c) the plurality of first patterns, the plurality of third patterns, and the plurality of fourth patterns are connected; (d) when connected to the plurality of first patterns and the plurality of third patterns, (e) connecting the plurality of first patterns, the plurality of second patterns, and the plurality of fourth patterns; (f) connecting the plurality of second patterns, the plurality of third patterns, and the plurality of fourth patterns; (g) When the plurality of second patterns and the plurality of fourth patterns are connected The present invention is characterized in that it is set in any one of the following cases: The electronic device of claim 1 .

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