PEM and touch input system

Abstract

A pen and touch input system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a touch input device comprising a sensor unit and a control unit that controls the sensor unit, and a stylus pen capable of interacting with the touch input device.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a pen and touch input system. Background Technology

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

[0003] Within such a touch input device, the touch sensor may be located on a display panel that displays an image or on a part of the touch input device. By allowing a user to interact with the touch input device by touching the touch sensor, the touch input device can provide the user with an intuitive user interface.

[0004] Users can use a stylus pen for precise touch input. Stylus pens can be classified into active and passive stylus pens depending on whether they are equipped with an internal battery and electronic components.

[0005] Active stylus pens have the advantage of superior basic performance and the ability to provide additional features (pressure sensitivity, hovering, buttons) compared to passive stylus pens; however, they have the disadvantage that there are not many actual users other than a select group of advanced users because the pen itself is expensive and requires a power source and battery charging.

[0006] Passive stylus pens have the advantages of being cheaper and not requiring batteries compared to active stylus pens, but they have the disadvantage of being difficult to achieve precise touch recognition. However, recently, to implement passive stylus pens capable of precise touch recognition, technologies utilizing inductive resonance (EMR) and capacitive resonance methods are being proposed.

[0007] Although the EMR method is superior in writing / drawing quality, which is the core function of a stylus pen, it has the disadvantage of being thicker and more expensive because a separate EMR sensor panel and EMR driver IC must be added in addition to the capacitance touch panel.

[0008] The capacitive resonance method is a technique that supports pen touch by enhancing IC performance using standard capacitance touch sensors and touch controller ICs, without incurring additional costs.

[0009] In EMR or capacitive resonance methods, the amplitude of the resonant signal must be large for the touch sensor to more accurately identify a touch by a stylus pen; accordingly, the frequency of the driving signal transmitted to the stylus pen is made to be nearly identical to the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit embedded in the stylus pen. However, according to conventional EMR or capacitive resonance methods, even if the resonant frequency and the driving signal frequency match, there is a problem where signal transmission is difficult due to significant attenuation. As a result, despite long-standing attempts by numerous touch controller IC vendors, no company has yet succeeded in mass production because sufficient output signals are not produced.

[0010] Therefore, in order to manufacture an EMR or capacitive resonant stylus pen capable of generating the maximum output signal, how the internal resonant circuit and the pen's structure are designed becomes a very important factor.

[0011] Meanwhile, in the case of passive stylus pens using the Electro-Magnetic Resonance (EMR) method, the digitizer transmits an electromagnetic signal to the pen, and then receives a resonance signal from the pen. In such digitizers, coils capable of inducing current by magnetic signals are densely arranged to receive touch information from the pen. However, these digitizers have the problem of not being able to accommodate the miniaturization and thinning of touch input devices, nor can they be designed flexibly.

[0012] On the other hand, conventional stylus pens must use expensive pressure sensors to detect writing pressure, and it is difficult to measure precise pressure. The problem to be solved

[0013] The present embodiments are intended to provide a pen and touch input system including a stylus pen capable of generating a sufficient output signal.

[0014] In addition, a pen and touch input system is provided, including a multi-functional touch input device capable of detecting a touch position, driving a stylus pen, and detecting the position of a stylus pen.

[0015] In addition, a pen and touch input system including a touch input device capable of solving the problem where the output voltage of the sensing circuit varies depending on the position of the stylus pen is provided.

[0016] In addition, a pen and touch input system including a touch input device capable of expanding the operating frequency bandwidth of the touch driving signal and the pen driving signal when the screen of the touch input device is enlarged to the screen size of a tablet PC is provided.

[0017] In addition, a pen and touch input system including a touch input device capable of mitigating the attenuation of a pen detection signal when the screen of the touch input device is enlarged to the size of a tablet PC screen is provided.

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

[0019] In addition, a pen and touch input system capable of improving touch detection performance by a stylus pen is provided.

[0020] In addition, a pen and touch input system including a stylus pen capable of detecting pressure with a simple structure is provided.

[0021] In addition, a pen and touch input system including a stylus pen capable of distinguishing the contact state of the stylus pen with a touch device is provided.

[0022] The problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to the problems described above. means of solving the problem

[0023] A pen and touch input system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a touch input device including a sensor unit; and a control unit for controlling the sensor unit; and a stylus pen capable of interacting with the touch input device, wherein the sensor unit comprises: a plurality of first patterns extending along a first direction and having first end portions electrically connected to the control unit; a plurality of second patterns extending along the first direction and arranged adjacent to the first pattern; and a plurality of third patterns extending in a second direction different from the first direction and having first end portions electrically connected to the control unit. and a plurality of fourth patterns formed extending in the second direction and disposed adjacent to the third pattern; wherein at least some second-side ends of the plurality of second patterns are electrically connected to each other, and at least some second-side ends of the plurality of fourth patterns are electrically connected to each other, and the control unit is for applying a touch driving signal to the plurality of first patterns and receiving a touch detection signal to the plurality of third patterns, and the control unit is for applying a stylus pen driving signal to at least one of the plurality of first to fourth patterns for pen driving patterns, and the control unit is for receiving stylus pen detection signals from at least one of the plurality of first to fourth patterns for pen detection patterns, and the stylus pen comprises: a body part, at least a portion of which is formed extending along one direction; an inductor part including a ferrite core disposed within the body part and a coil wound in multiple layers on at least a portion of the ferrite core; and a capacitor part including a capacitor disposed within the body part and electrically connected to the coil of the inductor part. and a core body having at least a portion disposed within the body portion and moving along the one direction by pressure applied to one end;The capacitor part includes a first electrode coupled to the core body and a second electrode fixedly installed on the first electrode in one direction, and the capacitance of the capacitor part changes by pressure applied to one end of the core body.

[0024] A pen and touch input system according to another embodiment of the present invention comprises: a touch input device including a sensor unit; and a control unit for controlling the sensor unit; and a stylus pen capable of interacting with the touch input device, wherein the sensor unit comprises: a plurality of first patterns extending along a first direction and having first end portions electrically connected to the control unit; a plurality of second patterns extending along the first direction and arranged adjacent to the first pattern; and a plurality of third patterns extending in a second direction different from the first direction and having first end portions electrically connected to the control unit. and a plurality of fourth patterns extending in the second direction and disposed adjacent to the third pattern; wherein at least some second-side ends of the plurality of second patterns are electrically connected to each other, and at least some second-side ends of the plurality of fourth patterns are electrically connected to each other, and the control unit is for applying a touch driving signal to the plurality of first patterns and receiving a touch detection signal to the plurality of third patterns, and the control unit is for applying a stylus pen driving signal to at least one of the plurality of first to fourth patterns for pen driving patterns, and the control unit is for receiving stylus pen detection signals from at least one of the plurality of first to fourth patterns for pen detection patterns, and the stylus pen comprises: a body part; an inductor part including a ferrite core fixedly installed within the body part and having a through hole penetrating in one direction, and a coil wound in multiple layers on at least a part of the ferrite core; and a capacitor part including a capacitor located within the body part and electrically connected to the coil of the inductor part. and at least one portion between one end and the other end is disposed in the through hole of the ferrite core, and a core body that moves along the one direction by pressure applied to the one end;The capacitor part includes: a first electrode connected to the other end of the core body and interlocking with the core body; and a second electrode fixedly installed on the first electrode; wherein the first electrode moves in the one direction due to pressure applied to one end of the core body, and the overlapping area between the first electrode and the second electrode changes.

[0025] A pen and touch input system according to another embodiment of the present invention comprises: a touch input device including a sensor unit; and a control unit for controlling the sensor unit; and a stylus pen capable of interacting with the touch input device, wherein the sensor unit comprises: a plurality of first patterns extending along a first direction and having first end portions electrically connected to the control unit; a plurality of second patterns extending along the first direction and arranged adjacent to the first pattern; and a plurality of third patterns extending in a second direction different from the first direction and having first end portions electrically connected to the control unit. and a plurality of fourth patterns formed extending in the second direction and disposed adjacent to the third pattern; wherein at least some second-side ends of the plurality of second patterns are electrically connected to each other, and at least some second-side ends of the plurality of fourth patterns are electrically connected to each other, and the control unit is for applying a touch driving signal to the plurality of first patterns and receiving a touch detection signal to the plurality of third patterns, and the control unit is for applying a stylus pen driving signal to at least one of the plurality of first to fourth patterns for pen driving patterns, and the stylus pen comprises: a body part, at least a portion of which is formed extending along one direction; an inductor part including a ferrite core disposed within the body part and a coil wound in multiple layers on at least a portion of the ferrite core; and a capacitor part including a capacitor disposed within the body part and electrically connected to the coil of the inductor part. and a core body, at least a portion thereof disposed within the body portion and moving along the one direction by means of pressure applied to one end thereof; wherein the ferrite core of the inductor portion is coupled with the core body, the inductor portion includes a magnetic body fixedly installed inside the body portion, and the inductance of the inductor portion changes by means of pressure applied to one end thereof.

[0026] A pen and touch input system according to another embodiment of the present invention comprises: a touch input device including a sensor unit; and a control unit for controlling the sensor unit; and a stylus pen capable of interacting with the touch input device, wherein the sensor unit comprises: a plurality of first patterns extending along a first direction and having first end portions electrically connected to the control unit; a plurality of second patterns extending along the first direction and arranged adjacent to the first pattern; and a plurality of third patterns extending in a second direction different from the first direction and having first end portions electrically connected to the control unit. and a plurality of fourth patterns extending in the second direction and disposed adjacent to the third pattern; wherein at least some second-side ends of the plurality of second patterns are electrically connected to each other, and at least some second-side ends of the plurality of fourth patterns are electrically connected to each other, and the control unit is for applying a touch driving signal to the plurality of first patterns and receiving a touch detection signal to the plurality of third patterns, and the control unit is for applying a stylus pen driving signal to at least one of the plurality of first to fourth patterns for pen driving patterns, and the stylus pen comprises: a body part; an inductor part comprising a ferrite core disposed within the body part and having a through hole penetrating in one direction and a coil wound in multiple layers on at least a portion of the ferrite core; and a capacitor part comprising a capacitor located within the body part and electrically connected to the coil of the inductor part. and at least one portion between one end and the other end is disposed in a through hole of the ferrite core and includes a core body that moves along one direction by pressure applied to the one end; wherein the ferrite core of the inductor part is coupled to the core body and moves in conjunction with the core body, and the inductor part includes a magnetic body fixedly installed inside the body part;It includes, and due to pressure applied to one end of the core body, the ferrite core moves in the one direction, changing the distance between the ferrite core and the magnetic body.

[0027] A pen and touch input system according to another embodiment of the present invention comprises: a touch input device including a sensor unit; and a control unit for controlling the sensor unit; and a stylus pen capable of interacting with the touch input device, wherein the sensor unit comprises: a plurality of first patterns extending along a first direction and having first end portions electrically connected to the control unit; a plurality of second patterns extending along the first direction and arranged adjacent to the first pattern; and a plurality of third patterns extending in a second direction different from the first direction and having first end portions electrically connected to the control unit. and a plurality of fourth patterns formed extending in the second direction and disposed adjacent to the third pattern; wherein at least some second-side ends of the plurality of second patterns are electrically connected to each other, and at least some second-side ends of the plurality of fourth patterns are electrically connected to each other, and the control unit is for applying a touch driving signal to the plurality of first patterns and receiving a touch detection signal to the plurality of third patterns, and the control unit is for applying a stylus pen driving signal to at least one of the plurality of first to fourth patterns for pen driving patterns, and the control unit is for receiving stylus pen detection signals from at least one of the plurality of first to fourth patterns for pen detection patterns, and the stylus pen comprises: a body part, at least a portion of which is formed extending along one direction; and an inductor part including a ferrite core disposed within the body part and a coil wound in multiple layers on at least a portion of the ferrite core. A capacitor portion comprising a first capacitor disposed within the body portion and electrically connected to the coil of the inductor portion, and a second capacitor electrically connectable to the first capacitor; a core body having at least a portion disposed within the body portion and moving along the one direction by pressure applied to one end;and a switching member disposed within the body portion and switching the electrical connection between the first capacitor and the second capacitor according to the movement of the core body in the one direction; wherein the capacitance of the capacitor portion changes due to pressure applied to one end of the core body.

[0028] A pen and touch input system according to another embodiment of the present invention comprises: a touch input device including a sensor unit; and a control unit for controlling the sensor unit; and a stylus pen capable of interacting with the touch input device, wherein the sensor unit comprises: a plurality of first patterns extending along a first direction and having first end portions electrically connected to the control unit; a plurality of second patterns extending along the first direction and arranged adjacent to the first pattern; and a plurality of third patterns extending in a second direction different from the first direction and having first end portions electrically connected to the control unit. and a plurality of fourth patterns extending in the second direction and disposed adjacent to the third pattern; wherein at least some second-side ends of the plurality of second patterns are electrically connected to each other, and at least some second-side ends of the plurality of fourth patterns are electrically connected to each other, and the control unit is for applying a touch driving signal to the plurality of first patterns and receiving a touch detection signal to the plurality of third patterns, and the control unit is for applying a stylus pen driving signal to at least one of the plurality of first to fourth patterns for pen driving patterns, and the control unit is for receiving stylus pen detection signals from at least one of the plurality of first to fourth patterns for pen detection patterns, and the stylus pen comprises: a body part at least a portion extending along one direction; an inductor part including a ferrite core fixedly disposed within the body part and a coil wound in multiple layers on at least a portion of the ferrite core; and a capacitor part disposed within the body part and electrically connected to the inductor part. A core body, at least a portion thereof disposed within the body portion and moving along the one direction by pressure applied to one end; and a magnetic body disposed within the body portion and moving in conjunction with the core body in the one direction;It includes, and the inductance of the inductor part changes due to pressure applied to one end of the core body.;

[0029] A pen and touch input system according to another embodiment of the present invention comprises: a touch input device including a sensor unit; and a control unit for controlling the sensor unit; and a stylus pen capable of interacting with the touch input device, wherein the sensor unit comprises: a plurality of first patterns extending along a first direction and having first end portions electrically connected to the control unit; a plurality of second patterns extending along the first direction and arranged adjacent to the first pattern; and a plurality of third patterns extending in a second direction different from the first direction and having first end portions electrically connected to the control unit. and a plurality of fourth patterns extending in the second direction and disposed adjacent to the third pattern; wherein at least some second-side ends of the plurality of second patterns are electrically connected to each other, and at least some second-side ends of the plurality of fourth patterns are electrically connected to each other, and the control unit is for applying a touch driving signal to the plurality of first patterns and receiving a touch detection signal to the plurality of third patterns, and the control unit is for applying a stylus pen driving signal to at least one of the plurality of first to fourth patterns for pen driving patterns, and the control unit is for receiving stylus pen detection signals from at least one of the plurality of first to fourth patterns for pen detection patterns, and the stylus pen comprises: a body part; an inductor part including a ferrite core fixedly installed within the body part and having a through hole penetrating in one direction, and a coil wound in multiple layers on at least a part of the ferrite core; A capacitor section located within the body section and comprising a capacitor electrically connected to the coil of the inductor section and an additional capacitor electrically connectable to the capacitor;A core body having at least one portion between one end and the other end disposed in a through hole of the ferrite core and moving along the one direction by pressure applied to the one end; and a switching member that switches the electrical connection of the capacitor and the additional capacitor according to the pressure applied to the core body; wherein the inductor part includes a magnetic body whose distance from the ferrite core changes according to the pressure applied to the core body.

[0030] A pen and touch input system according to another embodiment of the present invention comprises a touch input device including a sensor unit; and a control unit for controlling the sensor unit; and a stylus pen capable of interacting with the touch input device, wherein the sensor unit comprises: a plurality of first patterns extending along a first direction and having first end portions electrically connected to the control unit; and a plurality of third patterns extending in a second direction different from the first direction and having first end portions electrically connected to the control unit; wherein the control unit is for applying a touch driving signal to the plurality of first patterns and receiving a touch detection signal to the plurality of third patterns; wherein the control unit is for applying a stylus pen driving signal to at least one of the plurality of first patterns and the plurality of third patterns for pen driving; and wherein the control unit is for receiving stylus pen detection signals from at least one of the plurality of first patterns and the plurality of third patterns for pen detection; and wherein the stylus pen comprises a body portion, at least a portion of which is extended along one direction; An inductor part comprising a ferrite core disposed within the body part and a coil wound in multiple layers on at least a portion of the ferrite core; a capacitor part comprising a capacitor disposed within the body part and electrically connected to the coil of the inductor part; and a core body having at least a portion disposed within the body part and moving along the one direction by a pressure applied to one end; wherein the capacitor part comprises a first electrode coupled to the core body and a second electrode fixedly installed on the first electrode in the one direction, and the capacitance of the capacitor part changes by the pressure applied to one end of the core body.

[0031] A pen and touch input system according to another embodiment of the present invention comprises a touch input device including a sensor unit; and a control unit for controlling the sensor unit; and a stylus pen capable of interacting with the touch input device, wherein the sensor unit comprises: a plurality of first patterns extending along a first direction and having first end portions electrically connected to the control unit; and a plurality of third patterns extending in a second direction different from the first direction and having first end portions electrically connected to the control unit; wherein the control unit is for applying a touch driving signal to the plurality of first patterns and receiving a touch detection signal to the plurality of third patterns; wherein the control unit is for applying a stylus pen driving signal to at least one of the plurality of first patterns and the plurality of third patterns for pen driving; and wherein the control unit is for receiving stylus pen detection signals from at least one of the plurality of first patterns and the plurality of third patterns for pen detection; and wherein the stylus pen comprises: a body unit; An inductor part comprising a ferrite core fixedly installed within the body part and having a through hole penetrating in one direction, and a coil wound in multiple layers on at least a portion of the ferrite core; a capacitor part comprising a capacitor located within the body part and electrically connected to the coil of the inductor part; and a core body having at least a portion between one end and the other end disposed in the through hole of the ferrite core and moving along the one direction by pressure applied to the one end; wherein the capacitor part comprises a first electrode connected to the other end of the core body and interlocking with the core body; and a second electrode fixedly installed on the first electrode; wherein the first electrode moves in the one direction by pressure applied to one end of the core body, thereby changing the overlapping area between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0032] A pen and touch input system according to another embodiment of the present invention comprises a touch input device including a sensor unit; and a control unit for controlling the sensor unit; and a stylus pen capable of interacting with the touch input device, wherein the sensor unit comprises: a plurality of first patterns extending along a first direction and having first end portions electrically connected to the control unit; and a plurality of third patterns extending in a second direction different from the first direction and having first end portions electrically connected to the control unit; wherein the control unit is for applying a touch driving signal to the plurality of first patterns and receiving a touch detection signal to the plurality of third patterns; wherein the control unit is for applying a stylus pen driving signal to at least one of the plurality of first patterns and the plurality of third patterns for pen driving; and wherein the control unit is for receiving stylus pen detection signals from at least one of the plurality of first patterns and the plurality of third patterns for pen detection; and wherein the stylus pen comprises a body portion, at least a portion of which is extended along one direction; Inductor part comprising a ferrite core disposed within the body part and a coil wound in multiple layers on at least a portion of the ferrite core; capacitor part comprising a capacitor disposed within the body part and electrically connected to the coil of the inductor part; and a core body having at least a portion disposed within the body part and moving along the one direction by pressure applied to one end thereof; wherein the ferrite core of the inductor part interlocks with the core body, the inductor part comprises a magnetic body fixedly installed inside the body part, and the inductance of the inductor part changes by pressure applied to one end thereof.

[0033] A pen and touch input system according to another embodiment of the present invention comprises a touch input device including a sensor unit; and a control unit for controlling the sensor unit; and a stylus pen capable of interacting with the touch input device, wherein the sensor unit comprises: a plurality of first patterns extending along a first direction and having first end portions electrically connected to the control unit; and a plurality of third patterns extending in a second direction different from the first direction and having first end portions electrically connected to the control unit; wherein the control unit is for applying a touch driving signal to the plurality of first patterns and receiving a touch detection signal to the plurality of third patterns; wherein the control unit is for applying a stylus pen driving signal to at least one of the plurality of first patterns and the plurality of third patterns for pen driving; and wherein the control unit is for receiving stylus pen detection signals from at least one of the plurality of first patterns and the plurality of third patterns for pen detection; and wherein the stylus pen comprises: a body unit; An inductor part comprising a ferrite core disposed within the body part and having a through hole penetrating in one direction, and a coil wound in multiple layers on at least a portion of the ferrite core; a capacitor part comprising a capacitor located within the body part and electrically connected to the coil of the inductor part; and a core body having at least a portion between one end and the other end disposed in the through hole of the ferrite core and moving along the one direction by pressure applied to the one end; wherein the ferrite core of the inductor part is coupled to the core body and moves in conjunction with the core body, and the inductor part comprises a magnetic body fixedly installed inside the body part; and wherein the ferrite core moves in the one direction by pressure applied to one end of the core body, thereby changing the distance between the ferrite core and the magnetic body.

[0034] A pen and touch input system according to another embodiment of the present invention comprises a touch input device including a sensor unit; and a control unit for controlling the sensor unit; and a stylus pen capable of interacting with the touch input device, wherein the sensor unit comprises: a plurality of first patterns extending along a first direction and having first end portions electrically connected to the control unit; and a plurality of third patterns extending in a second direction different from the first direction and having first end portions electrically connected to the control unit; wherein the control unit is for applying a touch driving signal to the plurality of first patterns and receiving a touch detection signal to the plurality of third patterns; wherein the control unit is for applying a stylus pen driving signal to at least one of the plurality of first patterns and the plurality of third patterns for pen driving; and wherein the control unit is for receiving stylus pen detection signals from at least one of the plurality of first patterns and the plurality of third patterns for pen detection; and wherein the stylus pen comprises a body portion, at least a portion of which is extended along one direction; An inductor portion comprising a ferrite core disposed within the body portion and a coil wound in multiple layers on at least a portion of the ferrite core; a capacitor portion disposed within the body portion and comprising a first capacitor electrically connected to the coil of the inductor portion and a second capacitor electrically connectable to the first capacitor; a core body at least a portion disposed within the body portion and moving along the one direction by means of pressure applied to one end; and a switching member disposed within the body portion and switching the electrical connection between the first capacitor and the second capacitor according to the movement of the core body in the one direction; wherein the capacitance of the capacitor portion changes by means of pressure applied to one end of the core body.

[0035] A pen and touch input system according to another embodiment of the present invention comprises a touch input device including a sensor unit; and a control unit for controlling the sensor unit; and a stylus pen capable of interacting with the touch input device, wherein the sensor unit comprises: a plurality of first patterns extending along a first direction and having first end portions electrically connected to the control unit; and a plurality of third patterns extending in a second direction different from the first direction and having first end portions electrically connected to the control unit; wherein the control unit is for applying a touch driving signal to the plurality of first patterns and receiving a touch detection signal to the plurality of third patterns; wherein the control unit is for applying a stylus pen driving signal to at least one of the plurality of first patterns and the plurality of third patterns for pen driving; and wherein the control unit is for receiving stylus pen detection signals from at least one of the plurality of first patterns and the plurality of third patterns for pen detection; and wherein the stylus pen comprises a body portion, at least a portion of which is extended along one direction; An inductor part comprising a ferrite core fixedly disposed within the body part and a coil wound in multiple layers on at least a portion of the ferrite core; a capacitor part disposed within the body part and electrically connected to the inductor part; a core body at least a portion disposed within the body part and moving along the one direction by pressure applied to one end; and a magnetic body disposed within the body part and moving in the one direction in conjunction with the core body; wherein the inductance of the inductor part changes by pressure applied to one end of the core body.

[0036] A pen and touch input system according to another embodiment of the present invention comprises a touch input device including a sensor unit; and a control unit for controlling the sensor unit; and a stylus pen capable of interacting with the touch input device, wherein the sensor unit comprises: a plurality of first patterns extending along a first direction and having first end portions electrically connected to the control unit; and a plurality of third patterns extending in a second direction different from the first direction and having first end portions electrically connected to the control unit; wherein the control unit is for applying a touch driving signal to the plurality of first patterns and receiving a touch detection signal to the plurality of third patterns; wherein the control unit is for applying a stylus pen driving signal to at least one of the plurality of first patterns and the plurality of third patterns for pen driving; and wherein the control unit is for receiving stylus pen detection signals from at least one of the plurality of first patterns and the plurality of third patterns for pen detection; and wherein the stylus pen comprises: a body unit; An inductor part comprising a ferrite core fixedly installed within the body part and having a through hole penetrating in one direction, and a coil wound in multiple layers on at least a portion of the ferrite core; a capacitor part located within the body part and comprising a capacitor electrically connected to the coil of the inductor part and an additional capacitor electrically connectable to the capacitor; a core body having at least a portion between one end and the other end disposed in the through hole of the ferrite core and moving along the one direction by pressure applied to the one end; and a switching member that switches the electrical connection of the capacitor and the additional capacitor according to the pressure applied to the core body; wherein the inductor part comprises a magnetic body whose distance from the ferrite core changes according to the pressure applied to the core body. Effects of the invention

[0037] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, by presenting the structure of the resonant circuit of an optimal stylus pen, there is an advantage that a sufficient output signal can be generated even with a thin diameter.

[0038] According to at least one of the embodiments of the present disclosure, there is an advantage of being able to provide a stylus pen that is robust against external factors.

[0039] Using a touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention has the advantage of detecting a touch location, driving a stylus pen, and detecting the position of the stylus pen.

[0040] In addition, it has the advantage of solving the problem where the output voltage of the sensing circuit varies depending on the position of the stylus pen.

[0041] In addition, when the screen of the touch input device is enlarged to the size of a tablet PC screen, there is an advantage in being able to widen the operating frequency bandwidth of the touch driving signal and the pen driving signal.

[0042] In addition, when the screen of the touch input device is enlarged to the size of the tablet PC screen, there is an advantage in that the attenuation of the pen detection signal can be mitigated.

[0043] In addition, it has the advantage of lowering the manufacturing cost of touch input devices.

[0044] In addition, it has the advantage of being able to provide a thinner and smaller form factor.

[0045] In addition, it has the advantage of improving the signal-noise ratio (SNR) of the signal output from the stylus pen.

[0046] In addition, it has the advantage of improving the reception sensitivity of touch input.

[0047] In addition, it has the advantage of being able to calculate a more accurate touch location.

[0048] In addition, it has the advantage of being able to perform palm rejection.

[0049] In addition, it has the advantage of lowering the manufacturing cost of stylus pens capable of pressure detection.

[0050] In addition, it has the advantage of being able to measure precise pressure from a stylus pen.

[0051] The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects described above, and better or unique effects may be exhibited in each embodiment of the [forms for carrying out the invention] described below. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0052] FIG. 1a is a conceptual diagram showing a pen and touch input system including a stylus pen and a touch input device. FIG. 1b is a diagram for explaining the uplink and downlink in the pen and touch input system shown in FIG. 1A. FIG. 1c is a diagram illustrating the gap between the + drive channel and the - drive channel in the uplink. FIG. 1d is a conceptual diagram showing another embodiment of a pen and touch input system including a stylus pen and a touch input device. FIG. 2a is a diagram schematically showing the signal transmission operation between the stylus pen and the touch input device. FIG. 2b is a diagram schematically showing a partial stacked structure of the touch input device of FIG. 1a. FIG. 2c and FIG. 2d are diagrams schematically showing a partial stacked structure of the touch input device of FIG. 1d. FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing the touch input device. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a stylus pen according to embodiments. FIG. 5 is a diagram specifically showing the inductor part of the stylus pen. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the inductance and Q value according to frequency change. FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are diagrams showing enameled wire and Litz wire, respectively. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a multi-layer winding method. FIG. 10 to 12 are graphs showing comparative experimental results. FIG. 13 is This is a schematic diagram to explain that the output voltage (Vout) of the CVA (Capacitor Voltage Amplitude) varies depending on the position of the stylus pen (10) on a conventional flexible display panel. FIG. 14 is a diagram to explain, through current sensing, that the output voltage (Vout1, Vout2) of the CVA varies depending on the position of the pen (10) in FIG. 1. FIG. 15 is a diagram to explain, through voltage sensing, that the output voltage (Vout1, Vout2) of the CVA varies depending on the position of the pen (10) in FIG. 1.FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of a sensor unit (100) of a touch input device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram illustrating one example of the sensor unit (100) shown in FIG. 16. FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the sensor unit (100) shown in FIG. 16. FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of a sensor unit (100') of a touch input device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram illustrating one example of the sensor unit (100') shown in FIG. 19. FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the sensor unit (100') shown in FIG. 19. FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram illustrating yet another example of the sensor unit (100') shown in FIG. 19. FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram illustrating yet another example of the sensor unit (100') shown in FIG. 19. 24 is a drawing illustrating the touch input device illustrated in FIG. 20. FIG. 25 is a drawing illustrating a method for the control unit (300) of FIG. 24 to apply a pen driving signal to drive a stylus pen to a plurality of second patterns (102A). FIGS. 26 (a) through (f) are drawings for schematically explaining the operating principle of the stylus sensing mode of the touch input device of FIG. 24. FIG. 27 is a drawing embodying the touch input device shown in FIG. 21. FIG. 28 is a drawing embodying the touch input device shown in FIG. 22. FIG. 29 is a drawing embodying the touch input device shown in FIG. 23. FIG. 30 is a drawing schematically illustrating a sensor unit according to a modified example that can replace the sensor unit according to the various embodiments described above. FIG. 31 is a modified example of the sensor unit shown in FIG. 30. FIG. 32 is a modified example of the sensor unit according to the various embodiments described above. FIG. 33 is a modified example of the sensor unit according to the various embodiments described above. FIG. 34 is a modified example of the sensor unit according to the various embodiments described above. FIG. 35 is a modified example of the sensor unit according to the various embodiments described above.FIG. 36 is a modified example of a sensor unit according to various embodiments described above. FIG. 37 is a modified example of a sensor unit according to various embodiments described above. FIG. 38 is a modified example of a sensor unit according to various embodiments described above. FIG. 39 is a modified example of a sensor unit according to various embodiments described above. FIG. 40 is a drawing for explaining a first modified example of the fifth pattern (105) shown in FIG. 33. FIG. 41 is a modified example of FIG. 40. FIG. 42 is a drawing for explaining a modified example of the fifth pattern (105') shown in FIG. 40. FIG. 43 is a modified example of FIG. 42. FIG. 44 and FIG. 45 are drawings for explaining modified examples of the third pattern (103) and the fourth pattern (104) in a sensor unit as shown in FIG. 34 or FIG. 35. FIG. 46 is a schematic drawing showing a part of a touch input device according to another embodiment. FIG. 47 is an electrode (or pattern) of a touch unit according to one embodiment and FIG. 48 is a drawing showing an example of the arrangement form of a trace. FIG. 48 is a drawing showing another example of the arrangement form of the electrode (or pattern) and trace of the touch portion according to one embodiment. FIG. 49 is a drawing showing the case where a stylus pen is positioned on the sensor portion of the touch portion according to one embodiment. FIG. 50 is a graph showing a signal measurement method of the touch portion according to the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 48 and FIG. 49. FIG. 51 and FIG. 52 are graphs showing a detection signal by a stylus pen according to one embodiment. FIG. 53 and FIG. 54 are graphs showing a detection signal by a stylus pen according to another embodiment. FIG. 55 is a drawing showing the case where a stylus pen is positioned on the sensor portion of the touch portion according to one embodiment. FIG. 56 and FIG. 57 are graphs showing a detection signal by a stylus pen according to one embodiment. FIG. 58 and FIG. 59 are graphs showing a detection signal by a stylus pen according to another embodiment. FIG. 60 is a block diagram schematically showing a touch input device. FIG. 61 is a drawing schematically showing a part of the touch portion according to one embodiment.FIG. 62 is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of electrodes (or patterns) and traces of a touch portion according to another embodiment. FIG. 63 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of driving a stylus pen in a touch input device (2) or a stylus driving device according to the present invention. FIG. 64 is a diagram specifically explaining a method of activating a stylus pen in a touch input device (2) or a stylus driving device according to the present invention. FIG. 65 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of detecting a stylus (2) signal in a touch input device (2) according to the present invention. FIG. 66 to 68 are diagrams for specifically explaining a method of detecting a signal from a stylus pen in a touch input device (2) according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 69 illustrates various wiring structures of a second electrode in a touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 70 and 71 illustrate an experimental process and results for verifying the signal detection capability of a stylus using a touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 72 is a block diagram showing a touch unit and a host. FIG. 73 is a diagram showing an example of touch data provided from the touch unit to the host. FIG. 74 is a diagram showing an example of the resonant circuit unit (12) of the stylus pen shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 75 is a diagram showing a partial structure of the resonant circuit unit of the stylus pen according to a first embodiment. FIG. 76 is a diagram showing a partial structure of the resonant circuit unit of the stylus pen according to a second embodiment. FIG. 77 is a diagram showing a partial structure of the resonant circuit unit of the stylus pen according to a third embodiment. FIG. 78 is a diagram showing a partial structure of the resonant circuit unit of the stylus pen according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 79 is a graph showing the change in the capacitance value of the stylus pen according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 80 is a diagram of the resonant circuit unit of the stylus pen according to a fifth embodiment. This is a drawing showing some of the structures. Fig. 81 is a drawing showing the structure of the dielectric of Fig. 80.FIG. 82 is a graph showing the change in capacitance value of a stylus pen according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 83 is a drawing showing a partial structure of the resonant circuit portion of a stylus pen according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 84 is a graph showing the change in capacitance value of a stylus pen according to the sixth embodiment shown in FIG. 83. FIG. 85 is a drawing showing another embodiment of the resonant circuit portion (12) of a stylus pen shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 86 is a drawing showing a partial structure of the resonant circuit portion of a stylus pen according to the first embodiment. FIG. 87 is a graph showing the change in inductance value of a stylus pen according to the first embodiment. FIG. 88 is a drawing showing the structure of the magnetic material of FIG. 86. FIG. 89 is a drawing showing a partial structure of the resonant circuit portion of a stylus pen according to the second embodiment. FIG. 90 is a drawing showing a partial structure of the resonant circuit portion of a stylus pen according to the third embodiment. FIG. 91 is according to the third embodiment This is a graph showing the change in the inductance value of the stylus pen. FIG. 92 is a drawing showing a part of the structure of the resonant circuit section of the stylus pen according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 93 is a drawing showing another embodiment of the resonant circuit section (12) of the stylus pen shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 94 is a drawing for explaining the operation according to the writing pressure of the stylus pen of FIG. 93. FIG. 95 is a drawing schematically illustrating the equivalent circuit of the resonant circuit section of the stylus pen of FIG. 93. FIG. 96 is a drawing showing another embodiment of the resonant circuit section (12) of the stylus pen shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 97 is a drawing for explaining the operation according to the writing pressure of the stylus pen of FIG. 96. FIG. 98 is a drawing schematically illustrating the equivalent circuit of the resonant circuit section of the stylus pen of FIG. 96. FIG. 99 is a drawing showing another embodiment of the resonant circuit section (12) of the stylus pen shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 100 is FIG. This is a diagram explaining the operation of the stylus pen of 99 according to the pressure. Fig. 101 is a diagram schematically illustrating the equivalent circuit of the resonant circuit section of the stylus pen of Fig. 99.FIG. 102 is a graph illustrating, for example, the change in LC value according to the pressure of the stylus pen of FIG. 99. FIG. 103 is a graph illustrating, for example, the frequency response characteristics of the stylus pen of FIG. 99. FIG. 104 schematically illustrates a stylus pen (10f) according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 105 schematically illustrates a stylus pen (10f) according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 106 schematically illustrates a stylus pen (10f) according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 107 schematically illustrates a stylus pen (10f) according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 108 schematically illustrates a stylus pen (10f) according to the eighth embodiment. FIG. 109 schematically illustrates a stylus pen (10f) according to the ninth embodiment. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0053] Various embodiments of this document are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this is not intended to limit the technology described in this document to specific embodiments and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, and / or alternatives to the embodiments of this document. In relation to the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar components.

[0054] Furthermore, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are depicted arbitrarily for convenience of explanation, and thus the present invention is not necessarily limited to what is illustrated. Thicknesses have been enlarged in the drawings to clearly represent various layers and regions. Additionally, for convenience of explanation, the thickness of some layers and regions has been exaggerated in the drawings.

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

[0056] In this document, expressions such as "have," "may have," "include," or "may include" refer to the existence of the relevant feature (e.g., numerical values, functions, actions, or components, etc.) and do not exclude the existence of additional features.

[0057] In this document, expressions such as “A or B,” “at least one of A or / and B,” or “one or more of A or / and B” may include all possible combinations of items listed together. For example, “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” or “at least one of A or B” may refer to cases including (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) both at least one A and at least one B.

[0058] Expressions such as "first," "second," "first," or "second" used in this document may modify various components regardless of order and / or importance, and are used merely to distinguish one component from another without limiting said components. For example, the first user device and the second user device may represent different user devices regardless of order or importance. For example, without departing from the scope of rights set forth in this document, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be renamed the first component.

[0059] When it is stated that a component (e.g., Component 1) is "(operatively or communicatively) coupled with" or "connected to" another component (e.g., Component 2), it should be understood that the component is directly connected to the other component or may be connected through the other component (e.g., Component 3). On the other hand, when it is stated that a component (e.g., Component 1) is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component (e.g., Component 2), it may be understood that no other component (e.g., Component 3) exists between the component and the other component.

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

[0061] The terms used in this document are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of other embodiments. Singular expressions may include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, may have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art described in this document. Terms used in this document that are defined in general dictionaries may be interpreted as having the same or similar meaning as they have in the context of the relevant technology, and are not to be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this document. In some cases, even terms defined in this document may not be interpreted to exclude the embodiments of this document.

[0062] A touch input device according to various embodiments of the present document may include, for example, at least one of a smartphone, a tablet PC (tablet personal computer), a mobile phone, a video phone, an e-book reader, a laptop PC (laptop personal computer), a netbook computer, a mobile medical device, a camera, or a wearable device. According to various embodiments, the wearable device may include at least one of an accessory type (e.g., a watch, ring, bracelet, anklet, necklace, glasses, contact lens, or head-mounted device (HMD)), a fabric or clothing integrated type (e.g., electronic clothing), a body-attached type (e.g., a skin pad or tattoo), or a bio-implantable type (e.g., an implantable circuit).

[0063] Hereinafter, with reference to the necessary drawings, a touch input device comprising: a sensor unit according to an embodiment of the present invention; and a control unit for controlling the sensor unit; and a pen and touch input system comprising a stylus pen capable of interacting with the touch input device will be described.

[0064] FIG. 1a is a conceptual diagram showing a pen and touch input system including a stylus pen and a touch input device.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 1a, a stylus pen (10) can receive (or uplink) a signal output from the touch input device (2) or the touch screen (20) near the touch screen (20) of the touch input device (2) and transmit (or downlink) a signal to the touch screen (20). Here, the touch input device (2) includes a sensor unit and a control unit that controls the sensor unit, and since it interacts with the stylus pen (10), it may also be referred to as a 'pen and touch input device'.

[0066] FIG. 1b is a diagram illustrating the uplink and downlink in the pen and touch input system illustrated in FIG. 1a.

[0067] Referring to the left drawing of FIG. 1b, an electromotive force (V2, or Vemf) is formed in the coil inside the stylus pen (10) of FIG. 1a in the uplink. Referring to the right drawing of FIG. 1b, an electromotive force (V1, or Vemf) is formed in the sensor part of the touch input device (20) in the downlink. That is, the coil inside the stylus pen and the sensor part of the touch input device operate as transformers to each other.

[0068] Figure 1b is a diagram illustrating the gap between the + drive channel and the - drive channel in the uplink.

[0069] Referring to Fig. 1c, in the uplink, the spacing between the + drive channel and the - drive channel is optimal depending on the shape and position of the inductor inside the stylus pen. Based on general stylus pen design standards, it is desirable to have a spacing of at least one channel (4 mm) between the + drive channel and the - drive channel.

[0070] FIG. 1d is a conceptual diagram showing another embodiment of a pen and touch input system including a stylus pen and a touch input device.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 1d, the touch input device (2) is foldable. A stylus pen (10) can receive a signal output from the touch input device (2) or the touch screen (20) near the touch screen (20) of the foldable touch input device (2) and transmit a signal to the touch screen (20).

[0072] In a member such as a rectangular foldable touch input device (2) or a touch screen (20) included therein, the long side located on the left side of the plane is referred to as the first long side (LS1), the long side located on the right side is referred to as the second long side (LS2), the short side located on the top is referred to as the first short side (SS1), and the short side located on the bottom is referred to as the second short side (SS2).

[0073] The foldable touch input device (2) can be bent along a predetermined folding direction with respect to a folding axis (AXIS_F) that crosses the first side (SS1) and the second side (SS2). That is, the foldable touch input device (2) can be capable of switching between a folded state and an unfolded state along the folding direction with respect to the folding axis (AXIS_F).

[0074] FIG. 2a is a schematic diagram showing the signal transmission operation between a stylus pen and a touch input device.

[0075] Referring to (a) of FIG. 2a, the touch screen (20a) includes a digitizer (29), a display panel (251), a sensor unit (21), and a window (22).

[0076] In the case of a passive stylus pen using the Electro-Magnetic Resonance (EMR) method, when a digitizer (29) transmits a magnetic signal (B) to an EMR stylus pen (10a), the resonant circuit included in the stylus pen (10a) resonates with the magnetic signal (B). Then, the digitizer (33) receives the resonated magnetic signal (B) from the stylus pen (10a).

[0077] delete

[0078] The digitizer (29) can be attached below the display panel (251) and includes a Flexible Printed Circuit Board (FPCB) having multiple conductive antenna loops formed thereon and a ferrite sheet that blocks the magnetic field generated by the antenna loops and blocks eddy currents that may be generated in other electrical elements and components when the antenna loops form a magnetic field.

[0079] In the FPCB, a plurality of antenna loops for detecting the location where a resonant signal is input are configured in a plurality of layers. One antenna loop has a shape that overlaps with at least one other antenna loop in the Z-axis direction. As a result, the thickness of the FPCB is thick. Therefore, when using a digitizer (29), it is difficult to thin and miniaturize the touch input device (2).

[0080] When such a digitizer (29) is mounted on a foldable / flexible touch input device (2), deformation may occur in the FPCB attached to the folding area when folding occurs. Stress is applied to the wiring member forming the antenna loop due to repeated folding, which may eventually lead to damage to the wiring member. The ferrite sheet blocks the effect of the magnetic field generated by the antenna loop on the inside of the touch input device (2). The ferrite sheet is also thick, is prone to deformation when the touch input device (2) folds, and may be damaged by repeated folding.

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

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

[0083] Likewise, compared to the digitizer (29), the touch screen (20c) does not require an additional unit or module to transmit magnetic signals to the stylus pen (10), so the touch screen (20b) can be made thin, and there is an advantage in terms of manufacturing cost.

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

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

[0086] Compared to the digitizer (29), the loop coil (264) does not receive a magnetic signal (B) for detecting the touch position, so the wiring structure is simple, making it possible to thin the touch screen (20b). This enables thinning and miniaturization of the touch input device (2). Additionally, since the loop coil (264) can be formed in various sizes and locations, this touch screen (20b) can also be applied to foldable / flexible touch input devices (2).

[0087] The loop coil (264) may include a substrate on which the antenna loop is located and a ferrite sheet. The antenna loop may be formed from a conductive material such as copper, silver, etc. In addition to the substrate, the antenna loop may be located on the same layer as the sensor part (21), in which case the antenna loop may be formed from a conductive material exhibiting high transmittance and low impedance such as a metal mesh, ITO, graphene, silver nanowire, etc. Additionally, the antenna loop may be located below the window, in which case the substrate may not be included in the loop coil (264).

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0094] Referring to FIG. 2b, the display panel (251) may include a circuit driving layer (2512) disposed on a substrate (2510). The circuit driving layer (2512) may include a circuit that drives a light-emitting layer (2514) of a pixel that displays an image. For example, the circuit driving layer (2512) may include a plurality of thin-film transistors and capacitors.

[0095] A light-emitting layer (2514) may be disposed on the circuit driving layer (2512). The light-emitting layer (2514) may include an organic light-emitting layer. The light-emitting layer (2514) may emit light with various brightness levels depending on the driving signal transmitted from the circuit driving layer (2512).

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

[0097] An encapsulation layer (not shown) may be disposed on the common electrode layer (2516). The encapsulation layer (not shown) may include an inorganic film or a laminate of an inorganic film and an organic film. As another example, glass or an encapsulation film may be applied as the encapsulation layer (not shown).

[0098] A touch electrode layer (21) or a touch electrode, etc., may be disposed on the encapsulation layer (not shown). The touch electrode layer (21) is a layer that recognizes touch input and can perform the function of a touch member. The touch electrode layer (21) may include a plurality of touch areas and touch electrodes. Since the touch electrode layer (21) recognizes touch input from an object such as a finger or a stylus pen, it may also be named a 'sensor part' or 'sensor layer'.

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

[0100] A protective layer (22) may be disposed on the polarizing layer (23). The protective layer (22) may include, for example, a window member or a cover layer. The protective layer (22) may be attached to the polarizing layer (23) by means of an optically transparent adhesive or the like.

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

[0102] FIGS. 2C and FIGS. 2D are schematic diagrams showing a partial stacked structure of the touch input device of FIG. 1D.

[0103] The stacked structure of FIG. 2c is the same as the stacked structure of FIG. 2b, but a magnetic field shielding layer (24) may be located in the folding area (hereinafter, folding area) (FA) when folding of the foldable touch input device (2) occurs with respect to the folding axis (AXIS_F).

[0104] Compared to the stacked structure of FIG. 2c, the magnetic field shielding layer (24) may be located in the folding region (FA) or in a region included in the folding region (FA). For example, the magnetic field shielding layer (24) may include a first sheet (24a) located in the region between the folding region (FA) and the long side (LS1) and a second sheet (24b) located in the region between the folding region (FA) and the long side (LS2). The magnetic field shielding layer (24) may include multiple sheets in addition to the two sheets, and in this case, the magnetic field shielding layer (24) may also be located in the region excluding the folding region (FA) on the back of the display panel (251) or in the region excluding a part of the folding region (FA).

[0105] Next, with reference to FIG. 3, a touch input device (2) according to an embodiment will be described.

[0106] FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing a touch input device that can interact with a stylus pen.

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

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

[0109] This wireless communication unit (210) may include a wireless internet module (211) and a short-range communication module (212), etc.

[0110] The wireless internet module (211) refers to a module for wireless internet access and can be embedded in the touch input device (2). The wireless internet module (211) is configured to transmit and receive wireless signals in a communication network according to wireless internet technologies. Examples of wireless internet technologies include WLAN (Wireless LAN), Wi-Fi (Wireless-Fidelity), Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) Direct, DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance), WiBro (Wireless Broadband), WiMAX (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), HSDPA (High Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access), HSUPA (High Speed ​​Uplink Packet Access), NR (New Radio), LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-A (Long Term Evolution-Advanced), etc., and the wireless internet module (211) transmits and receives data according to at least one wireless internet technology within a range that includes internet technologies not listed above.

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

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

[0113] Additionally, the memory (220) stores data that supports various functions of the touch input device (2). The memory (220) can store a number of applications (application programs or applications) running on the touch input device (2), data for the operation of the touch input device (2), and commands.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0121] The touch controller (262) may include a first driving / receiving unit connected to at least one of a plurality of first touch electrodes of the sensor unit (21) of FIG. 2 to apply a driving signal and receive a detection signal, a second driving / receiving unit connected to at least one of a plurality of second touch electrodes to apply a driving signal and receive a detection signal, and a micro control unit (MCU) that controls the operation of the first driving / receiving unit and the second driving / receiving unit and obtains a touch position using the detection signal output from the first and second driving / receiving units.

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

[0123] The display panel (251) and the touch panel (261) may form a mutual layer structure or be formed as a single unit and may be referred to as a touch screen (20).

[0124] The control unit (270) controls the operation of the touch input device (2) and can output touch coordinate information in response to the touch detection result of the touch input device (2). In addition, the control unit (270) can change the frequency of the driving signal in response to the touch detection result.

[0125] In addition to operations related to the application program, the control unit (270) typically controls the overall operation of the touch input device (2). The control unit (270) can provide or process appropriate information or functions to the user by processing signals, data, information, etc. that are input or output through the components described above, or by running an application program stored in the memory (220).

[0126] Additionally, the control unit (270) can control at least some of the components examined with Fig. 3 in order to run an application stored in memory (220). Furthermore, the control unit (270) can operate at least two or more of the components included in the touch input device (2) in combination with each other to run the application.

[0127] Although it has been described above that the touch part (260) is included in the touch input device (2) together with the display part (250), the touch input device (2) may include only the touch part (260).

[0128] FIG. 4 is a drawing showing a stylus pen according to embodiments.

[0129] The stylus pens of Fig. 4 all have a resonant circuit (12) inside the housing.

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

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

[0132] The components of the stylus pen (10a, 10b) can be accommodated in a housing. The housing may have a cylinder, a polygonal prism, a column shape with at least a part of a curved surface, an entasis shape, a frustum of pyramid shape, a circular truncated cone shape, etc., but is not limited to such shapes. Since the housing is hollow inside, it can accommodate components of the stylus pen (10a, 10b), such as a resonant circuit part (12), inside. Such a housing may be made of a non-conductive material. The housing may also be referred to as a body part.

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

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

[0135] The ferrite core (115) may be a ferrite material with a cylindrical shape, for example. The ferrite core (115) may have an axial through hole of a predetermined diameter (for example, 1 mm) formed therein for inserting and passing a tip (11a). In addition, the ferrite core (115) may be formed in the shape of a cylinder, a polygonal column, a column shape with at least a part of a curved surface, an entasis column shape, a frustum of a pyramid, a frustum of a cone, a toroid, a ring, etc.

[0136] The coil (116) may be wound along the entire length of the axial direction of the ferrite core (115) or along a portion of its length. The coil (116) is electrically connected to the capacitor section (13).

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

[0138] As illustrated in FIG. 4(b), an ECR (Electrically Coupled Resonance) type stylus pen (10b) includes a conductive tip (11b) and a resonance circuit (12). The resonance circuit (12) includes an inductor section (14) and a capacitor section (13) and can be grounded. The inductor section (14) includes a ferrite core (115) and a coil (116) wound on the outer surface of the ferrite core (115).

[0139] The conductive tip (11b) may be formed entirely or at least partially from a conductive material (e.g., metal, conductive rubber, conductive fabric, conductive silicone, etc.), but is not limited thereto.

[0140] The coil (116) may be wound along the entire length of the axial direction of the ferrite core (115) or along a portion of its length. The coil (116) is electrically connected to the capacitor section (13).

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

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

[0143] Referring to FIG. 5, the inductor part (14) includes a ferrite core (115) and a coil (116) wound on the ferrite core (115).

[0144] At this time, the inductance of the inductor part (14) is determined by the following <Equation 1>.

[0145]

[0146] As can be seen from <Equation 1>, the inductance (L) is proportional to the square of the permeability of the ferrite core (115), the cross-sectional area of ​​the coil (116), and the number of turns, and is inversely proportional to the length of the turns of the coil (116).

[0147] The design of the inductor section (14) in the resonant circuit section (12) housed in the stylus pen illustrated in FIG. 4 (a) and (b) is very important. In particular, in the design of the inductor section (14), as illustrated in FIG. 6, the inductance (L) and the Q value are very important parameters. Here, the Q value is a quantity representing the coil characteristics as a resonant circuit element, given by Q = 2πfL / R. Here, L and R are the inductance and resistance of the coil, respectively, and f is the frequency. The sharper the resonance characteristics, the greater the value of the coil used.

[0148] In the design of the stylus pen illustrated in FIGS. 4(a) and (b), L must have a sufficiently large self-resonance frequency for the frequency to be used, and it is desirable for the Q value to have a maximum value at the frequency to be used. To satisfy this, the material of the ferrite core, the type of coil wire, and the winding scheme must be optimized. In addition, a method is required to obtain a high output signal while maintaining the diameter of a thin pen.

[0149] In the following embodiments, the most optimized design method for a stylus pen among a plurality of ferrite core materials, coil wire types, and winding schemes is described.

[0150] (1) Material of the ferrite core

[0151] Manganese (Mn) and nickel (Ni) were used as the materials for the ferrite core used in this embodiment.

[0152] (2) Types of wire

[0153] In this embodiment, enameled wire and Litz wire were used as the types of wires for the coil.

[0154] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the enameled wire (100) is a wire made by coating an insulating enamel (102) on the surface of a copper wire (101) and heating it to a high temperature, and is used for winding and wiring of electrical equipment, communication equipment, and electrical instruments. In this embodiment, an enameled wire with a total thickness (T) of 0.2 mm, a wire diameter (Φ) of 0.18 mm, and a coating thickness (t) of 0.01 mm was used.

[0155] As illustrated in FIG. 8, the LITZ wire (200) is a special insulated wire formed by twisting several strands of thin insulated wires (100, e.g., enamel wire) with a diameter of about 0.1 mm into a single line and applying an insulating sheath (201) made of nylon or the like over it. The LITZ wire (200) can reduce the skin effect by increasing the surface area and is used in coils of high-frequency circuits, etc.

[0156] In this embodiment, a Litz wire was used having an overall thickness (T) of 0.2 mm, a wire diameter (Φ) of 0.06 mm, and a sheath thickness (t) of 0.007 mm.

[0157] (3) Winding method

[0158] In an embodiment of the present invention, a winding method having a multilayer winding structure was used to obtain a sufficient inductance value (i.e., a sufficient number of windings) in a limited space called a stylus pen. Specifically, as shown in (A) and (B) of FIG. 9, two types of multilayer winding methods were used.

[0159] The winding scheme of (A) in Fig. 9 is the simplest winding scheme, a sequential layer winding scheme in which the winding of the layer above is started immediately after the winding of the layer below is finished. In this case, the scheme of (A) in Fig. 9 is a method in which the winding of the layer above starts immediately at the point where the winding of the previous layer ends, and this is referred to as a U-type winding scheme below.

[0160] The winding scheme of Fig. 9 (B) is an alternate layer winding scheme in which adjacent winding layers are wound alternately, with the windings of adjacent layers being wound at an angle in a zigzag shape. Hereinafter, this is referred to as the zigzag type winding scheme. Specifically, the winding of the second layer is sequentially wound over the winding of the first layer, the winding of the third layer is wound between the windings of the first and second layers, the winding of the fourth layer is wound over the winding of the second layer, and the winding of the fifth layer is wound between the windings of the second and fourth layers. This zigzag type winding scheme has the advantage of minimizing the voltage difference between the windings of adjacent layers, thereby reducing winding self-capacitance. In this case, winding self-capacitance, which is a type of parasitic capacitance, is a parameter representing the electric field energy stored within the winding.

[0161] delete

[0162] Comparative Experiment 1 (Comparison of characteristic values ​​by material)

[0163] With the coil wire type enamel wire and U-type winding method wound, the Q value was measured by changing the ferrite core material to manganese, nickel, and magnesium.

[0164] The measurement results showed that there was almost no difference in Q-value characteristics across the materials of each core, and the measured Q-values ​​were significantly insufficient for implementation as a product.

[0165] Comparative Experiment 2 (Comparison of Characteristic Values ​​by Winding Type)

[0166] Q values ​​were measured for inductor 1 and inductor 2, which were manufactured with a ferrite core made of manganese (Mn) and wound in a U-type winding method, and with the coil wire types made of enameled wire and Litz wire, respectively.

[0167] Figure 8 is a diagram showing the Q values ​​of inductor 1 and inductor 2 measured while changing the frequency using the E4980A precision LCR meter from KEYSIGHT TECHNOGIES.

[0168] In Figure 10, a is a waveform showing the change in Q value with respect to frequency of inductor 1 (manganese core / enamel wire / U-type winding method), and b is a waveform showing the change in Q value with respect to frequency of inductor 2 (manganese core / Litz wire / U-type winding method).

[0169] Inductor 2 made of Litz wire, the Q value is nearly maximum at a frequency of around 400 kHz (frequency f1), and inductor 1 made of enameled wire, the Q value is nearly maximum at a frequency of around 150 kHz (frequency f2).

[0170] Comparing a and b in Fig. 10, it can be seen that the maximum Q value of inductor 2 is about 1.5 times higher than the maximum Q value of inductor 1. Therefore, it can be seen that Litz wire is superior to enameled wire as a coil for the inductor forming the resonant circuit of the stylus pen.

[0171] However, the maximum Q value of inductor 2 measured in comparative experiment 2 was also only about half of the target value (Qtarget) required for commercialization.

[0172] Comparative Experiment 3 (Comparison of Characteristic Values ​​by Winding Method)

[0173] Q values ​​were measured for inductors 3 to 5, which were fabricated with a ferrite core made of manganese (Mn), wire types changed to enameled wire and Litz wire, and winding methods changed to U-type and zigzag-type.

[0174] delete

[0175] Figure 11 is a diagram showing the Q values ​​of inductors 3 to 5 measured while changing the frequency using the E4980A precision LCR meter from KEYSIGHT TECHNOGIES.

[0176] In FIG. 11, a is a waveform showing the change in Q value with respect to frequency of inductor 3 (manganese core / enamel wire / U-type winding method), b is a waveform showing the change in Q value with respect to frequency of inductor 4 (manganese core / enamel wire / zigzag type winding method), and c is a waveform showing the change in Q value with respect to frequency of inductor 5 (manganese core / Litz wire / zigzag type winding method).

[0177] As can be seen from waveform c in Fig. 11, inductor 5, fabricated using the Litz wire / zigzag winding method, exhibits a near-maximum Q value at a frequency around 300 kHz (frequency f3). Inductors 4, fabricated using the enameled wire / zigzag winding method, and inductor 3, fabricated using the enameled wire / U-type winding method, exhibit a near-maximum Q value at a frequency around 150 kHz (frequency f2).

[0178] In addition, as a result of comparing a, b, and c in Fig. 11, it can be seen that the maximum Q value of inductor 5 is about 1.5 times higher than the maximum Q value of inductor 4 and more than twice as high as the maximum Q value of inductor 3. Therefore, it can be seen that the zigzag type winding method is superior to the U type winding method for the inductor forming the resonant circuit of the stylus pen.

[0179] However, it was only about three-quarters of the target value (Q-target) required for commercialization of Inductor 5 (manganese core / Litz wire / zigzag type winding method) measured in Comparative Experiment 2.

[0180] Comparative Experiment 4 (Comparison of characteristic values ​​by core material)

[0181] In this embodiment, manganese and nickel were used as the materials for the ferrite core, and the permeability of nickel is known to be 200-300, and the permeability of manganese is 3000-5000.

[0182] Since the manganese used in this embodiment has a permeability approximately 15 times higher than that of nickel, assuming the cross-sectional area and length of the coil are the same, there is an advantage in that the number of turns of manganese can be reduced by approximately 4 times compared to the number of turns of nickel to obtain the same inductance value. Therefore, from the perspective of the number of turns alone, it can be seen that using manganese is more effective than using nickel.

[0183] Meanwhile, the inductor section (14) has a complex structure including a coil wound on a core, so additional parasitic capacitance is formed. Since the Q value is reduced due to this parasitic capacitance, there is a problem of reducing the amplitude of the resonant signal.

[0184] Parasitic capacitance formed in the inductor section (14) can occur between the wound coils and between the core and the coil, but as described above, the parasitic capacitance between the wound coils can be reduced by adopting a zigzag type winding method.

[0185] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, to reduce parasitic capacitance between the core and the coil, a core material having a dielectric constant lower than manganese was tested, and as a result of the test, it was confirmed that a nickel core is optimal as a material for a ferrite core.

[0186] In manganese and nickel, which are primarily used as ferrite core components, an important physical property is permeability, which has a significant impact on the inductance value as shown in <Equation 1>. However, in manganese and nickel as ferrite components, permittivity is a physical property of almost no interest, and in fact, in the case of nickel, there is even no relevant information in the data sheets provided by the manufacturer.

[0187] In this embodiment, to verify the permittivity of manganese and nickel, the permittivity of manganese and nickel was measured using an E4980A precision LCR meter from KEYSIGHT TECHNOGIES, and the measurement results are as shown in Table 1 below.

[0188]

[0189] Measurements 1 and 2 were taken using the same KEYSIGHT TECHNOGIES E4980A precision LCR meter, and Measurement 1 represents the dielectric constant automatically calculated by the measurement software. According to Measurement 1, the dielectric constant of manganese is 2400, but the dielectric constant of nickel is not measured.

[0190] Measurement 2 is a method of calculating the permittivity by measuring the capacitance, area, and distance between ferrite cores, and according to Measurement 2, the permittivity of manganese was measured to be 8300 and the permittivity of nickel was measured to be 2.

[0191] There is a significant difference in the permittivity results between Measurement 1 and Measurement 2, and in particular, in the case of Measurement 2, it was confirmed that there is a considerable error depending on capacitance, area, distance, etc. However, from the results of Measurement 1 and Measurement 2, it can be seen that nickel has a permittivity at least 1 / 1000 smaller than manganese.

[0192] In Comparative Experiment 4, Q values ​​were measured for inductors 6 and 7, which were fabricated with nickel as the ferrite core material and Litz wire as the wire type, and with the winding method changed to U type and zigzag type.

[0193] Figure 12 is a diagram showing the Q values ​​of inductor 6 and inductor 7 measured while changing the frequency using the E4980A precision LCR meter from KEYSIGHT TECHNOGIES.

[0194] In Fig. 12, a is a waveform showing the change in Q value with respect to frequency of inductor 6 (nickel core / Litz wire / U-type winding method), and b is a waveform showing the change in Q value with respect to frequency of inductor 7 (nickel core / Litz wire / zigzag-type winding method).

[0195] As can be seen from waveform b of Fig. 12, inductor 7, fabricated using a nickel core / Litz wire / zigzag winding method, shows a near maximum Q value at a frequency around 400 kHz (frequency f5). Inductor 6, fabricated using a nickel core / Litz wire / U-type winding method, shows a near maximum Q value at a frequency around 200 kHz (frequency f6). Comparing Fig. 11 a and b, it can be seen that the maximum Q value of inductor 7 is nearly twice as high as the maximum Q value of inductor 6.

[0196] Meanwhile, it was found that the maximum Q value of inductor 7 (nickel core / Litz wire / zigzag type winding method) measured in comparative experiment 4 almost reached the target value (Q target) required for commercialization.

[0197] In comparative experiments 1 to 4 described above, inductors were fabricated and their Q values ​​were tested while varying the combination of the ferrite core material, the type of coil wire, and the winding scheme. The test results showed that the highest Q value was obtained when the inductor part of the capacitive resonant stylus pen was designed with a nickel core, Litz wire, and a zigzag type winding scheme. Furthermore, it was found that the maximum Q value of the inductor fabricated with this combination reached the target value (Q target) for commercialization.

[0198] Meanwhile, in this embodiment, a nickel core was used as the ferrite core and a Litz wire was used as the type of core wire for the experiment. However, if a material with a dielectric constant of 1000 or less is used as the ferrite core in addition to the nickel core, and if a wire in which one coil wraps around two or more insulated strands is used in addition to the Litz wire, similar results can be obtained.

[0199] Before describing in detail the touch input device in the pen and touch input system according to the embodiment of the present invention, the reason why the output voltage (Vout) of the CVA (Capacitor Voltage Amplitude) changes depending on the position of the stylus pen on the touch screen will be explained below.

[0200] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating that the output voltage (Vout) of the CVA (Capacitor Voltage Amplitude) varies depending on the position of the stylus pen (10) on a conventional touch screen.

[0201] Referring to FIG. 13, the reason why the output of CVA varies depending on the position of the stylus pen (10) on the touch screen is that the impedance ratio on both sides centered on the stylus pen (10) on the detection line is different.

[0202] Based on the long axis of a conventional touch screen, the resistance (R) of the metal mesh touch sensor is approximately 1.2k (ohm) and the capacitor (C) is approximately 250pF.

[0203] Based on 10 distributed models, at a driving frequency of 300 kHz, the impedance of the capacitor is approximately 200 times greater than that of the resistor (120 (ohm) vs. 1 / (2π*300k*25pF) = 21k (ohm)). Therefore, the capacitor is the main cause.

[0204] FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining through current sensing that the output voltage (Vout1, Vout2) of the CVA differs depending on the position of the stylus pen (10) in FIG. 13, and FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining through voltage sensing that the output voltage (Vout1, Vout2) of the CVA differs depending on the position of the stylus pen (10) in FIG. 13.

[0205] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the output voltage of the CVA varies depending on the position of the stylus pen (10) on the detection line. That is, the closer the stylus pen (10) is to the detection circuit (50), the higher the output voltage of the CVA, and the further it is from the detection circuit (50), the lower the output voltage of the CVA.

[0206] Hereinafter, a touch input device according to various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0207] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of the sensor unit (100) of a touch input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0208] A touch input device according to the first embodiment of the present invention may be a portrait-type touch input device. Such a portrait-type touch input device has a width smaller than its height, and a control unit (not shown) that controls the sensor unit (100) may be disposed below the sensor unit (100). For example, such a touch input device corresponds to the shape of a smartphone.

[0209] The sensor unit (100) can not only detect the position of an object such as a finger located on the screen, but also drive the stylus pen (10) illustrated in FIG. 1a located on the screen, and detect the position of the stylus pen located on the screen by detecting a signal (stylus pen signal) emitted from the stylus pen.

[0210] The sensor unit (100) includes a plurality of patterns (or a plurality of electrodes).

[0211] The sensor unit (100) may include a plurality of first to fourth patterns (101, 102, 103, 104).

[0212] The first pattern (101) has a shape that extends along any first direction (y). The first direction may be the long axis direction of the screen of the touch input device. The first pattern (101) may also be named ATX (Active TX). The first pattern (101) may have a predetermined shape in which an electrical path is formed along any first direction (y).

[0213] The second pattern (102) has a shape extended along the first direction (y), is positioned adjacent to the first pattern (101), and is positioned at a predetermined distance from the first pattern (101). The second pattern (102) may also be named DTX (Dummy TX). The second pattern (102) may have a predetermined shape in which an electrical path is formed along the first direction (y) adjacent to the first pattern (101).

[0214] The third pattern (103) has a shape that extends along a second direction (x) different from the first direction. The second direction (x) may be a direction perpendicular to the first direction (y) and may be the short-axis direction of the screen of the touch input device. The third pattern (103) may also be named ARX (Active RX). The third pattern (103) may have a predetermined shape in which an electrical path is formed along any second direction (x).

[0215] The fourth pattern (104) has a shape extended along the second direction (x), is positioned adjacent to the third pattern (103), and is positioned at a predetermined distance from the third pattern (103). The fourth pattern (104) may also be named DRX (dummy RX). The fourth pattern (104) may have a predetermined shape in which an electrical path is formed along the second direction (x) adjacent to the third pattern (103).

[0216] The third and fourth patterns (103, 104) are placed on the first and second patterns (101, 102) and are placed at a predetermined distance from the first and second patterns (101, 102). Meanwhile, the sensor portion in which the first to fourth patterns are placed on the same layer is described in detail in FIG. 27.

[0217] A plurality of first patterns (101) are arranged along the second direction (x), and a plurality of second patterns (102) are also arranged along the second direction (x). A plurality of third patterns (103) are arranged along the first direction (y), and a plurality of fourth patterns (104) are also arranged along the first direction (y).

[0218] Since the first pattern (101) extends along the first direction (y) and the third pattern (103) extends along the second direction (x), and the first direction (y) is longer than the second direction (x), the number of multiple first patterns (101) is less than the number of multiple third patterns (103). Therefore, the number of channels of multiple first patterns (101) is less than the number of channels of multiple third patterns (103).

[0219] Here, the number of multiple first patterns (101) and the number of multiple third patterns (103) may increase or decrease depending on the screen size of the touch input device.

[0220] A plurality of second patterns (102) may be configured in the same number as a plurality of first patterns (101) by corresponding one-to-one with each of the plurality of second patterns (102). The other ends (or second-side ends) of each of the plurality of second patterns (102) are electrically connected to each other through a conductive pattern. Here, the conductive pattern may be a metal mesh or a silver trace.

[0221] One end (or, first end) of a plurality of second patterns (102) may be electrically connected to a control unit (not shown). Here, as shown in FIG. 17, one end of two or more of the plurality of second patterns (102) may be electrically connected to each other through a conductive pattern. Due to this configuration, the number of channels of the plurality of second patterns (102) may be reduced to half the number of channels of the plurality of first patterns (101). Here, two or more of the plurality of second patterns (102) may be adjacent to each other.

[0222] Meanwhile, as shown in FIG. 18, each end of a plurality of second patterns (102) may be individually connected to a single conductive pattern.

[0223] Again, referring to FIG. 16, since a plurality of third patterns (103) are arranged along the first direction (y), the number of a plurality of third patterns (103) is greater than the number of a plurality of first patterns (101). Therefore, the number of channels of a plurality of third patterns (103) is greater than the number of channels of a plurality of first patterns (101).

[0224] A plurality of fourth patterns (104) may be configured in the same number by corresponding one-to-one with a plurality of third patterns (103). The other ends (or second-side ends) of each of the plurality of fourth patterns (104) are electrically connected to each other through a conductive pattern.

[0225] In the sensor unit (100) of the touch input device illustrated in FIG. 16, a plurality of first patterns (101) and a plurality of third patterns (103) basically sense the touch of an object such as a finger. To this end, the plurality of first patterns (101) may operate as touch driving electrodes (TX electrodes) to which a touch driving signal is applied, and the plurality of third patterns (103) may operate as touch sensing electrodes (RX electrodes, or touch receiving electrodes) to which a touch detection signal is received. Of course, they may also operate in the opposite way.

[0226] In order for the sensor unit (100) of the touch input device illustrated in FIG. 16 to drive and sense a stylus pen, a plurality of first to fourth patterns (101, 102, 103, 104) may be used in various combinations. Various combinations are as shown in below. In below, '1' refers to a plurality of first patterns (101), '2' refers to a plurality of second patterns (102), '3' refers to a plurality of third patterns (103), and '4' refers to a plurality of fourth patterns (104).

[0227]

[0228] Referring to above, in various combinations (No. 1 to No. 32), a plurality of first patterns (101) and a plurality of third patterns (103) are used to sense the touch of an object such as a finger. Specifically, a plurality of first patterns (101) operate as touch driving electrodes, and a plurality of third patterns (103) operate as touch receiving electrodes. Of course, the opposite is also possible.

[0229] At least one or two of the plurality of first to fourth patterns (101, 102, 103, 104) may operate as stylus driving electrodes for driving a stylus pen. A current loop for driving a stylus pen may be formed using at least one or two of the first to fourth patterns (101, 102, 103, 104). For example, X-axis driving may be either one of the plurality of first patterns (101) and the plurality of second patterns (102), and Y-axis driving may be either one of the plurality of third patterns (103) and the plurality of fourth patterns (104). Driving of the stylus pen is possible as either X-axis driving or Y-axis driving, or as both.

[0230] At least one or two of the plurality of first to fourth patterns (101, 102, 103, 104) may operate as sensing electrodes for sensing a stylus pen signal emitted from a stylus pen. For example, since X-axis sensing and Y-axis sensing are required together to sense a stylus pen signal, two of the plurality of first to fourth patterns (101, 102, 103, 104) may be used. X-axis sensing may be any one of the plurality of first patterns (101) and the plurality of second patterns (102), and Y-axis sensing may be any one of the plurality of third patterns (103) and the plurality of fourth patterns (104).

[0231] In Table 2 above, 'uplink signal size' refers to the size of the driving signal for driving the stylus pen (10) of FIG. 1a. 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 size 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).

[0232] This is because, when two or more second patterns (102) are appropriately selected to have a stylus pen driving signal applied, at least one current loop is formed, but the other ends (or second ends) of the multiple first patterns (101) are not electrically connected to each other, so a current loop cannot be formed. When current flows through each first pattern (101), the RC of each first pattern (101) is charged, so the current does not flow well as it goes from one end (or first end) of each first pattern (101) to the other end (or second end). In addition, the stylus pen driving signal applied through the multiple first patterns (101) is transmitted to the multiple second patterns (101) where a current loop is formed through capacitive coupling, and attenuation of the signal occurs due to the capacitive coupling.

[0233] Likewise, when a stylus pen driving signal is applied to a plurality of fourth patterns (104), the uplink signal is relatively larger than when a stylus pen driving signal is applied to a plurality of third patterns (103).

[0234] In Table 2 above, 'downlink signal size' refers to the size of the stylus pen signal received from the stylus pen (10) of FIG. 1a. When comparing the signal sizes by receiving the same stylus pen signal through multiple first patterns (101) and multiple second patterns (102), 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).

[0235] The reason is that while the other ends (second side ends) of the multiple second patterns (102) are electrically connected to form a current loop, the other ends (first side ends) of the multiple first patterns (101) are not electrically connected to each other, and in particular, since the stylus pen signal is transmitted from the multiple second patterns (101) where the current loop is formed through capacitive coupling to the multiple first patterns (101), attenuation of the downlink signal occurs at this time.

[0236] Likewise, the downlink signal is relatively larger when the stylus pen signal is received through multiple fourth patterns (104) than when the stylus pen signal is received through multiple third patterns (103).

[0237] In Table 2 above, 'stylus additional channel' means whether additional channels must be configured for the stylus pen in addition to touch sensing. When multiple second patterns (102) and / or multiple fourth patterns (104) are used for driving or sensing the stylus pen, additional channels are required (indicated as 'yes' in Table 2). On the other hand, when multiple first patterns (101) and / or third patterns (103) for touch sensing are used for driving or sensing the stylus pen, additional channels are not required (indicated as 'no' in Table 2).

[0238] Below, several examples of the various combinations (No. 1 to No. 32) in above are described in detail. Here, combinations not described will be sufficiently understood by those skilled in the art through the detailed description below.

[0239] In No. 1, a plurality of first patterns (101) are used as touch driving electrodes for object touch sensing and as stylus sensing electrodes for detecting stylus pen signals. A plurality of second patterns (102) are used as stylus driving electrodes for driving a stylus pen. A plurality of third patterns (103) are used as touch sensing electrodes for object touch sensing and as stylus sensing electrodes for detecting stylus pen signals. And, a plurality of fourth patterns (104) are electrically floating. Here, being electrically floating means that the other ends (second end portions) of the plurality of fourth patterns (104) are electrically connected to each other, while one end (first end portion) of the plurality of fourth patterns (104) is not connected to other components.

[0240] In the case of No. 1, since multiple second patterns (102) are used as stylus driving electrodes, the magnitude of the uplink signal is relatively large. Since multiple first patterns (101) and multiple third patterns (103) are used as stylus sensing electrodes, the magnitude of the downlink signal is relatively small. Also, since multiple second patterns (102) are used separately as stylus driving electrodes, a separate additional channel is required for driving the stylus pen, but an additional channel for sensing the stylus pen is unnecessary.

[0241] In No. 4, a plurality of first patterns (101) are used as touch driving electrodes for touch sensing of an object. A plurality of second patterns (102) are used as stylus driving electrodes for driving a stylus pen and as stylus sensing electrodes for sensing a stylus pen signal. A plurality of third patterns (103) are used as touch sensing electrodes for touch sensing of an object. And, a plurality of fourth patterns (104) are used as stylus sensing electrodes for sensing a stylus pen signal.

[0242] In the case of No. 4, since multiple second patterns (102) are used as stylus driving electrodes, the magnitude of the uplink signal is relatively large. Since multiple second patterns (102) and multiple fourth patterns (104) are used as stylus sensing electrodes, the magnitude of the downlink signal is relatively large. Furthermore, since multiple second patterns (102) are used separately as stylus driving electrodes and stylus sensing electrodes, and multiple fourth patterns (104) are used separately as stylus sensing electrodes, a separate additional channel is required for driving and sensing the stylus pen.

[0243] In No. 8, a plurality of first patterns (101) are used as touch driving electrodes for touch sensing of an object. A plurality of second patterns (102) are used as stylus sensing electrodes for sensing a stylus pen signal. A plurality of third patterns (103) are used as touch sensing electrodes for touch sensing of an object. And, a plurality of fourth patterns (104) are used as stylus driving electrodes for driving a stylus pen and as stylus sensing electrodes for sensing a stylus pen signal.

[0244] In the case of No. 8, since multiple fourth patterns (104) are used as stylus driving electrodes, the magnitude of the uplink signal is relatively large. Since multiple second patterns (102) and multiple fourth patterns (104) are used as stylus sensing electrodes, the magnitude of the downlink signal is relatively large. In addition, since multiple second patterns (102) are used separately as stylus sensing electrodes and multiple fourth patterns (104) are used separately as stylus driving electrodes and stylus sensing electrodes, a separate additional channel is required for driving and sensing the stylus pen.

[0245] In No. 12, a plurality of first patterns (101) are used as touch driving electrodes for touch sensing of an object. A plurality of second patterns (102) are used as stylus driving electrodes for driving a stylus pen and as stylus sensing electrodes for sensing a stylus pen signal. A plurality of third patterns (103) are used as touch sensing electrodes for touch sensing of an object. And, a plurality of fourth patterns (104) are used as stylus driving electrodes for driving a stylus pen and as stylus sensing electrodes for sensing a stylus pen signal.

[0246] In the case of No. 12, since multiple second and fourth patterns (102, 104) are used as stylus driving electrodes, the magnitude of the uplink signal is relatively large. Since multiple second patterns (102) and multiple fourth patterns (104) are used as stylus sensing electrodes, the magnitude of the downlink signal is relatively large. Also, since multiple second patterns (102) are used separately as stylus driving electrodes and stylus sensing electrodes, and multiple fourth patterns (104) are used separately as stylus driving electrodes and stylus sensing electrodes, a separate additional channel is required for driving and sensing the stylus pen.

[0247] In No. 13, a plurality of first patterns (101) are used as touch driving electrodes for touch sensing of an object, as stylus driving electrodes for driving a stylus pen, and as stylus sensing electrodes for sensing a stylus pen signal. A plurality of third patterns (103) are used as touch sensing electrodes for touch sensing of an object and as stylus sensing electrodes for sensing a stylus pen signal. And, a plurality of second and fourth patterns (102, 104) are electrically floating.

[0248] In the case of No. 13, since multiple first patterns (101) are used as stylus driving electrodes, the magnitude of the uplink signal is relatively small. Since multiple first patterns (101) and multiple third patterns (103) are used as stylus sensing electrodes, the magnitude of the downlink signal is relatively small. Furthermore, since multiple first patterns (102) are used as stylus driving electrodes and stylus sensing electrodes and multiple third patterns (103) are used as stylus sensing electrodes, a separate additional channel for driving and sensing the stylus pen is unnecessary.

[0249] In No. 17, a plurality of first patterns (101) are used as touch driving electrodes for touch sensing of an object and as stylus sensing electrodes for sensing a stylus pen signal. A plurality of third patterns (103) are used as touch sensing electrodes for touch sensing of an object, as stylus driving electrodes for driving a stylus pen, and as stylus sensing electrodes for sensing a stylus pen signal. And, a plurality of second and fourth patterns (102, 104) are electrically floating.

[0250] In the case of No. 17, since multiple third patterns (103) are used as stylus driving electrodes, the magnitude of the uplink signal is relatively small. Since multiple first patterns (101) and multiple third patterns (103) are used as stylus sensing electrodes, the magnitude of the downlink signal is relatively small. Furthermore, since multiple first patterns (102) are used as stylus sensing electrodes and multiple third patterns (103) are used as stylus driving electrodes and stylus sensing electrodes, a separate additional channel for driving and sensing the stylus pen is unnecessary.

[0251] In No. 21, a plurality of first patterns (101) are used as touch driving electrodes for touch sensing of an object, as stylus driving electrodes for driving a stylus pen, and as stylus sensing electrodes for sensing a stylus pen signal. A plurality of third patterns (103) are used as touch sensing electrodes for touch sensing of an object, as stylus driving electrodes for driving a stylus pen, and as stylus sensing electrodes for sensing a stylus pen signal. And, a plurality of second and fourth patterns (102, 104) are electrically floating.

[0252] In the case of No. 21, since multiple first and third patterns (101, 103) are used as stylus driving electrodes, the magnitude of the uplink signal is relatively small. Since multiple first patterns (101) and multiple third patterns (103) are used as stylus sensing electrodes, the magnitude of the downlink signal is relatively small. Also, since multiple first patterns (102) are used as stylus driving electrodes and stylus sensing electrodes and multiple third patterns (103) are used as stylus driving electrodes and stylus sensing electrodes, a separate additional channel for driving and sensing the stylus pen is unnecessary.

[0253] Among the various combinations (No. 1 to No. 32) in Table 2 above, Nos. 1, 5, 9, 25, and 29 have 'present' driving and 'absent' sensing in the column of 'stylus additional channel'. Nos. 1, 5, 9, 25, and 29 use multiple first and third patterns (101, 103) to sense the stylus pen and multiple second or / and fourth patterns (102, 104) to drive the stylus pen. When driving the stylus pen, even if multiple second or / and fourth patterns (102, 104) are used, it may be somewhat difficult to form a magnetic field to resonate the stylus pen, so one end (first side end) of two or more adjacent second patterns can be electrically connected as shown in FIG. 17. Similarly, one end (first end) of two or more adjacent fourth patterns can be electrically connected. Configuring it in this way has the advantage of reducing additional channels for driving the stylus pen.

[0254] The control unit (not shown) controls the sensor unit (100).

[0255] Specifically, as shown in No. 1 to No. 32 of above, the control unit (not shown) may be for applying a touch driving signal to the plurality of first patterns (101) and receiving a touch detection signal to the plurality of third patterns (103).

[0256] A control unit (not shown) may be for applying a stylus pen driving signal to at least one of the plurality of first patterns (101) to fourth patterns (104), as shown in No. 1 to No. 32 of Table 2 above, and for receiving a stylus pen detection signal to at least one of the plurality of first patterns (101) to fourth patterns (104).

[0257] A control unit (not shown) may be for applying a stylus pen driving signal to at least one of the plurality of first patterns (101) or the plurality of third patterns (103), as shown in No. 13 to No. 32 of Table 2 above.

[0258] A control unit (not shown) may be for receiving a stylus pen detection signal in at least one of the plurality of first patterns (101) or the plurality of third patterns (103), such as No. 1-3, 5-7, 9-11, 13-15, 17-19, 21-23, 25-27, and 29-31 of Table 2 above.

[0259] A control unit (not shown) may be for applying a stylus pen driving signal to at least one of the plurality of second patterns (102) or the plurality of fourth patterns (104), as shown in No. 1-12 and 25-32 of Table 2 above.

[0260] A control unit (not shown) may be for receiving a stylus pen detection signal in at least one of the plurality of second patterns (102) or the plurality of fourth patterns (104), such as No. 2-4, 6-8, 10-12, 14-16, 19-20, 22-24, 26-28, and 30-32 of Table 2 above.

[0261] A control unit (not shown) may be configured to select at least one of the plurality of first patterns (101) to fourth patterns (104) as a pen driving electrode and to apply a stylus pen driving signal to the selected pen driving electrode. Here, the selection of at least one of the plurality of first patterns (101) to fourth patterns (104) as a pen driving electrode may vary depending on the position of the stylus pen (10) on the touch screen (20) of the touch input device (2) of FIG. 1A. The pattern selected when the stylus pen is in a hover state may be different from the pattern selected when the stylus pen is in a contact state. For example, the control unit (not shown) may select either of the first and second patterns (101, 102) as the pen driving electrode when the stylus pen is in a hover state, and select either of the third and fourth patterns (103, 104) as the pen driving electrode when the stylus pen is in a contact state. Of course, the opposite case is also possible.

[0262] A control unit (not shown) may be configured to select at least two of the plurality of first patterns (101) to fourth patterns (104) as pen sensing electrodes and to sense a stylus pen signal emitted from the stylus pen through the selected pen sensing electrodes. Here, the selection of at least two of the plurality of first patterns (101) to fourth patterns (104) as pen sensing electrodes may vary depending on the position of the stylus pen (10) on the touch screen (20) of the touch input device (2) of FIG. 1A. The pattern selected when the stylus pen is in a hover state may be different from the pattern selected when the stylus pen is in a contact state. For example, a control unit (not shown) may select either one of the first and second patterns (101, 102) as a pen sensing electrode when the stylus pen is in a hover state, and select either one of the third and fourth patterns (103, 104) as a pen sensing electrode when the stylus pen is in a contact state. Of course, the opposite case is also possible.

[0263] FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of the sensor unit (100') of a touch input device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0264] A touch input device according to a second embodiment of the present invention is a landscape-type touch input device. This landscape-type touch input device has a width greater than its height, and a control unit (not shown) that controls a sensor unit (100') may be positioned below the sensor unit (100'). For example, this touch input device may correspond to the shape of a tablet PC.

[0265] delete

[0266] The configuration of the sensor unit (100') of the touch input device according to the second embodiment of the present invention is the same as the configuration of the sensor unit (100) of the touch input device according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 16, except that the direction is rotated 90 degrees.

[0267] A sensor unit (100') of a touch input device according to a second embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of first to fourth patterns (101, 102, 103, 104). The first pattern (101) and the second pattern (102) are arranged adjacent to each other and have a shape that extends along one direction. Alternatively, the first pattern (101) and the second pattern (102) may have a predetermined shape in which an electrical path is formed along one direction. The third pattern (103) and the fourth pattern (104) are arranged adjacent to each other and have a shape that extends along a direction different from the one direction. Alternatively, the third pattern (103) and the fourth pattern (104) may have a predetermined shape in which an electrical path is formed along the other direction. The other ends (second side ends) of the plurality of second patterns (102) are electrically connected to each other, and the other ends (second side ends) of the plurality of fourth patterns (104) are also electrically connected to each other.

[0268] When the sensor unit (100') of the touch input device according to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 19 is configured to be approximately 10 to 14 inches, which is the screen size of a landscape-type tablet PC, and is implemented as the example of No. 1 in above, the total number of channels and the number of driving trace channels of the sensor unit (100') are roughly summarized as shown in Table 3 below.

[0269]

[0270] In Table 3 above, the number of channels of the Stylus TX is the value obtained by dividing the number of multiple first patterns (101) by 2. This is because the number of multiple second patterns (102) is the same as the number of multiple first patterns (101), but as shown in FIG. 20, the number of channels is reduced by half because two adjacent ends of the multiple second patterns (102) are electrically connected to each other.

[0271] In Table 3 above, the number of TX Trace channels is the sum of the number of Finger TX channels and the number of Stylus TX channels. The number of TX Trace channels is a major factor in determining the thickness of the bezel in the width direction of the touch input device according to the second embodiment. This is because, in the touch input device according to the second embodiment, the control unit (not shown) is positioned below (or above) the sensor unit (100'). The more the number of TX Trace channels is reduced, the thinner the bezel in the width direction of the touch input device can be reduced.

[0272] Meanwhile, there is no particular problem when the screen size of the touch input device shown in FIG. 19 is the screen size of a smartphone, for example, 6.9 inches. However, when the screen size of the touch input device shown in FIG. 19 increases to the screen size of a tablet PC, such as 11 inches or 12.9 inches, the lengths of the first to fourth patterns (101, 102, 103, 104) of the sensor unit (100') also increase, so the resistance and capacitance values ​​of the sensor unit (100') increase. The increase in resistance and capacitance values ​​narrows the operating frequency bandwidth of the touch driving signal applied to one of the first or third patterns used as a touch driving electrode and the stylus driving signal for driving the stylus pen, so a problem may occur in which the operating frequency bandwidth required for the design is not obtained. In order to solve the above problem, it may be considered to reduce the resistance and capacitance values ​​of the sensor unit (100'), but there is a limit to reducing these values, and even if these values ​​are reduced as much as possible, the above-mentioned problem is still not solved.

[0273] In addition, the stylus pen signal received from the stylus pen and input to the control unit of the touch input device is attenuated as much as the sensor unit (100') increases. In particular, there is a problem in that the stylus pen detection signal at the part furthest from the control unit in the first to fourth patterns (101, 102, 103, 104) of the sensor unit (100') is attenuated during the process of being transmitted to the control unit, so the voltage value required for the design is not output.

[0274] The above-mentioned problems can be solved by using a plurality of second patterns (102) as stylus pen sensing electrodes for sensing stylus pen signals, as in the examples of Nos. 3, 4, 7, 8, 11, 12, 15, 16, 19, 20, 23, 24, 27, 28, 31, 32 of Table 2 above, or by using a plurality of fourth patterns (104) as stylus pen sensing electrodes for sensing stylus pen signals, as in the examples of Nos. 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32 of Table 2 above. In the above examples, since multiple second and fourth patterns (102, 104) receive electromotive force directly through electromagnetic induction by a stylus pen, there is no signal attenuation through capacitive coupling from the second pattern (102) to the first pattern (101) and from the fourth pattern (104) to the third pattern (103).

[0275] As a specific example, when the sensor unit (100') of the touch input device according to the second embodiment is configured to be approximately 10 to 14 inches in size, which is the screen size of a landscape-type tablet PC, and implemented as the example of No. 3 in above, the total number of channels and the number of driving trace channels of the sensor unit (100') are summarized as shown in Table 4 below.

[0276]

[0277] In Table 4 above, the number of channels of the Stylus TX is equal to the number of multiple second patterns (102). This is because the number of multiple second patterns (102) is equal to the number of multiple first patterns (101), and as shown in FIG. 21, each end of the multiple second patterns (102) is individually connected to a single conductive pattern.

[0278] In Table 4 above, the number of TX Trace channels is the sum of the number of Finger TX channels and the number of Stylus TX channels. The number of TX Trace channels is a major factor in determining the thickness of the bezel on the single side of the touch input device. The more the number of TX Trace channels is reduced, the thinner the bezel thickness of the single side of the touch input device can be reduced.

[0279] The example in above has the disadvantage of slightly increasing the number of channels compared to above, but because the pen detection signal from the stylus pen is received through multiple second patterns (102) rather than multiple first patterns (101), there is an advantage that the voltage value of the stylus detection signal received by the control unit is larger. The applicant confirmed through experiments that there is an advantage that the voltage value of the stylus detection signal received by the control unit is approximately twice as large as that of .

[0280] In addition, since each of the multiple second patterns (102) is configured as a single channel, when the multiple second patterns (102) are used as stylus driving electrodes (Stylus TX), the distance between channels is reduced by half compared to the example in , so there is an advantage of improved resolution in stylus driving.

[0281] As another specific example, when the sensor unit (100') of the touch input device according to the second embodiment is configured to be about 10 to 14 inches in size, which is the screen size of a landscape-type tablet PC, and implemented as the example of No. 8 in above, the total number of channels and the number of driving trace channels of the sensor unit (100') are summarized as shown in Table 5 below.

[0282]

[0283] In Table 5 above, the number of channels of the Stylus TX is equal to the number of multiple fourth patterns (104). This is because the number of multiple fourth patterns (104') is equal to the number of multiple third patterns (103), and as shown in FIG. 22, each end of the multiple fourth patterns (104) is individually connected to a single conductive pattern.

[0284] In Table 5 above, the number of TX Trace channels is the same as the number of Finger TX channels. The number of TX Trace channels is a major factor in determining the thickness of the bezel of the single edge of the touch input device. The more the number of TX Trace channels is reduced, the thinner the bezel of the single edge of the touch input device can be reduced.

[0285] Table 5 above has the disadvantage that the total number of channels is slightly increased compared to the example in Table 3 above, but it has the advantage that the voltage value of the pen detection signal received by the control unit is larger because the pen detection signal from the stylus pen is received through a number of fourth patterns (104).

[0286] In addition, since each of the multiple fourth patterns (104) is configured as a single channel, when the multiple fourth patterns (104) are used as driving electrodes (Stylus TX), the distance between channels is reduced by half compared to the example in above, so there is an advantage of improved driving resolution.

[0287] In addition, the number of TX trace channels can be reduced to 1 / 4 to 1 / 3 of the example in above, which has the advantage of reducing the thickness of the width direction bezel (B) of the touch input device.

[0288] FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of the sensor unit (100') shown in FIG. 19.

[0289] The sensor unit (100'') of FIG. 23 has each first pattern (101') including at least two firsta patterns (101a) and firstb patterns (101b), and each second pattern (102') including at least two seconda patterns (101a) and secondb patterns (101b). A plurality of third and fourth patterns (103, 104) are identical to the sensor unit (100) of FIG. 19.

[0290] The first pattern (101a) and the first pattern (101b) are arranged along the extension direction of the first pattern (101'). The second pattern (102a) and the second pattern (201b) are arranged along the extension direction of the second pattern (102').

[0291] The other ends of the plurality of 2a patterns (102a) are electrically connected, and the other ends of the plurality of 2b patterns (102b) are electrically connected. Here, the other ends of the plurality of 2a patterns (102a) and the other ends of the plurality of 2b patterns (102b) face each other.

[0292] One end of a plurality of 2a patterns (102a) may be electrically connected to two or more adjacent 2a patterns. One end of a plurality of 2b patterns (102b) may also be electrically connected to two or more adjacent 2b patterns. Here, one end of a plurality of 2a patterns (102a) and one end of a plurality of 2b patterns (102b) may each be individually electrically connected to a conductive pattern as shown in FIG. 9.

[0293] As a specific example, if the sensor unit (100'') illustrated in FIG. 23 is configured to a screen size of approximately 10 to 14 inches, which is the screen size of a landscape-type tablet PC, and is configured as the example of No. 1 in above, the total number of channels and the number of driving trace channels of the sensor unit (100'') are summarized as shown in Table 6 below.

[0294]

[0295] In Table 6 above, the number of channels of the Stylus TX is the value obtained by dividing the number of multiple second patterns (102') by 2. This is because the number of multiple second patterns (102') is equal to the number of multiple first patterns (101'), and the multiple second patterns (102') are due to two adjacent second patterns being electrically connected to each other.

[0296] In Table 6 above, the number of TX Trace channels is the sum of the number of Finger TX channels and the number of Stylus TX channels. The number of TX Trace channels is a major factor in determining the thickness of the bezel in the width direction of the touch input device. The more the number of TX Trace channels is reduced, the thinner the bezel thickness of the touch input device can be reduced.

[0297] Although Table 6 above has the disadvantage of slightly increasing the number of channels compared to the example in Table 3 above, since the length of each first pattern (101') and second pattern (102') is reduced by half, it has the advantage of being able to widen the operating frequency bandwidth of the touch driving signal applied to the touch driving electrode and the pen driving signal for driving the stylus pen by reducing the resistance value and capacitance value of the sensor part (100'').

[0298] FIG. 24 is a drawing illustrating the touch input device illustrated in FIG. 20.

[0299] Referring to FIG. 24, the touch input device (500) may include a sensor unit (100A) and a control unit (300) for controlling the sensor unit (100A).

[0300] The sensor unit (100A) is an example of the sensor unit (100') illustrated in FIG. 20. Accordingly, the sensor unit (100A) includes a plurality of first to fourth patterns (101A, 102A, 103A, 104A).

[0301] The first pattern (101A) has a shape that extends along the first direction (width direction). The first direction may be the long axis direction (L) of the screen of the touch input device (500). The first pattern (101A) may also be named ATX (Active TX).

[0302] The first pattern (101A) may include a plurality of main pattern sections and a connecting pattern section that connects two adjacent main pattern sections among the plurality of main pattern sections. Here, the main pattern sections may have a diamond shape, but are not limited thereto, and may have various shapes different from the connecting pattern section.

[0303] The first pattern (101A) may have an opening in which the second pattern (102A) is disposed. The shape of the opening may correspond to the outer shape of the first pattern (101A). The first pattern (101A) may have a structure that surrounds the second pattern (102A). The first pattern (101A) is disposed at a predetermined distance from the second pattern (102A).

[0304] The second pattern (102A) has a shape extended along the first direction and is positioned adjacent to the first pattern (101A) and positioned at a predetermined distance from the first pattern (101A). The second pattern (102A) may also be named DTX (Dummy TX).

[0305] The second pattern (102A) is placed inside the first pattern (101A).

[0306] The second pattern (102A) may include a plurality of main pattern sections and a connecting pattern section that connects two adjacent main pattern sections among the plurality of main pattern sections. Here, the main pattern sections may have a diamond shape, but are not limited thereto, and may have various shapes and different shapes from the connecting pattern section.

[0307] The main pattern portion of the second pattern (102A) may have a shape corresponding to the main pattern portion of the first pattern (101A), and the connecting pattern portion of the second pattern (102A) may have a shape corresponding to the connecting pattern portion of the first pattern (101A).

[0308] The third pattern (103A) has a shape that extends along a second direction different from the first direction. The second direction may be a direction perpendicular to the first direction and may be the short direction (S) of the screen of the touch input device. The third pattern (103A) may also be named ARX (Active RX).

[0309] The third pattern (103A) may include a plurality of main pattern sections and a connecting pattern section that connects two adjacent main pattern sections among the plurality of main pattern sections. Here, the main pattern sections may have a diamond shape, but are not limited thereto, and may have various shapes and may have a shape different from the connecting pattern section.

[0310] The third pattern (103A) may have an opening in which the fourth pattern (104A) is disposed. The shape of the opening may correspond to the outer shape of the third pattern (103A). The third pattern (103A) may have a structure that surrounds the fourth pattern (104A). The third pattern (103A) is disposed at a predetermined distance from the fourth pattern (104A).

[0311] The fourth pattern (104A) has a shape extended along the second direction, is positioned adjacent to the third pattern (103A), and is positioned at a predetermined distance from the third pattern (103A). The fourth pattern (104A) may also be named DRX (dummy RX).

[0312] The fourth pattern (104A) is placed inside the third pattern (103A).

[0313] The fourth pattern (104A) may include a plurality of main pattern sections and a connecting pattern section that connects two adjacent main pattern sections among the plurality of main pattern sections. Here, the main pattern sections may have a diamond shape, but are not limited thereto, and may have various shapes different from the connecting pattern section.

[0314] The main pattern portion of the fourth pattern (104A) may have a shape corresponding to the main pattern portion of the third pattern (103A), and the connecting pattern portion of the fourth pattern (104A) may have a shape corresponding to the connecting pattern portion of the third pattern (103A).

[0315] The third and fourth patterns (103A, 104A) are placed on the first and second patterns (101A, 102A) and are placed at a predetermined distance from the first and second patterns (101A, 102A). Meanwhile, the sensor unit in which the first to fourth patterns are placed on the same layer is described in detail in FIG. 30.

[0316] One end (first end) of a plurality of first patterns (101A) is electrically connected to a control unit (300), although not shown in the drawing, and the other end (second end) is electrically open. Here, the one end (first end) is relatively close to the control unit (300), and the other end (second end) is relatively far from the control unit (300).

[0317] Each end of a plurality of first patterns (101A) may be electrically connected to a control unit (300) through a conductive pattern, although not shown in the drawing. The conductive patterns connecting the plurality of first patterns (101A) and the control unit (300) may be arranged inside the width direction bezel (B) of the touch input device (500).

[0318] One end (first end) of a plurality of second patterns (102A) can be electrically connected to the control unit (300) through the second conductive pattern after two adjacent ends are electrically connected to each other by the first conductive pattern. The other end (second end) of a plurality of second patterns (102A) is electrically connected to each other through the conductive pattern. One end (first end) is relatively close to the control unit (300), and the other end (second end) is relatively far from the control unit (300).

[0319] Second conductive patterns connecting a plurality of second patterns (102A) and a control unit (300) can be arranged inside the width direction bezel (B) of the touch input device (500), as shown in FIG. 24. Here, the second conductive patterns connecting a plurality of second patterns (102A) and a control unit (300) can be arranged inside the width direction bezel (B) of the touch input device (500) together with conductive patterns (not shown) connecting a plurality of first patterns (101A) and a control unit (300).

[0320] When the other ends of a plurality of second patterns (102A) are electrically connected to each other, the capacitances of each second pattern (102A) are added together, so the total impedance is reduced. Therefore, the other ends of a plurality of second patterns (102A) have the same effect as being AC GND connected.

[0321] Meanwhile, although not illustrated in the drawing, the other ends of the plurality of second patterns (102A) that are electrically connected to each other may be grounded. Also, although not illustrated in the drawing, the other ends of the plurality of second patterns (102A) may not be electrically connected to each other, and a predetermined capacitor may be connected to the other end of each second pattern (102A).

[0322] A plurality of first patterns (101A) and a plurality of second patterns (102A) can be arranged on the same layer. A plurality of first patterns (101A) and a plurality of second patterns (102A) can be formed on the same layer using a metal mesh.

[0323] One end (first end) of a plurality of third patterns (103A) is electrically connected to the control unit (300), and the other end (second end) is electrically open. Here, the first end (first end) is relatively close to the control unit (300), and the other end (second end) is relatively far from the control unit (300). One end of a plurality of third patterns (103A) can be electrically connected to the control unit (300) through a conductive pattern.

[0324] One end (first end) of a plurality of fourth patterns (104A) may be electrically open. Here, the other end (second end) of a plurality of fourth patterns (104A) may be electrically connected in the same way as a plurality of second patterns (102A). Here, the first end (first end) is relatively close to the control unit (300), and the other end (second end) is relatively far from the control unit (300).

[0325] Meanwhile, although not illustrated in the drawing, the other ends of the plurality of fourth patterns (104A) that are electrically connected to each other may be grounded. Additionally, the other ends of the plurality of fourth patterns (104A) may not be electrically connected to each other, and a predetermined capacitor may be connected to the other end of each fourth pattern (104A).

[0326] A plurality of third patterns (103A) and a plurality of fourth patterns (104A) can be arranged on the same layer. A plurality of third patterns (103A) and a plurality of fourth patterns (104A) can be formed on the same layer using a metal mesh. Here, the plurality of third patterns (103A) and a plurality of fourth patterns (104A) can be arranged on a different layer from the plurality of first patterns (101A) and a plurality of second patterns (102A). For example, the plurality of third patterns (103A) and a plurality of fourth patterns (104A) can be arranged on a first layer, and the plurality of first patterns (101A) and a plurality of second patterns (102A) can be arranged on a second layer different from the first layer. Meanwhile, a sensor unit in which the first to fourth patterns are arranged on the same layer is described in detail in FIG. 30.

[0327] 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) can be electrically connected to each other through a plurality of conductive patterns.

[0328] The control unit (300) may include a plurality of driving circuit units (310) and a plurality of sensing circuit units (330). Here, although not shown in a separate drawing, at least one of the plurality of driving circuit units (310) and the plurality of sensing circuit units (330) may not be included in the control unit (300) and may be disposed outside the control unit (300).

[0329] A plurality of driving circuit sections (310) may include a driving circuit section that provides a touch driving signal for sensing the touch position of an object such as a finger to a plurality of first patterns (101A) and a driving circuit section that provides a pen driving signal for driving a stylus pen.

[0330] A plurality of sensing circuits (330) may receive a sensing signal through a plurality of third patterns (103A) and include a sensing circuit for detecting the touch position of an object such as a finger and a sensing circuit for stylus pen sensing. Here, some of the sensing circuits among the plurality of sensing circuits may perform touch position sensing and stylus pen sensing together.

[0331] The control unit (300) can control the sensor unit (100A) to operate in any one of a touch driving / sensing mode, an antenna driving mode, and a stylus pen sensing mode. The control unit (300) can control a plurality of driving / sensing circuit units (310, 330) by selectively electrically connecting them to the sensor unit (100A) according to each mode. To this end, the control unit (300) may include a plurality of switches that electrically connect the plurality of driving / sensing circuit units (310, 330) and the sensor unit (100A) according to the command of the control unit (300).

[0332] The operation mode of the touch input device (500) illustrated in FIG. 24 will be described in detail. Here, FIG. 24 is illustrated as an example of No. 1 in above, so the description will be based thereon.

[0333] In touch driving / sensing mode, the control unit (300) can electrically connect a plurality of driving circuit units (310) to a plurality of first patterns (101A) of the sensor unit (100A) for sensing the touch position of an object such as a finger. The control unit (300) can electrically connect conductive patterns connected to a plurality of first patterns (101A) to a plurality of driving circuit units (310) by controlling a plurality of switches.

[0334] Additionally, the control unit (300) can electrically connect a plurality of sensing circuit units (330) for touch position sensing to a plurality of third patterns (103A) of the sensor unit (100A). The control unit (300) can control a plurality of switches to electrically connect conductive patterns connected to the plurality of third patterns (103A) to the plurality of sensing circuit units (330).

[0335] In this touch driving / sensing mode, the control unit (300) applies a driving signal (or touch driving signal) for touch sensing to a plurality of first patterns (101A) simultaneously or sequentially, and receives a detection signal (or touch detection signal) received from a plurality of third patterns (103A). A plurality of detection circuits of the control unit (300) electrically connected to the plurality of third patterns (103A) can output information on the amount of capacitance change included in the input detection signal as a predetermined voltage value. The control unit (300) can detect the touch position by processing the output voltage value.

[0336] Meanwhile, in touch driving / sensing mode, the control unit (300) can electrically connect a plurality of driving circuit units (310) to a plurality of second patterns (102A) so that capacitive coupling does not occur between a plurality of first patterns (101A) and a plurality of second patterns (102A). At this time, the control unit (300) can control the application of a driving signal identical to the driving signal applied to the plurality of first patterns (101A) to the plurality of second patterns (102A). Alternatively, the control unit (300) can control the application of a predetermined reference potential to the plurality of second patterns (102A) when the driving signal is applied to the plurality of first patterns (101A).

[0337] In antenna driving mode (or stylus driving mode, or stylus uplink mode), the control unit (300) can electrically connect a plurality of driving circuit units (310) for antenna driving to a plurality of second patterns (102A) of the sensor unit (100A). The control unit (300) can control a plurality of switches to electrically connect the conductive patterns connected to the plurality of second patterns (102A) to the plurality of driving circuit units (310).

[0338] The control unit (300) can control the driving signal (or pen driving signal) output from each driving circuit unit (310) connected to a plurality of second patterns (102A). For example, among the plurality of driving circuit units (310) connected to a plurality of second patterns (102A), the control unit (300) can control the first driving circuit unit to output a pulse signal of a predetermined frequency, control the second driving circuit unit to not output any pulse signal, and control the third driving circuit unit to output an inverted pulse signal that has a phase opposite to the pulse signal output from the first driving circuit unit. In this case, a current loop is formed between the second pattern electrically connected to the first driving circuit unit and the second pattern electrically connected to the third driving circuit unit. A magnetic field is generated by the formed current loop, and a stylus pen close to the sensor unit (100A) can be driven by the magnetic field.

[0339] The control unit (300) can control two driving circuit units among a plurality of driving circuit units (310) electrically connected to a plurality of second patterns (102A) to output opposite driving signals. Accordingly, the control unit (300) can change the size or position of the current loop in various ways. For example, when the control unit (300) detects the position of a stylus pen close to the sensor unit (100A), it can control two driving circuit units electrically connected to two second patterns around the position of the stylus pen to output opposite pulse signals, and when the position of the stylus pen is not detected, it can control two driving circuit units electrically connected to two second patterns located at the outermost edges on both sides among the plurality of second patterns (102A) to output opposite pulse signals.

[0340] FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a method for the control unit (300) of FIG. 24 to apply a pen driving signal to drive a stylus pen to a plurality of second patterns (102A). For reference, in FIG. 25, one second pattern (102A) shown in FIG. 24 is briefly illustrated as a single line (Ch), and each line (Ch) becomes a channel.

[0341] As shown in FIG. 25, two adjacent second patterns are electrically connected to form a single channel. When configured in this way, the same signal is applied simultaneously to the two electrically connected second patterns. FIG. 25 shows 84 second patterns connected in pairs to form 42 channels (Ch0, Ch1, ..., Ch41).

[0342] For example, when the stylus pen (50) is located between the second channel (Ch2) and the third channel (Ch3) among 42 channels (Ch0, Ch1, ..., Ch41), the control unit (300) can control the output of a pen driving signal to one or more channels located on the second channel (Ch2) side relative to the stylus pen (50), and control the output of a pen driving signal having an inverted phase of the pen driving signal to one or more channels located on the third channel (Ch3) side relative to the stylus pen (50).

[0343] In stylus sensing mode (or stylus downlink mode), the control unit (300) can electrically connect a plurality of sensing circuit units (330) for stylus sensing to a plurality of first patterns (101A) and a plurality of third patterns (103A) of the sensor unit (100A). The control unit (300) can control a plurality of switches to electrically connect the conductive patterns connected to the plurality of first patterns (101A) and the plurality of third patterns (103A) to the plurality of sensing circuit units (330).

[0344] A touch input device (500) according to an embodiment of the present invention has the advantage that, by the configuration of the sensor unit (100A), the output voltage value of a plurality of sensing circuit units (330) hardly changes according to the position of the stylus pen on the sensor unit (100A) in stylus sensing mode. The specific principle regarding this will be explained with reference to FIG. 26 (a) to (f).

[0345] FIGS. 26 (a) to (f) are diagrams for schematically explaining the operating principle of the stylus sensing mode of the touch input device of FIG. 24.

[0346] FIG. 26(a) is a schematic circuit diagram modeling one of the first patterns (101A) shown in FIG. 24 and the sensing circuit (330) of the control unit (300) electrically connected thereto, and FIG. 26(b) is a schematic circuit diagram modeling a second pattern (102A) placed inside one of the first patterns (101A). FIG. 26(c) is a voltage distribution graph in the circuit diagram of FIG. 26(a), and FIG. 26(d) is a voltage distribution graph in the circuit diagram of FIG. 26(b).

[0347] Referring to FIG. 26 (a) and (c), when a stylus pen approaches any point A located as far as possible from the sensing circuit (330) on the first pattern (101A), a voltage (Vemf, hereinafter referred to as 'induced voltage') is generated at that point A by a signal emitted from the stylus pen. When the induced voltage (Vemf) is generated at point A, the equivalent capacitance of the first pattern (101A) viewed from the left at point A decreases, and thus the equivalent impedance increases. Consequently, the induced voltage (Vemf) is applied almost entirely to the left side of point A, and a voltage close to 0 (V) is applied to the right side of point A, so that almost no current flows. Furthermore, the voltage close to 0 (V) on the right side of point A is gradually reduced by the equivalent resistances of the first pattern (101A), so that almost no voltage is applied to the input terminal of the sensing circuit.

[0348] Referring to Figures 26 (b) and (d), when an induced voltage (Vemf) is generated at point A, the equivalent capacitance looking toward the left side of point A increases because the other ends of each second pattern (102A) are electrically connected to each other. Therefore, the equivalent impedance approaches almost zero. Consequently, 0 (V) is applied to the left side of point A, and since one end of the second pattern (102A) is open to the right side of point A, no voltage drop occurs in the equivalent resistances, and Vemf is applied as is.

[0349] Comparing (c) and (d) of FIG. 26, it can be seen that there is a potential difference of Vemf between the first pattern (101A) and the second pattern (102A) at any location. The potential difference of Vemf between the first pattern (101A) and the second pattern (102A) causes capacitive coupling between the first pattern (101A) and the second pattern (102A). Due to the capacitive coupling, current flows from the second pattern (102A) to the first pattern (101A), as shown in FIG. 26 (e). As the position of the stylus pen moves further away from the detection circuit (330) of the control unit (300), the current generated in the first pattern (101A) itself becomes increasingly smaller, but because current flows from the second pattern (102A) to the first pattern (101A), the current output from the first pattern (101A) to the detection circuit (330) of the control unit (300) is almost the same as the position of the pen. Therefore, the control unit (300) can detect the position of the stylus pen through the detection circuit (330) which is electrically connected to the first pattern (101A).

[0350] And, as can be seen from (a) to (e) of FIG. 26, even if point A moves to the left or right, the potential difference between the first pattern (101A) and the second pattern (102A) is constant as Vemf. Therefore, regardless of whether the position of the stylus pen on the sensor unit (100A) is close or far from the detection circuit unit, the control unit (300) can sense the stylus pen from a constant signal output from the detection circuit unit (330).

[0351] Meanwhile, in the description of FIG. 26 (e), the current flowing from the second pattern (102A) to the first pattern (101A) is described as being due to capacitive coupling, but is not limited thereto. For example, the current flowing from the second pattern (102A) to the first pattern (101A) can also be due to magnetic coupling (magnetic field coupling).

[0352] The principles of (a) to (e) of FIG. 26 described above are applied in the same way to any one of the third pattern (103) and fourth pattern (104) of the second direction. In addition, they are applied in the same way to the touch input device according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 16.

[0353] FIG. 26 (f) is a voltage distribution graph when the detection circuit (330) is connected to the right open terminal of the modeled circuit diagram of the second pattern (102A) shown in FIG. 26 (b). That is, the voltage distribution graph of FIG. 26 (f) illustrates the case where one end of the second pattern (102A) is connected to the detection circuit (330) of the control unit (300). Comparing FIG. 26 (f) and (d), in FIG. 26 (f), a voltage drop occurs due to equivalent resistances as one moves to the right of point A. Therefore, in the case of FIG. 26 (f), the potential difference of Vemf between the first pattern and the second pattern, as in FIG. 26 (e), cannot be maintained, so current cannot pass from the second pattern to the first pattern. Consequently, as the position of the pen moves further away from the control unit (300), the current output from the first pattern decreases. In stylus sensing mode, it is preferable to open and float one end of the second pattern (102A).

[0354] When the screen size of the touch input device shown in FIG. 26 is the screen size of a smartphone, for example, 6.9 inches, there is no particular problem. However, when the screen size of the touch input device shown in FIG. 26 increases to the screen size of a tablet PC, approximately 10 to 14 inches, the sensor unit (100A) also increases, and thus the resistance and capacitance values ​​of the sensor unit (100A) increase. The increase in resistance and capacitance values ​​causes the operating frequency bandwidth of the touch driving signal applied to the touch driving electrode and the pen driving signal for driving the stylus pen to become much narrower than when it is a smartphone (when it is 6.9 inches), resulting in a problem where the operating frequency bandwidth required for the design is not obtained.

[0355] In addition, the pen detection signal received from the stylus pen is also attenuated as much as the sensor unit (100A) is enlarged. In particular, there is a problem in that the pen detection signal at the part of the sensor unit (100A) furthest from the control unit (300) is attenuated during the process of being transmitted to the control unit (300), so the voltage value required for the design is not output.

[0356] Below, touch input devices capable of solving the aforementioned problems are described.

[0357] FIG. 27 is a drawing illustrating the touch input device illustrated in FIG. 21.

[0358] Referring to FIG. 27, the touch input device (500'') may include a sensor unit (100A'') and a control unit (300) for controlling the sensor unit (100A'').

[0359] The sensor unit (100A'') includes a plurality of first to fourth patterns (101A, 102A'', 103A, 104A). Here, since the plurality of first, third, and fourth patterns (101A, 103A, 104A) are identical to the plurality of first, third, and fourth patterns (101A, 103A, 104A) shown in FIG. 24, a description thereof is omitted.

[0360] Hereinafter, a number of second patterns (102A'') will be described, but for convenience, the description of the parts identical to the number of second patterns (102A) of FIG. 12 will be omitted.

[0361] Each of the ends (first end portions) of the plurality of second patterns (102A'') can be electrically connected to the control unit (300) by a conductive pattern. This portion is different from the plurality of second patterns (102A) of FIG. 24.

[0362] The other ends (second side ends) of a plurality of second patterns (102A'') are electrically connected to each other through a conductive pattern. One end is relatively close to the control unit (300), and the other end is relatively far from the control unit (300).

[0363] The operation mode of the touch input device (500'') illustrated in FIG. 27 is described in detail.

[0364] In touch driving / sensing mode, the control unit (300) can electrically connect a plurality of driving circuit units (310) to a plurality of first patterns (101A) of the sensor unit (100A'') for sensing the touch position of an object such as a finger. The control unit (300) can electrically connect conductive patterns connected to a plurality of first patterns (101A) to a plurality of driving circuit units (310) by controlling a plurality of switches.

[0365] Additionally, the control unit (300) can electrically connect a plurality of sensing circuit units (330) for touch position sensing to a plurality of third patterns (103A) of the sensor unit (100A''). The control unit (300) can electrically connect conductive patterns connected to the plurality of third patterns (103A) to the plurality of sensing circuit units (330) by controlling a plurality of switches.

[0366] In this touch driving / sensing mode, the control unit (300) applies a driving signal (or touch driving signal) for touch sensing to a plurality of first patterns (101A) simultaneously or sequentially, and receives a detection signal (or touch detection signal) received from a plurality of third patterns (103A). A plurality of detection circuits of the control unit (300) electrically connected to the plurality of third patterns (103A) can output information on the amount of capacitance change included in the input detection signal as a predetermined voltage value. The control unit (300) can detect the touch position by processing the output voltage value.

[0367] In antenna driving mode (or stylus driving mode, or stylus uplink mode), the control unit (300) can electrically connect a plurality of driving circuit units (310) for antenna driving to a plurality of second patterns (102A'') of the sensor unit (100A''). The control unit (300) can control a plurality of switches to electrically connect the conductive patterns connected to the plurality of second patterns (102A'') to the plurality of driving circuit units (310).

[0368] The control unit (300) can control the driving signal (or pen driving signal) output from each driving circuit unit (310) connected to a plurality of second patterns (102A''). The control unit (300) can control any two driving circuit units among the plurality of driving circuit units (310) electrically connected to the plurality of second patterns (102A'') to output opposite pulse signals. Accordingly, the control unit (300) can change the size or position of the current loop in various ways.

[0369] In stylus sensing mode (or stylus downlink mode), the control unit (300) can electrically connect a plurality of sensing circuit units (330) for stylus sensing to a plurality of second patterns (101A'') and a plurality of third patterns (103A) of the sensor unit (100A''). This part is different from the stylus sensing mode of the touch input device shown in FIG. 12.

[0370] The control unit (300) can control a plurality of switches to electrically connect conductive patterns connected to a plurality of second patterns (101A'') and a plurality of third patterns (103A) to a plurality of sensing circuit units (330).

[0371] The touch input device (500'') illustrated in FIG. 27 differs from the touch input device illustrated in FIG. 24 in the configuration connecting the multiple second patterns (102A'') of the sensor unit (100A'') and the control unit (300). That is, in FIG. 24, two adjacent second patterns (102A) are electrically connected by a first conductive pattern and then connected to the control unit (300) through a second conductive pattern, whereas in FIG. 27, each of the multiple second patterns (102A'') is connected to the control unit (300) by a conductive pattern. Due to this configurational feature, the touch input device (500'') illustrated in FIG. 27 has the disadvantage of having an increased number of channels compared to the touch input device (500) of FIG. 24, but it has the advantage of reducing power consumption because the pen driving signal can be applied only to a specific part where the stylus pen is located in the antenna driving mode for driving the stylus pen.

[0372] Additionally, the touch input device (500) illustrated in FIG. 24 has a pattern for detecting a signal emitted from a stylus pen in stylus sensing mode that is a plurality of first patterns (101A) in the long axis direction (L) and a plurality of third patterns (103A) in the short axis direction (S), whereas the touch input device (500'') illustrated in FIG. 27 has a pattern for detecting a signal emitted from a stylus pen in stylus sensing mode that is a plurality of second patterns (102A'') in the long axis direction (L) and a plurality of third patterns (103A) in the short axis direction (S).

[0373] In the touch input device (500'') illustrated in FIG. 27, if the pattern in the long axis direction (L) for detecting the signal emitted from the stylus pen during the stylus sensing mode is set to a plurality of second patterns (102A'') rather than a plurality of first patterns (101A), the coupling capacitance between the first pattern (101A) and the second pattern (102A'') can be reduced compared to the touch input device (500) illustrated in FIG. 24, thereby improving the operating frequency bandwidth of the touch driving signal and touch detection signal for touch position sensing, and improving the operating frequency bandwidth of the pen driving signal for driving the stylus pen.

[0374] In addition, since the control unit (300) receives the pen detection signal from the stylus pen through a plurality of second patterns (102A'') during the stylus sensing mode, there is an advantage that the voltage value of the received pen detection signal is relatively high. In particular, in the long axis direction (L), the voltage value of the pen detection signal received at the point furthest from the control unit (300) is relatively larger than in the case of FIG. 24, so there is an advantage that the sensing sensitivity is improved. This is because there is no need to consider capacitive coupling between the first pattern (101A) and the second pattern (102A). Specifically, in the case of FIG. 24, as described above in FIG. 26 (e), current flows from the second pattern (102A) to the first pattern (101A) due to capacitive coupling between the first pattern (101A) and the second pattern (102A), so there is attenuation of the pen detection signal input to the control unit (300) through the first pattern (101A). However, the touch input device (500'') of FIG. 27 is directly input to the control unit (300) without capacitive coupling through the second pattern (102A'') rather than the first pattern (101A), so attenuation of the pen detection signal due to capacitive coupling does not occur.

[0375] In addition, since each of the multiple second patterns (102A'') is configured as a single channel, when the multiple second patterns (102A'') are used as driving electrodes (Stylus TX), the distance between channels is reduced by half compared to the touch input device of FIG. 24, so there is an advantage of improved driving resolution.

[0376] FIG. 28 is a drawing illustrating the touch input device shown in FIG. 22.

[0377] Referring to FIG. 28, the touch input device (500''') may include a sensor unit (100A''') and a control unit (300) for controlling the sensor unit (100A''').

[0378] The sensor unit (100A''') includes a plurality of first to fourth patterns (101A, 102A''', 103A, 104A'). Here, since the plurality of first and third patterns (101A, 103A) are identical to the plurality of first and third patterns (101A, 103A) shown in FIG. 24, a description thereof is omitted.

[0379] Hereinafter, a plurality of second and fourth patterns (102A''', 104A') will be described, but for convenience, the description of parts identical to the plurality of second and fourth patterns (102A, 104A) of FIG. 24 will be omitted.

[0380] One end of a plurality of second patterns (102A''') is floating, and the other end of a plurality of second patterns (102A''') can be electrically connected to each other through a conductive pattern. One end is relatively close to the control unit (300), and the other end is relatively far from the control unit (300).

[0381] Each of the ends of the plurality of fourth patterns (104A') is electrically connected to the control unit (300) by a conductive pattern, and the other ends of the plurality of fourth patterns (104A') are electrically connected to each other through a conductive pattern. One end is relatively close to the control unit (300), and the other end is relatively far from the control unit (300).

[0382] The operation mode of the touch input device (500''') illustrated in FIG. 28 is described in detail.

[0383] In touch driving / sensing mode, the control unit (300) can electrically connect a plurality of driving circuit units (310) to a plurality of first patterns (101A) of the sensor unit (100A''') for sensing the touch position of an object such as a finger. The control unit (300) can electrically connect conductive patterns connected to a plurality of first patterns (101A) to a plurality of driving circuit units (310) by controlling a plurality of switches.

[0384] Additionally, the control unit (300) can electrically connect a plurality of sensing circuit units (330) for touch position sensing to a plurality of third patterns (103A) of the sensor unit (100A'''). The control unit (300) can electrically connect conductive patterns connected to the plurality of third patterns (103A) to the plurality of sensing circuit units (330) by controlling a plurality of switches.

[0385] In this touch driving / sensing mode, the control unit (300) applies a driving signal (or touch driving signal) for touch sensing to a plurality of first patterns (101A) simultaneously or sequentially, and receives a detection signal (or touch detection signal) received from a plurality of third patterns (103A). A plurality of detection circuits of the control unit (300) electrically connected to the plurality of third patterns (103A) can output information on the amount of capacitance change included in the input detection signal as a predetermined voltage value. The control unit (300) can detect the touch position by processing the output voltage value.

[0386] In antenna driving mode (or stylus driving mode, or stylus uplink mode), the control unit (300) can electrically connect a plurality of driving circuit units (310) for antenna driving to a plurality of fourth patterns (104A') of the sensor unit (100A'''). The control unit (300) can control a plurality of switches to electrically connect the conductive patterns connected to the plurality of fourth patterns (104A') to the plurality of driving circuit units (310).

[0387] The control unit (300) can control the driving signal (or pen driving signal) output from each driving circuit unit (310) connected to the plurality of fourth patterns (104A'). The control unit (300) can control any two driving circuit units among the plurality of driving circuit units (310) electrically connected to the plurality of fourth patterns (104A') to output opposite pulse signals. Accordingly, the control unit (300) can change the size or position of the current loop in various ways.

[0388] In stylus sensing mode (or stylus downlink mode), the control unit (300) can electrically connect a plurality of sensing circuit units (330) for stylus sensing to a plurality of first patterns (101A) and a plurality of fourth patterns (104A') of the sensor unit (100A'''). This part is different from the stylus sensing mode of the touch input device of FIG. 24.

[0389] The control unit (300) can control a plurality of switches to electrically connect conductive patterns connected to a plurality of first patterns (101A) and a plurality of fourth patterns (104A') to a plurality of sensing circuit units (330).

[0390] The touch input device (500''') illustrated in FIG. 28 differs from the touch input device illustrated in FIG. 24 in that a plurality of second patterns (102A''') of the sensor unit (100A''') are electrically floating and not used, and the stylus pen is driven through a plurality of fourth patterns (104A'). Due to this configurational feature, the touch input device (500''') illustrated in FIG. 28 has the disadvantage of having an increased number of channels compared to the touch input device (500) of FIG. 24, but since a plurality of second patterns (102A) are not used, there is no conductive pattern connected to one end of a plurality of second patterns (102A). Therefore, there is an advantage in that the thickness of the left / right bezel (B) can be significantly reduced relatively compared to FIG. 24.

[0391] The touch input device illustrated in FIG. 28 has the disadvantage of having a slightly increased total number of channels compared to the touch input device of FIG. 24, but has the advantage of having a larger voltage value of the pen detection signal received by the control unit (300) because it directly receives the pen detection signal from the stylus pen through a plurality of fourth patterns (104A'). It has the advantage of having a voltage value of the pen detection signal received by the control unit (300) of the touch input device of FIG. 24 that is approximately twice or more larger.

[0392] In addition, since each of the multiple fourth patterns (104A') is configured as a single channel, when the multiple fourth patterns (104A') are used as driving electrodes (Stylus TX), the distance between channels is reduced by half compared to the touch input device of FIG. 24, so there is an advantage of improved driving resolution.

[0393] In addition, the number of TX trace channels can be reduced to 1 / 4 to 1 / 3 of the touch input device shown in FIG. 24, which has the advantage of reducing the thickness of the bezel (B).

[0394] FIG. 29 is a drawing illustrating the touch input device shown in FIG. 23.

[0395] Referring to FIG. 29, the touch input device (500') may include a sensor unit (100A'') and a control unit (300) for controlling the sensor unit (100A'').

[0396] The sensor unit (100A'') includes a plurality of first to fourth patterns (101A', 102A', 103A, 104A). Here, since the plurality of third and fourth patterns (103A, 104A) are identical to the plurality of third and fourth patterns (103A, 104A) shown in FIG. 24, a description thereof is omitted.

[0397] Hereinafter, a plurality of first and second patterns (101A', 102A') will be described, but for convenience, the description of parts identical to the plurality of first and second patterns (101A, 102A) of FIG. 24 will be omitted.

[0398] The first pattern (101A') has a shape that extends along a first direction. The first direction may be the long axis direction (L) of the screen of the touch input device. The first pattern (101A') includes a firsta pattern (101a') and a firstb pattern (101b'). The firsta pattern (101a') and the firstb pattern (101b') are arranged along the first direction and are spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance. The first pattern (101A') including the firsta pattern (101a') and the firstb pattern (101b') may also be named ATX (Active TX).

[0399] The second pattern (102A') has a shape extended along the first direction and is positioned adjacent to the first pattern (101A') and spaced apart from the first pattern (101A'). The second pattern (102A') includes a seconda pattern (102a') and a secondb pattern (102b'). The seconda pattern (102a') and the secondb pattern (102b') are arranged along the first direction and spaced apart from each other. The second pattern (102A') including the seconda pattern (102a') and the secondb pattern (102b') may also be named DTX (Dummy TX).

[0400] In a plurality of first patterns (101A'), one end of a plurality of firsta patterns (101a') is electrically connected to the control unit (300), and the other end is electrically open. Additionally, one end of a plurality of firstb patterns (101b') is electrically connected to the control unit (300), and the other end is electrically open. Here, one end is relatively close to the control unit (300), and the other end is relatively far from the control unit (300).

[0401] Each end of a plurality of firsta patterns (101a') can be electrically connected to a control unit (300) through a conductive pattern. The conductive patterns connecting the plurality of firsta patterns (101a') and the control unit (300) can be arranged along a short axis direction (S) inside the bezel (B) of the touch input device (500).

[0402] Each end of a plurality of first b patterns (101b') can be electrically connected to a control unit (300) through a conductive pattern. The conductive patterns connecting the plurality of first b patterns (101b') and the control unit (300) can be arranged along a short axis direction (S) inside the bezel (B) of the touch input device (500).

[0403] In a plurality of second patterns (102A'), one end of a plurality of seconda patterns (102a') is electrically connected to the control unit (300) through a second conductive pattern after two adjacent ends are electrically connected to each other by a first conductive pattern, and the other end of a plurality of seconda patterns (102a') is electrically connected to each other through a conductive pattern. Similarly, one end of a plurality of secondb patterns (102b') is electrically connected to the control unit (300) through a second conductive pattern after two adjacent ends are electrically connected to each other by a first conductive pattern, and the other end of a plurality of secondb patterns (102b') is electrically connected to each other through a conductive pattern. Here, one end is relatively close to the control unit (300), and the other end is relatively far from the control unit (300).

[0404] The second conductive patterns connecting the control unit (300) and the plurality of seconda and secondb patterns (102a', 102b') can be arranged in the short direction (S) inside the bezel (B) of the touch input device (500'). Here, the second conductive patterns connecting the control unit (300) and the plurality of seconda and secondb patterns (102a', 102b') can be arranged inside the bezel (B) of the touch input device (500) together with the conductive patterns (not shown) connecting the control unit (300) and the plurality of first patterns (101A').

[0405] When the other ends of multiple 2a patterns (102a') are electrically connected to each other, the capacitances of each 2a pattern (102a') are added together, so the total impedance is reduced. Therefore, the other ends of multiple 2a patterns (102a') have the same effect as being AC GND. Similarly, when the other ends of multiple 2b patterns (102b') are electrically connected to each other, the capacitances of each 2b pattern (102b') are added together, so the total impedance is reduced. Therefore, the other ends of multiple 2b patterns (102b') have the same effect as being AC GND.

[0406] The operation mode of the touch input device (500') illustrated in FIG. 29 is described in detail.

[0407] In touch driving / sensing mode, the control unit (300) can electrically connect a plurality of driving circuit units (310) to a plurality of first patterns (101A') of the sensor unit (100A') for sensing the touch position of an object such as a finger. The control unit (300) can electrically connect conductive patterns connected to a plurality of first patterns (101A') to a plurality of driving circuit units (310) by controlling a plurality of switches.

[0408] Additionally, the control unit (300) can electrically connect a plurality of sensing circuit units (330) for touch position sensing to a plurality of third patterns (103A) of the sensor unit (100A'). The control unit (300) can electrically connect conductive patterns connected to the plurality of third patterns (103A) to the plurality of sensing circuit units (330) by controlling a plurality of switches.

[0409] In this touch driving / sensing mode, the control unit (300) applies a driving signal (or touch driving signal) for touch sensing to a plurality of first patterns (101A') simultaneously or sequentially, and receives a detection signal (or touch detection signal) received from a plurality of third patterns (103A). A plurality of detection circuits of the control unit (300) electrically connected to the plurality of third patterns (103A) can output information on the amount of capacitance change included in the input detection signal as a predetermined voltage value. The control unit (300) can detect the touch position by processing the output voltage value.

[0410] In antenna driving mode (or stylus driving mode, or stylus uplink mode), the control unit (300) can electrically connect a plurality of driving circuit units (310) for antenna driving to a plurality of seconda patterns (102a') and a plurality of secondb patterns (102b') of the sensor unit (100A'). The control unit (300) can control a plurality of switches to electrically connect the conductive patterns connected to the plurality of seconda patterns (102a') and a plurality of secondb patterns (102b') to the plurality of driving circuit units (310).

[0411] The control unit (300) can control the driving signal (or pen driving signal) output from each driving circuit unit (310) connected to a plurality of seconda patterns (102a') and a plurality of secondb patterns (102b'). The control unit (300) can control any two driving circuit units among the plurality of driving circuit units (310) electrically connected to a plurality of seconda patterns (102a') and a plurality of secondb patterns (102b') to output opposite pulse signals. Accordingly, the control unit (300) can change the size or position of the current loop in various ways.

[0412] In stylus sensing mode (or stylus downlink mode), the control unit (300) can electrically connect a plurality of sensing circuit units (330) for stylus sensing to a plurality of first patterns (101A') and a plurality of third patterns (103A') of the sensor unit (100A'). The control unit (300) can control a plurality of switches to electrically connect the conductive patterns connected to the plurality of first patterns (101A') and the plurality of third patterns (103A) to the plurality of sensing circuit units (330).

[0413] The touch input device (500') illustrated in FIG. 29 has a configurational difference in the plurality of first and second patterns (101A', 102A') of the sensor unit (100A') compared to the touch input device illustrated in FIG. 24. That is, the plurality of first and second patterns (101A', 102A') are formed by splitting the first and second patterns (101A, 102A) of FIG. 24 in half, so there are twice as many first and second patterns (101A, 102A) as there are in FIG. 24.

[0414] Due to these configurational features, the touch input device (500') shown in FIG. 29 has the disadvantage of having an increased number of channels compared to the touch input device (500) in FIG. 24, but it has the advantage of reducing power consumption because the pen driving signal can be applied only to a specific part where the stylus pen is located in the antenna driving mode for driving the stylus pen.

[0415] In addition, the touch input device illustrated in FIG. 29 has the disadvantage of having a slightly increased number of channels compared to the touch input device of FIG. 24, but since the length of each first pattern (101A') and second pattern (102A') is reduced by half and the resistance and capacitance values ​​are lowered, it has the advantage of being able to widen the operating frequency bandwidth of the touch driving signal applied to the pattern used as the touch driving electrode of the sensor part (100A') and the pen driving signal for driving the stylus pen.

[0416] FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram illustrating a modified example of the sensor unit (100, 100') shown in FIG. 16 or FIG. 19.

[0417] The sensor unit (100B) illustrated in FIG. 30 can be used as a sensor unit for touch input devices according to various embodiments of the present invention described above. Accordingly, the specific structure and shape of the sensor unit (100B) will be described below, and the method of operating the touch input device including the sensor unit (100B) will be replaced with the content described above.

[0418] Referring to FIG. 30, the sensor unit (100B) includes a plurality of first to fourth patterns (101A, 102A, 103B, 104B). The plurality of first to fourth patterns (101A, 102A, 103B, 104B) are arranged together on the same layer.

[0419] The first pattern (101A) has a shape that extends along the first direction (width direction). The first direction may be the long axis direction of the screen of the touch input device. The first pattern (101A) may also be named ATX (Active TX). The first pattern (101A) has a predetermined shape in which an electrical path is formed along the first direction (width direction).

[0420] The first pattern (101A) may include a plurality of main pattern sections and a connecting pattern section that connects two adjacent main pattern sections among the plurality of main pattern sections. Here, the main pattern sections may have a diamond shape, but are not limited thereto, and may have various shapes different from the connecting pattern section.

[0421] The first pattern (101A) may have an opening in which the second pattern (102A) is disposed. The shape of the opening may correspond to the outer shape of the first pattern (101A). The first pattern (101A) may have a structure that surrounds the second pattern (102A). The first pattern (101A) is disposed at a predetermined distance from the second pattern (102A).

[0422] The second pattern (102A) has a shape extended along the first direction and is positioned adjacent to the first pattern (101A) and spaced apart from the first pattern (101A) by a predetermined distance. The second pattern (102A) may also be named DTX (Dummy TX). The second pattern (102A) has a predetermined shape adjacent to the first pattern (101A) in which an electrical path is formed along the first direction (width direction).

[0423] The second pattern (102A) is placed inside the first pattern (101A).

[0424] The second pattern (102A) may include a plurality of main pattern sections and a connecting pattern section that connects two adjacent main pattern sections among the plurality of main pattern sections. Here, the main pattern sections may have a diamond shape, but are not limited thereto, and may have various shapes and different shapes from the connecting pattern section.

[0425] The main pattern portion of the second pattern (102A) may have a shape corresponding to the main pattern portion of the first pattern (101A), and the connecting pattern portion of the second pattern (102A) may have a shape corresponding to the connecting pattern portion of the first pattern (101A).

[0426] A number of second patterns (102A) are electrically connected to each other by the second conductive pattern (D2) at the other end (second side end).

[0427] The third pattern (103B) is positioned one above and one below the connecting pattern portion of the first pattern (101A). The third pattern (103B) may have a diamond shape, but is not limited thereto, and may have various shapes different from the connecting pattern portion. The third pattern (103B) may have an opening in which the fourth pattern (104B) is positioned. The shape of the opening may correspond to the outer shape of the third pattern (103B). The third pattern (103B) may have a structure that surrounds the fourth pattern (104B). The third pattern (103B) is positioned at a predetermined distance from the fourth pattern (104B). The third pattern (103B) may also be named ARX (Active RX), and the fourth pattern (104B) may also be named DRX (Dummy RX).

[0428] Among the plurality of third patterns (103B), the third patterns arranged along the second direction perpendicular to the first direction are electrically connected by the third conductive pattern (D3). Thus, the third patterns arranged along the second direction are electrically connected by the plurality of third conductive patterns (D3) and can be the same as the electrical connection direction (electrical path) of the third pattern (103) shown in FIG. 16 or FIG. 19.

[0429] The third conductive pattern (D3) is positioned to intersect the connecting pattern portion of the first pattern (101A) placed between two adjacent third patterns. The third conductive pattern (D3) may also be referred to as a conductive bridge. Both ends of the third conductive pattern (D3) are connected to vias connected to the third pattern (103B).

[0430] Among the plurality of fourth patterns (104B), the fourth patterns arranged along the second direction perpendicular to the first direction are electrically connected by the fourth conductive pattern (D4). Thus, the fourth patterns arranged along the second direction are electrically connected by the plurality of fourth conductive patterns (D4) and can be the same as the electrical connection direction (electrical path) of the fourth pattern (104) shown in FIG. 16 or FIG. 19.

[0431] The fourth conductive pattern (D4) is positioned to intersect the connecting pattern portion of the first pattern (101A) placed between two adjacent fourth patterns. Additionally, the fourth conductive pattern (D4) electrically connects the fourth patterns (104B) that are positioned furthest from the control unit among the plurality of fourth patterns (104B) and arranged along the first direction. The fourth conductive pattern (D4) may also be referred to as a conductive bridge. Both ends of the fourth conductive pattern (D4) are connected to vias connected to the fourth pattern (104B).

[0432] A plurality of first to fourth patterns (101A, 102A, 103B, 104B) may be disposed together on the same first layer, and second to fourth conductive patterns (D2, D3, D4) may be disposed together on the same second layer. Here, the first layer and the second layer are physically and electrically separated from each other.

[0433] Figure 31 is an example of a variation of the sensor unit shown in Figure 30.

[0434] Referring to FIG. 31, in the sensor portion, the first-1 pattern portions located at the first side or / and second side end among the plurality of first-1 pattern portions have a shape that is open in the first direction (or horizontal direction). Accordingly, the first-2 pattern portions located at the first side or / and second side end among the plurality of first-2 pattern portions can be exposed to the outside.

[0435] Among the plurality of first- and second pattern portions, the first- and second pattern portions located at the second end are electrically connected to each other through a connection pattern without vias. Here, the connection pattern may be a conductive trace. Compared to FIG. 37, the first- and second pattern portions located at the second end of the plurality of first- and second pattern portions have the advantage of not being connected through vias and being placed on the same layer as the connection pattern.

[0436] Additionally, in the sensor portion, among the plurality of 2-1 pattern portions, the 2-1 pattern portions located at the first side or / and second side end have a shape that is open in the second direction (or vertical direction). Accordingly, among the plurality of 2-2 pattern portions, the 2-2 pattern portions located at the first side or / and second side end can be exposed to the outside.

[0437] Among the plurality of second-2 pattern portions, the second-2 pattern portions located at the second end are electrically connected to each other through a connection pattern without vias. Here, the connection pattern may be a conductive trace. Compared to FIG. 37, the second-2 pattern portions located at the second end among the plurality of second-2 pattern portions have the advantage of not being connected through vias and being placed on the same layer as the connection pattern.

[0438] The sensor unit illustrated in FIG. 31 can be controlled by the control unit (300) to operate in any one of a touch sensing mode, an antenna driving mode, and a stylus sensing mode. Specifically, in the touch sensing mode, the control unit (300) controls the application of a touch driving signal to ATX1, ATX2, and ATX3, and can detect the touch position by receiving a touch reception signal from ARX1, ARX2, and ARX3. In the antenna driving mode, the control unit (500) can apply a pen driving signal to DTX1, DTX2, and DTX3, or apply a pen driving signal to DRX1, DRX2, and DRX3. In the stylus sensing mode, the control unit (500) can detect the position of the stylus pen by receiving a pen reception signal from ATX1, ATX2, ATX3 and ARX1, ARX2, and ARX3. Additionally, various combinations of can be applied to the sensor unit (200') of FIG. 31. Accordingly, the sensor unit of FIG. 31 can be driven in various ways by the control unit (300) in any one of the touch sensing mode, antenna driving mode and stylus sensing mode.

[0439] Figure 32 is a drawing illustrating another variation of the sensor part.

[0440] Referring to FIG. 32, the structure of the main pattern portion of the first to fourth patterns (101', 102', 103', 104') differs from FIG. 24.

[0441] FIG. 32 shows that the outer edge of the second pattern (102') or the fourth pattern (104') is formed with an uneven structure, and the opening of the first pattern (101') or the fourth pattern (104') has a shape corresponding to the outer edge structure of the second pattern (102') or the fourth pattern (104').

[0442] This structure has the advantage of being able to improve the mutual capacitance (Cm) value between the first pattern (101') and the second pattern (102') on the same layer, and to improve the mutual capacitance (Cm) value between the third pattern (103') and the fourth pattern (104') on the other same layer. As the mutual capacitance (Cm) is improved, the voltage value output from the sensing circuit of the control unit (300) in stylus sensing mode can be increased. Therefore, stylus sensing sensitivity can be improved.

[0443] Here, the modified example shown in FIG. 32 can be applied as is to sensor parts according to the various embodiments described above.

[0444] Fig. 33 is another example of a variation of the sensor part.

[0445] The sensor unit (100'') illustrated in FIG. 33 further includes a plurality of fifth patterns (105) and a plurality of sixth patterns (106) compared to the sensor unit (100A) illustrated in FIG. 24.

[0446] A plurality of fifth patterns (105) are placed on the same layer (2nd layer) as a plurality of first patterns (101) and are arranged in a plurality along the first direction and the second direction.

[0447] Each fifth pattern (105) includes a shape that corresponds to and overlaps with a part of the main pattern portion of the third pattern (103) placed on another layer (1st layer). Additionally, the fifth pattern (105) is electrically connected to the fourth pattern (104) placed on another layer (1st layer) through vias.

[0448] A plurality of fifth patterns (105) can form mutual capacitance (Cm) in a direction perpendicular to a plurality of third patterns (103). Additionally, since the fifth pattern (105) is electrically connected to the fourth pattern (104) inside the third pattern (103), the third pattern (103) can ultimately form mutual capacitance (Cm) with the fifth pattern (105) as well as with the fourth pattern (104).

[0449] A plurality of sixth patterns (106) are placed on the same layer (1st layer) as a plurality of third patterns (103) and are arranged in a plurality along the first direction and the second direction.

[0450] Each sixth pattern (106) includes a shape that corresponds to and overlaps with a part of the main pattern portion of the first pattern (101) placed on another layer (2nd layer). Additionally, the sixth pattern (106) is electrically connected to the second pattern (102) placed on another layer (2nd layer) through vias.

[0451] A plurality of sixth patterns (106) can form mutual capacitance (Cm) in a direction perpendicular to a plurality of first patterns (101). Additionally, since the sixth pattern (106) is electrically connected to the second pattern (102) inside the first pattern (101), the first pattern (101) can ultimately form mutual capacitance (Cm) not only with the second pattern (102) but also with the sixth pattern (105).

[0452] As such, the sensor unit (100'') illustrated in FIG. 33 has the advantage of being able to form mutual capacitance in the vertical direction as well as the horizontal direction of the first pattern (101), and mutual capacitance in the vertical direction as well as the horizontal direction of the third pattern (103). Accordingly, the voltage value output from the detection circuit unit of the control unit (500) in stylus sensing mode can be increased, thereby improving the stylus sensing sensitivity.

[0453] Here, the modified example shown in FIG. 33 can be applied as is to sensor parts according to the various embodiments described above.

[0454] Figure 34 is another example of a variation of the sensor part.

[0455] The sensor unit (100''') illustrated in FIG. 34, compared to the sensor unit (100A) illustrated in FIG. 24, has a portion of the second pattern (102') placed on a different layer from the remaining portion. Specifically, the second pattern (102') includes a plurality of main pattern portions and a connecting pattern portion that connects two adjacent main pattern portions among the plurality of main pattern portions, wherein the plurality of main pattern portions of the second pattern (102') are placed on a different layer from the plurality of connecting pattern portions of the second pattern (102').

[0456] A plurality of main pattern portions of the second pattern (102') are placed on the same layer as the third pattern (103) and the fourth pattern (104), and a plurality of connecting pattern portions of the second pattern (102') are placed on the same layer as the first pattern (101), as in FIG. 24.

[0457] The sensor unit (100''') illustrated in FIG. 34, like the sensor unit (100A) illustrated in FIG. 24, can be driven by the control unit (300) in a touch sensing mode, an antenna driving mode, and a stylus pen sensing mode. Additionally, various combinations of can be applied to the sensor unit (100''') of FIG. 34. Thus, the sensor unit (100''') of FIG. 34 can be driven by the control unit (300) in various ways in any one of the touch sensing mode, antenna driving mode, and stylus sensing mode.

[0458] Fig. 35 is another example of a variation of the sensor part.

[0459] The sensor unit (100'''') illustrated in FIG. 35, compared to the sensor unit (100''') illustrated in FIG. 34, has a portion of the fourth pattern (104') placed on a different layer from the remaining portion. Specifically, the fourth pattern (104') includes a plurality of main pattern portions and a connecting pattern portion that connects two adjacent main pattern portions among the plurality of main pattern portions, wherein the plurality of main pattern portions of the fourth pattern (104') are placed on a different layer from the plurality of connecting pattern portions of the fourth pattern (104'). The plurality of main pattern portions of the fourth pattern (104') are placed on the same layer as the first pattern (101), and the plurality of connecting pattern portions of the fourth pattern (104') are placed on the same layer as the plurality of main pattern portions of the second pattern (102') and the third pattern (103).

[0460] In summary, in the sensor unit (100'''') illustrated in FIG. 35, a plurality of connection pattern units of the first pattern (101) and the second pattern (102'), and a plurality of main pattern units of the fourth pattern (104') are arranged on the first floor, and a plurality of connection pattern units of the third pattern (103) and the fourth pattern (104'), and a plurality of main pattern units of the second pattern (102') are arranged on the second floor. Here, the first floor and the second floor are different floors, and in terms of positional relationship, one can be placed on top of the other.

[0461] The sensor unit (100'''') illustrated in FIG. 35, like the sensor unit (100A) illustrated in FIG. 24, can be driven by the control unit (300) in a touch sensing mode, an antenna driving mode, and a stylus pen sensing mode. Additionally, various combinations of can be applied to the sensor unit (100'''') of FIG. 35. Thus, the sensor unit (100'''') of FIG. 35 can be driven by the control unit (300) in various ways in any one of the touch sensing mode, antenna driving mode, and stylus sensing mode.

[0462] Fig. 36 is another example of a variation of the sensor part.

[0463] The sensor unit (100''''') illustrated in FIG. 36 is a modified version of the sensor unit (100'''') illustrated in FIG. 35. Compared to the sensor unit (100'''') illustrated in FIG. 35, the sensor unit (100'''') illustrated in FIG. 36 has a second pattern (102'') and a fourth pattern (104'') that are different.

[0464] Specifically, the second pattern (102'') includes a plurality of main pattern sections (102a'') and a plurality of connection pattern sections (102b'), wherein the size of the main pattern section (102a'') is larger than the main pattern section of the second pattern (102') of the sensor section (100'''') shown in FIG. 35. The size of the main pattern section (102a'') may have a size and shape corresponding to the main pattern section of the first pattern (101).

[0465] Additionally, the fourth pattern (104'') includes a plurality of main pattern sections (104a'') and a plurality of connection pattern sections (104b'), wherein the size of the main pattern section (104a'') is larger than the size of the main pattern section of the fourth pattern (104') of the sensor section (100'''') shown in FIG. 35. The size of the main pattern section (104a'') may have a size and shape corresponding to the main pattern section of the third pattern (103).

[0466] Since the main pattern portion (102a'') of the second pattern (102'') has a larger size than the main pattern portion of the second pattern (102') of FIG. 35, the corresponding area with respect to the first pattern (101) is widened, and the mutual capacitance (Cm) between the second pattern (102'') and the first pattern (101) can be further improved. Accordingly, the stylus sensing sensitivity can be further improved during the stylus sensing mode.

[0467] In addition, since the main pattern portion (104a'') of the fourth pattern (104'') has a larger size than the main pattern portion of the fourth pattern (104') of FIG. 35, the area corresponding to the third pattern (103) is expanded, and the mutual capacitance (Cm) between the fourth pattern (104'') and the third pattern (104) can be further improved. Therefore, the stylus sensing sensitivity can be further improved during the stylus sensing mode.

[0468] Figure 37 is a drawing illustrating another variation of the sensor part.

[0469] The sensor unit (100) illustrated in FIG. 37 is electrically connected to the other ends (second side ends) of a plurality of second patterns (102) and the other ends (second side ends) of a plurality of fourth patterns (104) compared to the sensor unit (100A) illustrated in FIG. 24.

[0470] When configured in this way, when the sensor unit (100') is operated in stylus sensing mode, multiple second patterns (102) as well as other fourth patterns are electrically connected to one fourth pattern (104), so there is an advantage of lowering the impedance.

[0471] The sensor unit (100) illustrated in FIG. 37, like the sensor unit (100A) illustrated in FIG. 24, can be driven by the control unit (300) in a touch sensing mode, an antenna driving mode, and a stylus pen sensing mode. Additionally, various combinations of can be applied to the sensor unit (100) of FIG. 37. Thus, the sensor unit (100) of FIG. 37 can be driven by the control unit (300) in various ways in any one of the touch sensing mode, antenna driving mode, and stylus sensing mode.

[0472] Fig. 38 is another example of a variation of the sensor part.

[0473] The sensor unit (100''''''') illustrated in FIG. 38 differs from the sensor unit (100A) illustrated in FIG. 24 in that the second pattern (102') and the fourth pattern (104') are different, and it further includes a plurality of fifth patterns (105') and a plurality of sixth patterns (106'), and further includes capacitors (caps) electrically connected to the fifth patterns (105') and the sixth patterns (106'). Since the remaining components are identical, the differences will be described in detail below.

[0474] The second pattern (102') may be a bar pattern that is placed inside the first pattern (101) and extends in a second direction. Here, the second pattern (102') may have a constant width. The second pattern (102') is placed on the same layer (2nd layer) as the first pattern (101).

[0475] The fourth pattern (104') may be a bar pattern that is placed inside the third pattern (103) and extends in the first direction. Here, the fourth pattern (104') may have a constant width. The fourth pattern (104') is placed on the same layer (1st layer) as the third pattern (103).

[0476] A plurality of fifth patterns (105') are placed on the same layer (2nd layer) as a plurality of first patterns (101) and are arranged in a plurality along the first direction and the second direction. A plurality of fifth patterns (105') can be arranged in a plurality between the plurality of first patterns (101).

[0477] Each fifth pattern (105') includes a shape that corresponds to and overlaps with the main pattern portion of the third pattern (103) placed on another layer (1st layer). Additionally, the fifth pattern (105') is electrically connected to the fourth pattern (104') placed on another layer (1st layer) through vias.

[0478] Fifth patterns (105') electrically connected to one of the fourth patterns (104') among the plurality of fifth patterns (105') are arranged along a second direction. Here, a certain capacitor (cap) is connected to the fifth pattern (105') placed at the other edge among the fifth patterns (105') arranged along the second direction. And, the capacitor (cap) may be grounded. Here, the fifth pattern (105') placed at the other edge among the fifth patterns (105') arranged along the second direction refers to the pattern electrically connected furthest from the control unit (300) shown in FIG. 24. Although not shown in a separate drawing, the capacitor (cap) may be connected between the fifth pattern (105') and the ELVSS of the display panel (not shown). Additionally, one end of the capacitor (cap) is connected to the fifth pattern (105'), and the other end can be connected to another layer (1st layer) where the third pattern (103), fourth pattern (104'), and sixth pattern (106') are arranged.

[0479] A plurality of fifth patterns (105') can form mutual capacitance (Cm) in a direction perpendicular to a plurality of third patterns (103). Additionally, since the fifth pattern (105') is electrically connected to the fourth pattern (104') inside the third pattern (103), the third pattern (103) can ultimately form mutual capacitance (Cm) with the fifth pattern (105') as well as with the fourth pattern (104').

[0480] A plurality of sixth patterns (106') are placed on the same layer (1st layer) as a plurality of third patterns (103) and are arranged in a plurality along the first direction and the second direction. A plurality of sixth patterns (106') can be arranged in a plurality between the plurality of third patterns (103).

[0481] Each sixth pattern (106') includes a shape that corresponds to and overlaps with the main pattern portion of the first pattern (101) placed on another layer (2nd layer). Additionally, the sixth pattern (106') is electrically connected to the second pattern (102') placed on another layer (2nd layer) through vias.

[0482] Six patterns (106') that are electrically connected to one of the second patterns (102') among the plurality of sixth patterns (106') are arranged along a first direction. Here, a certain capacitor (cap) is connected to the sixth pattern (106') placed at the other edge among the sixth patterns (106') arranged along the first direction. And, the capacitor (cap) may be grounded. Here, the sixth pattern (106') placed at the other edge among the sixth patterns (106') arranged along the first direction refers to the pattern that is electrically connected furthest from the control unit (300) shown in FIG. 24. Although not shown in a separate drawing, the capacitor (cap) may be connected between the sixth pattern (106') and the ELVSS of the display panel (not shown). Additionally, one end of the capacitor (cap) is connected to the sixth pattern (106'), and the other end can be connected to another layer (2nd layer) where the first pattern (101), the second pattern (102'), and the fifth pattern (105') are arranged.

[0483] A plurality of sixth patterns (106') can form mutual capacitance (Cm) in a direction perpendicular to a plurality of first patterns (101). Additionally, since the sixth pattern (106') is electrically connected to the second pattern (102') inside the first pattern (101), the first pattern (101) can ultimately form mutual capacitance (Cm) not only with the second pattern (102') but also with the sixth pattern (106').

[0484] As such, the sensor unit (100) illustrated in FIG. 38 has the advantage of being able to form mutual capacitance in the vertical direction as well as the horizontal direction of the first pattern (101), and mutual capacitance in the vertical direction as well as the horizontal direction of the third pattern (103). Accordingly, the voltage value output from the detection circuit unit of the control unit (300) in stylus sensing mode can be increased, thereby improving the stylus sensing sensitivity.

[0485] In addition, since the second pattern (102') and the fourth pattern (104') do not have a diamond-shaped main pattern section unlike the second pattern (102) and the fourth pattern (104) of the sensor section (100A) of FIG. 24, when a display panel is located below the sensor section (100'''''''), there is an advantage of being able to further improve visibility compared to the sensor section (100A) of FIG. 24.

[0486] The sensor unit (100) illustrated in FIG. 39, like the sensor unit (100A) illustrated in FIG. 24, can be driven by the control unit (300) in a touch sensing mode, an antenna driving mode, and a stylus pen sensing mode. Additionally, various combinations of can be applied to the sensor unit (100) of FIG. 39. Thus, the sensor unit (100) of FIG. 39 can be driven by the control unit (300) in various ways in any one of the touch sensing mode, antenna driving mode, and stylus sensing mode.

[0487] Meanwhile, although not shown in a separate drawing, a capacitor (cap) may be electrically connected to the other ends of a plurality of second and fourth patterns (102, 104) respectively without the fifth and sixth patterns (105', 106'). Furthermore, in the sensor parts according to the various embodiments described above, the other ends of a plurality of second and fourth patterns may not be connected to each other, and a capacitor may be connected to each other end.

[0488] Fig. 39 is another example of a variation of the sensor part.

[0489] In the case of the sensor unit (100A) of FIG. 24, when the stylus pen (10) is positioned on the right edge (or left edge) of the sensor unit (100A), it may be difficult to provide a sufficient magnetic field signal to the stylus pen (10), and thus there may be a problem in that the signal emitted from the stylus pen (10) does not become sufficiently large. To solve this problem, the sensor unit (100) illustrated in FIG. 39 additionally includes a first trace (t1) and a second trace (t2) in addition to the sensor unit (100A) illustrated in FIG. 24.

[0490] The first trace (t1) and the second trace (t2) are directly connected to a conductive trace (to) that electrically connects the other ends of a plurality of second patterns (102) and are placed in an inactive area outside the active area (tp, or touch area) of the touch input device. Here, at least a portion of the conductive trace (to) may also be placed outside the active area (tp). The active area (tp) refers to an area where an object, for example, a finger or a stylus pen (50), can be directly touched, and an inactive area is placed around the active area (tp). The inactive area may be, for example, a bezel area.

[0491] Specifically, the first trace (t1) is placed in an inactive area outside the active area (tp), one end is directly connected to a conductive trace (to), and the other end can be connected to the driving circuit of the control unit (300) via a switch (sw) in any one of the touch driving mode, touch sensing mode, antenna driving mode, and stylus sensing mode.

[0492] The second trace (t2) is placed in an inactive area outside the active area (tp), one end is directly connected to a conductive trace (to), and the other end can be connected to the driving circuit of the control unit (500) via a switch (sw) during antenna driving mode.

[0493] The first trace (t1) can be placed in an inactive area while surrounding one of the left and right sides of the active area (tp), and the second trace (t2) can be placed in an inactive area while surrounding the other side of the active area (tp).

[0494] The first trace (t1) and the second trace (t2) can provide a sufficient magnetic field signal to the stylus pen (10) even if the stylus pen (10) is located at one edge of the active area (tp) when the sensor unit (100) is driven in an antenna driving mode as shown in FIG. 25. Accordingly, the touch input device including the sensor unit (100) shown in FIG. 39 can provide the stylus pen (10) with a sufficient magnetic field signal and emit a sufficient signal regardless of where the stylus pen (10) is located in the active area (tp).

[0495] Each of the first and second traces (t1, t2) of the sensor unit (100) illustrated in FIG. 39 is responsible for one channel in FIG. 25, and the driving method as in FIG. 25 can be applied as is.

[0496] The sensor unit (100) illustrated in FIG. 39, like the sensor unit (100A) illustrated in FIG. 24, can be driven by the control unit (300) in a touch sensing mode, an antenna driving mode, and a stylus pen sensing mode. Additionally, various combinations of can be applied to the sensor unit (100) of FIG. 39. Thus, the sensor unit (100) of FIG. 39 can be driven by the control unit (300) in various ways in any one of the touch sensing mode, antenna driving mode, and stylus sensing mode.

[0497] FIG. 40 is a drawing for explaining a first variation example of the fifth pattern (105) shown in FIG. 33.

[0498] Referring to FIG. 40, the fifth pattern (105') is placed on a different layer from the layer on which the third pattern (103) and the fourth pattern (104) are placed.

[0499] The fifth pattern (105') may have a shape corresponding to the third pattern (103). For example, the fifth pattern (105') may have a diamond shape and may have a diamond-shaped opening inside.

[0500] A portion of the fifth pattern (105') may be positioned to overlap with the third pattern (103) in the vertical direction, and another portion may be positioned to overlap with the fourth pattern (104) in the vertical direction. For example, the outer edge portion of the fifth pattern (105') may overlap with the inner edge portion of the third pattern (103) placed on a different layer. The inner edge portion of the fifth pattern (105') may overlap with the outer edge portion of the fourth pattern (104) placed on a different layer.

[0501] The fifth pattern (105') is electrically connected to the fourth pattern (104) placed on another layer through a conductive via (v). Here, the via (v) may be multiple and may be placed on the outer edge portion of the fourth pattern (104).

[0502] This fifth pattern (105') can form mutual capacitance (Cm) in a vertical direction with the third pattern (103) placed on another layer. Additionally, since the fifth pattern (105') is electrically connected to the fourth pattern (104) inside the third pattern (103) through a via (v), the third pattern (103) can ultimately form mutual capacitance (Cc_tx) not only with the fourth pattern (104) placed on the same layer but also with the fifth pattern (105') placed on another layer.

[0503] Although not shown in a separate drawing, the sixth pattern (106) shown in FIG. 33 may have the same shape as the fifth pattern (105') shown in FIG. 40. In this case, the outer edge portion of the sixth pattern (not shown) may overlap with the inner edge portion of the first pattern (101) placed on another layer, and the inner edge portion of the sixth pattern (not shown) may overlap with the outer edge portion of the second pattern (102) placed on another layer. Also, the sixth pattern (not shown) may be electrically connected to the second pattern (102) placed on another layer through a conductive via. Likewise, this sixth pattern (not shown) can also form mutual capacitance in a direction perpendicular to the first pattern (101), and since the sixth pattern (not shown) is electrically connected to the second pattern (102) inside the first pattern (101), the first pattern (101) can eventually form mutual capacitance (Cm) not only with the second pattern (102) but also with the sixth pattern (not shown).

[0504] In this way, the sensor unit including a modified example of the fifth pattern (105') shown in FIG. 40 can form mutual capacitance in the vertical direction as well as the horizontal direction of the third pattern (103), and the sensor unit including a modified example of the sixth pattern (not shown) can also form mutual capacitance in the vertical direction as well as the horizontal direction of the first pattern (101), which is an advantage. Accordingly, the voltage value output from the detection circuit of the control unit in stylus sensing mode can be increased, thereby improving the stylus sensing sensitivity.

[0505] Fig. 41 is a variation of Fig. 40.

[0506] FIG. 40 illustrates the fifth pattern (105') being placed below the third and fourth patterns (103, 104), and FIG. 41 illustrates the opposite, with the fifth pattern (105') being placed on the third and fourth patterns (103, 104).

[0507] The structure of the fifth pattern (105') illustrated in FIGS. 40 to 41 can be applied to a sensor part according to various embodiments described above.

[0508] FIG. 42 is a drawing for explaining a variation of the fifth pattern (105') shown in FIG. 40.

[0509] Referring to FIG. 42, the fifth pattern (105'') has the same shape and position as the fifth pattern (105') shown in FIG. 40. The difference between the fifth pattern (105'') and the fifth pattern (105') shown in FIG. 40 is that the fifth pattern (105'') is electrically connected to the third pattern (103) placed on a different layer through a conductive via (v). The via (v) is placed on the inner edge portion of the third pattern (103).

[0510] Since this fifth pattern (105'') is electrically connected to the third pattern (103) placed on another layer, the fourth pattern (104) can form mutual capacitance (Cc_Tx) in a vertical direction with the fifth pattern (105'').

[0511] The sensor section including a modified example of the fifth pattern (105'') shown in FIG. 42 also has the advantage of being able to form mutual capacitance in the vertical direction as well as the horizontal direction.

[0512] Fig. 43 is a variation of Fig. 42.

[0513] FIG. 42 illustrates the fifth pattern (105'') being placed below the third and fourth patterns (103, 104), and FIG. 43 illustrates the opposite, with the fifth pattern (105'') being placed on the third and fourth patterns (103, 104).

[0514] The structure of the fifth pattern (105') illustrated in FIGS. 42 to 43 can be applied to a sensor part according to various embodiments described above.

[0515] FIGS. 44 and FIGS. 45 are drawings for explaining variations of the third pattern (103) and the fourth pattern (104) in a sensor part as shown in FIG. 34 or FIG. 35.

[0516] Referring to FIGS. 44 and 45, the third pattern (103) and the fourth pattern (104) according to the modified example are placed on different layers, and a part of the third pattern (103) and a part of the fourth pattern (104) are placed so as to overlap in the vertical direction (or vertical direction). For example, the inner edge portion of the third pattern (103) may be placed so as to overlap in the vertical direction with the outer edge portion of the fourth pattern (104). FIG. 51 shows the third pattern (103) placed on the fourth pattern (104), and FIG. 45 shows the third pattern (103) placed below the fourth pattern (104).

[0517] The sensor unit including the third and fourth patterns (103, 104) shown in FIGS. 44 and 45 can form mutual capacitance (Cc_Tx) in the vertical direction rather than the horizontal direction. Although not shown in a separate drawing, the first and second patterns (101, 102) shown in FIGS. 34 and 35 can also have a structure as shown in FIGS. 44 and 45.

[0518] The structure according to the modified example shown in FIGS. 44 to 45 can be applied to the sensor part according to the various embodiments described above.

[0519] FIG. 46 is a schematic diagram showing a part of a touch input device according to another embodiment.

[0520] A touch unit (or touch device) (260) included in a touch input device according to another embodiment includes a touch panel (261) and a touch controller (262) that controls the touch panel (261). The touch controller (262) may include a first driving / receiving unit (2620) and a second driving / receiving unit (2622) that transmit and receive signals to and from the touch panel (261), and a control unit (2624).

[0521] A touch panel (261) may include a plurality of first touch electrodes (111-1 to 111-m) for detecting touch coordinates in a first direction and a plurality of second touch electrodes (121-1 to 121-n) for detecting touch coordinates in a second direction intersecting the first direction. For example, the plurality of first touch electrodes (111-1 to 111-m) may have a shape extended in the second direction, and the plurality of second touch electrodes (121-1 to 121-n) may have a shape extended in the first direction. Within the touch panel (261), the plurality of first touch electrodes (111-1 to 111-m) may be arranged along the first direction, and the plurality of second touch electrodes (121-1 to 121-n) may be arranged along the second direction.

[0522] The first driving / receiving unit (2620) can apply a driving signal to a plurality of first touch electrodes (111-1 to 111-m). The second driving / receiving unit (2622) can receive a detection signal from a plurality of second touch electrodes (121-1 to 121-n).

[0523] Although the touch panel (261) has been described above as being implemented in a mutual capacitance manner, the touch panel (261) may be implemented in a self-capacitance manner, and it would be easy for a person skilled in the art to modify the touch electrodes (111-1 to 111-m, 121-1 to 121-n), the first driving / receiving unit (2620), and the second driving / receiving unit (2622) in the mutual capacitance manner to be suitable for the self-capacitance manner by appropriately modifying them, adding new components, or omitting some components.

[0524] That is, the touch panel (261) may include a plurality of self-capacitance type touch electrodes (or touch patterns), and in this case, the touch electrodes (or touch patterns) may be arranged in a dot shape or may be arranged in a shape extended in one direction as described above.

[0525] Next, the electrode (or pattern) and trace will be described with reference to FIG. 47.

[0526] FIG. 47 is a drawing showing an example of the arrangement of electrodes (or patterns) and traces of a touch portion according to one embodiment.

[0527] The sensor portion of the touch portion may include an antenna connected to touch electrodes (111, 121) and dummy electrodes. For example, a plurality of dummy electrodes (121D) may be located on the same layer as the touch electrodes (111, 121), and some of the plurality of dummy electrodes (121D) may be connected to each other by a bridge (121B). The bridge (121B) may be connected to pads (113a, 113b) through a trace (112).

[0528] The touch controller (262) can apply a driving signal to the antenna (121A) to resonate the stylus pen (10). The driving signal may include a signal having a frequency corresponding to the resonance frequency of the resonance circuit (12) (e.g., a sine wave, a square wave, etc.), and may be an alternating voltage or alternating current having a predetermined frequency. The frequency and magnitude of such driving signal may be changed according to the control of the control unit (2624). Specifically, the touch controller (262) may apply a driving signal to one of two adjacent bridges (121B) and ground the other.

[0529] The touch electrodes (111, 121) are connected to the pads (113a, 113b) through traces (112, 122a, 122b) of the surrounding area located at the edge of the touch area. The first touch electrodes (111-1, 111-2, 111-3, ...) are connected corresponding to each trace (112), and the second touch electrodes (121-1, 121-2, 121-3, ...) are connected corresponding to each trace (122a, 122b).

[0530] The touch electrodes (111, 121) and traces (112, 122a, 122b) may be formed in the same layer. The touch electrodes (111, 121) and traces (112, 122a, 122b) may be formed from a conductive material exhibiting high transmittance and low impedance, such as a metal mesh or silver nanowire. However, the touch electrodes (111, 121) and traces (112, 122a, 122b) may be located in different layers and may be made of ITO or graphene, but are not limited thereto.

[0531] Pads (113a, 113b) are connected to a touch controller (262) and transmit a signal from the touch controller (262) (e.g., a driving signal) to the touch electrodes (111, 121) and transmit a signal from the touch electrodes (111, 121) (e.g., a detection signal) to the touch controller (262).

[0532] FIG. 48 is a drawing showing another example of the arrangement of electrodes (or patterns) and traces of a touch portion according to one embodiment.

[0533] As in FIG. 47, the touch electrodes (111, 121) are connected to the pads (113a, 113b) through traces (112, 122a, 122b) of the surrounding area located at the edge of the touch area.

[0534] One touch electrode has two signal input terminals, and the two signal input terminals are connected to correspond to two traces. For example, the second touch electrode (121-9) is a "U"-shaped electrode and has a first signal input terminal (TE1) located on the upper side and a second signal input terminal (TE2) located on the lower side.

[0535] One of the two signal input terminals can be connected to ground or to the drive / receiver unit (2620) through a switch. For example, the first signal input terminal (TE1) is connected to the drive / receiver unit (2620), and the second signal input terminal (TE2) is connected to the switch (SW). The switch (SW) connects the second signal input terminal (TE2) to ground or the drive / receiver unit (2620).

[0536] The touch controller (262) can connect one signal input terminal to ground and apply a driving signal to resonate the stylus pen (10). The touch controller (262) can receive detection signals simultaneously from two signal input terminals. Additionally, when driving for a normal finger touch, the touch controller (262) may apply driving signals of the same phase to both signal input terminals.

[0537] Although it was explained above that one signal input terminal is connected to ground and a driving signal is applied, the touch controller (262) may apply driving signals of opposite phases to two signal input terminals.

[0538] Next, with reference to FIG. 49, the signal induced in the touch electrode (111, 121) and trace (112, 122a, 122b) when a stylus pen (10a or 10b) is positioned on the touch screen (20) will be described.

[0539] FIG. 49 is a diagram showing a case where a stylus pen is positioned on the sensor part of a touch part according to one embodiment.

[0540] As shown in FIG. 49, the inductor portion (14) of the stylus pen (10a, 10b) is located on the touch screen (20) between the first touch electrodes (111-5, 111-6) and the second touch electrodes (121-8, 121-9).

[0541] The stylus pen (10a, 10b) resonates with a driving signal applied to the antenna (121A) or the touch electrode (111, 121) having two signal input terminals. Due to the resonance, a current (Ir) flows through the coil of the inductor part (14). This current (Ir) causes eddy currents in the touch electrodes (111, 121) and traces (112, 122a, 122b). These eddy currents are formed in the opposite direction to the direction of the current (Ir).

[0542] Therefore, current (Ia1, Ia2) is formed in the -Y axis direction in the first touch electrodes (111-4, 111-5) located on the left side (-X axis direction) of the inductor part (14), and current (Ia3, Ia4) is formed in the +Y axis direction in the first touch electrodes (111-6, 111-7) located on the right side (+X axis direction) of the inductor part (14). That is, the direction of the current induced in the first touch electrodes (111-1 to 111-5) and the direction of the current induced in the first touch electrodes (111-6 to 111-10) are opposite to each other.

[0543] Currents (Ib1, Ib2) are formed in the -X-axis direction in the second touch electrodes (121-7, 121-8) located on the upper side (+Y-axis direction) of the inductor part (14), and currents (Ib3, Ib4) are formed in the +X-axis direction in the second touch electrodes (121-9, 121-10) located on the lower side (-Y-axis direction) of the inductor part (14). That is, the direction of the current induced in the second touch electrodes (121-1 to 121-8) and the direction of the current induced in the second touch electrodes (121-9 to 121-16) are opposite to each other.

[0544] Currents (Ic1, Ic2) are formed in the -Y axis direction in the traces (122a) located on the left side of the inductor section (14), and currents (Ic3, Ic4) are formed in the +Y axis direction in the traces (122b) located on the right side of the inductor section (14). That is, the direction of the current induced in the traces (122a) and the direction of the current induced in the traces (122b) are opposite to each other.

[0545] Additionally, the direction of the current induced in the second touch electrodes (121-1 to 121-8) and the direction of the current induced in the traces (122a) connected to the second touch electrodes (121-1 to 121-8) are the same. The direction of the current induced in the second touch electrodes (121-9 to 121-16) and the direction of the current induced in the traces (122b) connected to the second touch electrodes (121-9 to 121-16) are opposite to each other.

[0546] At one point, when looking at the direction of the current with respect to the pad (113a, 113b), current may be drawn from the second touch electrodes (121-1 to 121-8) to the pad (113a). Depending on the magnitude of the current induced in the second touch electrodes (121-9 to 121-16) and the traces (122b) connected thereto, current may be drawn from the pad (113b) to the second touch electrodes (121-9 to 121-16) or drawn from the second touch electrodes (121-9 to 121-16) to the pad (113b). However, in FIG. 49, since the inductor portion (14) of the stylus pen (10) is located closer to the second touch electrodes (121-9 to 121-16) than to the traces (122b), current can be supplied from the second touch electrodes (121-9 to 121-16) to the pad (113b).

[0547] Separately, in the case of the stylus pen (10b) of FIG. 4(b), an electric field signal (E) is output to the touch electrodes (111, 121), so a detection signal is received by the electric field signal (E) applied to the first touch electrodes (111-5, 111-6) and the second touch electrodes (121-8, 121-9).

[0548] In this regard, a method for measuring the signal of the touch part (260) is described with reference to FIG. 50.

[0549] FIG. 50 is a graph showing a method for measuring a signal of a touch portion according to embodiments illustrated in FIG. 48 and FIG. 49.

[0550] FIG. 50 shows the voltage change (V8) of the second touch electrode (121-8) and the voltage change (V9) of the second touch electrode (121-9) in which currents are induced in opposite directions.

[0551] The first driving / receiving unit (2620) and the second driving / receiving unit (2622) sample a voltage change corresponding to the frequency of the driving signal in order to measure a detection signal according to the voltage change. At least one sampling point (I, Q, IB, QB) may be any timing that can be periodically set in relation to the frequency of the driving signal. For example, the period between I and I is equal to half a cycle of the driving signal.

[0552] The detection signal includes the difference (ΔI) between the voltage value measured at time I and the voltage value measured at time IB, and / or the difference (ΔQ) between the voltage value measured at time Q and the voltage value measured at time QB.

[0553] Next, with reference to FIGS. 51 and FIGS. 52, the detection signal by the stylus pen (10b) of FIG. 4 (b) will be described.

[0554] FIGS. 51 and FIGS. 52 are graphs showing a detection signal by a stylus pen according to one embodiment.

[0555] FIG. 51 is a graph of a detection signal received from the first touch electrodes (111-1 to 111-10).

[0556] As illustrated in FIG. 51, the current direction between the first touch electrodes (111-1 to 111-5) and the first touch electrodes (111-6 to 111-10) is induced in opposite directions, so the detection signal (AB1) measured thereby has opposite signs at the first touch electrode (111-5) and the first touch electrode (111-6). Additionally, since a larger current is induced the closer it is to the inductor part (14), the magnitude of the current induced in the first touch electrode (111-5) and the first touch electrode (111-6) is greater than the magnitude of the current induced in the other first touch electrodes (111-1 to 111-4, 111-7 to 111-10).

[0557] The stylus pen (10b) outputs an electric field signal (E) to the first touch electrode (111-5) and the first touch electrode (111-6) through the conductive tip (11b), so that a detection signal (AE1) is received.

[0558] The detection signal (AC1) received by the first driving / receiving unit (2620) has a combined form of the detection signal (AB1) and the detection signal (AE1). In this case, the control unit (2624) can determine the area between the two first touch electrodes (111-5, 111-6) where the difference in magnitude of the detection signal (AC1) is maximum as the touch point, and the exact touch point can be calculated using interpolation, etc.

[0559] FIG. 52 is a graph of the detection signal received from the second touch electrodes (121-1 to 121-16).

[0560] As illustrated in FIG. 52, the current direction between the second touch electrodes (121-1 to 121-8) and the second touch electrodes (121-9 to 121-16) is induced in opposite directions, so the detection signal (AB2) measured thereby has opposite signs at the second touch electrode (121-8) and the second touch electrode (121-9). Additionally, since a larger current is induced the closer it is to the inductor part (14), the magnitude of the current induced in the second touch electrode (121-8) and the second touch electrode (121-9) is greater than the magnitude of the current induced in the other second touch electrodes (121-1 to 121-7, 121-10 to 121-16).

[0561] The stylus pen (10b) outputs an electric field signal (E) to the second touch electrode (121-8) and the second touch electrode (121-9) through the conductive tip (11b), so that a detection signal (AE2) is received.

[0562] The detection signal (AC2) received by the second driving / receiving unit (2622) has a combined form of the detection signal (AB2) and the detection signal (AE2). In this case, the control unit (2624) can determine the touch point between the two second touch electrodes (121-8, 121-9) where the difference in magnitude of the detection signal (AC2) is maximum, and the exact touch point can be calculated using interpolation, etc.

[0563] Next, with reference to FIGS. 53 and 54, the detection signal by the stylus pen (10a) of FIG. 4 (a) will be described.

[0564] FIGS. 53 and FIGS. 54 are graphs showing a detection signal by a stylus pen according to another embodiment.

[0565] FIG. 53 is a graph of the detection signal received from the first touch electrodes (111-1 to 111-10).

[0566] As illustrated in FIG. 53, since the current direction between the first touch electrodes (111-1 to 111-5) and the first touch electrodes (111-6 to 111-10) is induced in opposite directions, the detection signal (AB3) received by the first driving / receiving unit (2620) has opposite signs at the first touch electrode (111-5) and the first touch electrode (111-6). Additionally, since a larger current is induced the closer it is to the inductor unit (14), the magnitude of the current induced in the first touch electrode (111-5) and the first touch electrode (111-6) is greater than the magnitude of the current induced in the other first touch electrodes (111-1 to 111-4, 111-7 to 111-10).

[0567] In this case, the control unit (2624) can determine the area between two first touch electrodes (111-5, 111-6) with opposite signs of the detection signal (AB3) and large respective signal magnitudes as the touch point, and the exact touch point can be calculated using interpolation, etc. In this case, the control unit (2624) can determine the area having the maximum value by differentiating the detection signal (AB3) as the touch point. Alternatively, the control unit (2624) can receive a differential signal from two adjacent first touch electrodes among each of the first touch electrodes (111-1 to 111-10) and determine the touch point of the stylus pen based on the maximum or minimum value in the received differential signal. For example, the area having the maximum or minimum value in the received differential signal can be determined as the touch point. Here, the two adjacent first touch electrodes may be two first touch electrodes that are adjacent to each other (111-1 and 111-2, or 111-2 and 111-3). Alternatively, the two adjacent first touch electrodes may be two first touch electrodes that are not adjacent to each other (111-1 and 111-3, or 111-2 and 111-4), and at least one other first touch electrode (111-2 or 111-3) may be disposed between the two first touch electrodes (111-1 and 111-3, or 111-2 and 111-4).

[0568] FIG. 54 is a graph of the detection signals received from the second touch electrodes (121-1 to 121-16).

[0569] As illustrated in FIG. 54, since the current direction between the second touch electrodes (121-1 to 121-8) and the second touch electrodes (121-9 to 121-16) is induced in opposite directions, the detection signal (AB4) received by the second driving / receiving unit (2622) has opposite signs at the second touch electrode (121-8) and the second touch electrode (121-9). Additionally, since a larger current is induced the closer it is to the inductor unit (14), the magnitude of the current induced in the second touch electrode (121-8) and the second touch electrode (121-9) is greater than the magnitude of the current induced in the other second touch electrodes (121-1 to 121-7, 121-10 to 121-16).

[0570] In this case, the control unit (2624) can determine the area between two second touch electrodes (121-8, 121-9) with opposite signs of the detection signal (AB4) and large respective signal magnitudes as the touch point, and the exact touch point can be calculated using interpolation, etc. In this case, the control unit (2624) can determine the area having the maximum value by differentiating the detection signal (AB4) as the touch point. Alternatively, the control unit (2624) can receive a differential signal from two adjacent second touch electrodes among each second touch electrode (121-1 to 121-8) and determine the touch point of the stylus pen based on the maximum or minimum value in the received differential signal. For example, the area having the maximum or minimum value in the received differential signal can be determined as the touch point. Here, the two adjacent second touch electrodes may be two second touch electrodes that are neighboring to each other (121-1 and 121-2, or 121-2 and 121-3). Alternatively, the two adjacent second touch electrodes may be two second touch electrodes that are not adjacent to each other (121-1 and 121-3, or 121-2 and 121-4), and at least one other second touch electrode (121-2, or 121-3) may be disposed between the two second touch electrodes (121-1 and 121-3, or 121-2 and 121-4).

[0571] Next, with reference to FIG. 55, the signal induced in the touch electrodes (111, 121) and traces (112, 122a, 122b) when a stylus pen (10a or 10b) is positioned on the touch screen (20) will be described.

[0572] FIG. 55 is a diagram showing a case where a stylus pen is positioned on the sensor part of a touch part according to one embodiment.

[0573] As shown in FIG. 55, the inductor portion (14) of the stylus pen (10a, 10b) is located on the touch screen (20) between the first touch electrodes (111-2, 111-3) and the second touch electrodes (121-2, 121-3).

[0574] The stylus pen (10a, 10b) resonates with a driving signal applied to the antenna (121A) or the touch electrode (111, 121) having two signal input terminals. Due to the resonance, a current (Ir) flows through the coil of the inductor part (14). This current (Ir) causes eddy currents in the touch electrodes (111, 121) and traces (112, 122a, 122b). These eddy currents are formed in the opposite direction to the direction of the current (Ir).

[0575] Therefore, current (Ia1, Ia2) is formed in the -Y axis direction in the first touch electrodes (111-1, 111-2) located on the left side (-X axis direction) of the inductor part (14), and current (Ia3, Ia4) is formed in the +Y axis direction in the first touch electrodes (111-3, 111-4) located on the right side (+X axis direction) of the inductor part (14). That is, the direction of the current induced in the first touch electrodes (111-1 and 111-2) and the direction of the current induced in the first touch electrodes (111-3 to 111-10) are opposite to each other.

[0576] Currents (Ib1, Ib2) are formed in the -X-axis direction in the second touch electrodes (121-1, 121-2) located on the upper side (+Y-axis direction) of the inductor part (14), and currents (Ib3, Ib4, Ib5, Ib6) are formed in the +X-axis direction in the second touch electrodes (121-3, 121-4, 121-9, 121-10) located on the lower side (-Y-axis direction) of the inductor part (14). That is, the direction of the current induced in the second touch electrodes (121-1 and 121-2) and the direction of the current induced in the second touch electrodes (121-3 to 121-16) are opposite to each other.

[0577] Currents (Ic1 to Ic4) are formed in the -Y axis direction in the traces (122a) located on the left side of the inductor section (14), and currents (Ic5, Ic6) are formed in the +Y axis direction in the traces (122b) located on the right side of the inductor section (14). That is, the direction of the current induced in the traces (122a) and the direction of the current induced in the traces (122b) are opposite to each other.

[0578] Additionally, the direction of the current induced in the second touch electrodes (121-1 and 121-2) and the direction of the current induced in the traces (122a) connected to the second touch electrodes (121-1 and 121-2) are the same. The direction of the current induced in the second touch electrodes (121-3 to 121-8) and the direction of the current induced in the traces (122a) connected to the second touch electrodes (121-3 to 121-8) are opposite to each other. The direction of the current induced in the second touch electrodes (121-9 to 121-16) and the direction of the current induced in the traces (122b) connected to the second touch electrodes (121-9 to 121-16) are opposite to each other.

[0579] At one point in time, when looking at the direction of the current with respect to the pad (113a, 113b), current may be drawn from the second touch electrodes (121-1 and 121-2) to the pad (113a). Depending on the magnitude of the current induced in the second touch electrodes (121-3 to 121-16) and the traces (122a, 122b) connected thereto, current may be drawn from the pad (113a, 113b) to the second touch electrodes (121-3 to 121-16) or drawn from the second touch electrodes (121-3 to 121-16) to the pad (113a, 113b).

[0580] Separately, in the case of the stylus pen (10b) of FIG. 4(b), an electric field signal (E) is output to the touch electrodes (111, 121), so a detection signal is received by the electric field signal (E) applied to the first touch electrodes (111-2, 111-3) and the second touch electrodes (121-2, 121-3).

[0581] Next, with reference to FIGS. 56 and 57, the detection signal by the stylus pen (10b) of FIG. 4 (b) will be described.

[0582] FIGS. 56 and FIGS. 57 are graphs showing a detection signal by a stylus pen according to one embodiment.

[0583] As illustrated in FIG. 56, the current direction between the first touch electrodes (111-1 and 111-2) and the first touch electrodes (111-3 to 111-10) is induced in opposite directions, so the detection signal (AB5) measured thereby has opposite signs at the first touch electrode (111-2) and the first touch electrode (111-3). Additionally, since a larger current is induced the closer it is to the inductor part (14), the magnitude of the current induced in the first touch electrode (111-2) and the first touch electrode (111-3) is greater than the magnitude of the current induced in the other first touch electrodes (111-1, 111-4 to 111-10).

[0584] The stylus pen (10b) outputs an electric field signal (E) to the first touch electrode (111-2) and the first touch electrode (111-3) through the conductive tip (11b), so that a detection signal (AE5) is received.

[0585] The detection signal (AC5) received by the first driving / receiving unit (2620) has a combined form of the detection signal (AB5) and the detection signal (AE5). In this case, the control unit (2624) can determine the area between the two first touch electrodes (111-2, 111-3) where the difference in magnitude of the detection signal (AC5) is maximum as the touch point, and the exact touch point can be calculated using interpolation, etc.

[0586] FIG. 57 is a graph of the detection signals received from the second touch electrodes (121-1 to 121-16).

[0587] As illustrated in FIG. 57, the current direction between the second touch electrodes (121-1 and 121-2) and the second touch electrodes (121-3 to 121-16) is induced in opposite directions, so the detection signal (AB6) measured thereby has opposite signs at the second touch electrode (121-2) and the second touch electrode (121-3). Additionally, since a larger current is induced the closer it is to the inductor part (14), the magnitude of the current induced in the second touch electrode (121-2) and the second touch electrode (121-3) is greater than the magnitude of the current induced in the other second touch electrodes (121-1, 121-4 to 121-16).

[0588] The stylus pen (10b) outputs an electric field signal (E) to the second touch electrode (121-2) and the second touch electrode (121-3) through the conductive tip (11b), so that a detection signal (AE6) is received.

[0589] The detection signal (AC6) received by the second driving / receiving unit (2622) has a combined form of the detection signal (AB6) and the detection signal (AE6). In this case, the control unit (2624) can determine the touch point between the two second touch electrodes (121-2, 121-3) where the difference in magnitude of the detection signal (AC6) is maximum, and the exact touch point can be calculated using interpolation, etc.

[0590] Next, with reference to FIGS. 58 and 59, the detection signal by the stylus pen (10a) of FIG. 4 (a) will be described.

[0591] FIGS. 58 and FIGS. 59 are graphs showing detection signals by a stylus pen according to another embodiment.

[0592] FIG. 58 is a graph of the detection signal received from the first touch electrodes (111-1 to 111-10).

[0593] As illustrated in FIG. 58, since the current direction between the first touch electrodes (111-1 and 111-2) and the first touch electrodes (111-3 to 111-10) is induced in opposite directions, the detection signal (AB7) received by the first driving / receiving unit (2620) has opposite signs at the first touch electrode (111-2) and the first touch electrode (111-3). Additionally, since a larger current is induced the closer it is to the inductor unit (14), the magnitude of the current induced in the first touch electrode (111-2) and the first touch electrode (111-3) is greater than the magnitude of the current induced in the other first touch electrodes (111-1, 111-4 to 111-10).

[0594] In this case, the control unit (2624) can determine the touch point between two first touch electrodes (111-2, 111-3) with opposite signs of the detection signal (AB7) and large respective signal magnitudes, and the exact touch point can be calculated using interpolation, etc.

[0595] FIG. 59 is a graph of the detection signals received from the second touch electrodes (121-1 to 121-16).

[0596] As illustrated in FIG. 59, since the current direction between the second touch electrodes (121-1 and 121-2) and the second touch electrodes (121-3 to 121-16) is induced in opposite directions, the detection signal (AB8) received by the second driving / receiving unit (2622) has opposite signs at the second touch electrode (121-2) and the second touch electrode (121-3). Additionally, since a larger current is induced the closer it is to the inductor unit (14), the magnitude of the current induced in the second touch electrode (121-2) and the second touch electrode (121-3) is greater than the magnitude of the current induced in the other second touch electrodes (121-1, 121-4 to 121-16).

[0597] In this case, the control unit (2624) can determine the touch point between two second touch electrodes (121-2, 121-3) with opposite signs of the detection signal (AB8) and large respective signal magnitudes, and the exact touch point can be calculated using interpolation, etc.

[0598] Meanwhile, the signal measurement method of the touch unit illustrated in FIGS. 49 to 59 can be applied to the sensor unit and control unit illustrated in FIGS. 16 to 45. Specifically, any one of the first to fourth patterns (101, 102, 103, 104) illustrated in FIG. 16 may correspond to the first touch electrode (111-1 to 111-10) or the second touch electrode (121-1 to 121-16) illustrated in FIG. 49. For example, either the first pattern (101) and the second pattern (102) illustrated in FIG. 16 may correspond to the first touch electrode (111-1 to 111-10) illustrated in FIG. 49, and either the third pattern (103) and the fourth pattern (104) illustrated in FIG. 16 may correspond to the second touch electrode (121-1 to 121-16) illustrated in FIG. 49.

[0599] For example, if the first pattern (101) shown in FIG. 16 corresponds to the first touch electrodes (111-1 to 111-10) shown in FIG. 49 and the third pattern (103) shown in FIG. 16 corresponds to the second touch electrodes (121-1 to 121-16) shown in FIG. 49, then the plurality of first patterns (101) of the sensor unit (100) of FIG. 16 may be patterns for pen detection in the horizontal axis direction, and the plurality of third patterns (103) may be patterns for pen detection in the vertical axis direction. In this case, a control unit controlling the sensor unit (100) receives stylus pen detection signals from the plurality of first patterns (101). The control unit may determine the area between two pen detection patterns that output two pen detection signals having a maximum value and a minimum value among the stylus pen detection signals received from the plurality of first patterns (101) as a touch point on the horizontal axis of the stylus pen. Additionally, the control unit can determine the area between two pen detection patterns that output two pen detection signals with opposite signs and the largest respective signal magnitudes among the stylus pen detection signals received from a plurality of third patterns (103) as a touch point on the vertical axis of the stylus pen.

[0600] Alternatively, the control unit may determine the horizontal axis touch point of the stylus pen between two adjacent patterns whose signals have opposite signs among the stylus pen detection signals received from a plurality of first patterns (101). Additionally, the control unit may determine the vertical axis touch point of the stylus pen between two adjacent patterns whose signals have opposite signs among the stylus pen detection signals received from a plurality of third patterns (103).

[0601] Alternatively, the control unit may determine the position on the pen detection patterns where the derivative value is maximized by differentiating the stylus pen detection signals received from a plurality of first patterns (101) as the horizontal axis touch point of the stylus pen. Additionally, the control unit may determine the position on the pen detection patterns where the derivative value is maximized by differentiating the stylus pen detection signals received from a plurality of third patterns (103) as the vertical axis touch point of the stylus pen.

[0602] Alternatively, the control unit may receive a differential signal from two adjacent first patterns among a plurality of first patterns (101) and determine a touch point of the stylus pen based on a maximum value or a minimum value in the received differential signal. For example, a position on the pen detection patterns having a maximum value or a minimum value in the received differential signal may be determined as a horizontal axis touch point. Here, the two adjacent first patterns may be two first patterns that are neighbors to each other. Or, the two adjacent first patterns may be two first patterns that are not neighbors to each other, and at least one other first pattern may be placed between the two first patterns.

[0603] Additionally, the control unit may receive a differential signal from two adjacent third patterns among a plurality of third patterns (103) and determine a touch point of the stylus pen based on a maximum value or a minimum value in the received differential signal. For example, a position on the pen detection patterns having a maximum value or a minimum value in the received differential signal may be determined as a vertical axis touch point. Here, the two adjacent third patterns may be two third patterns that are adjacent to each other. Alternatively, the two adjacent third patterns may be two third patterns that are not adjacent to each other, and at least one other third pattern may be placed between the two third patterns.

[0604] Next, with reference to FIG. 60, a touch input device (2) having a touch screen (20c) of FIG. 2a (c) will be described.

[0605] FIG. 60 is a block diagram schematically showing a touch input device.

[0606] Compared to the touch input device of FIG. 4, the touch input device of FIG. 60 further includes a loop coil (264) and a coil driver (263) that applies a driving signal to the loop coil (264).

[0607] The loop coil (264) may be placed near the touch screen (20) or at any location within the touch input device (2). The loop coil (264) may also be configured as an antenna for a near-field communication module (212), such as RFID or NFC. The driving signal includes an alternating voltage or alternating current having a predetermined frequency.

[0608] FIG. 61 is a schematic diagram showing a part of a touch portion according to one embodiment.

[0609] Compared to the touch portion of FIG. 46, the touch portion of FIG. 61 further includes a loop coil (264) and a coil driver (263) that drives the loop coil (264).

[0610] The coil driver (263) applies a driving signal to the loop coil (264). The driving signal may include a signal having a frequency corresponding to the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit (12) (e.g., a sine wave, a square wave, etc.), and may be an alternating voltage or alternating current having a predetermined frequency. The frequency and magnitude of such driving signal may be changed according to the control of the control unit (2624).

[0611] The stylus pen (10a, 10b) resonates by a driving signal applied to the loop coil (264). Due to the resonance, a current (Ir) flows through the coil of the inductor part (14).

[0612] FIG. 62 is a drawing showing an example of the arrangement of electrodes (or patterns) and traces of a touch portion according to another embodiment.

[0613] The touch electrodes (111, 121) within the sensor portion of the touch portion are connected to the pads (113a, 113b) through traces (112, 122a, 122b) of the peripheral area located at the edge of the touch area. The first touch electrodes (111-1, 111-2, 111-3, ...) are connected corresponding to each trace (112), and the second touch electrodes (121-1, 121-2, 121-3, ...) are connected corresponding to each trace (122a, 122b).

[0614] The touch electrodes (111, 121) and traces (112, 122a, 122b) may be formed in the same layer. The touch electrodes (111, 121) and traces (112, 122a, 122b) may be formed from a conductive material exhibiting high transmittance and low impedance, such as a metal mesh or silver nanowire. However, the touch electrodes (111, 121) and traces (112, 122a, 122b) may be located in different layers and may be made of ITO or graphene, but are not limited thereto.

[0615] Pads (113a, 113b) are connected to a touch controller (262) and transmit a signal from the touch controller (262) (e.g., a driving signal) to the touch electrodes (111, 121) and transmit a signal from the touch electrodes (111, 121) (e.g., a detection signal) to the touch controller (262).

[0616] FIG. 63 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method of driving a stylus pen in a touch input device (2) or a stylus driving device according to the present invention, and FIG. 64 is a diagram specifically explaining a method of activating a stylus pen in a touch input device (2) or a stylus driving device according to the present invention.

[0617] As illustrated in FIG. 63, the touch input device (2) according to the present invention generates a magnetic field using a touch panel (261), and the magnetic field operates the resonant circuit (12) of the stylus (2). The resonant circuit (12) of the stylus (2) includes a capacitor and an inductor, and current is generated in the resonant circuit (12) of the stylus (2) by electromagnetic induction caused by the electromagnetic field generated by the touch panel (261).

[0618] Figure 64 (a) illustrates a method of generating a magnetic field by controlling the direction of current flowing through a plurality of first electrodes extended along the Y-axis, and (b) illustrates a method of generating an electromagnetic field by controlling the direction of current flowing through a plurality of second electrodes extended along the X-axis.

[0619] In another embodiment, a magnetic field can be generated by simultaneously controlling the direction of the current flowing through the first electrode and the second electrode. As shown in the illustrated coordinates, in FIG. 64, the horizontal direction of the drawing represents the Y-axis, and the vertical direction of the drawing represents the X-axis.

[0620] The direction of the current flowing through a plurality of first electrodes can be controlled individually. At this time, the direction of the current flowing through the electrodes positioned to the left and right of the tip position (P) of the stylus (2) is controlled in the reverse direction. Based on the position of the first electrode centered on the tip of the stylus (2), the direction of the current flowing through each of the plurality of first electrodes of the touch panel (261) is controlled. Since the plurality of first electrodes arranged adjacent to each other and in parallel do not form a closed loop, individual current control must be performed for each of the plurality of first electrodes.

[0621] By generating an electromagnetic field in a manner that does not form a closed loop, as in the embodiment of the present invention, conventional touch sensors can be utilized as is. Consequently, the same functionality can be achieved by immediately applying it to various types of electronic devices (smartphones, TVs, etc.), such as foldable or rollable devices. Furthermore, since product manufacturing is possible using conventional production facilities and methods, manufacturing economics can be achieved. From another perspective, this also has the effect of expanding the functionality of existing products, as it enables the use of a stylus through firmware upgrades, even for products that previously only detected finger touches.

[0622] Referring again to FIG. 64 (b), the direction of the current flowing through the first electrode placed on the left side and the first electrode placed on the right side are driven to be opposite to each other based on a virtual line parallel to the Y-axis passing through the tip of the stylus (2). Although it is possible to control the direction of the current of both electrodes by determining the position of the tip of the stylus (2) in advance, the entire surface of the touch panel (261) can be divided into multiple regions, and the direction of the current of the electrodes included in each of the multiple regions can be controlled so that the stylus (2) can respond to the electromagnetic field regardless of where it is positioned on the touch panel (261). An example of a method in which the current direction of the electrode placed on the left edge of the divided region and the electrode placed on the right edge are controlled in the opposite direction can be given, but it is not limited thereto, and various applications and variations can be considered.

[0623] As illustrated in FIG. 64 (b), the direction of the current flowing through a plurality of second electrodes can also be individually controlled. At this time, the direction of the current flowing through the electrodes positioned above and below the tip (P) of the stylus (2) is controlled in the reverse direction. In other words, the direction of the current flowing through the second electrodes is controlled based on the position of the second electrodes centered on the tip of the stylus (2).

[0624] Since multiple second electrodes arranged adjacent to each other and in parallel do not form a closed loop, individual current control must be performed for each of the multiple second electrodes.

[0625] More specifically, the current flowing through the second electrode positioned on the upper side and the second electrode positioned on the lower side are driven in opposite directions based on a virtual line parallel to the X-axis passing through the tip of the stylus (2). At this time, regarding the control of the current direction of each electrode, current direction control can be performed for all first electrodes and / or all second electrodes included in the touch panel (261), but if the position of the tip of the stylus (2) is determined in advance, it is also possible to control only the electrodes within a predetermined distance from the tip of the stylus.

[0626] Likewise, here, the entire surface of the touch pad (261) is divided into multiple regions, and by controlling the current direction of the electrodes included in each of the multiple regions, the stylus (2) can be made to respond to the magnetic field regardless of where it is positioned on the touch panel (261). An example of this method would be controlling the current direction of the electrode placed at the upper edge of the divided region and the electrode placed at the lower edge in the opposite direction.

[0627] Since reverse current flows to the left and right and / or up and down around the tip of the stylus (2), an electromagnetic field is formed, and by this, current is induced in the resonant circuit (12) of the stylus (2), thereby causing the stylus (2) to generate an electromagnetic field signal. The current generated in the resonant circuit (12) of the stylus (2) forms an electromagnetic field around the inductor coil, and by this, a current signal is generated around the tip of the stylus (2). This current signal has the characteristic of rotating clockwise or counterclockwise around the tip of the stylus (2).

[0628] A touch input device (2) according to an embodiment of the present invention can determine the coordinates where the tip of the stylus (2) is located by receiving the current signal generated from the stylus (2) using at least one electrode (or pattern) of the touch panel (261). Below, a method for determining touch coordinates by receiving a signal generated by the stylus (2) activated by the touch panel (261) is described in detail.

[0629] Signal detection from a stylus pen

[0630] A touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention detects a signal from a stylus pen using a touch panel (261).

[0631] FIG. 65 is a schematic diagram for explaining a method for detecting a stylus (2) signal in a touch input device (2) according to the present invention, and FIG. 66 to 68 are drawings for specifically explaining a method for detecting a signal from a stylus pen in a touch input device (2) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0632] When current is induced in the resonant circuit (12) of the stylus (2) by a magnetic field generated by individually controlling the direction of current flowing through the electrodes included in the touch panel (261) (the current value becomes the maximum value at the resonant frequency), an electromagnetic field is induced around the inductor coil by the current generated in the resonant circuit (12) of the stylus (2) as shown in FIG. 65 (a), and the stylus (2) then generates a current signal as shown in FIG. 65 (b). Below, a method for obtaining touch coordinates by receiving the magnetic field signal of the stylus (2) will be described.

[0633] FIG. 66 illustrates a current signal generated by a magnetic field generated by a stylus (2). The electromagnetic field generated by the current induced in the resonant circuit (12) of the stylus (2) generates a current signal that rotates counterclockwise around the tip of the stylus (2), as shown in FIG. 66. In other embodiments, a current signal that rotates clockwise may be generated. The current signal that rotates clockwise or counterclockwise may be an eddy current, but is not limited thereto.

[0634] A current signal rotating counterclockwise causes a current flow as illustrated in FIG. 66 (a) with respect to the first electrodes (121Y-1 to 121Y-m) of the touch panel (261). That is, a current signal rotating counterclockwise with respect to the position (P) of the tip of the stylus (2) creates a current flow in opposite directions with respect to the first electrode placed on the left side and the first electrode placed on the right side with respect to a virtual line parallel to the Y-axis passing through the tip of the stylus (2). A current signal rotating clockwise will generate a current signal opposite to this with respect to the first electrode of the touch panel (261).

[0635] Likewise, a current signal rotating counterclockwise causes a current flow as illustrated in FIG. 66 (b) with respect to the second electrodes (121X-1 to 121X-n) of the touch panel (261). That is, a current signal rotating counterclockwise with respect to the position (P) of the tip of the stylus (2) creates a current flow in opposite directions with respect to the second electrode placed on the upper side and the second electrode placed on the lower side with respect to a virtual line parallel to the X-axis passing through the tip of the stylus (2). A current signal rotating clockwise will generate a current signal opposite to this with respect to the second electrode of the touch panel (261).

[0636] In part A of FIG. 66 (b), the current signal rotating counterclockwise by the stylus creates a predetermined current flow for the second electrodes, as previously explained. However, since the wiring (trace) connected to each second electrode also forms a predetermined current flow by the current signal rotating counterclockwise, the current flow of some second electrodes included in part A and the current flow of the wiring connected to said second electrodes are in opposite directions, so the magnitude of the current output from said wiring may be relatively reduced. On the other hand, in part B of FIG. 66 (b), the current flow of another part of the second electrode included in part B and the current flow of the wiring connected to said other part of the second electrode are in the same direction, so the magnitude of the current output from said wiring connected to said other part of the second electrode may be relatively larger than the magnitude of the current output from the wiring included in part A. This is because the wiring is connected to one side of some of the second electrodes and the wiring is connected to the other side of the other second electrodes.

[0637] FIG. 67 is a diagram illustrating a current signal detected at a first electrode extended in the Y-axis direction when a signal is received by the stylus. Due to the current signal generated by the stylus (2) (here, rotated clockwise around the tip), the direction of the current flowing through the first electrode changes according to the positional relationship with the tip of the stylus (2).

[0638] Specifically, when a clockwise rotating current is generated by a current signal generated by the stylus (2) as in (a) of FIG. 67, the direction of the current flowing through the first electrodes positioned to the left and right of the tip of the stylus (2) changes in correspondence with the direction of movement (rotation direction) of the current signal generated by the stylus (2). The current flowing through the first electrode positioned on the left side with respect to a virtual line (CLy) passing through the tip of the stylus (2) and parallel to the Y-axis is opposite to the direction of the current flowing through the first electrode positioned on the right side.

[0639] The signal received from each of the n first electrodes causes a rapid change in current at the tip of the stylus (2) as shown in the bottom graph of (b) of FIG. 67, and by differentiating this and finding the coordinate corresponding to the peak value, the X-coordinate value of the touch location by the stylus (2) can be confirmed. Here, a differential signal is received from two adjacent first electrodes among the n first electrodes, and the touch point of the stylus pen can be determined based on the maximum or minimum value in the received differential signal. For example, the X-coordinate value of the touch location by the stylus pen (2) can be confirmed by finding the coordinate corresponding to the maximum or minimum value in the received differential signal. Here, the two adjacent first electrodes may be two first electrodes that are neighboring to each other. Alternatively, the two adjacent first electrodes may be two first electrodes that are not neighboring to each other, and at least one other first electrode may be placed between the two first electrodes.

[0640] Here, the direction of the current flowing through the first electrode of the touch panel (261) corresponds to the direction of rotation (movement) of the current signal. For example, if the current signal rotates clockwise around the tip of the stylus, the direction of the current corresponds such that the current flows upward through the electrode located to the left of the tip of the stylus and the current flows downward through the electrode located to the right. Conversely, if the current signal rotates counterclockwise around the tip of the stylus, the direction of the current corresponds such that the current flows downward through the electrode located to the left of the tip of the stylus and the current flows upward through the electrode located to the right.

[0641] If the current is described as moving in a clockwise circular motion around the tip of the stylus, the current flows upward in the first electrode located to the left of the tip of the stylus in correspondence with the tangent vector at the 180-degree point of the circular motion trajectory, and the current flows downward in the right electrode in correspondence with the tangent vector at the 0-degree point.

[0642] FIG. 68 is a diagram illustrating a current signal detected at a second electrode extended in the X-axis direction upon receiving a signal from the stylus. Due to the current signal generated by the stylus (2), the direction of the current flowing through the first electrode changes according to the positional relationship with the tip of the stylus (2).

[0643] That is, the current flowing through the second electrodes positioned above and below the tip of the stylus (2) has a directionality corresponding to the rotational direction of the current signal induced by the electromagnetic field of the stylus. Specifically, the current flowing through the second electrode positioned on the upper side and the second electrode positioned on the lower side, based on a virtual line (CLx) parallel to the X-axis passing through the tip of the stylus (2), takes opposite directions corresponding to the rotational direction of the current signal.

[0644] When the signal detected at each of the m second electrodes is analyzed, a sudden change in current occurs at the tip of the stylus (2). After differentiating the detected current value, the coordinate corresponding to the peak value is found and determined as the Y-coordinate value of the touch position by the stylus (2). Here, a differential signal is received from two adjacent second electrodes among the m second electrodes, and the touch position of the stylus pen (2) can be determined based on the maximum or minimum value in the received differential signal. For example, the Y-coordinate value of the touch position by the stylus pen (2) can be identified by the coordinate corresponding to the maximum or minimum value in the received differential signal. Here, the two adjacent second electrodes may be two second electrodes that are neighbors to each other. Alternatively, the two adjacent second electrodes may be two second electrodes that are not neighbors to each other, and at least one other second electrode may be placed between the two second electrodes.

[0645] The fact that the direction of current flowing through each of the multiple second electrodes of the touch panel (261) corresponds to the direction of rotation (movement) of the current signal caused by the stylus (2) means that, for example, if the current signal rotates clockwise around the tip of the stylus, the direction of current corresponds such that current flows to the right through the electrode located above the tip of the stylus and current flows to the left through the electrode located below. Of course, if the direction of rotation changes, the direction of current flowing through each electrode will also be reversed.

[0646] If we assume that the current moves in a clockwise circular motion around the tip of the stylus, it can be explained that the current flows to the right in the electrode located above the tip of the stylus among the second electrodes, corresponding to the tangent vector at the 90-degree point in the circular motion trajectory, and the current flows to the left in the electrode located below, corresponding to the tangent vector at the 270-degree point.

[0647] An embodiment of the present invention can activate a stylus (2) using an electrode (or pattern) of a touch panel that does not form a closed loop and detect the electromagnetic field signal of the stylus. That is, since n first electrodes aligned in parallel and m second electrodes aligned orthogonally and in parallel each receive the electromagnetic field signal of the stylus individually, the touch position of the stylus can be detected more precisely.

[0648] FIG. 69 illustrates various wiring structures of a second electrode in a touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 68 is illustrated with a structure in which wiring (or traces) of a plurality of second electrodes extended parallel to the X-axis as in FIG. 69 (a) are connected to the left side of the second electrode positioned above the center of the touch panel (261), and the wiring of the second electrode positioned below is connected to the right side.

[0649] The wiring of the electrode can be varied, and as shown in FIG. 69 (b), the wiring may be connected only to the left side of the touch panel (261), or it may be connected only to the right side. In this case, the graph shape of the received signal may change, but in any case, the signal pattern changes rapidly at the point where the tip of the stylus (2) is located, and the touch coordinates can be determined based on this.

[0650] FIGS. 70 and 71 illustrate an experimental process and results for verifying the signal detection capability of a stylus using a touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0651] This experiment was conducted using an EMR pen adjusted to have a resonant frequency of 400 kHz. As shown in FIG. 70 (a), the EMR pen was positioned at the first position (P1) and the second position (P2) of the touch surface of the touch input device (2), and a signal was detected. It was confirmed that the EMR pen was activated by the touch input device (2) and emitted a signal. This means that current was induced in the resonant circuit of the EMR pen by the electromagnetic field generated by the touch panel (261). When the EMR pen was at the first position (P1), the signal received through the first electrode of the touch pad (261) was analyzed to obtain a graph as shown in FIG. 70 (b). By analyzing the point where the signal changed rapidly, the X-coordinate of the EMR pen identified was compared with the X-coordinate of the first position (P1) of the EMR pen, and they matched.

[0652] The signal received from the EMR pen at the second position (P2) on the touch panel (261) appeared as shown in (c) of FIG. 70. When comparing the X-coordinate of the EMR pen identified at the point where the signal changes rapidly with the X-coordinate of the second position (P2) of the EMR pen, they matched.

[0653] The graphs in Fig. 70 (b) and (c) are for the IQ sampling signal, where each line represents the ΔI signal and ΔQ signal, the vertical axis represents the magnitude of the signal value, and the horizontal axis represents the number of the first electrodes (18) numbered in the order of arrangement.

[0654] FIG. 71 illustrates a signal received through the second electrode of the touch pad (261) in the same experiment. As shown in FIG. 71 (a), the EMR pen was positioned at the first position (P1) and the second position (P2) of the touch surface of the touch input device (2) and the signal was detected. The signal generated by the EMR pen was received through the second electrode of the touch pad (261). This means that current was induced in the resonant circuit of the EMR pen by the electromagnetic field generated by the touch panel (261). At this time, when the signal received through the second electrode of the touch pad (261) was analyzed while the EMR pen was at the first position (P1), a graph like FIG. 71 (b) appeared, and when the Y-coordinate of the EMR pen identified by analyzing the point where the signal changed abruptly was compared with the Y-coordinate of the first position (P1) of the EMR pen, they matched.

[0655] Subsequently, the signal received from the second electrode of the touch panel (261) at the second position (P2) appeared as shown in (c) of FIG. 71. When comparing the Y-coordinate of the EMR pen identified at the point where the signal changes rapidly with the Y-coordinate of the second position (P2) of the EMR pen, they matched. The graphs in FIG. 71 (b) and (c) are for the IQ sampling signal, where each line represents the ΔI signal and the ΔQ signal, respectively, the vertical axis represents the magnitude of the signal value, and the horizontal axis represents the number of the second electrodes (40) numbered in the order of placement.

[0656] It was confirmed through experiments of FIGS. 70 and 71 that the stylus (2) is driven by the touch input device (2) according to an embodiment of the present invention, and that the signal can be accurately detected.

[0657] A touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention can receive stylus signals of various types and determine the touch position of the stylus. As mentioned above, since the touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention receives the stylus signal using a touch panel having at least one electrode (or pattern) that does not form a closed loop, conventional touch sensors can be used as is, and since stylus usage can be enabled even for existing products that have only detected touches by fingers through firmware upgrades, etc., it brings about the effect of expanding the functionality of existing products.

[0658] A touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a touch panel comprising a plurality of first electrodes extended along the Y-axis and a plurality of second electrodes extended along the X-axis, and a control unit (or touch controller) that determines touch coordinates based on a signal received from a stylus. In this case, as described above, the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes may not each form a closed loop.

[0659] At this time, a current signal rotating clockwise or counterclockwise around the tip of the stylus is induced by an electromagnetic field generated by the current induced in the resonant circuit of the stylus, and the control unit determines the touch coordinates based on the current signal.

[0660] Specifically, a current signal is generated by a magnetic field generated by the stylus. The electromagnetic field generated by the current induced in the stylus's resonant circuit generates a current signal that rotates counterclockwise around the tip of the stylus. In other embodiments, a current signal that rotates clockwise may be generated. The current signal rotating clockwise or counterclockwise may be an eddy current, but is not limited thereto.

[0661] At this time, the direction of current flowing through the first electrode or the second electrode of the touch panel arranged on the upper, lower, left, and right sides centered on the tip of the stylus is determined in correspondence with the rotational direction of the current signal, and the current signal generated by the stylus causes current to flow in the opposite direction through the first electrode arranged on the left side and the first electrode arranged on the right side based on a virtual line parallel to the Y-axis passing through the tip of the stylus, or causes current to flow in the opposite direction through the second electrode arranged on the upper side and the second electrode arranged on the lower side based on a virtual line parallel to the X-axis passing through the tip of the stylus.

[0662] By detecting the current induced in the first electrode and the second electrode, the coordinates where the tip of the stylus is located can be precisely detected. As this has been explained in detail above, a redundant explanation will be omitted.

[0663] In this case, the stylus may be an active stylus that resonates on its own by including a resonant circuit and a power supply. The active stylus pen incorporates a resonant circuit and a power supply. The power supply may be a battery, but it may also be a module that receives power from an external source via wired or wireless means (such as a wired connection terminal or a wireless charging module). The active stylus can provide various additional functions such as pressure sensitivity, hovering, and buttons.

[0664] In another embodiment, the stylus may be a passive stylus comprising a resonant circuit that resonates by an external signal. The passive stylus may be driven in various ways, such as an inductive resonance method, an Electro Magnetic Resonance (EMR) method, or a capacitive resonance method.

[0665] In the case of passive styluses, since they do not have a built-in power supply such as a battery, the pen is lightweight and has the advantage of being able to operate anytime and anywhere.

[0666] If the passive stylus adopts the Electro-Magnetic Resonance (EMR) method, the stylus can be activated by the electromagnetic field generated by the panel (261) as described above. If the passive stylus adopts the Electrically Coupled Resonance (ECR) method, the stylus can be activated by a signal transmitted by the electrodes of the panel (261).

[0667] Meanwhile, a control method for a touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention drives a stylus using a touch panel having a plurality of first electrodes extended along the Y-axis and a plurality of second electrodes extended along the X-axis, and receives a signal from the stylus. At this time, the plurality of first electrodes included in the touch panel may not form a closed loop, and the plurality of second electrodes may also not form a closed loop. Additionally, the first electrode and the second electrode may not form a closed loop with each other.

[0668] A control method for a touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a driving step of individually controlling the direction of current flowing through a plurality of first electrodes or a plurality of second electrodes to generate an electromagnetic field and activate a stylus, and a judgment step of determining touch coordinates based on a signal generated from the stylus.

[0669] The above driving step generates an electromagnetic field by individually adjusting the direction of the current flowing through the first electrode or the second electrode based on the position of the first electrode or the second electrode centered on the tip of the stylus, thereby driving the stylus. Driving the stylus means that current is induced in an internal resonant circuit or resonance occurs. Of course, it is also possible to generate an electromagnetic field by simultaneously adjusting the direction of the current flowing through the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0670] Even though the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes included in the touch panel do not each form a closed loop, the stylus can be driven solely by controlling the direction of the current. That is, since the stylus can be activated by generating an electromagnetic field using a touch panel composed only of open-loop electrodes (i.e., the ends of the plurality of first electrodes are not directly connected and the ends of the plurality of second electrodes are not directly connected), the conventional touch panel can be used as is, and expensive components such as a digitizer are not required.

[0671] The driving step drives the first electrode positioned on the left side and the first electrode positioned on the right side with respect to a virtual line parallel to the Y-axis passing through the tip of...

Claims

Claim 1 Housing; an inductor part comprising a ferrite core fixedly disposed inside the housing having a through hole and a coil wound on the outer surface of the ferrite core; a core body disposed through the through hole of the ferrite core and configured to move by an external force acting on one end located outside the housing; a fixed part fixedly disposed inside the housing and comprising at least one first conductive contact; a movable part disposed inside the housing and configured to move in conjunction with the core body and comprising at least one second conductive contact disposed facing the at least one first conductive contact; a magnetic body disposed inside the housing and configured to change the distance from the ferrite core in conjunction with the core body; A stylus pen comprising: a capacitor portion disposed inside the housing and including a resonant capacitor electrically connected to the first conductive contact and an additional capacitor electrically connected to the second conductive contact; wherein, when there is no movement of the core body, the additional capacitor and the resonant capacitor are electrically connected in parallel while the first conductive contact and the second conductive contact are in contact with each other, and when the core body moves, the second conductive contact is separated from the first conductive contact according to the movement of the movable part, thereby releasing the parallel connection between the additional capacitor and the resonant capacitor. Claim 2 A stylus pen according to claim 1, configured such that when the core moves, the distance between the magnetic body and the ferrite core increases according to the movement of the magnetic body. Claim 3 In claim 1, the ferrite core is a stylus pen fixed and positioned close to one end of the core body inside the housing. Claim 4 A stylus pen according to claim 1, further comprising a fixed member disposed inside the housing, disposed between the capacitor part and the inductor part, and configured to limit the displacement amount of the core body and the movable part. Claim 5 A stylus pen according to claim 4, further comprising an elastic member disposed between the fixed member and the magnetic body. Claim 6 A stylus pen according to claim 1, configured such that the LC values ​​of the capacitor part and the inductor part decrease as the pressure applied to the core increases. Claim 7 A stylus pen according to claim 1, wherein the movable part is positioned to come into contact with the magnetic body or is structurally coupled with the magnetic body. Claim 8 A stylus pen according to claim 1, wherein the fixing part includes a through hole in the center of the fixing part, and the magnetic body is configured to move along the through hole. Claim 9 A stylus pen according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of conductive contacts for electrical connection of the capacitor portion and the inductor portion. Claim 10 A stylus pen according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of conductive contacts comprises: first and second contacts electrically connected to both ends of the additional capacitor; third and fourth contacts electrically connected to both ends of the resonant capacitor and electrically connected to both ends of the coil; fifth and sixth contacts located in the movable part and electrically connected to the third and fourth contacts through wires; and seventh and eighth contacts located in the fixed part, electrically connected to the first and second contacts through wires and electrically connected to both ends of the additional capacitor. Claim 11 A stylus pen according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of conductive contacts comprises: a first contact electrically connected to one end of the additional capacitor; third and fourth contacts electrically connected to both ends of the resonant capacitor and electrically connected to both ends of the coil; a fifth contact located in the movable part and electrically connected to the third contact via a wire; and a seventh contact located in the fixed part, electrically connected to the first contact via a wire and electrically connected to one end of the additional capacitor. Claim 12 A stylus pen according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of conductive contacts comprises: a first contact electrically connected to one end of the additional capacitor; third and fourth contacts electrically connected to both ends of the resonant capacitor and electrically connected to both ends of the coil; a sixth contact located in the movable part and electrically connected to the first contact via a wire; and further comprises a contact structure configured to switch the electrical connection between one end of the additional capacitor and one end of the coil, wherein the contact structure comprises a first and second contact structure and a connecting part electrically connecting the first and second contact structures, wherein one end of the first contact structure is located in the fixed part and the other end is coupled to pass through a through hole formed in the movable part, the other end of the first contact structure is electrically coupled to the third contact, and the second contact structure is configured such that one end is located in the fixed part and is optionally electrically connected to the sixth contact. Claim 13 A stylus pen according to claim 9, further comprising a conductive spring, wherein the plurality of conductive contacts each comprise: a first contact electrically connected to one end of the additional capacitor; third and fourth contacts electrically connected to both ends of the resonant capacitor and electrically connected to both ends of the coil; a sixth contact located in the movable part and electrically connected to the first contact through the conductive spring; and further comprising a contact structure for switching the electrical connection between one end of the additional capacitor and one end of the coil, wherein the contact structure includes a first and second contact structure and a connecting part electrically connecting the first and second contact structures, wherein one end of the first contact structure is located in the fixed part and the other end is coupled to pass through a through hole formed in the movable part, the other end of the first contact structure is electrically coupled to the third contact, and the second contact structure is configured such that one end is located in the fixed part and is optionally electrically connected to the sixth contact. Claim 14 In claim 9, the plurality of conductive contacts comprises: a first contact electrically connected to one end of the additional capacitor; third and fourth contacts electrically connected to both ends of the resonant capacitor and electrically connected to both ends of the coil; and first to third contact structures that switch the electrical connection between one end of the additional capacitor and one end of the coil; wherein one end of the first contact structure is located at the fixed part and the other end is coupled to pass through a through hole formed in the movable part, and the other end of the first contact structure is electrically coupled to the third contact; wherein one end of the second contact structure is located at the fixed part and the other end is coupled to pass through a through hole formed in the movable part, and the other end of the second contact structure is electrically coupled to the first contact; wherein the third contact structure is located on the surface facing the magnetic body in the movable part, and the third contact structure selectively combines the first contact structure and the second contact structure depending on the position of the movable part A stylus pen electrically connected to a contact structure. Claim 15 In claim 9, the plurality of conductive contacts comprises: a first contact electrically connected to one end of the additional capacitor; third and fourth contacts electrically connected to both ends of the resonant capacitor and electrically connected to both ends of the coil; a fifth contact located in the movable part and electrically connected to the third contact via a wire; a sixth contact located in the movable part and electrically connected to the first contact via a wire; and a contact structure that switches the electrical connection between one end of the additional capacitor and one end of the coil, wherein the contact structure comprises first and second contact structures and a connecting part that electrically connects them, wherein one end of the first contact structure is located in the fixed part and is optionally electrically connected to the fifth contact, and is electrically connected to the fifth contact when the movable part and the fixed part come into contact, and the second contact structure is located in the fixed part and is optionally electrically connected to the sixth contact, a stylus pen.

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