Display device
Patent Information
- Application Number
- KR1020210085100
- Authority / Receiving Office
- KR · KR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2021-06-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-14
- Estimated Expiration
- 2041-06-29
Smart Images
Figure R1020210085100_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technology Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a display device. Background Technology
[0002] Electronic devices such as smartphones, digital cameras, laptop computers, navigation systems, and smart televisions that provide video to users include a display device for displaying video. The display device includes a display panel for generating video, an input device such as an input sensing unit, a camera for capturing external images, and various sensors.
[0003] The input sensing unit is positioned on the display panel and detects user touch. The camera captures and stores external images. The sensors may include a fingerprint sensor, a proximity sensor, and an ambient light sensor.
[0004] The fingerprint sensor detects a fingerprint provided on the display panel. The proximity sensor detects an object adjacent to the display device. The proximity sensor includes a light-emitting part that generates and outputs light (e.g., infrared) and a light-receiving part that detects light reflected from an object. The ambient light sensor detects the brightness around the display device. The fingerprint sensor, proximity sensor, and ambient light sensor are each manufactured as separate modules and placed within the display device. The problem to be solved
[0005] The objective of the present invention is to provide a display device that performs a proximity sensing mode through an input sensing unit without using a proximity sensor. means of solving the problem
[0006] A display device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a display panel and an input sensing unit disposed on the display panel, wherein the input sensing unit may include a plurality of first sensing electrodes extending in a first direction and arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction, a plurality of first wirings connected to the first sensing electrodes, a plurality of second sensing electrodes extending in the second direction and arranged in the first direction, and a plurality of second wirings connected to the second sensing electrodes. The second wirings may include a plurality of second-1 wirings defined as j-th to k-th second wirings, and the first wirings may be connected to the second-1 wirings.
[0007] A display device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a display panel and an input sensing unit disposed on the display panel, wherein the input sensing unit may include a plurality of first sensing electrodes extending in a first direction and arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction, a plurality of first wires connected to the first sensing electrodes, a plurality of second sensing electrodes extending in the second direction and arranged in the first direction, and a plurality of second wires connected to the second sensing electrodes. g of the first wires may each be connected to g of the second wires.
[0008] A display device according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a display panel and an input sensing unit disposed on the display panel, wherein the input sensing unit may include a plurality of first sensing electrodes arranged in a second direction extending in a first direction and intersecting with the first direction, and a plurality of second sensing electrodes extending in the second direction and arranged in the first direction, and intersecting with the first sensing electrodes while being insulated from them. The second sensing electrodes may include second-1 sensing electrodes disposed in a first region and a plurality of second-2 sensing electrodes disposed in a second region adjacent to the first region in the first direction, and in a proximity sensing mode, driving signals may be simultaneously applied to the first sensing electrodes and the second-2 sensing electrodes, and the driving signals may not be applied to the second-1 sensing electrodes. Effects of the invention
[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a proximity sensing area is set in an input sensing unit, and first and second sensing electrodes in the proximity sensing area are driven simultaneously so that sensing signals can be output from the first and second sensing electrodes. Accordingly, in call mode, a sensing signal with higher sensitivity is generated so that the proximity state of the user can be sensed more easily. Brief explanation of the drawing
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a drawing that exemplarily illustrates a cross-section of the display device shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a drawing exemplarily illustrating a cross-section of the display panel shown in FIG. 2. Figure 4 is a plan view of the display panel shown in Figure 2. Figure 5 is a plan view of the input sensing unit illustrated in Figure 2. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of two adjacent first sensing units and two adjacent second sensing units shown in FIG. 5. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the line I-I' shown in Figure 6. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating some components of a sensor control unit connected to the first and second wirings in FIG. 5. Figure 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of the multiplexer and signal processing unit illustrated in Figure 8. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the driving operation of the first and second sensing electrodes shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the sensing operation of the first and second sensing electrodes shown in FIG. 8. FIGS. 12 and FIGS. 13 are drawings for explaining the operation of a multiplexer and a signal processing unit that process the first and second sensing signals shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 14 is a diagram exemplarily illustrating a cross-section of a first sensing electrode and a second sensing electrode adjacent to each other in the second region illustrated in FIG. 10. FIGS. 15 and FIGS. 16 are drawings for explaining the self-sensing operation of the input sensing unit illustrated in FIGS. 8. FIGS. 17 and FIGS. 18 are drawings for explaining the mutual sensing operation of the input sensing unit illustrated in FIG. 8. FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating the operation intervals of the proximity sensing mode, self-sensing mode, and mutual sensing mode described in FIG. 10, FIG. 11, and FIG. 15 to FIG. 18. FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the configuration of an input sensing unit according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 21a is a diagram illustrating, by way of example, the waveforms of the driving signals and the first and second driving signals shown in FIG. 10, FIG. 15, and FIG. 17. FIG. 21b is a diagram exemplarily illustrating a screen of a display panel according to the driving signals and first and second driving signals shown in FIG. 21a. FIG. 22a is a diagram illustrating, by way of example, driving signals and other waveforms of the first and second driving signals. FIG. 22b is a diagram exemplarily illustrating a screen of a display panel according to the driving signals and first and second driving signals shown in FIG. 22a. Specific details for implementing the invention
[0011] In this specification, where a component (or region, layer, part, etc.) is described as being "on," "connected," or "combined" with another component, it means that it may be directly placed / connected / combined with the other component, or that a third component may be placed between them.
[0012] Identical reference numerals denote identical components. Additionally, in the drawings, the thicknesses, proportions, and dimensions of the components are exaggerated for the effective illustration of the technical content.
[0013] "And / or" includes all one or more combinations that the associated configurations can define.
[0014] Terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components should not be limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component. A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
[0015] Additionally, terms such as "below," "lower side," "above," and "upper side" are used to describe the relationships between the components depicted in the drawings. These terms are relative concepts and are described based on the directions indicated in the drawings.
[0016] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Additionally, terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and are explicitly defined herein unless interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense.
[0017] Terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to indicate the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.
[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0019] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] Referring to FIG. 1, a display device (DD) according to an embodiment of the present invention may have a rectangular shape having long sides extending in a first direction (DR1) and short sides extending in a second direction (DR2) intersecting the first direction (DR1). However, it is not limited thereto, and the display device (DD) may have various shapes such as a circle or a polygon.
[0021] Hereinafter, the direction that intersects substantially perpendicularly with the plane defined by the first direction (DR1) and the second direction (DR2) is defined as the third direction (DR3). Additionally, in this specification, the meaning of "when viewed on a plane" is defined as the state viewed from the third direction (DR3).
[0022] The upper surface of the display device (DD) can be defined as a display surface (DSS) and may have a plane defined by a first direction (DR1) and a second direction (DR2). Images (IM) generated by the display device (DD) can be provided to the user through the display surface (DSS).
[0023] The display surface (DSS) may include a display area (DA) and a non-display area (NDA) surrounding the display area (DA). The display area (DA) may display an image, and the non-display area (NDA) may not display an image. The non-display area (NDA) may surround the display area (DA) and define a border of a display device (DD) that is printed in a predetermined color.
[0024] The display device (DD) can be used in large electronic devices such as televisions, monitors, or external billboards. Additionally, the display device (DD) can be used in small and medium-sized electronic devices such as personal computers, laptop computers, personal digital terminals, car navigation systems, game consoles, smartphones, tablets, or cameras. However, these are presented only as exemplary embodiments and may be used in other electronic devices without departing from the concept of the invention.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a drawing that exemplarily illustrates a cross-section of the display device shown in FIG. 1.
[0026] For example, FIG. 2 shows a cross-section of a display device (DD) viewed from a first direction (DR1).
[0027] Referring to FIG. 2, the display device (DD) may include a display panel (DP), an input sensing unit (ISP), an anti-reflection layer (RPL), a window (WIN), a panel protection film (PPF), and first to third adhesive layers (AL1 to AL3).
[0028] The display panel (DP) may be a flexible display panel. The display panel (DP) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be a light-emitting display panel, but is not particularly limited. For example, the display panel (DP) may be an organic light-emitting display panel or an inorganic light-emitting display panel. The light-emitting layer of the organic light-emitting display panel may include an organic light-emitting material. The light-emitting layer of the inorganic light-emitting display panel may include quantum dots and quantum rods, etc. Hereinafter, the display panel (DP) is described as an organic light-emitting display panel.
[0029] The input sensing unit (ISP) may be placed on the display panel (DP). The input sensing unit (ISP) may include a plurality of sensing units (not shown) for sensing external inputs in a capacitive manner. The input sensing unit (ISP) may be manufactured directly on the display panel (DP) during the manufacturing of the display device (DD). However, it is not limited thereto, and the input sensing unit (ISP) may be manufactured as a separate panel from the display panel (DP) and attached to the display panel (DP) by an adhesive layer.
[0030] An anti-reflective layer (RPL) may be placed on an input sensing unit (ISP). The anti-reflective layer (RPL) may be defined as an external light anti-reflective film. The anti-reflective layer (RPL) can reduce the reflectivity of external light incident from above the display device (DD) toward the display panel (DP).
[0031] When external light traveling toward the display panel (DP) is reflected from the display panel (DP) and provided back to an external user, the user may perceive the external light as if through a mirror. To prevent this phenomenon, for example, the anti-reflection layer (RPL) may include a plurality of color filters that display the same color as the pixels of the display panel (DP).
[0032] Color filters can filter external light to the same color as the pixels. In this case, external light may not be visible to the user. However, not limited thereto, the anti-reflective layer (RPL) may include a phase retarder and / or polarizer to reduce the reflectivity of external light.
[0033] The window (WIN) can be placed on the anti-reflective layer (RPL). The window (WIN) can protect the display panel (DP), the input sensing unit (ISP), and the anti-reflective layer (RPL) from external scratches and impacts.
[0034] A panel protection film (PPF) may be placed under a display panel (DP). The panel protection film (PPF) may protect the lower part of the display panel (DP). The panel protection film (PPF) may include a flexible plastic material such as polyethyleneterephthalate (PET).
[0035] A first adhesive layer (AL1) is placed between a display panel (DP) and a panel protection film (PPF), and the display panel (DP) and the panel protection film (PPF) can be bonded together by the first adhesive layer (AL1). A second adhesive layer (AL2) is placed between an anti-reflection layer (RPL) and an input sensing unit (ISP), and the anti-reflection layer (RPL) and the input sensing unit (ISP) can be bonded together by the second adhesive layer (AL2). A third adhesive layer (AL3) is placed between a window (WIN) and an anti-reflection layer (RPL), and the window (WIN) and the anti-reflection layer (RPL) can be bonded together by the third adhesive layer (AL3).
[0036] FIG. 3 is a drawing exemplarily illustrating a cross-section of the display panel shown in FIG. 2.
[0037] For example, FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of a display panel (DP) viewed from a first direction (DR1).
[0038] Referring to FIG. 3, the display panel (DP) may include a substrate (SUB), a circuit element layer (DP-CL) disposed on the substrate (SUB), a display element layer (DP-OLED) disposed on the circuit element layer (DP-CL), and a thin film encapsulation layer (TFE) disposed on the display element layer (DP-OLED).
[0039] The substrate (SUB) may include a display area (DA) and a non-display area (NDA) around the display area (DA). The substrate (SUB) may include a flexible plastic material such as glass or polyimide (PI). A display element layer (DP-OLED) may be placed on the display area (DA).
[0040] Multiple pixels may be disposed in the circuit element layer (DP-CL) and the display element layer (DP-OLED). Each pixel may include a transistor disposed in the circuit element layer (DP-CL) and a light-emitting element disposed in the display element layer (DP-OLED) and connected to the transistor. The configuration of the pixel will be described in detail below.
[0041] A thin film encapsulation layer (TFE) can be placed on a circuit element layer (DP-CL) to cover a display element layer (DP-OLED). The thin film encapsulation layer (TFE) can protect the pixels from moisture, oxygen, and external foreign substances.
[0042] Figure 4 is a plan view of the display panel shown in Figure 2.
[0043] Referring to FIG. 4, the display device (DD) may include a display panel (DP), a scan driver (SDV), a data driver (DDV), a light emission driver (EDV), and a plurality of first pads (PD1).
[0044] The display panel (DP) may have a rectangular shape having long sides extending in a first direction (DR1) and short sides extending in a second direction (DR2), but the shape of the display panel (DP) is not limited thereto. The display panel (DP) may include a display area (DA) and a non-display area (NDA) surrounding the display area (DA).
[0045] The display panel (DP) may include a plurality of pixels (PX), a plurality of scan lines (SL1~SLm), a plurality of data lines (DL1~DLn), a plurality of light-emitting lines (EL1~ELm), first and second control lines (CSL1, CSL2), first and second power lines (PL1, PL2), and connection lines (CNL). m and n are natural numbers.
[0046] Pixels (PX) may be placed in a display area (DA). A scanning driver (SDV) and an emitting driver (EDV) may be placed in a non-display area (NDA) adjacent to the long sides of the display panel (DP), respectively. A data driver (DDV) may be placed in a non-display area (NDA) adjacent to any one of the short sides of the display panel (DP). When viewed in a planar view, the data driver (DDV) may be adjacent to the bottom of the display panel (DP).
[0047] Scan lines (SL1~SLm) can be extended in a second direction (DR2) and connected to pixels (PX) and a scan driver (SDV). Data lines (DL1~DLn) can be extended in a first direction (DR1) and connected to pixels (PX) and a data driver (DDV). Light emission lines (EL1~ELm) can be extended in a second direction (DR2) and connected to pixels (PX) and a light emission driver (EDV).
[0048] The first power line (PL1) may be extended in the first direction (DR1) and placed in the non-display area (NDA). The first power line (PL1) may be placed between the display area (DA) and the light-emitting driver (EDV), but is not limited thereto, and may be placed between the display area (DA) and the scanning driver (SDV).
[0049] The connection lines (CNL) can be extended in a second direction (DR2) and arranged in a first direction (DR1) to be connected to the first power line (PL1) and pixels (PX). A first voltage can be applied to the pixels (PX) through the first power line (PL1) and connection lines (CNL) that are connected to each other.
[0050] The second power line (PL2) is positioned in the non-display area (NDA) and can extend along the long sides of the display panel (DP) and another short side of the display panel (DP) where the data driver (DDV) is not positioned. The second power line (PL2) can be positioned outside the scanning driver (SDV) and the light-emitting driver (EDV).
[0051] Although not illustrated, the second power line (PL2) may be extended toward the display area (DA) and connected to the pixels (PX). A second voltage having a level lower than the first voltage may be applied to the pixels (PX) through the second power line (PL2).
[0052] The first control line (CSL1) is connected to the scanning driver (SDV) and can extend toward the bottom of the display panel (DP). The second control line (CSL2) is connected to the light-emitting driver (EDV) and can extend toward the bottom of the display panel (DP). The data driver (DDV) can be positioned between the first control line (CSL1) and the second control line (CSL2).
[0053] The first pads (PD1) are positioned in a non-display area (NDA) adjacent to the bottom of the display panel (DP) and may be closer to the bottom of the display panel (DP) than the data driver (DDV). The data driver (DDV), the first power line (PL1), the second power line (PL2), the first control line (CSL1), and the second control line (CSL2) may be connected to the first pads (PD1). Data lines (DL1~DLn) are connected to the data driver (DDV), and the data driver (DDV) may be connected to the first pads (PD1) corresponding to the data lines (DL1~DLn).
[0054] Although not illustrated, the display device (DD) may further include a timing controller for controlling the operation of the scanning driver (SDV), the data driver (DDV), and the light-emitting driver (EDV), and a voltage generator for generating first and second voltages. The timing controller and the voltage generator may be connected to corresponding first pads (PD1) through a printed circuit board.
[0055] The scanning driver (SDV) generates multiple scanning signals, and the scanning signals can be applied to pixels (PX) through scanning lines (SL1~SLm). The data driver (DDV) generates multiple data voltages, and the data voltages can be applied to pixels (PX) through data lines (DL1~DLn). The light emission driver (EDV) generates multiple light emission signals, and the light emission signals can be applied to pixels (PX) through light emission lines (EL1~ELm).
[0056] Pixels (PX) can receive data voltages in response to scanning signals. Pixels (PX) can display an image by emitting light of a brightness corresponding to the data voltages in response to light emission signals.
[0057] Figure 5 is a plan view of the input sensing unit illustrated in Figure 2.
[0058] Referring to FIG. 5, the input sensing unit (ISP) may include a plurality of sensing electrodes (SE1, SE2), a plurality of wirings (TX1~TXh, RX1~RXk), and a plurality of second and third pads (PD2, PD3). The sensing electrodes (SE1, SE2), wirings (TX1~TXh, RX1~RXk), and second and third pads (PD2, PD3) may be disposed on a thin film encapsulation layer (TFE).
[0059] The planar area of the input sensing unit (ISP) may include an active area (AA) and an inactive area (NAA) surrounding the active area (AA). The active area (AA) may overlap with the display area (DA), and the inactive area (NAA) may overlap with the non-display area (NDA).
[0060] Sensing electrodes (SE1, SE2) may be placed in an active region (AA), and second and third pads (PD2, PD3) may be placed in an inactive region (NAA). The second pads (PD2) and the third pads (PD3) may be adjacent to the bottom of the input sensing unit (ISP) when viewed in a planar view. When viewed in a planar view, the first pads (PD1) may be placed between the second pads (PD2) and the third pads (PD3).
[0061] The wiring (TX1~TXh, RX1~RXk) is connected to one end of the sensing electrodes (SE1, SE2) and can be extended to the inactive area (NAA) to be connected to the second and third pads (PD2, PD3). Although not illustrated, a sensing control unit for controlling the input sensing unit (ISP) can be connected to the second and third pads (PD2, PD3) via a printed circuit board.
[0062] The sensing electrodes (SE1, SE2) may include a plurality of first sensing electrodes (SE1) arranged in a second direction (DR2) extending in a first direction (DR1), and a plurality of second sensing electrodes (SE2) arranged in a first direction (DR1) extending in a second direction (DR2). The second sensing electrodes (SE2) may be extended to intersect with the first sensing electrodes (SE1) while being insulated from each other.
[0063] The wiring (TX1~TXh, RX1~RXk) may include a plurality of first wirings (TX1~TXh) connected to first sensing electrodes (SE1) and a plurality of second wirings (RX1~RXk) connected to second sensing electrodes (SE2). The first wirings (TX1~TXh) may extend into an inactive area (NAA) and be connected to second pads (PD2). The second wirings (RX1~RXk) may extend into an inactive area (NAA) and be connected to third pads (PD3).
[0064] For example, when viewed in a planar view, the first wiring (TX1–TXh) may be placed in an inactive area (NAA) adjacent to the lower side of the active area (AA). Also, when viewed in a planar view, the second wiring (RX1–RXk) may be placed in an inactive area (NAA) adjacent to the right side of the active area (AA).
[0065] Each of the first sensing electrodes (SE1) may include a plurality of first sensing units (SP1) arranged in a first direction (DR1) and a plurality of connection patterns (CP) connecting the first sensing units (SP1). Each of the connection patterns (CP) may be positioned between two first sensing units (SP1) adjacent to each other in the first direction (DR1) to connect the two first sensing units (SP1).
[0066] Each of the second sensing electrodes (SE2) may include a plurality of second sensing units (SP2) arranged in the second direction (DR2) and a plurality of extension patterns (EP) extending from the second sensing units (SP2). Each of the extension patterns (EP) may be positioned between two second sensing units (SP2) adjacent to each other in the second direction (DR2) and extend from the two second sensing units (SP2).
[0067] The first sensing units (SP1) and the second sensing units (SP2) may be spaced apart from each other and arranged alternately without overlapping. Capacitance may be formed by the first sensing units (SP1) and the second sensing units (SP2). The extension patterns (EP) may not overlap with the connection patterns (CP).
[0068] The first and second sensing electrodes (SE1, SE2) may be formed of silver, gold, copper, aluminum, platinum, palladium, chromium, titanium, tungsten, niobium, tantalum, vanadium, iron, manganese, cobalt, nickel, zinc, tin, molybdenum, or an alloy thereof.
[0069] FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of two adjacent first sensing units and two adjacent second sensing units shown in FIG. 5.
[0070] Referring to FIG. 6, the first sensing units (SP1) and the second sensing units (SP2) may have a mesh shape. Each of the first and second sensing units (SP1, SP2) may include a plurality of first branch units (BP1) extended in a first diagonal direction (DDR1) and a plurality of second branch units (BP2) extended in a second diagonal direction (DDR2) to have a mesh shape.
[0071] The first diagonal direction (DDR1) may be defined as a direction that intersects the first and second directions (DR1, DR2) on a plane defined by the first and second directions (DR1, DR2). The second diagonal direction (DDR2) may be defined as a direction that intersects the first diagonal direction (DDR1) on a plane defined by the first and second directions (DR1, DR2). For example, the first direction (DR1) and the second direction (DR2) may intersect perpendicularly to each other, and the first diagonal direction (DDR1) and the second diagonal direction (DDR2) may intersect perpendicularly to each other.
[0072] The first branch portions (BP1) of each of the first and second sensing portions (SP1, SP2) may intersect with the second branch portions (BP2) of each of the first and second sensing portions (SP1, SP2) and may be formed integrally with each other. A rhombus-shaped touch opening (TOP) may be defined by the first branch portions (BP1) and the second branch portions (BP2).
[0073] Each of the pixels (PX) illustrated in FIG. 4 may include a light-emitting element (OLED) that generates light. When viewed in a planar view, the light-emitting elements (OLEDs) may be placed at each of the touch openings (TOP). First and second branches (BP1, BP2) may be placed between the light-emitting elements (OLEDs). The area between the light-emitting elements (OLEDs) may be defined as a non-emissive area (NEA).
[0074] The first and second sensing units (SP1, SP2) can be placed in the non-emissive region (NEA). Since the first and second sensing units (SP1, SP2) are placed in the non-emissive region (NEA), light generated from the light-emitting elements (OLED) can be emitted normally without being affected by the first and second sensing units (SP1, SP2).
[0075] The connection pattern (CP) can be extended so as not to overlap with the extension pattern (EP) to connect the first sensing units (SP1). The connection pattern (CP) can be connected to the first sensing units (SP1) through a plurality of contact holes (TC-CH). The structure of the contact holes (TC-CH) will be illustrated in FIG. 7 below. The connection pattern (CP) can be extended toward the first sensing units (SP1) via regions that overlap with the second sensing units (SP2).
[0076] The extension pattern (EP) may be disposed between the first sensing units (SP1) and may extend from the second sensing units (SP2). The second sensing units (SP2) and the extension pattern (EP) may be formed integrally. The extension pattern (EP) may have a mesh shape. The extension pattern (EP), the first sensing units (SP1), and the second sensing units (SP2) may be disposed on the same layer and formed by simultaneous patterning with the same material.
[0077] The connection pattern (CP) may include a first extension part (EX1) and a second extension part (EX2) having a shape symmetric to the first extension part (EX1). The extension pattern (EP) may be disposed between the first extension part (EX1) and the second extension part (EX2). The first extension part (EX1) may extend through an area overlapping one of the second sensing parts (SP2) and may be connected to the first sensing parts (SP1). The second extension part (EX2) may extend through an area overlapping another of the second sensing parts (SP2) and may be connected to the first sensing parts (SP1).
[0078] Hereinafter, the first sensing units (SP1) are defined as an upper first sensing unit (SP1) and a lower first sensing unit (SP1) according to their relative placement positions. Additionally, the second sensing units (SP2) are defined as a left second sensing unit (SP2) and a right second sensing unit (SP2) according to their relative placement positions.
[0079] Certain parts of the first and second extension parts (EX1, EX2) adjacent to one side of the first and second extension parts (EX1, EX2) can be connected to the lower first sensing part (SP1) through a plurality of contact holes (TC-CH). Certain parts of the first and second extension parts (EX1, EX2) adjacent to the other side of the first and second extension parts (EX1, EX2) can be connected to the upper first sensing part (SP1) through a plurality of contact holes (TC-CH).
[0080] The first extension part (EX1) may include a first sub-extension part (EX1_1) and a second sub-extension part (EX1_2) extended in the first diagonal direction (DDR1), a third sub-extension part (EX1_3) and a fourth sub-extension part (EX1_4) extended in the second diagonal direction (DDR2), a first sub-conduction pattern (SCP1) extended in the second diagonal direction (DDR2), and a second sub-conduction pattern (SCP2) extended in the first diagonal direction (DDR1).
[0081] Certain parts of the first and second sub-extensions (EX1_1, EX1_2) adjacent to one side of the first and second sub-extensions (EX1_1, EX1_2) can be connected to the lower first sensing part (SP1) through a plurality of contact holes (TC-CH). Certain parts of the third and fourth sub-extensions (EX1_3, EX1_4) adjacent to one side of the third and fourth sub-extensions (EX1_3, EX1_4) can be connected to the upper first sensing part (SP1) through a plurality of contact holes (TC-CH).
[0082] The other side of the first sub-extension section (EX1_1) may extend from the other side of the third sub-extension section (EX1_3), and the other side of the second sub-extension section (EX1_2) may extend from the other side of the fourth sub-extension section (EX1_4). The first sub-conduction pattern (SCP1) may extend from the other side of the fourth sub-extension section (EX1_4) toward the second diagonal direction (DDR2) and may extend to the first sub-extension section (EX1_1). The second sub-conduction pattern (SCP2) may extend from the other side of the second sub-extension section (EX1_2) toward the first diagonal direction (DDR1) and may extend to the third sub-extension section (EX1_3).
[0083] The first sub-extension part (EX1_1), the second sub-extension part (EX1_2), the third sub-extension part (EX1_3), the fourth sub-extension part (EX1_4), the first sub-conducting pattern (SCP1), and the second sub-conducting pattern (SCP2) can be formed integrally.
[0084] The first and second sub-extensions (EX1_1, EX1_2) may be extended to intersect with a predetermined number of second branches (BP2) adjacent to the lower first sensing part (SP1) among the second branches (BP2) of the right second sensing part (SP2). The first branches (BP1) of the right second sensing part (SP2) may not be placed in some areas overlapping the first and second sub-extensions (EX1_1, EX1_2) and the second sub-conductive pattern (SCP2).
[0085] The third and fourth sub-extensions (EX1_3, EX1_4) may be extended to intersect with a predetermined number of first branches (BP1) adjacent to the upper first sensing part (SP1) among the first branches (BP1) of the right second sensing part (SP2). The second branches (BP2) of the right second sensing part (SP2) may not be placed in some areas overlapping the third and fourth sub-extensions (EX1_3, EX1_4) and the first sub-conductive pattern (SCP1).
[0086] The second extension section (EX2) may include a fifth sub-extension section (EX2_1) and a sixth sub-extension section (EX2_2) extended in the second diagonal direction (DDR2), a seventh sub-extension section (EX2_3) and an eighth sub-extension section (EX2_4) extended in the first diagonal direction (DDR1), a third sub-conduction pattern (SCP3) extended in the first diagonal direction (DDR1), and a fourth sub-conduction pattern (SCP4) extended in the second diagonal direction (DDR2).
[0087] The left second sensing unit (SP2) may have a structure symmetrical to the right second sensing unit (SP2), and the second extension unit (EX2) may have a structure symmetrical to the first extension unit (EX1). Therefore, the description of the 5th to 8th sub-extension units (EX2_1~EX2_4) and the 3rd and 4th sub-conductive patterns (SCP3, SCP4) is omitted below.
[0088] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the line I-I' shown in Figure 6.
[0089] Referring to FIG. 7, an insulating layer (IOL) may be disposed on a thin film encapsulation layer (TFE). The insulating layer (IOL) may include an inorganic insulating layer. At least one insulating layer (IOL) may be provided on the thin film encapsulation layer (TFE). For example, two inorganic insulating layers (IOL) may be sequentially stacked on the thin film encapsulation layer (TFE).
[0090] A connection pattern (CP) may be disposed on an insulating layer (IOL). A first insulating layer (TC-IL1) may be disposed on the connection pattern (CP) and the insulating layer (IOL). The first insulating layer (TC-IL1) may be disposed on the insulating layer (IOL) to cover the connection pattern (CP). The first insulating layer (TC-IL1) may include an inorganic insulating layer or an organic insulating layer.
[0091] First sensing units (SP1) and second sensing units (SP2) may be disposed on the first insulating layer (TC-IL1). An extension pattern (EP) formed integrally with the second sensing units (SP2) may also be disposed on the first insulating layer (TC-IL1). A connection pattern (CP) may be connected to the first sensing units (SP1) through a plurality of contact holes (TC-CH) defined in the first insulating layer (TC-IL1).
[0092] A second insulating layer (TC-IL2) may be disposed on the first and second sensing units (SP1, SP2) and the first insulating layer (TC-IL1). The second insulating layer (TC-IL2) may be disposed on the first insulating layer (TC-IL1) to cover the first sensing units (SP1) and the second sensing units (SP2). The second insulating layer (TC-IL2) may include an organic insulating layer.
[0093] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating some components of a sensor control unit connected to the first and second wirings in FIG. 5.
[0094] For example, in FIG. 8, the inactive area (NAA) is depicted as being reduced compared to FIG. 5, and the first wiring (TX1–TXh) and the second wiring (RX1–RXk) are depicted as extending outward from the inactive area (NAA). Additionally, for example, the second wiring (RX1–RXk) is depicted as extending to the right and connected to the components of the sensing control unit.
[0095] Referring to FIG. 8, the sensing control unit of the input sensing unit (ISP) may include first and second driving units (DV1, DV2), first, second, and third switches (SW1, SW2, SW3), a multiplexer (MXP), and a signal processing unit (SIP).
[0096] The first wires (TX1~TXh) can be connected to the first drive unit (DV1). The second wires (RX1~RXk) can be connected to the second drive unit (DV2). The first drive unit (DV1) and the second drive unit (DV2) can each provide drive signals to the first wires (TX1~TXh) and the second wires (RX1~RXk).
[0097] The second wirings (RX1~RXk) may include a plurality of second-1 wirings (RXj~RXk) defined as the j-th to k-th second wirings (RXj~RXk) and a plurality of second-2 wirings (RX1~RXj-1) defined as the first to j-1-th second wirings (RX1~RXj-1). For example, j may be a natural number greater than 1, and k may be a natural number greater than j. The k-th second wiring (RXk) may be the last second wiring (RXk). The second-1 wirings (RXj~RXk) may be adjacent to the first wirings (TX1~TXh) than to the second-2 wirings (RX1~RXj-1).
[0098] The area of the input sensing unit (ISP) where the 2-1 wirings (RXj~RXk) are arranged is defined as the first area (AA1), and the area of the input sensing unit (ISP) where the 2-2 wirings (RX1~RXj-1) are arranged can be defined as the second area (AA2). The second area (AA2) may be adjacent to the first area (AA1) in the first direction (DR1). The second area (AA2) may be spaced further from the first wirings (TX1~TXh) than the first area (AA1).
[0099] The second sensing electrodes (SE2) may include a plurality of second-1 sensing electrodes (SE2-1) connected to the second-1 wirings (RXj~RXk) and a plurality of second-2 sensing electrodes (SE2-2) connected to the second-2 wirings (RX1~RXj-1). The second-1 sensing electrodes (SE2-1) may be adjacent to the second-2 sensing electrodes (SE2-2) in a first direction (DR1).
[0100] The first wires (TX1~TXh) can be connected to the second-1 wires (RXj~RXk). The first wires (TX1~TXh) can be connected to the second-1 wires (RXj~RXk) in a 1:1 correspondence. The number of the second-1 wires (RXj~RXk) may be equal to the number of the first wires (TX1~TXh). The second-1 wires (RXj~RXk) can be defined as the second wires (RXj~RXk) that correspond to each of the first wires (TX1~TXh) among the second wires (RX1~RXk).
[0101] The first wires (TX1 to TXh) may be connected to the second-1 wires (RXj to RXk) in a 1:1 correspondence, in the order from the k-th second wire (RXk) to the j-th second wire (RXj). However, this is an exemplary embodiment, and the embodiments of the present invention may not be limited thereto. For example, the first wires (TX1 to TXh) may be connected to the second-1 wires (RXj to RXk) in a 1:1 correspondence, in the order from the j-th second wire (RXj) to the k-th second wire (RXk).
[0102] The first switches (SW1) can be connected to the second-1 wires (RXj~RXk) and the first wires (TX1~TXh). The first switches (SW1) can be positioned between the first wires (TX1~TXh) and the second-1 sensing electrodes (SE2-1) and connected in series to the second-1 wires (RXj~RXk), respectively. The second-1 wires (RXj~RXk) can be connected to the second-1 sensing electrodes (SE2-1), respectively, through the first switches (SW1).
[0103] Parts of the second-1 wirings (RXj~RXk) connected to the first wirings (TX1~TXh) can be defined as contacts (P). First switches (SW1) can be connected in series to the second-1 wirings (RXj~RXk) between the contacts (P) and the second-1 sensing electrodes (SE2-1). The first switches (SW1) can turn on / off the connection between the second-1 wirings (RXj~RXk) and the second-1 sensing electrodes (SE2-1). The first switches (SW1) can turn on / off the connection between the second-1 wirings (RXj~RXk) and the first wirings (TX1~TXh).
[0104] The second switches (SW2) can be connected in series to the first wires (TX1 to TXh), respectively. The first wires (TX1 to TXh) can be connected to the second-1 wires (RXj to RXk), respectively, through the second switches (SW2). The second switches (SW2) can turn on / off the connection between the first wires (TX1 to TXh) and the second-1 wires (RXj to RXk).
[0105] The third switches (SW3) can be connected to the second wirings (RX1~RXk) and the multiplexer (MXP). The first to j-1 third switches (SW31~SW3j-1) among the third switches (SW3) can each be connected in series to the 2-2 wirings (RX1~RXj-1). The j-th to k-th third switches (SW3j~SW3k) among the third switches (SW3) can each be connected in series to the 2-1 wirings (RXj~RXk) between the contacts (P) and the multiplexer (MXP).
[0106] The multiplexer (MXP) can be selectively connected to some of the second wires (RX1~RXk) to output a sensing signal. The signal processing unit (SIP) is connected to the multiplexer (MXP) to process the sensing signal provided from the multiplexer (MXP). The operation of the multiplexer (MXP) and the signal processing unit (SIP) will be described in detail below.
[0107] Figure 9 is a diagram showing the configuration of the multiplexer and signal processing unit illustrated in Figure 8.
[0108] FIGS. 8 and FIGS. 9 will be described together as needed for further explanation. Additionally, FIGS. 9 illustrates first and second sensing electrodes (SE1, SE2) positioned to the right of the input sensing unit (ISP), and the first wiring (TX1~TXh) and first and second switches (SW1, SW2) have been omitted.
[0109] Referring to FIG. 9, the multiplexer unit (MXP) may include multiple multiplexer circuits (MUX). The multiplexer circuits (MUX) may be connected to the second wirings (RX1 to RXk). For example, the third switches (SW3) may be connected to the second wirings (RX1 to RXk) and the multiplexer circuits (MUX), and the multiplexer circuits (MUX) may be connected to the second wirings (RX1 to RXk) through the third switches (SW3). The aforementioned j-th to k-th third switches (SW3j to SW3k) may be connected in series to the second-1 wirings (RXj to RXk) between the contacts (P) and the multiplexer circuits (MUX).
[0110] Each multiplexer circuit (MUX) can be defined as a 3:2 multiplexer. Each multiplexer circuit (MUX) can select two of three inputs to output two output signals. For example, each multiplexer circuit (MUX) may include three input terminals (IN) and two output terminals (OUT). The three input terminals (IN) may be connected to three corresponding third switches (SW3). The two output terminals (OUT) may be selectively connected to two of the three input terminals (IN). This operation will be described in detail below.
[0111] The multiplexer circuits (MUX) are connected in series to three of the second wires (RX1~RXk) and can share one of the second wires in series. For example, the multiplexer circuits (MUX) are connected in series to three of the third switches (SW3) and can share one of the third switches (SW3).
[0112] To implement the aforementioned connection structure, the i-th multiplexer (MUX) circuit can be connected to the 2i-1 to 2i+1 third switches (SW3). i is a natural number. The 3 input terminals (IN) of the i-th multiplexer (MUX) circuit can be connected to the 2i-1 to 2i+1 third switches (SW3). When i=1, the first multiplexer (MUX) circuit can be connected to the first to third third switches (SW3). When i=2, the second multiplexer (MUX) circuit can be connected to the third to sixth third switches (SW3).
[0113] In this case, the first input terminal (IN) of the i+1th multiplexer circuit (MUX) can be connected to a third switch (SW3) connected to the third input terminal (IN) of the i-th multiplexer circuit (MUX). Therefore, the first input terminal (IN) of the i+1th multiplexer circuit (MUX) and the third input terminal (IN) of the i-th multiplexer circuit (MUX) can be commonly connected to a single third switch (SW3).
[0114] The signal processing unit (SIP) may include a plurality of signal processing circuits (SPC) each connected to multiple multiplexer circuits (MUX). The signal processing circuits (SPC) may be connected to two output terminals (OUT) of the multiplexer circuits (MUX). The signal processing circuits (SPC) may process sensing signals provided from the multiplexer circuits (MUX) and output output signals (Vout).
[0115] FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining the driving operation of the first and second sensing electrodes shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the sensing operation of the first and second sensing electrodes shown in FIG. 8.
[0116] The driving and sensing operations of the first and second sensing electrodes (SE1, SE2) illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 can be performed in a proximity sensing mode. The proximity sensing mode will be described in detail below.
[0117] Referring to FIG. 10, in a driving mode, first driving signals (DS1) can be output through a first driving unit (DV1). The first driving signals (DS1) may be sinusoidal. The first driving signals (DS1) can be simultaneously applied to the first wirings (TX1 to TXh). The first driving signals (DS1) can be applied to the first sensing electrodes (SE1) through the first wirings (TX1 to TXh).
[0118] In driving mode, second driving signals (DS2) can be output through the second driving unit (DV2). The second driving signals (DS2) may be sinusoidal. The second driving signals (DS2) can be applied simultaneously to the second wiring (RX1~RXk). Additionally, the first and second driving signals (DS1, DS2) can be applied simultaneously to the first and second wiring (TX1~TXh, RX1~RXk).
[0119] The second driving signals (DS2) applied to the second-1 wirings (RXj~RXk) among the second driving signals (DS2) can be applied to the second-1 wirings (RXj~RXk) between the contacts (P) and the j-th to k-th third switches (SW3j~SW3k). The second driving signals (DS2) applied to the second-2 wirings (RX1~RXj-1) among the second driving signals (DS2) can be applied to the second-2 sensing electrodes (SE2-2) through the second-2 wirings (RX1~RXj-1).
[0120] When the first and second driving signals (DS1, DS2) are applied to the first and second wirings (TX1~TXh, RX1~RXk), the first, second, and third switches (SW1, SW2, SW3) can be turned off. Since the first switches (SW1) are turned off, the second driving signals (DS2) applied to the second-1 wirings (RXj~RXk) may not be applied to the second-1 sensing electrodes (SE2-1).
[0121] Since the second switches (SW2) are turned off, the first driving signals (DS1) may not be applied to the second-1 wirings (RXj~RXk). Since the third switches (SW3) are turned off, the second driving signals (DS2) may not be applied to the multiplexer (MXP).
[0122] According to the above operation, first and second driving signals (DS1, DS2) may be applied simultaneously to the first sensing electrodes (SE1) and the second-second sensing electrodes (SE2-2). The second driving signals (DS2) may not be applied to the second-first sensing electrodes (SE2-1). Therefore, based on the second sensing electrodes (SE2), the first region (AA1) may not be driven, and the second region (AA2) may be driven.
[0123] The first sensing electrodes (SE1) and the second-second sensing electrodes (SE2-2) can be driven by the first and second driving signals (DS1, DS2). In the second region (AA2), the first sensing electrodes (SE1) and the second-second sensing electrodes (SE2-2) can be driven together.
[0124] Referring to FIG. 11, in sensing mode, the output of the first and second driving signals (DS1, DS2) is interrupted, and the second and third switches (SW2, SW3) can be turned on. The first switches (SW1) can be turned off.
[0125] First sensing signals (SS1) sensed at first sensing electrodes (SE1) can be output through first wirings (TX1~TXh). First sensing signals (SS1) can be applied to second-1 wirings (RXj~RXk) through turned-on second switches (SW2). Second sensing signals (SS2) sensed at second-2 sensing electrodes (SE2-2) can be output through second-2 wirings (RX1~RXj-1).
[0126] First and second driving signals (DS1, DS2) are applied together to the first sensing electrodes (SE1) and the second-second sensing electrodes (SE2-2), and first and second sensing signals (SS1, SS2) can be output together from the first sensing electrodes (SE1) and the second-second sensing electrodes (SE2-2).
[0127] A second region (AA2) in which the first and second driving signals (DS1, DS2) are applied simultaneously and the first and second sensing signals (SS1, SS2) are output together can be defined as a proximity sensing region (PSA). A second region (AA2) in which the first sensing electrodes (SE1) and the second sensing electrodes (SE2-2) are arranged together can be defined as a proximity sensing region (PSA). The entire second region (AA2) can be used as a region for proximity sensing.
[0128] The first sensing signals (SS1) and the second sensing signals (SS2) can be provided to the third switches (SW3) through the second wiring (RX1~RXk). The first sensing signals (SS1) and the second sensing signals (SS2) can be provided to the multiplexer (MXP) through the turned-on third switches (SW3). Thus, the first sensing electrodes (SE1) and the second-second sensing electrodes (SE2-2) are driven together in the second region (AA2), and the first and second sensing signals (SS1, SS2) can be output by the first sensing electrodes (SE1) and the second-second sensing electrodes (SE2-2).
[0129] FIGS. 12 and FIGS. 13 are drawings for explaining the operation of a multiplexer and a signal processing unit that process the first and second sensing signals shown in FIG. 11.
[0130] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the first and second sensing signals (SS1, SS2) can be provided to multiplex circuits (MUX) through third switches (SW3). The multiplex circuits (MUX) can operate in a first mode and a second mode.
[0131] Referring to FIG. 12, in the first mode, the two output terminals (OUT) of each of the multiplexer circuits (MUX) can be connected to the first and second input terminals (IN) of the three input terminals (IN). In the first mode, the two output terminals (OUT) can output sensing signals input to the first and second input terminals (IN).
[0132] Referring to FIG. 13, in the second mode, each of the two output terminals (OUT) of the multiplexer circuits (MUX) can be connected to the second and third input terminals (IN) of the three input terminals (IN). In the second mode, the two output terminals (OUT) can output sensing signals input to the second and third input terminals (IN).
[0133] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, signal processing circuits (SPC) can generate differential signals (Vout+, Vout-) by processing sensing signals provided from two output terminals (OUT) of multiplexer circuits (MUX). In the first mode, as an example, second-1 and second-2 sensing signals (SS2-1, SS2-2) output from the first and second second-2 wires (RX1, RX2), the second-1 and second-2 sensing signals (SS2-1, SS2-2) can be selected through the corresponding first multiplexer circuit (MUX) and provided to the corresponding first signal processing circuit (SPC).
[0134] The first signal processing circuit (SPC) can generate a first output signal by subtracting the second-2 sensing signal (SS2-2) from the second-1 sensing signal (SS2-1), and generate a second output signal by subtracting the second-1 sensing signal (SS2-1) from the second-2 sensing signal (SS2-2). One of the first and second output signals may be a positive output signal (Vout+), and the other may be a negative output signal (Vout-).
[0135] The sensing processing operation of the sensing control unit can be performed through the difference value between the positive output signal (Vout+) and the negative output signal (Vout-). The difference value between the positive output signal (Vout+) and the negative output signal (Vout-) may be greater than the difference value between the 2-1 sensing signal (SS2-1) and the 2-2 sensing signal (SS2-2). The larger the difference value of the signals, the easier the sensing processing operation can be performed.
[0136] FIG. 14 is a diagram exemplarily illustrating a cross-section of a first sensing electrode and a second sensing electrode adjacent to each other in the second region illustrated in FIG. 10.
[0137] Referring to FIG. 14, when a first driving signal (DS1) and a second driving signal (DS2) are simultaneously applied to a first sensing electrode (SE1) and a second sensing electrode (SE2), the strength of the electric field (EF) formed in the first sensing electrode (SE1) and the second sensing electrode (SE2) can be increased. The strength of the electric field (EF) can be greater when the first sensing electrode (SE1) and the second sensing electrode (SE2) are driven together than when only one of the first sensing electrode (SE1) and the second sensing electrode (SE2) is driven.
[0138] Touch sensitivity can be increased as the strength of the electric field (EF) increases. In this case, a user's touch can be sensed not only when the user directly touches the display device (DD), but also when the user merely approaches the display device (DD). For example, even if the user does not touch the display device (DD), the user's proximity state can be sensed if the user merely approaches the display device (DD) by a predetermined distance.
[0139] Referring to FIGS. 10, 11, and 14, the display device (DD) can operate in a proximity sensing mode when a call is received or made. For example, when receiving a call, the user can hold the mobile phone close to their ear to make a call.
[0140] When a user brings a mobile phone close to their ear, the input sensing unit (ISP) can sense the user's proximity state. When the state of the user being close to the mobile phone is sensed, a predetermined event corresponding to the proximity sensing can be performed. For example, when a user brings a mobile phone close to their ear, the user cannot see the screen of the mobile phone, so the display screen is turned off and a power saving mode can be implemented.
[0141] When a user places the mobile phone close to their ear, the upper area of the mobile phone where the speaker is placed can be placed close to the ear. The first area (AA1) is defined as the lower area where the speaker is not placed, and the second area (AA2) can be defined as the upper area where the speaker is placed.
[0142] For making a call, the user may position the second area (AA2) closer to the ear than the first area (AA1). In an embodiment of the present invention, when the display device (DD) operates in a proximity sensing mode, the first and second sensing electrodes (SE1, SE2) in the second area (AA2) are driven together, and since the strength of the electric field increases, the touch sensitivity of the second area (AA2) can be increased. In this case, when the user approaches the second area (AA2) for a call, a sensing operation can be performed not only when the user touches the second area (AA2), but also simply when the user approaches the second area (AA2).
[0143] In an embodiment of the present invention, since the first area (AA1) is unlikely to be placed close to the user's ear in call mode, the second driving signals (DS2) may not be provided to the first area (AA1). That is, since there is no need to improve the touch sensitivity of the first area (AA1), the second driving signals (DS2) may not be provided to the second-1 sensing electrodes (SE2-1) of the first area (AA1).
[0144] When the user approaches the second area (AA2), first and second sensing signals (SS1, SS2) are output, and the sensing control unit can sense the user's proximity state based on the first and second sensing signals (SS1, SS2). Accordingly, when the proximity sensing mode is executed, the user's proximity state is sensed in the proximity sensing area (PSA), and a corresponding event (the aforementioned power saving mode) can be executed.
[0145] In an embodiment of the present invention, a separate proximity sensor is not used, and the second area (AA2) of the input sensing unit (ISP) is set as a proximity sensing area (PSA), and a proximity sensing mode can be performed by improving the touch sensitivity of the proximity sensing area (PSA). Accordingly, manufacturing costs are reduced by not using a proximity sensor, and since the touch sensitivity of the second area (AA2) is improved, the proximity sensing mode can be performed more easily.
[0146] FIGS. 15 and FIGS. 16 are drawings for explaining the self-sensing operation of the input sensing unit illustrated in FIGS. 8.
[0147] Referring to FIG. 15, the input sensing unit (ISP) can operate in a self-sensing mode. In the driving mode of the self-sensing mode, the first switches (SW1) can be turned on, the second switches (SW2) can be turned off, and the third switches (SW3) can be turned off.
[0148] In driving mode, the second driving unit (DV2) can apply driving signals (DS) to the second wiring (RX1 to RXk). The driving signals (DS) may be sinusoidal. The driving signals (DS) may be applied to the second sensing electrodes (SE2) through the second wiring (RX1 to RXk).
[0149] Referring to FIG. 16, in the sensing mode of the self-sensing mode, the first switches (SW1) can be turned on, the second switches (SW2) can be turned off, and the third switches (SW3) can be turned on. Sensing signals (SS) can be provided to the multiplexer (MXP) through the second wires (RX1~RXk). By this operation, the self-sensing operation of the input sensing unit (ISP) can be performed.
[0150] FIGS. 17 and FIGS. 18 are drawings for explaining the mutual sensing operation of the input sensing unit illustrated in FIG. 8.
[0151] Referring to FIG. 17, the input sensing unit (ISP) can operate in a mutual sensing mode. In the driving mode of the mutual sensing mode, the first switches (SW1) can be turned off, the second switches (SW2) can be turned off, and the third switches (SW3) can be turned off.
[0152] In driving mode, the first driving unit (DV1) can apply driving signals (DS) to the first wires (TX1 to TXh). The driving signals (DS) can be applied to the first sensing electrodes (SE1) through the first wires (TX1 to TXh).
[0153] Referring to FIG. 18, in the sensing mode of the mutual sensing mode, the first switches (SW1) can be turned on, the second switches (SW2) can be turned off, and the third switches (SW3) can be turned on. Sensing signals (SS) can be provided to the multiplexer (MXP) through the second wires (RX1~RXk). By this operation, the mutual sensing operation of the input sensing unit (ISP) can be performed.
[0154] FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating the operation intervals of the proximity sensing mode, self-sensing mode, and mutual sensing mode described in FIG. 10, FIG. 11, and FIG. 15 to FIG. 18.
[0155] Referring to FIG. 19, the first and second sensing electrodes (SE1, SE2) of the input sensing unit (ISP) can be driven in self-sensing mode, mutual sensing mode, and proximity sensing mode. The processing mode can be defined as a mode that performs an event operation based on a touch. In an embodiment of the present invention, the operating frequency of the input sensing unit (ISP) may be 60 Hz.
[0156] The operating period of the self-sensing mode may be defined as a first period (T1), the operating period of the mutual sensing mode may be defined as a second period (T2), and the operating period of the proximity sensing mode may be defined as a third period (T3). The third period (T3) may be longer than the first and second periods (T1, T2). The second period (T2) may be longer than the first period (T1).
[0157] By setting the third period (T3) to the longest possible duration, proximity sensing can be sufficiently performed in call mode. That is, sufficient time is secured to perform proximity sensing, so that proximity sensing can be performed normally.
[0158] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing the configuration of an input sensing unit according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0159] Below, the configuration of the input sensing unit (ISP-1) shown in FIG. 20 will be described, focusing on a configuration different from that shown in FIG. 8.
[0160] Referring to FIG. 20, g first wires (TX-1) among the first wires (TX1~TXh) can each be connected to g second wires (RX-1) among the second wires (RX1~RXk). g is a natural number, and g can be smaller than the number of first wires (TX1~TXh). The g second wires (RX-1) may be second wires (RX-1) placed below the input sensing unit (ISP) among the second wires (RX1~RXk).
[0161] For example, five first wires (TX-1) are connected to five second wires (RX-1), but if the condition that g is less than the number of first wires (TX1 to TXh) is satisfied, the number of first wires (TX-1) and the number of second wires (RX-1) connected to each other are not limited thereto. For example, between the first first wire (TX1) and the h-th first wire (TXh), any number of first wires (TX-1) are set as g first wires (TX-1), but embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.
[0162] A predetermined number of first wires starting from the first first wire (TX1) may be set as g wires (TX-1), or a predetermined number of first wires starting from the last h-th first wire (TXh) may be set as g wires (TX-1) in a decreasing order. That is, first wires at various positions among the first wires (TX1~TXh) may be set as g first wires (TX-1). Likewise, second wires at various positions among the second wires (RX1~RXk) may be set as g second wires (RX-1).
[0163] The first switches (SW1) can each be connected to g second wires (RX-1). The second switches (SW2) can each be connected to g first wires (TX-1).
[0164] In proximity sensing mode, similar to FIGS. 10 and 11, after the first and second driving signals (DS1, DS2) are applied, the second and third switches (SW2, SW3) are turned on so that the first and second sensing signals (SS1, SS2) can be output.
[0165] First sensing signals (SS1) may be output through g wires (TX-1), and second sensing signals (SS2) may be output through the second wires excluding g second wires (RX-1). The area where the first and second driving signals (DS1, DS2) are applied and the first and second sensing signals (SS1, SS2) are output together may be defined as a proximity sensing area (PSA').
[0166] The area where the second wires and g wires (TX-1) are arranged together, excluding g second wires (RX-1), can be defined as a proximity sensing area (PSA').
[0167] In FIGS. 10 and 11, after first driving signals (DS1) are applied to first wires (TX1 to TXh), first sensing signals (SS1) can be output through the first wires (TX1 to TXh). However, in FIG. 20, the first sensing signals (SS1) can be output through some of the first wires (TX-1) among the first wires (TX1 to TXh).
[0168] In FIGS. 10 and 11, the entire second region (AA2) can be set as a proximity sensing region (PSA). However, embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and as shown in FIG. 20, first sensing signals (SS1) may be output through some first wires (TX-1) so that the proximity sensing region (PSA') can be set differently. That is, in embodiments of the fundamental invention, the proximity sensing region can be set in various ways.
[0169] FIG. 21a is a diagram exemplarily illustrating the waveforms of the driving signals and the first and second driving signals shown in FIG. 10, FIG. 15, and FIG. 17. FIG. 21b is a diagram exemplarily illustrating the screen of a display panel according to the driving signals and the first and second driving signals shown in FIG. 21a.
[0170] FIG. 22a is a diagram illustrating, by way of example, driving signals and other waveforms of the first and second driving signals. FIG. 22b is a diagram illustrating, by way of example, a screen of a display panel according to the driving signals and the first and second driving signals shown in FIG. 22a.
[0171] Referring to FIGS. 21a and 21b, when the driving signals (DS) and the first and second driving signals (DS1, DS2) are sinusoidal (or sine waves), the magnitudes of the driving signals (DS) and the first and second driving signals (DS1, DS2) may gradually decrease from the first level (LV1) to the second level (LV2) or gradually increase from the second level (LV2) to the first level (LV1). In this case, abnormal images such as striped blotches may not be displayed on the screen (SCN), and a normal image may be displayed.
[0172] Referring to FIGS. 22a and 22b, when the driving signals (DS') and the first and second driving signals (DS1', DS2') are square, the magnitudes of the driving signals (DS') and the first and second driving signals (DS1', DS2') can be converted directly from the first level (LV1) to the second level (LV2) or directly from the second level (LV2) to the first level (LV1). That is, the driving signals (DS') and the first and second driving signals (DS1', DS2') can be converted rapidly.
[0173] In such cases, the levels of signals applied to the display panel (DP) may be affected by the driving signals (DS') and the first and second driving signals (DS1', DS2'). For example, the levels of the signals applied to the display panel (DP) may change due to a coupling phenomenon caused by the driving signals (DS') and the first and second driving signals (DS1', DS2') whose levels change rapidly. As a result, as shown in FIG. 22b, an abnormal image, such as a striped stain, may be displayed on the screen (SCN).
[0174] In an embodiment of the present invention, sinusoidal signals are used as the driving signals (DS) and the first and second driving signals (DS1, DS2), so that striped stains like those in FIG. 22b are not visible and normal images like those in FIG. 21b can be displayed.
[0175] Although the invention has been described with reference to the above embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and changes can be made to the invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the following claims. Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical spirit of the invention, and all technical spirits within the scope of the following claims and equivalents should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the rights of the present invention. Explanation of the symbols
[0176] DD: Display device DP: Display panel ISP: Input sensing unit SE1, SE2: First and second sensing electrodes SP1, SP2: 1st and 2nd sensing units TX1~TXh: 1st wiring RX1 ~RXk: 2nd wiring SE2-1: 2-1 sensing electrode SE2-2: 2-2 Sensing Electrode RXj~RXk: 2-1 Wiring RX1~RXj-1: 2-2 wiring AA1,AA2: 1st and 2nd areas SW1, SW2, SW3: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd switches MXP: Multiplexer SIP: Signal Processor MUX: Multiplexer circuit SPC: Signal processing circuit
Claims
Claim 1 A display device comprising: a display panel; and an input sensing unit disposed on the display panel, wherein the input sensing unit comprises: a plurality of first sensing electrodes extending in a first direction and arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a plurality of first wires connected to the first sensing electrodes; a plurality of second sensing electrodes extending in the second direction and arranged in the first direction; and a plurality of second wires connected to the second sensing electrodes, wherein the second wires comprise a plurality of second-1 wires defined as j-th to k-th second wires; and second-2 wires defined as first to j-1-th wires, wherein the first wires are connected to the second-1 wires and the first wires are not connected to the second-2 wires, and j is a natural number greater than 1 and k is a natural number greater than j. Claim 2 In claim 1, the k-th second wiring is a display device that is the last second wiring. Claim 3 In claim 1, the number of the 2-1 wires is the same as the number of the 1 wires in the display device. Claim 4 A display device according to claim 1, wherein the first wirings are connected to correspond 1:1 with each of the 2-1 wirings in the order from the k-th second wiring to the j-th second wiring. Claim 5 A display device according to claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of first switches connected to the 2-1 wirings and the first wirings; and a plurality of second switches connected in series to the first wirings. Claim 6 In claim 5, the second wiring comprises a plurality of second-2 wirings defined as first to j-1 second wirings, and the second sensing electrodes comprise a plurality of second-1 sensing electrodes connected to the second-1 wirings; and a plurality of second-2 sensing electrodes connected to the second-2 wirings, and the first switches are connected in series to the second-1 wirings between the contacts of the second-1 wirings connected to the first wirings and the second-1 sensing electrodes. Claim 7 A display device according to claim 6, further comprising a plurality of multiplex circuits; and a plurality of third switches connected to the second wiring and the multiplex circuits. Claim 8 In claim 7, the j-th to k-th third switches are a display device connected in series to the 2-1 wirings between the contacts and the multiplex circuits. Claim 9 In claim 7, each of the multiplex circuits comprises: three input terminals connected to three corresponding third switches among the third switches; and two output terminals optionally connected to two of the three input terminals. Claim 10 In claim 9, the 3 input terminals of the i-th multiplexer circuit are connected to the 2i-1 to 2i+1-th third switches, and i is a natural number, in a display device. Claim 11 A display device according to claim 9, wherein the two output terminals are connected to the first and second input terminals of the three input terminals in a first mode, and connected to the second and third input terminals of the three input terminals in a second mode. Claim 12 In claim 7, a display device further comprising a plurality of signal processing circuits each connected to the multiplexer circuits, wherein each of the signal processing circuits outputs a positive polarity output signal and a negative polarity output signal. Claim 13 In claim 7, when first driving signals are applied to the first wirings and second driving signals are applied to the second wirings, the first and second driving signals are applied simultaneously to the first and second wirings, and among the second driving signals, the second driving signals applied to the second-1 wirings are applied to the second-1 wirings between the contacts and the j-th to k-th third switches. Claim 14 In claim 13, a display device in which the first, second, and third switches are turned off when the first and second driving signals are applied to the first and second wirings. Claim 15 In claim 13, a display device in which the second and third switches are turned on when the first sensing signals are output through the first wiring and the second sensing signals are output through the second-2 wiring. Claim 16 In claim 6, the first and second sensing electrodes are driven in a self-sensing mode, a mutual sensing mode, and a proximity sensing mode, and the proximity sensing mode is set for a longer period than the self-sensing mode and the mutual sensing mode. Claim 17 A display device according to claim 16, wherein in an area where the second-2 sensing electrodes are disposed, the first sensing electrodes and the second-2 sensing electrodes are driven together, and sensing signals are output by the first sensing electrodes and the second-2 sensing electrodes. Claim 18 A display device according to claim 16, wherein the first switches are turned on when the second sensing electrodes are driven in the self-sensing mode, the first switches are turned off when driving signals are applied to the first sensing electrodes through the first wiring in the mutual sensing mode, and are turned on when sensing signals are output from the second sensing electrodes in the mutual sensing mode, and the second switches are turned off. Claim 19 A display panel; and an input sensing unit disposed on the display panel, wherein the input sensing unit comprises: a plurality of first sensing electrodes extending in a first direction and arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a plurality of first wires connected to the first sensing electrodes; a plurality of second sensing electrodes extending in the second direction and arranged in the first direction; and a plurality of second wires connected to the second sensing electrodes, wherein g of the first wires are each connected to g of the second wires, and the second wires are a plurality of second-1 wires defined as j-th to k-th second wires. A display device comprising 2-2 wires defined by the first to j-1th wires, wherein the first wires are connected to the 2-1 wires and the first wires are not connected to the 2-2 wires, j is a natural number greater than 1, k is a natural number greater than j, g is a natural number, and g is a number smaller than the number of the first wires. Claim 20 A display device comprising: a display panel; and an input sensing unit disposed on the display panel, wherein the input sensing unit comprises: a plurality of first sensing electrodes arranged in a second direction extending in a first direction and intersecting with the first direction; and a plurality of second sensing electrodes extending in the second direction and arranged in the first direction, and intersecting with the first sensing electrodes while being insulated from them, wherein the second sensing electrodes comprise: a second-1 sensing electrode disposed in a first region; and a plurality of second-2 sensing electrodes disposed in a second region adjacent to the first region in the first direction, wherein in a proximity sensing mode, driving signals are simultaneously applied to the first sensing electrodes and the second-2 sensing electrodes, and the driving signals are not applied to the second-1 sensing electrodes.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Reconfigurable circuit topology for both self-cap and mutual cap sensing
US20150145802A1