Electronic device

Abstract

An electronic device according to one embodiment comprises a display panel, an input sensor disposed on the display panel and including a plurality of first sensing electrodes extending in a first direction and a plurality of second sensing electrodes extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a sensor controller connected to the input sensor, wherein, based on an input position where an input of the input device is provided, a first region adjacent to the input position and a second region not adjacent to the input position are defined on the input sensor, and the sensor controller provides a first signal to at least one first sensing electrode disposed in the first region among the plurality of first sensing electrodes and at least one second sensing electrode disposed in the first region among the plurality of second sensing electrodes, and provides a second signal having the inverse phase of the first signal to the remaining first and second sensing electrodes disposed in the second region.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic device with improved detection reliability and image quality. Background Technology

[0002] An electronic device can detect external input applied from outside the electronic device. The external input may be user input. User input may include various forms of external input, such as parts of the user's body, light, heat, a pen, or pressure. The electronic device may recognize the coordinates of the pen using an electromagnetic resonance (EMR) method or using an active electrostatic (AES) method. The problem to be solved

[0003] The present invention aims to provide an electronic device with improved detection reliability and image quality. means of solving the problem

[0004] An electronic device according to one embodiment comprises a display panel, an input sensor disposed on the display panel and including a plurality of first sensing electrodes extending in a first direction and a plurality of second sensing electrodes extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a sensor controller connected to the input sensor, wherein, based on an input position where an input of the input device is provided, a first region adjacent to the input position and a second region not adjacent to the input position are defined on the input sensor, and the sensor controller provides a first signal to at least one first sensing electrode disposed in the first region among the plurality of first sensing electrodes and at least one second sensing electrode disposed in the first region among the plurality of second sensing electrodes, and provides a second signal having the inverse phase of the first signal to the remaining first and second sensing electrodes disposed in the second region.

[0005] The input sensor further comprises a first sensor part including at least one first sensing electrode disposed in the first region among the plurality of first sensing electrodes, and a second sensor part including at least one second sensing electrode disposed in the first region, and the first sensor part and the second sensor part may intersect with respect to the input position.

[0006] The input sensor further includes a plurality of compensation units each comprising the remaining first and second sensing electrodes disposed in the second region, and the plurality of compensation units may be spaced apart from each other with at least one of the first sensor unit and the second sensor unit in between.

[0007] The area of ​​the first region and the area of ​​the second region may be substantially the same.

[0008] The above input sensor can operate in a first mode for detecting input from the input device and a second mode for detecting input by a user's touch.

[0009] The sensor controller provides an uplink signal to the first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode to detect access of the input device in the second mode, and

[0010] When access to the input device is detected through the first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode, the first mode can be executed.

[0011] The sensor controller can detect access of the input device by receiving a downlink signal from the input device through the first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode.

[0012] The sensor controller can alternately provide a first uplink signal and a second uplink signal having opposite phases in the second mode to the first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode.

[0013] When the sensor controller detects the input of the input device through the at least one first sensing electrode and the at least one second sensing electrode in the first mode, it can detect a first input position where the input is detected within the input sensor and define the first region and the second region based on the detected first input position.

[0014] If the input position where the input of the above input device is provided moves from the first input position to a second input position different from the first input position, the sensor controller can reset the first area and the second area in the input sensor based on the second input position.

[0015] The input sensor includes an active area comprising the first area and the second area, and the sensor controller may, in the first mode, set the width of the second direction of the first sensor part to a size of about 20 to 40 percent of the width of the second direction of the active area, and set the width of the first direction of the second sensor part to a size of about 20 to 40 percent of the width of the first direction of the active area.

[0016] An electronic device according to one embodiment comprises a display panel, an input sensor that operates in a first mode for detecting input from an input device and a second mode for detecting input by touch from a user, and, based on an input location where the input from the input device is provided, has a first area adjacent to the input location and a second area not adjacent to the input location defined, and a sensor controller connected to the input sensor. In the first mode, the input sensor includes a first sensor part extending in a first direction within the first area, a second sensor part extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction within the first area, and a compensation part disposed in the second area. The sensor controller provides a first signal to the first sensor part and the second sensor part and provides a second signal having an inverse phase of the first signal to the compensation part. Effects of the invention

[0017] According to the present invention, flicker caused by data signals and uplink signals colliding (or interfering) with each other is eliminated or reduced, and image quality can be improved.

[0018] An electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention can eliminate or reduce flicker phenomena by varying the phase of the signal provided to the area where the input of the input device is applied and the area where the input is not applied at the input sensor. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0019] FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2 are perspective views illustrating an electronic device and an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an electronic device and an input device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 4a and FIGS. 4b are cross-sectional views of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a display panel and a display controller according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 7a and FIGS. 7b are conceptual diagrams illustrating the operation of a first mode and a second mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an input sensor and a sensor controller according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 9a and FIGS. 9b are drawings illustrating an input sensor operating in a first mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating an input sensor operating in a second mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 11a and FIGS. 11b are plan views illustrating an input sensor in a first mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a plan view illustrating an input sensor in a first mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a plan view illustrating an input sensor in a first mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 14 and FIGS. 15 are plan views illustrating an input sensor in a second mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0020] In this specification, where a component (or region, layer, part, etc.) is described as being “on,” “connected,” or “joined” another component, it means that it may be directly placed / connected / joined on the other component, or that a third component may be placed between them.

[0021] Identical reference numerals denote identical components. Additionally, in the drawings, the thicknesses, proportions, and dimensions of components are exaggerated for the effective illustration of the technical content. “And / or” includes all one or more combinations that the associated components may define.

[0022] Terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, but said components should not be limited by said terms. These terms are used solely for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be named the second component, and similarly, the second component may be named the first component. A singular expression includes a plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0023] Additionally, terms such as “below,” “lower,” “above,” and “upper” are used to describe the relationships between the components depicted in the drawings. These terms are relative concepts and are described based on the directions indicated in the drawings.

[0024] Terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to specify the existence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0025] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Furthermore, terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an overly ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined herein.

[0026] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an electronic device and an input device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Referring to FIG. 1, the electronic device (1000) may be a device that is activated by an electrical signal. For example, the electronic device (1000) may be a mobile phone, a tablet, a car navigation system, a game console, or a wearable device, but is not limited thereto. FIG. 1 illustrates the electronic device (1000) as a mobile phone as an example.

[0029] An active area (1000A) and a peripheral area (1000NA) may be defined in the electronic device (1000). The electronic device (1000) may display an image through the active area (1000A). The active area (1000A) may include a surface defined by a first direction (DR1) and a second direction (DR2). The peripheral area (1000NA) may surround the periphery of the active area (1000A).

[0030] The thickness direction of the electronic device (1000) may be parallel to a third direction (DR3) that intersects the first direction (DR1) and the second direction (DR2). Accordingly, the front (or top) and back (or bottom) surfaces of the components constituting the electronic device (1000) may be defined based on the third direction (DR3).

[0031] The electronic device (1000) can detect inputs applied from outside the electronic device (1000). The external inputs may include various forms of external inputs, such as parts of the user's body, light, heat, or pressure. The external inputs may be referred to as second inputs.

[0032] The electronic device (1000) illustrated in FIG. 1 can detect input by touch of a user and input by an input device (2000). The input device (2000) may refer to a device other than the user's body. Input by the input device (2000) may be referred to as the first input. For example, the input device (2000) may be an active pen, a stylus pen, a touch pen, or an electronic pen. Below, the case where the input device (2000) is an active pen will be described as an example.

[0033] The electronic device (1000) and the input device (2000) may be capable of bidirectional communication. The electronic device (1000) may provide an uplink signal to the input device (2000). For example, the uplink signal may include a synchronization signal or information of the electronic device (1000), but is not specifically limited thereto. The input device (2000) may provide a downlink signal to the electronic device (1000). The downlink signal may include a synchronization signal or status information of the input device (2000). For example, the downlink signal may include coordinate information of the input device (2000), battery information of the input device (2000), tilt information of the input device (2000), and / or various information stored in the input device (2000), but is not specifically limited thereto. The uplink signal and the downlink signal will be described later.

[0034] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an electronic device and an input device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In describing FIG. 2, the same reference numerals are used for components described through FIG. 1, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 2, the electronic device (1000-1) can display an image through an active area (1000A-1). FIG. 2 illustrates the electronic device (1000-1) in a folded state at a predetermined angle. When the electronic device (1000-1) is unfolded, the active area (1000A-1) may include a plane defined by a first direction (DR1) and a second direction (DR2).

[0036] The active area (1000A-1) may include a first active area (1000A1), a second active area (1000A2), and a third active area (1000A3). The first active area (1000A1), the second active area (1000A2), and the third active area (1000A3) may be defined sequentially in a first direction (DR1). The second active area (1000A2) may be bent with respect to a folding axis (1000FX) extending along the second direction (DR2). Accordingly, the first active area (1000A1) and the third active area (1000A3) may be referred to as non-folding areas, and the second active area (1000A2) may be referred to as a folding area.

[0037] When the electronic device (1000-1) is folded, the first active area (1000A1) and the third active area (1000A3) may face each other. Therefore, in a fully folded state, the active area (1000A-1) may not be exposed to the outside, which may be referred to as in-folding. However, this is exemplary and the operation of the electronic device (1000-1) is not limited thereto.

[0038] For example, in one embodiment of the present invention, when the electronic device (1000-1) is folded, the first active region (1000A1) and the third active region (1000A3) may be opposite each other. Thus, in the folded state, the active region (1000A-1) may be exposed to the outside, which may be referred to as out-folding.

[0039] The electronic device (1000-1) may be capable of only one of in-folding or out-folding operations. Alternatively, the electronic device (1000-1) may be capable of both in-folding and out-folding operations. In this case, the same area of ​​the electronic device (1000-1), for example, the second active area (1000A2), may be in-folded and out-folded.

[0040] In FIG. 2, one folding region and two non-folding regions are illustrated as examples, but the number of folding regions and non-folding regions is not limited thereto. For example, the electronic device (1000-1) may include more than two non-folding regions and multiple folding regions arranged between adjacent non-folding regions.

[0041] In FIG. 2, the folding axis (1000FX) is exemplarily shown as being extended in a second direction (DR2), but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the folding axis (1000FX) may be extended along a direction parallel to the first direction (DR1). In this case, the first active area (1000A1), the second active area (1000A2), and the third active area (1000A3) may be arranged sequentially along the second direction (DR2).

[0042] The active area (1000A-1) may overlap with at least one electronic module. For example, the electronic modules may include a camera module and a proximity light sensor. The electronic modules may receive an external input transmitted through the active area (1000A-1) or provide an output through the active area (1000A-1). A portion of the active area (1000A-1) that overlaps with the camera module and the proximity light sensor may have a higher transmittance than another portion of the active area (1000A-1). Therefore, it is not necessary to provide an area for multiple electronic modules to be placed in the surrounding area (1000NA-1) around the active area (1000A-1). As a result, the area ratio of the active area (1000A-1) to the front of the electronic device (1000-1) may be increased.

[0043] The electronic device (1000-1) and the input device (2000) may be capable of bidirectional communication. The electronic device (1000-1) may provide an uplink signal to the input device (2000). The input device (2000) may provide a downlink signal to the electronic device (1000-1). The electronic device (1000-1) may detect the location and coordinates of the input device (2000) using the signal provided from the input device (2000).

[0044] FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an electronic device and an input device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 3, the electronic device (1000) may include a display panel (100), an input sensor (200), a display controller (100C), a sensor controller (200C), and a main controller (1000C).

[0046] The display panel (100) may be a configuration that substantially generates an image. The display panel (100) may be a light-emitting display panel, for example, the display panel (100) may be an organic light-emitting display panel, a quantum dot display panel, a micro LED display panel, or a nano LED display panel.

[0047] The input sensor (200) may be placed on the display panel (100). The input sensor (200) may detect an external input applied from the outside. The input sensor (200) may detect a first input by the input device (2000) and a second input by the user's body (3000).

[0048] The main controller (1000C) can control the overall operation of the electronic device (1000). For example, the main controller (1000C) can control the operation of the display controller (100C) and the sensor controller (200C). The main controller (1000C) may include at least one microprocessor, and the main controller (1000C) may be referred to as a host.

[0049] The display controller (100C) can control the display panel (100). The main controller (1000C) may further include a graphics controller. The display controller (100C) can receive image data (RGB) and a control signal (D-CS) from the main controller (1000C). The control signal (D-CS) may include various signals. For example, the control signal (D-CS) may include an input vertical synchronization signal, an input horizontal synchronization signal, a main clock, and a data enable signal. Based on the control signal (D-CS), the display controller (100C) can generate a vertical synchronization signal and a horizontal synchronization signal to control the timing of providing signals to the display panel (100).

[0050] The sensor controller (200C) can control the input sensor (200). The sensor controller (200C) can receive a control signal (I-CS) from the main controller (1000C). The control signal (I-CS) may include a mode determination signal and a clock signal that determine the driving mode of the sensor controller (200C). Based on the control signal (I-CS), the sensor controller (200C) can operate in a first mode that detects a first input by the input device (2000) or in a second mode that detects a second input by the user's body (3000). That is, the input sensor (sensor controller (200C)) can control the input sensor (200) in the first mode or the second mode to be described later based on the mode determination signal.

[0051] The sensor controller (200C) can calculate coordinate information in which the input position of the first input or the second input is expressed as coordinates based on a signal received from the input sensor (200), and provide a coordinate signal (I-SS) having the coordinate information to the main controller (1000C). The main controller (1000C) executes an operation corresponding to the user input based on the coordinate signal (I-SS). For example, the main controller (1000C) can operate the display controller (100C) based on the coordinate signal (I-SS) so that a new application image is displayed on the display panel (100).

[0052] The input device (2000) may include a housing (2100), a power supply (2200), a controller (2300), a communication module (2400), and a pen electrode (2500). However, the components constituting the input device (2000) are not limited to the components listed above. For example, the input device (2000) may further include an electrode switch for switching between a signal transmission mode and a signal reception mode, a pressure sensor for detecting pressure, a memory for storing certain information, or a rotation sensor for detecting rotation.

[0053] The housing (2100) may have a pen shape and may have a receiving space formed inside. A power supply (2200), a controller (2300), a communication module (2400), and a pen electrode (2500) may be housed in the receiving space defined inside the housing (2100).

[0054] The power supply (2200) can supply power to the controller (2300), communication module (2400), etc. inside the input device (2000). The power supply (2200) may include a battery or a high-capacity capacitor.

[0055] The controller (2300) can control the operation of the input device (2000). The controller (2300) may be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The controller (2300) may be configured to operate according to a designed program.

[0056] The communication module (2400) may include a transmitting circuit (2410) and a receiving circuit (2420). The transmitting circuit (2410) may output a downlink signal (DLS) to an input sensor (200). The receiving circuit (2420) may receive an uplink signal (ULS) provided by the input sensor (200). The transmitting circuit (2410) may receive a signal provided by the controller (2300) and modulate it into a signal that can be sensed by the input sensor (200), and the receiving circuit (2420) may modulate the signal provided by the input sensor (200) into a signal that can be processed by the controller (2300).

[0057] The pen electrode (2500) may be electrically connected to the communication module (2400). A portion of the pen electrode (2500) may protrude from the housing (2100). Alternatively, the input device (2000) may further include a cover housing that covers the pen electrode (2500) exposed from the housing (2100). Alternatively, the pen electrode (2500) may be embedded inside the housing (2100).

[0058] FIG. 4a is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0059] Referring to FIG. 4a, the electronic device (1000) may include a display panel (100) and an input sensor (200). The display panel (100) may include a base layer (110), a circuit layer (120), a light-emitting element layer (130), and an encapsulation layer (140).

[0060] The base layer (110) may be a member that provides a base surface on which the circuit layer (120) is disposed. The base layer (110) may be a glass substrate, a metal substrate, or a polymer substrate. However, the embodiments are not limited thereto, and the base layer (110) may be an inorganic layer, an organic layer, or a composite material layer.

[0061] The base layer (110) may have a multilayer structure. For example, the base layer (110) may include a first synthetic resin layer, a silicon oxide (SiOx) layer disposed on the first synthetic resin layer, an amorphous silicon (a-Si) layer disposed on the silicon oxide layer, and a second synthetic resin layer disposed on the amorphous silicon layer. The silicon oxide layer and the amorphous silicon layer may be referred to as base barrier layers.

[0062] Each of the first and second synthetic resin layers may comprise a polyimide-based resin. Additionally, each of the first and second synthetic resin layers may comprise at least one of an acrylate-based resin, a methacrylate-based resin, a polyisoprene-based resin, a vinyl-based resin, an epoxy-based resin, a urethane-based resin, a cellulose-based resin, a siloxane-based resin, a polyamide-based resin, and a perylene-based resin. Meanwhile, in this specification, "~~"-based resin means that it comprises a functional group of "~~".

[0063] A circuit layer (120) may be placed on a base layer (110). The circuit layer (120) may include an insulating layer, a semiconductor pattern, a conductive pattern, and a signal line, etc. An insulating layer, a semiconductor layer, and a conductive layer are formed on the base layer (110) by means such as coating or deposition, and subsequently, the insulating layer, the semiconductor layer, and the conductive layer may be selectively patterned through a plurality of photolithography processes. After that, the semiconductor pattern, the conductive pattern, and the signal line included in the circuit layer (120) may be formed.

[0064] The light-emitting element layer (130) may be disposed on the circuit layer (120). The light-emitting element layer (130) may include a light-emitting element. For example, the light-emitting element layer (130) may include an organic light-emitting material, a quantum dot, a quantum rod, a micro LED, or a nano LED.

[0065] The encapsulation layer (140) can be placed on the light-emitting element layer (130). The encapsulation layer (140) can protect the light-emitting element layer (130) from foreign substances such as moisture, oxygen, and dust particles.

[0066] The input sensor (200) can be formed on the display panel (100) through a continuous process. In this case, the input sensor (200) may be described as being placed directly on the display panel (100). Being placed directly may mean that no third component is placed between the input sensor (200) and the display panel (100). That is, a separate adhesive member may not be placed between the input sensor (200) and the display panel (100). Alternatively, the input sensor (200) may be joined to the display panel (100) through an adhesive member. The adhesive member may include a conventional adhesive or a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

[0067] FIG. 4b is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 4b, the electronic device (1000-1) may include a display panel (100-1) and an input sensor (200-1). The display panel (100-1) may include a base substrate (110-1), a circuit layer (120-1), a light-emitting element layer (130-1), an encapsulation substrate (140-1), and a coupling member (150-1).

[0069] The base substrate (110-1) and the encapsulation substrate (140-1) may each be a glass substrate, a metal substrate, or a polymer substrate, but are not specifically limited thereto.

[0070] A bonding member (150-1) may be disposed between a base substrate (110-1) and an encapsulation substrate (140-1). The bonding member (150-1) may bond the encapsulation substrate (140-1) to the base substrate (110-1) or the circuit layer (120-1). The bonding member (150-1) may include an inorganic or organic material. For example, the inorganic material may include a frit seal, and the organic material may include a photocurable resin or a photoplastic resin. However, the material constituting the bonding member (150-1) is not limited to the above examples.

[0071] The input sensor (200-1) may be placed directly on the encapsulation substrate (140-1). Being placed directly means that no third component is placed between the input sensor (200-1) and the encapsulation substrate (140-1). That is, a separate adhesive member may not be placed between the input sensor (200-1) and the display panel (100-1). However, this is not limited thereto, and an adhesive layer may be further placed between the input sensor (200-1) and the encapsulation substrate (140-1).

[0072] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In describing FIG. 5, the same reference numerals are used for the components described through FIG. 4a, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0073] Referring to FIG. 5, at least one inorganic layer may be formed on the upper surface of the base layer (110). The inorganic layer may include at least one of aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, and hafnium oxide. The inorganic layer may be formed in multiple layers. The multiple inorganic layers may constitute a barrier layer and / or a buffer layer. In this embodiment, the display panel (100) is shown to include a buffer layer (BFL).

[0074] The buffer layer (BFL) can improve the bonding strength between the base layer (110) and the semiconductor pattern. The buffer layer (BFL) may include a silicon oxide layer and a silicon nitride layer, and the silicon oxide layer and the silicon nitride layer may be stacked alternately.

[0075] A semiconductor pattern may be placed on a buffer layer (BFL). The semiconductor pattern may include polysilicon. However, it is not limited thereto, and the semiconductor pattern may include amorphous silicon, low-molecular-weight silicon, or oxide semiconductor.

[0076] FIG. 5 illustrates only a portion of the semiconductor pattern, and additional semiconductor patterns may be placed in other areas. The semiconductor pattern may be arranged according to a specific rule across the pixels. The electrical properties of the semiconductor pattern may differ depending on whether it is doped. The semiconductor pattern may include a first region with high conductivity and a second region with low conductivity. The first region may be doped with an N-type dopant or a P-type dopant. A P-type transistor may include a doped region doped with a P-type dopant, and an N-type transistor may include a doped region doped with an N-type dopant. The second region may be an undoped region or may be doped at a lower concentration compared to the first region.

[0077] The conductivity of the first region is greater than that of the second region and can substantially function as an electrode or signal line. The second region can substantially correspond to the active (or channel) of the transistor. In other words, a part of the semiconductor pattern may be the active of the transistor, another part may be the source or drain of the transistor, and yet another part may be a connecting electrode or a connecting signal line.

[0078] Each pixel may have an equivalent circuit including seven transistors, one capacitor, and a light-emitting element, and the equivalent circuit of the pixel may be modified in various forms. In FIG. 5, one transistor (100PC) and a light-emitting element (100PE) included in the pixel are illustrated as examples.

[0079] The transistor (100PC) may include a source (SC1), an active (A1), a drain (D1), and a gate (G1). The source (SC1), the active (A1), and the drain (D1) may be formed from a semiconductor pattern. The source (SC1) and the drain (D1) may extend in opposite directions from the active (A1) in a cross-section. FIG. 5 illustrates a portion of a connection signal line (SCL) formed from a semiconductor pattern. Although not separately illustrated, the connection signal line (SCL) may be electrically connected to the drain (D1) of the transistor (100PC) in a planar plane.

[0080] The first insulating layer (10) may be placed on the buffer layer (BFL). The first insulating layer (10) may overlap in common with a plurality of pixels and cover a semiconductor pattern. The first insulating layer (10) may be an inorganic layer and / or an organic layer and may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure. The first insulating layer (10) may include at least one of aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, and hafnium oxide. In this embodiment, the first insulating layer (10) may be a single-layer silicon oxide layer. The insulating layer of the circuit layer (120) described below, as well as the first insulating layer (10), may be an inorganic layer and / or an organic layer and may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure. The inorganic layer may include at least one of the materials described above, but is not limited thereto.

[0081] The gate (G1) is placed on the first insulating layer (10). The gate (G1) may be part of a metal pattern. The gate (G1) overlaps the active (AL). In the process of doping the semiconductor pattern, the gate (G1) may function as a mask.

[0082] The second insulating layer (20) is disposed on the first insulating layer (10) and can cover the gate (G1). The second insulating layer (20) can overlap the pixels in common. The second insulating layer (20) may be an inorganic layer and / or an organic layer and may have a single layer or a multilayer structure. The second insulating layer (20) may include at least one of silicon oxide, silicon nitride, and silicon oxynitride. In this embodiment, the second insulating layer (20) may have a multilayer structure including a silicon oxide layer and a silicon nitride layer.

[0083] A third insulating layer (30) may be placed on top of a second insulating layer (20). The third insulating layer (30) may have a single layer or a multilayer structure. For example, the third insulating layer (30) may have a multilayer structure including a silicon oxide layer and a silicon nitride layer.

[0084] The first connecting electrode (CNE1) can be placed on the third insulating layer (30). The first connecting electrode (CNE1) can be connected to a connecting signal line (SCL) through a contact hole (CNT-1) penetrating the first, second, and third insulating layers (10, 20, 30).

[0085] The fourth insulating layer (40) may be placed on the third insulating layer (30). The fourth insulating layer (40) may be a single layer of silicon oxide. The fifth insulating layer (50) may be placed on the fourth insulating layer (40). The fifth insulating layer (50) may be an organic layer.

[0086] The second connecting electrode (CNE2) can be placed on the fifth insulating layer (50). The second connecting electrode (CNE2) can be connected to the first connecting electrode (CNE1) through a contact hole (CNT-2) that penetrates the fourth insulating layer (40) and the fifth insulating layer (50).

[0087] The sixth insulating layer (60) is placed on the fifth insulating layer (50) and can cover the second connecting electrode (CNE2). The sixth insulating layer (60) may be an organic layer.

[0088] A light-emitting element layer (130) may be disposed on a circuit layer (120). The light-emitting element layer (130) may include a light-emitting element (100PE). For example, the light-emitting element layer (130) may include an organic light-emitting material, a quantum dot, a quantum rod, a micro LED, or a nano LED. In the following description, the light-emitting element (100PE) is described as an example of being an organic light-emitting element, but is not particularly limited thereto.

[0089] The light-emitting element (100PE) may include a first electrode (AE), a light-emitting layer (EL), and a second electrode (CE). The first electrode (AE) may be placed on the sixth insulating layer (60). The first electrode (AE) may be connected to the second connecting electrode (CNE2) through a contact hole (CNT-3) penetrating the sixth insulating layer (60).

[0090] The pixel defining film (70) is placed on the sixth insulating layer (60) and can cover a portion of the first electrode (AE). An opening (70-OP) is defined in the pixel defining film (70). The opening (70-OP) of the pixel defining film (70) exposes at least a portion of the first electrode (AE).

[0091] The active region (1000A, see FIG. 1) may include a light-emitting region (PXA) and a non-light-emitting region (NPXA) adjacent to the light-emitting region (PXA). The non-light-emitting region (NPXA) may surround the light-emitting region (PXA). In this embodiment, the light-emitting region (PXA) is defined to correspond to a portion of the first electrode (AE) exposed by the opening (70-OP).

[0092] The light-emitting layer (EL) can be placed on the first electrode (AE). The light-emitting layer (EL) can be placed in an area corresponding to the opening (70-OP). That is, the light-emitting layer (EL) can be formed separately for each pixel. When the light-emitting layer (EL) is formed separately for each pixel, each of the light-emitting layers (EL) can emit light of at least one color among blue, red, and green. However, it is not limited thereto, and the light-emitting layer (EL) may be connected to the pixels and provided in common. In this case, the light-emitting layer (EL) may provide blue light or white light.

[0093] The second electrode (CE) can be placed on the light-emitting layer (EL). The second electrode (CE) has a single shape and can be placed commonly on a plurality of pixels.

[0094] Although not shown, a hole control layer may be disposed between the first electrode (AE) and the light-emitting layer (EL). The hole control layer may be disposed in common in the light-emitting region (PXA) and the non-light-emitting region (NPXA). The hole control layer includes a hole transport layer and may further include a hole injection layer. An electronic control layer may be disposed between the light-emitting layer (EL) and the second electrode (CE). The electronic control layer includes an electron transport layer and may further include an electron injection layer. The hole control layer and the electronic control layer may be formed in common across a plurality of pixels using an open mask.

[0095] The encapsulation layer (140) may be disposed on the light-emitting element layer (130). The encapsulation layer (140) may include sequentially stacked inorganic layers, organic layers, and inorganic layers, but the layers constituting the encapsulation layer (140) are not limited thereto.

[0096] Inorganic layers can protect the light-emitting element layer (130) from moisture and oxygen, and organic layers can protect the light-emitting element layer (130) from foreign substances such as dust particles. Inorganic layers may include a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, or an aluminum oxide layer. Organic layers may include an acrylic-based organic layer, but are not limited thereto.

[0097] The input sensor (200) can be formed on the display panel (100) through a continuous process. In this case, the input sensor (200) may be described as being placed directly on the display panel (100). Being placed directly may mean that no third component is placed between the input sensor (200) and the display panel (100). That is, a separate adhesive member may not be placed between the input sensor (200) and the display panel (100). Alternatively, the input sensor (200) may be bonded to the display panel (100) through an adhesive member. The adhesive member may include a conventional adhesive or a pressure-sensitive adhesive.

[0098] The input sensor (200) may include a base insulating layer (201), a first conductive layer (202), a sensing insulating layer (203), a second conductive layer (204), and a cover insulating layer (205).

[0099] The base insulating layer (201) may be an inorganic layer comprising at least one of silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, and silicon oxide. Alternatively, the base insulating layer (201) may be an organic layer comprising epoxy resin, acrylic resin, or imide-based resin. The base insulating layer (201) may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure stacked along the third direction (DR3).

[0100] Each of the first conductive layer (202) and the second conductive layer (204) may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure stacked along the third direction (DR3).

[0101] The single-layer conductive layer may include a metal layer or a transparent conductive layer. The metal layer may include molybdenum, silver, titanium, copper, aluminum, or alloys thereof. The transparent conductive layer may include a transparent conductive oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), or indium zinc tin oxide (IZTO). Additionally, the transparent conductive layer may include a conductive polymer such as PEDOT, metal nanowires, graphene, etc.

[0102] The conductive layer of the multilayer structure may include metal layers. The metal layers may have a three-layer structure, for example, titanium / aluminum / titanium. The conductive layer of the multilayer structure may include at least one metal layer and at least one transparent conductive layer.

[0103] At least one of the sensing insulating layer (203) and the cover insulating layer (205) may include an inorganic film. The inorganic film may include at least one of aluminum oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide, silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, zirconium oxide, and hafnium oxide.

[0104] At least one of the sensing insulating layer (203) and the cover insulating layer (205) may include an organic film. The organic film may include at least one of an acrylic resin, a methacrylic resin, a polyisoprene, a vinyl resin, an epoxy resin, a urethane resin, a cellulose resin, a siloxane resin, a polyimide resin, a polyamide resin, and a perylene resin.

[0105] Parasitic capacitance (Cb) may occur between the input sensor (200) and the second electrode (CE). As the distance between the input sensor (200) and the second electrode (CE) decreases, the value of the parasitic capacitance (Cb) may increase. As the parasitic capacitance (Cb) increases, the ratio of the change in capacitance to the reference value may decrease. The change in capacitance may refer to the change in capacitance that occurs before and after input by an input means, for example, an input device (2000, see FIG. 3) or a user's body (3000, see FIG. 3).

[0106] A sensor controller (200C, see FIG. 3) that processes a signal detected from an input sensor (200) can perform a leveling operation to remove a value corresponding to parasitic capacitance (Cb) from the detected signal. By the leveling operation, the ratio of the change in capacitance relative to a reference value is increased, thereby improving the sensing sensitivity.

[0107] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a display panel and a display controller according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0108] Referring to FIG. 6, the display panel (100) may include a plurality of scan lines (SL1-SLn), a plurality of data lines (DL1-DLm), and a plurality of pixels (PX). Each of the plurality of pixels (PX) may be connected to a corresponding data line among the plurality of data lines (DL1-DLm) and may be connected to a corresponding scan line among the plurality of scan lines (SL1-SLn). In one embodiment of the present invention, the display panel (100) may further include light emission control lines, and the display controller (100C) may further include a light emission driving circuit that provides control signals to the light emission control lines. The configuration of the display panel (100) is not particularly limited.

[0109] The display controller (100C) may include a signal control circuit (100C1), a scan driving circuit (100C2), and a data driving circuit (100C3).

[0110] The signal control circuit (100C1) can receive image data (RGB) and a control signal (D-CS) from the main controller (1000C, see FIG. 3). The control signal (D-CS) may include various signals. For example, the control signal (D-CS) may include an input vertical synchronization signal, an input horizontal synchronization signal, a main clock, and a data enable signal.

[0111] The signal control circuit (100C1) can generate a first control signal (CONT1) and a vertical synchronization signal (Vsync) based on a control signal (D-CS) and output the first control signal (CONT1) and the vertical synchronization signal (Vsync) to a scan driving circuit (100C2). The vertical synchronization signal (Vsync) may be included in the first control signal (CONT1).

[0112] The signal control circuit (100C1) can generate a second control signal (CONT2) and a horizontal synchronization signal (Hsync) based on the control signal (D-CS), and output the second control signal (CONT2) and the horizontal synchronization signal (Hsync) to the data driving circuit (100C3). The horizontal synchronization signal (Hsync) may be included in the second control signal (CONT2).

[0113] Additionally, the signal control circuit (100C1) can output a data signal (DS) processed from image data (RGB) to the data driving circuit (100C3) according to the operating conditions of the display panel (100). The first control signal (CONT1) and the second control signal (CONT2) are signals required for the operation of the scan driving circuit (100C2) and the data driving circuit (100C3) and are not particularly limited.

[0114] The scan driving circuit (100C2) can drive a plurality of scan lines (SL1-SLn) in response to a first control signal (CONT1) and a vertical synchronization signal (Vsync). In one embodiment of the present invention, the scan driving circuit (100C2) may be formed by the same process as the circuit layer (120, see FIG. 5) within the display panel (100), but is not limited thereto. For example, the scan driving circuit (100C2) may be implemented as an integrated circuit (IC) and mounted directly in a predetermined area of ​​the display panel (100), or mounted on a separate printed circuit board in a chip-on-film (COF) manner and electrically connected to the display panel (100).

[0115] The data driving circuit (100C3) can output grayscale voltages for driving a plurality of data lines (DL1-DLm) in response to a second control signal (CONT2), a horizontal synchronization signal (Hsync), and a data signal (DS) from the signal control circuit (100C1). The data driving circuit (100C3) may be implemented as a direct circuit and mounted directly in a predetermined area of ​​the display panel (100), or mounted on a separate printed circuit board in a chip-on-film manner and electrically connected to the display panel (100), but is not specifically limited. For example, the data driving circuit (100C3) may be formed in the same process as the circuit layer (120, see FIG. 5) within the display panel (100).

[0116] FIGS. 7a and FIGS. 7b are conceptual diagrams illustrating the operation of a first mode and a second mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0117] Referring to FIG. 3 and FIG. 7a, the sensor controller (200C) can operate in a first mode (MD1) that detects a first input by an input device (2000) or in a second mode (MD2) that detects a second input by the user's body (3000).

[0118] The first mode (MD1) may include a first section (PU1) and a second section (PS1). The second section (PS1) may proceed after the first section (PU1). The first section (PU1) may transmit an uplink signal (ULS) or an inverse signal having the inverse phase of the uplink signal (ULS) to the input sensor (200). The inverse signal will be described later. The second section (PS1) may receive a downlink signal (DLS) provided by the input device (2000) through the input sensor (200). The input sensor (200) may detect a first input from the input device (2000) based on the downlink signal (DLS).

[0119] The input device (2000) can provide a downlink signal (DLS) to the sensor controller (200C) during the downlink operation period (DLM).

[0120] The sensor controller (200C) can operate in a second mode (MD2) after the first mode (MD1) is terminated. The first mode (MD1) and the second mode (MD2) can be repeated with each other.

[0121] The second mode (MD2) may include a first section (PU2) and a second section (PS2). The second section (PS2) may proceed after the first section (PU2). The first section (PU2) may transmit an uplink signal (ULS) or the inverse signal to the input sensor (200). The sensor controller (200C) may determine that the second section (PS2) is a section for detecting a second input by the user's body (3000).

[0122] The input device (2000) can provide a response signal for an uplink signal (ULS) to the input sensor (200). When the sensor controller (200C) receives the response signal detected by the input sensor (200) in the first section (PU1, PU2), it can operate in the second section (PS1) of the first mode (MD1). When the sensor controller (200C) does not receive the response signal from the input device (2000) in the first section (PU2), it can operate in the second section (PS2) of the second mode (MD2). Accordingly, the input sensor (200) can periodically monitor whether the input device (2000) is detected and can easily detect the first input by the input device (2000). However, this is exemplary, and the operation of the sensor controller (200C) is not particularly limited.

[0123] FIG. 7b shows the operation process of an input sensor (200) operating in a first mode (MD1) and a second mode (MD2). The operation process described below can be repeated for every frame (FR).

[0124] Referring to FIG. 7b, the sensor controller (200C, see FIG. 3) can provide an uplink signal (ULS) to the first sensing electrodes (210, see FIG. 8) and the second sensing electrodes (220, see FIG. 8) in the second mode (MD2) and the first mode (MD1).

[0125] Through the uplink signal (ULS), the first sensing electrodes (210) and the second sensing electrodes (220) can detect the approach of the input device (2000, see FIG. 3). When the input sensor receives a downlink signal (ACK) from the input device (2000) in response to the uplink signal (ULS), the sensor controller (200C) operates the input sensor (200) in a first mode (MD1), and the input sensor (200) can operate in an input device detection section (IDS) that detects input from the input device (2000). When the downlink signal (ACK) is not received, the input sensor (200) can operate in a second mode (MD2) in a touch detection section (TS) that detects a user's touch.

[0126] In one embodiment, the input device detection section (IDS) may include a position signal detection section (PTS), a data signal detection section (DTS), an input angle detection section (TTS), and a touch signal detection section (MTS).

[0127] The position signal detection section (PTS) may be provided in multiple numbers. In the position signal detection section (PTS), the sensor controller (200C) can continuously detect the input position of the input device (2000).

[0128] The data signal detection section (DTS) can detect various information applied from the input device (2000). For example, in the data signal detection section (DTS), the sensor controller (200C) can detect the magnitude of the pressure applied by the input device (2000) to the first and second sensing electrodes of the input sensor. Multiple data signal detection sections (DTS) may also be provided.

[0129] The input angle detection section (TTS) may correspond to a section for detecting the degree of tilt of the input device (2000) when an input is provided by the input device (2000).

[0130] The touch signal detection interval (MTS) may correspond to a interval for detecting when an unintended touch input is applied in the first mode (MD1). The detected touch input may be removed.

[0131] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an input sensor and a sensor controller according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 8, an input sensor (200) may have an active area (200A) and a peripheral area (200N) defined therein. The active area (200A) may be an area that is activated according to an electrical signal. For example, the active area (200A) may be an area that detects an input. The active area (200A) may correspond to the active area (1000A, FIG. 1) of an electronic device (1000, FIG. 1). The peripheral area (200N) may surround the active area (200A). The peripheral area (200N) may correspond to the peripheral area (1000NA, FIG. 1) of an electronic device (1000, FIG. 1).

[0133] The input sensor (200) may include a plurality of first sensing electrodes (210) and a plurality of second sensing electrodes (220). Each of the plurality of first sensing electrodes (210) extends along a first direction (DR1), and the plurality of first sensing electrodes (210) may be arranged spaced apart from each other in a second direction (DR2). Each of the plurality of second sensing electrodes (220) extends along a second direction (DR2), and the plurality of second sensing electrodes (220) may be arranged spaced apart from each other in a first direction (DR1).

[0134] A plurality of second sensing electrodes (220) may be insulated and intersected with a plurality of first sensing electrodes (210). Each of the plurality of first sensing electrodes (210) and the plurality of second sensing electrodes (220) may have a bar shape or a stripe shape. A plurality of first sensing electrodes (210) and a plurality of second sensing electrodes (220) having such shapes can improve the sensing characteristics of a continuous linear input. However, the shape of each of the plurality of first sensing electrodes (210) and the plurality of second sensing electrodes (220) is not limited thereto.

[0135] The sensor controller (200C) receives a control signal (I-CS) from the main controller (1000C, see FIG. 3) and can provide a coordinate signal (I-SS) to the main controller (1000C, see FIG. 3).

[0136] The sensor controller (200C) may include a sensor control circuit (200C1), a signal generation circuit (200C2), an input detection circuit (200C3), and a switching circuit (200C4). The sensor control circuit (200C1), the signal generation circuit (200C2), and the input detection circuit (200C3) may be implemented within a single chip, or some of the sensor control circuit (200C1), the signal generation circuit (200C2), and the input detection circuit (200C3) and others may be implemented within different chips.

[0137] The sensor control circuit (200C1) controls the operation of the signal generation circuit (200C2) and the switching circuit (200C4), calculates the coordinates of an external input from a driving signal received from the input detection circuit (200C3), or analyzes information transmitted from an input device (2000, see FIG. 3) from a modulation signal received from the input detection circuit (200C3). The sensor control circuit (200C1) can define the active area (200A) of the input sensor (200) into a plurality of areas. The plurality of areas can be defined based on an input location (or coordinate) where the input of the input device (2000, see FIG. 3) is provided.

[0138] The sensor control circuit (200C1) may provide an uplink signal (ULS, see FIG. 3) to some of the plurality of regions and provide a reverse phase signal having the reverse phase of the uplink signal (ULS, see FIG. 3) to some of the remaining regions. In this specification, the uplink signal (ULS) may be referred to as the first signal, and the reverse phase signal may be referred to as the second signal.

[0139] The signal generation circuit (200C2) can provide an output signal (or driving signal) referred to as a TX signal to the input sensor (200). The signal generation circuit (200C2) can output an output signal corresponding to the operating mode to the input sensor (200).

[0140] The input detection circuit (200C3) can convert an analog signal, referred to as an RX signal (or detection signal), received from the input sensor (200) into a digital signal. The input detection circuit (200C3) can amplify the received analog signal and then filter it. The input detection circuit (200C3) can then convert the filtered signal into a digital signal.

[0141] The switching circuit (200C4) can selectively control the electrical connection relationship between the input sensor (200) and the signal generation circuit (200C2) and / or the input detection circuit (200C3) according to the control of the sensor control circuit (200C1). The switching circuit (200C4) can connect one group of a plurality of first sensing electrodes (210) and a plurality of second sensing electrodes (220) to the signal generation circuit (200C2) according to the control of the sensor control circuit (200C1), or connect each of the plurality of first sensing electrodes (210) and the plurality of second sensing electrodes (220) to the signal generation circuit (200C2). Alternatively, the switching circuit (200C4) can connect one group or all of the plurality of first sensing electrodes (210) and the plurality of second sensing electrodes (220) to the input detection circuit (200C3).

[0142] FIGS. 9a and FIGS. 9b are drawings illustrating an input sensor operating in a first mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0143] Referring to FIGS. 8, FIGS. 9a, and FIGS. 9b, a portion of one first sensing electrode (210) and a portion of one second sensing electrode (220) can be defined as one sensing unit (200U). In FIGS. 9a and FIGS. 9b, one sensing unit (200U) is illustrated in enlarged detail.

[0144] The second sensing electrode (220) may include cross patterns (221) and bridge patterns (222) electrically connected to the cross patterns (221). The cross patterns (221) may be spaced apart with the first sensing electrode (210) in between. The bridge patterns (222) may overlap with the first sensing electrode (210), and the bridge patterns (222) may be insulated from the first sensing electrode (210).

[0145] The cross patterns (221) and the first sensing electrode (210) may be placed on the same layer as each other, and the bridge patterns (222) may be placed on a different layer from the cross patterns (221) and the first sensing electrode (210). For example, the cross patterns (221) and the first sensing electrode (210) may be included in the second conductive layer (204, see FIG. 5), and the bridge patterns (222) may be included in the first conductive layer (202, see FIG. 5), and this structure may be referred to as a bottom bridge structure. However, the present invention is not particularly limited thereto. For example, the cross patterns (221) and the first sensing electrode (210) may be included in the first conductive layer (202, see FIG. 5), and the bridge patterns (222) may be included in the second conductive layer (204, see FIG. 5), and this structure may be referred to as a top bridge structure.

[0146] Additionally, the input sensor (200) may further include cross patterns (221) and a dummy pattern (250) placed in an area where the first sensing electrode (210) is not placed. The dummy pattern (250) may be a configuration provided to prevent the first sensing electrode (210) and the second sensing electrode (220) from being visible from the outside, and the dummy pattern (250) may be an electrically floating pattern.

[0147] Each of the cross patterns (221), the first sensing electrode (210), and the dummy pattern (250) may have a mesh structure. In this case, an opening may be defined in each of the cross patterns (221), the first sensing electrode (210), and the dummy pattern (250). However, this is not limited thereto, and each of the cross pattern (221), the first sensing electrode (210), and the dummy pattern (250) may be composed of a transparent conductive electrode.

[0148] The first mode (MD1, see FIG. 7a) may be a mode in which an electronic device (1000, see FIG. 1) and an input device (2000, see FIG. 1) transmit and receive data to and from each other. The operation illustrated in FIG. 9a may be an operation in which an uplink signal is provided from the electronic device (1000, see FIG. 1) to the input device (2000, see FIG. 1).

[0149] Referring to FIG. 9a, the first sensing electrode (210) and the second sensing electrode (220) are each illustrated as being utilized as transmission electrodes to provide uplink signals (S1a, S1b) provided from the sensor controller (200C) to the input device (2000, see FIG. 1), but are not specifically limited thereto. For example, the first sensing electrode (210) or the second sensing electrode (220) may be utilized as transmission electrodes.

[0150] Referring to FIG. 9b, the first sensing electrode (210) and the second sensing electrode (220) can each be utilized as receiving electrodes to transmit sensing signals (S2a, S2b) derived from an input device (2000, see FIG. 1) to a sensor controller (200C). The sensor controller (200C) can receive a first sensing signal (S2a) from the first sensing electrode (210) and receive a second sensing signal (S2b) from the second sensing electrode (220).

[0151] FIG. 10 is a drawing illustrating an input sensor operating in a second mode according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0152] Referring to FIGS. 8 and FIGS. 10, in the second mode (MD2, see FIG. 7a), the sensor controller (200C) can detect a second input by the user's body (3000, see FIG. 3). In the second mode (MD2, see FIG. 7a), the sensor controller (200C) can detect an external input by detecting a change in the mutual capacitance formed between the first sensing electrode (210) and the second sensing electrode (220).

[0153] The sensor controller (200C) provides an output signal (S3) to the first sensing electrode (210), and the sensor controller (200C) can receive a sensing signal (S4) from the second sensing electrode (220). That is, in the second mode (MD2, see FIG. 7a), the first sensing electrode (210) can function as a transmitting electrode, and the second sensing electrode (220) can function as a receiving electrode. However, it is not particularly limited thereto. For example, the first sensing electrode (210) can function as a receiving electrode, and the second sensing electrode (220) can function as a transmitting electrode.

[0154] FIGS. 11a and FIGS. 11b are plan views illustrating an input sensor in a first mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is a plan view illustrating an input sensor in a first mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a plan view illustrating an input sensor in a first mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the first mode, the input sensor (200) can operate to detect an input device (2000).

[0155] FIG. 11a is a drawing showing only the first sensor part of the input sensor in a first mode according to one embodiment. FIG. 11b is a drawing showing only the second sensor part of the input sensor in a first mode according to one embodiment. FIG. 12 is a drawing showing the input sensor in a first mode according to one embodiment. FIG. 12 shows both the first sensor part of FIG. 11a and the second sensor part of FIG. 11b.

[0156] The input sensor (200) may include a base insulating layer (201), a plurality of first sensing electrodes (210), a plurality of second sensing electrodes (220), a plurality of wirings (230), and a plurality of pads (240).

[0157] Referring to FIGS. 11a through 13, a plurality of first sensing electrodes (210) and a plurality of second sensing electrodes (220) may be disposed in an active area (200A). A plurality of wirings (230) and a plurality of pads (240) may be disposed in a peripheral area (200N).

[0158] Each of the plurality of first sensing electrodes (210) and the plurality of second sensing electrodes (220) can be electrically connected to a corresponding wire among the plurality of wires (230).

[0159] In FIGS. 11a to 13, a single routing structure is illustrated as an example in which one wiring (230) is connected to one first sensing electrode (210) and one wiring (230) is connected to one second sensing electrode (220), but it is not particularly limited thereto. For example, two wirings (230) may be connected to each of the plurality of second sensing electrodes (220). Alternatively, two wirings (230) may be connected to each of the plurality of first sensing electrodes (210), and two wirings (230) may be connected to each of the plurality of second sensing electrodes (220).

[0160] A plurality of pads (240) may each be electrically connected to a plurality of wires (230). Through the plurality of pads (240), the input sensor (200) may be electrically connected to the sensor controller (200C). However, this is exemplary, and the plurality of pads (240) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be placed on a display panel (100). In this case, the plurality of wires (230) may be electrically connected to the plurality of pads (240) through contact holes.

[0161] In one embodiment, the sensor controller (200C) may generate a first signal (PPS) having a positive phase and a second signal (APS) having an inverse phase of the first signal (PPS). The first signal (PPS) may be referred to as a normal signal, and the second signal (APS) as an inverse signal. That is, the second signal (APS) may have a phase difference of 180 degrees from the first signal (PPS). For example, the first signal (PPS) may have a positive phase, and the second signal (APS) may have a negative phase. The strength of the second signal (APS) may be the same as the strength of the first signal (PPS). Here, the first signal (PPS) may be the uplink signals (S1a, S1b) of FIG. 9a.

[0162] FIG. 11a independently illustrates the first sensor unit (214) placed in the first area (AA1) of FIG. 12, and FIG. 11b independently illustrates the second sensor unit (224) placed in the first area (AA1) of FIG. 12.

[0163] Referring to FIGS. 11a through 12, when the input device (2000) is placed at the first input position (CP1) in the first mode (MD1, see FIG. 7a), the input sensor (200) can detect the coordinates of the first input position (CP1). The sensor controller (200C) can define a first area (AA1) based on the first input position (CP1). The first area (AA1) can be defined as an area adjacent to the first input position (CP1). The second area (AA2) can be defined as an area not adjacent to the first input position (CP1). The first area (AA1) can be surrounded by the second area (AA2). The first area (AA1) can overlap with the first input position (CP1). The first area (AA1) may be a part of the active area (200A). A first sensor unit (214) and a second sensor unit (224) may be disposed in the first area (AA1). A compensation unit (212, 223) may be disposed in the second area (AA2).

[0164] A first signal (PPS) may be applied to the first area (AA1), and a second signal (APS) may be applied to the second area (AA2). That is, in one embodiment of the present invention, the sensor controller (200C) determines the first area (AA1) based on the first input position (CP1) of the input device (2000), and can provide the first signal (PPS) to the first sensor unit (214) and the second sensor unit (224) placed in the first area (AA1).

[0165] In FIG. 11a, at least one of the plurality of first sensing electrodes (210) may form a first sensor unit (214). Among the plurality of first sensing electrodes (210), the remaining first sensing electrodes excluding the at least one first sensing electrode may form a first compensation unit (212). The first sensor unit (214) may be placed in a first area (AA1-1). The first compensation unit (212) may be placed in a second area (AA2-1). The first area (AA1-1) is determined based on a first input position (CP1) indicated by an input device (2000). That is, the first area (AA1-1) may be defined to be adjacent to the first input position (CP1). The second area (AA2-1) may be defined in an active area (200A) excluding the first area (AA1-1). The second area (AA2-1) may surround the first area (AA1-1) and be provided in multiple numbers. The first compensation unit (212) may be provided in multiple numbers and each may be placed in the multiple second areas (AA2-1). The multiple first compensation units (212) may be spaced apart from each other with the first sensor unit (214) in between.

[0166] The sensor controller (200C) can provide a first signal (PPS) to the first sensor unit (214) and a second signal (APS) to the first compensation unit (212).

[0167] The area of ​​the first region (AA1-1) can be determined to be an area corresponding to about 20 percent to about 40 percent of the area of ​​the active region (200A). That is, the sensor controller (200C) can set the width (WT1) of the second direction (DR2) of the first sensor unit (214) placed in the first region (AA1-1) to a size of about 20 percent to about 40 percent of the width (HWT1) of the second direction (DR2) of the active region (200A).

[0168] In FIG. 11b, at least one of the plurality of second sensing electrodes (220) may form a second sensor unit (224). Among the plurality of second sensing electrodes (220), the remaining second sensing electrodes excluding the at least one second sensing electrode may form a second compensation unit (223). The second sensor unit (224) may be placed in a first area (AA1-2). The second compensation unit (223) may be placed in a second area (AA2-2). The first area (AA1-2) is determined based on a first input position (CP1) indicated by the input device (2000). That is, the first area (AA1-2) may be defined to be adjacent to the first input position (CP1). The second area (AA2-2) may be defined in an active area (200A) excluding the first area (AA1-2). The second area (AA2-2) may surround the first area (AA1-2) and be provided in multiple numbers. The second compensation unit (223) may be provided in multiple numbers and placed in each of the multiple second areas (AA2-2). The multiple second compensation units (223) may be spaced apart from each other with the first sensor unit (214) in between.

[0169] The sensor controller (200C) can provide a first signal (PPS) to the second sensor unit (224) and a second signal (APS) to the second compensation unit (223).

[0170] The area of ​​the first region (AA1-2) can be determined to be an area corresponding to about 20 percent to about 40 percent of the area of ​​the active region (200A). That is, the sensor controller (200C) can set the width (WT2) of the first direction (DR1) of the second sensor unit (224) placed in the first region (AA1-2) to a size of about 20 percent to about 40 percent of the width (HWT2) of the first direction (DR1) of the active region (200A).

[0171] In FIG. 12, the sensor controller (200C) may define a second area (AA2) based on a first area (AA1). The second area (AA2) may be adjacent to the first area (AA1). The second area (AA2) may not overlap with the first area (AA1). The second area (AA2) may be the remaining area of ​​the active area (200A) excluding the first area (AA1).

[0172] The first area (AA1) may include a first area (AA1-1) in a first direction (DR1) and a first area (AA1-2) in a second direction (DR2), which are determined adjacently to each other with respect to the input position (CP1) of the input device (2000). In the first area (AA1), a first sensor unit (214) and a second sensor unit (224) may be arranged to intersect each other with respect to the first input position (CP1).

[0173] The first sensor unit (214) may be determined to have an area of ​​approximately 20 to 40 percent of the total active area (200A), and the second sensor unit (224) may also be determined to have an area of ​​approximately 20 to 40 percent of the total active area (200A). Accordingly, the sensor controller (200C) may determine the area occupied by the first area (AA1) including the first sensor unit (214) and the second sensor unit (224) to be approximately 40 to 60 percent of the total active area (200A), and preferably to have an area of ​​approximately 50 percent. That is, the ratio of the area occupied by the first area (AA1) and the area occupied by the second area (AA2) in the input sensor (200) may be set to 5:5, 6:4, or 4:6.

[0174] The first region (AA1) corresponds to half of the active region (200A), and the remaining half region can be determined as the second region (AA2). The second region (AA2) can be determined according to the determined first region (AA1). The second region (AA2) may include a second region (AA2-1) in the first direction (DR1) and a second region (AA2-2) in the second direction (DR2) that are not adjacent to the input location (CP1). The second region (AA2) may be a plurality of regions that surround the first region (AA1) and are spaced apart from each other.

[0175] The compensation unit (212, 223) may be placed in the second area (AA2). The compensation unit (212, 223) may be provided in multiple numbers, and the multiple compensation units (212, 223) may be spaced apart from each other with at least one of the first sensor unit (214) and the second sensor unit (224) in between.

[0176] As previously mentioned, in FIG. 12, signals with opposite phases may be applied to the first region (AA1) and the second region (AA2), respectively. The sensor controller (200C) provides a first signal (PPS) to the first sensor unit (214) and the second sensor unit (224) of the first region (AA1), and provides a second signal (APS) to the compensation units (212, 223) of the second region (AA2). The first signal (PPS) and the second signal (APS) may have opposite phases. For example, the first signal (PPS) may have a positive phase and the second signal (APS) may have a negative phase.

[0177] In one embodiment, the first signal (PPS) and the second signal (APS) can be transmitted to the second electrode (CE, see FIG. 5) by a parasitic capacitance (Cb, see FIG. 5) formed between the input sensor (200) and the second electrode (CE, see FIG. 5). The first signal (PPS) and the second signal (APS) transmitted to the second electrode (CE, see FIG. 5), which is commonly disposed on a plurality of pixels (PX, see FIG. 6) in a single shape, can cancel each other out.

[0178] The areas of the first region (AA1) and the second region (AA2) may be substantially the same. The intensity of the first signal (PPS) and the intensity of the second signal (APS) may be the same. Therefore, the first signal (PPS) provided to the first region (AA1) and the second signal (APS) provided to the second region (AA2) can be easily canceled out at the second electrode (CE, see FIG. 5).

[0179] According to the present invention, the first signal (PPS) and the second signal (APS) transmitted to the second electrode (CE, see FIG. 5) are canceled out from each other, thereby preventing the first signal (PPS) from being transmitted to each of the plurality of data lines (DL1-DLm, see FIG. 6). It is possible to prevent the data signal (DS, see FIG. 6) and the first signal (PPS) provided to each of the plurality of data lines (DL1-DLm, see FIG. 6) from colliding (or interfering) with each other, and the distortion of the data signal (DS, see FIG. 6) can be prevented. Accordingly, the flicker phenomenon caused by the distortion of the data signal (DS, see FIG. 6) by the first signal (PPS) is eliminated or reduced, and image quality can be improved.

[0180] In FIG. 12, the input device (2000) is shown placed at the first input position (CP1), whereas in FIG. 13, the input device (2000) is shown placed at the second input position (CP2).

[0181] In the first mode (MD1, see FIG. 7a), the input device (2000) can move from the first input position (CP1) of FIG. 12 to the second input position (CP2).

[0182] In one embodiment, the sensor controller (200C) detects the input position of the input device in real time. The sensor controller (200C) can track the input position of the input device (2000) in real time through the position detection signal.

[0183] In FIG. 13, the sensor controller (200C) can detect the second coordinates of the second input position (CP2) within the input sensor (200) again as the input device (2000) moves. The sensor controller (200C) can redefine the first area (AA1) based on the second coordinates of the detected second input position (CP2).

[0184] The first region (AA1) may overlap with the second input position (CP2). In this embodiment, the first region (AA1) may be continuously defined along the movement path of the coordinates of the input device (2000) detected by the input sensor (200). The first region (AA1) may be defined based on at least one first sensing electrode placed in the first sensor unit (214) and at least one second sensing electrode placed in the second sensor unit (224). The sensor controller (200C) may provide the first signal (PPS) to the first region (AA1) as an uplink signal (ULS, see FIG. 7b).

[0185] The sensor controller (200C) may define a second area (AA2) that is different from the first area (AA1) based on the first area (AA1). The second area (AA2) may be adjacent to the first area (AA1). The second area (AA2) may not overlap with the first area (AA1). The second area (AA2) may be defined based on a plurality of compensation units (212, 223). In the second area (AA2), a second signal (APS) that is inverse phase with the first signal (PPS) may be provided as an uplink signal (ULS, see FIG. 7b).

[0186] According to the present invention, the location of the first region (AA1) may change depending on the input location where the input device (2000) is detected. An uplink signal (ULS, see FIG. 7b) may be provided to the input device (2000) from the first region (AA1). Even if the input device (2000) moves from the first input location (CP1) to the second input location (CP2) in the first mode (MD1, see FIG. 7a), the input device (2000) receives the uplink signal (ULS, see FIG. 7b) from the input sensor (200), and the input sensor (200) can detect the input of the input device (2000). Accordingly, the detection reliability of the input sensor (200) can be improved.

[0187] FIGS. 14 and FIGS. 15 are plan views illustrating an input sensor in a second mode according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the second mode, the input sensor (200) operates to detect input by a user's touch.

[0188] In one embodiment, the input sensor (200) of the present invention may alternately display the appearance of the input sensor of FIG. 14 and the appearance of the input sensor of FIG. 15 in a second mode. That is, FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 show different input sensors in two consecutive frames.

[0189] Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, in the second mode, a first region (HA1) and a second region (HA2) that divide the active region (200A) may be defined in the input sensor (200). A first uplink signal (PPS) and a second uplink signal (APS) having opposite phases may be provided to the first region (HA1) and the second region (HA2), respectively. For example, a first uplink signal (PPS) having a positive phase may be applied to the first region (HA1), and at the same time, a second uplink signal (APS) having a negative phase may be applied to the second region (HA2).

[0190] The first uplink signal (PPS) and the second uplink signal (APS) may be provided to the first area (HA1) and the second area (HA2) to detect an input device (2000) approaching in the second mode. Hereinafter, the first uplink signal (PPS) is referred to as the first signal (PPS) and the second uplink signal (APS) is referred to as the second signal (APS).

[0191] A sensor controller (200C, see FIG. 3) can separate the input sensor (200) into two regions and provide signals having different phases to each region. That is, the first region (HA1) and the second region (HA2) can be defined by the first signal (PPS) and the second signal (APS) having different phases provided by the sensor controller (200C).

[0192] The sensor controller (200C) can invert the positions of the first area (HA1) to which the first signal (PPS) is applied and the second area (HA2) to which the second signal (APS) is applied every frame.

[0193] In FIG. 14, the first region (HA1) is defined on the left side in the first direction (DR1), and the second region (HA2) is positioned on the right side. In FIG. 15, the first region (HA21) is positioned on the right side in the first direction (DR1), and the second region (HA2) is positioned on the left side.

[0194] In consecutive first and second frames, the sensor controller may provide a first signal (PPS) and a second signal (APS) to the input sensor (200) as shown in FIG. 14 in the first frame, and provide the first signal (PPS) and the second signal (APS) to the input sensor as shown in FIG. 15 in the second frame. Accordingly, the present invention can reduce or prevent flicker phenomena by providing signals of opposite phases in a divided area in the second mode.

[0195] In one embodiment, a first signal (PPS) and a second signal (APS) may be sequentially and alternately applied to a first area (HA1), and a second signal (APS) and a first signal (PPS) may be sequentially and alternately applied to a second area (HA2). Accordingly, an approaching input device can be recognized from any direction of the input sensor.

[0196] As described above, embodiments have been disclosed in the drawings and specification. Specific terms have been used herein, but they are used only for the purpose of describing the invention and are not intended to limit the meaning or the scope of the invention as described in the claims. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent alternative embodiments are possible therefrom. Accordingly, the true technical scope of protection of the invention should be determined by the technical spirit of the appended claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0197] 1000: Electronic device 100: Display panel 200: Input sensor 200C: Sensor controller 210: First sensing electrodes 220: Second sensing electrodes AA1: First Zone AA2: Second Zone PPS: First signal APS: Second signal

Claims

Claim 1 A display panel; an input sensor disposed on the display panel and comprising a plurality of first sensing electrodes extending in a first direction and a plurality of second sensing electrodes extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction; An electronic device comprising a sensor controller connected to the input sensor, wherein, based on an input location where an input of the input device is provided, a first region adjacent to the input location and a second region not adjacent to the input location are defined in the input sensor, and the sensor controller provides a first signal to at least one first sensing electrode disposed in the first region among the plurality of first sensing electrodes and at least one second sensing electrode disposed in the first region among the plurality of second sensing electrodes, and provides a second signal having an inverse phase of the first signal to the remaining first and second sensing electrodes disposed in the second region, wherein the display panel includes a light-emitting element, and the light-emitting element includes a first electrode, a second electrode disposed on the first electrode, and a light-emitting layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the input sensor is disposed on the second electrode, and the first signal and the second signal are transmitted to the second electrode by a parasitic capacitance formed between the input sensor and the second electrode, and the first signal and the second signal transmitted to the second electrode cancel each other out. Claim 2 In claim 1, the input sensor further comprises a first sensor part including at least one first sensing electrode disposed in the first region among the plurality of first sensing electrodes, and a second sensor part including at least one second sensing electrode disposed in the first region, and the first sensor part and the second sensor part intersect at the center of the input position. Claim 3 In paragraph 2, the input sensor further comprises a plurality of compensation units each including the remaining first and second sensing electrodes disposed in the second region, and the plurality of compensation units are an electronic device spaced apart from each other with at least one of the first sensor unit and the second sensor unit in between. Claim 4 In paragraph 3, the area of ​​the first region and the area of ​​the second region are substantially the same electronic device. Claim 5 In paragraph 2, the input sensor is an electronic device that operates in a first mode for detecting input from the input device and a second mode for detecting input by a user's touch. Claim 6 In claim 5, the sensor controller provides an uplink signal to the first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode to detect access of the input device in the second mode, and when access of the input device is detected through the first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode, the electronic device executes the first mode. Claim 7 In claim 6, the sensor controller is an electronic device that detects access of the input device by receiving a downlink signal from the input device through the first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode. Claim 8 In claim 6, the sensor controller is an electronic device that alternately provides a first uplink signal and a second uplink signal having opposite phases to the first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode in the second mode. Claim 9 An electronic device according to claim 5, wherein the sensor controller detects a first input position in which the input is detected within the input sensor and defines the first region and the second region based on the detected first input position when the input of the input device is detected through the at least one first sensing electrode and the at least one second sensing electrode in the first mode. Claim 10 An electronic device according to claim 9, wherein if the input position where the input of the input device is provided moves from the first input position to a second input position different from the first input position, the sensor controller resets the first area and the second area to the input sensor based on the second input position. Claim 11 An electronic device according to claim 5, wherein the input sensor includes an active area comprising the first area and the second area, and the sensor controller, in the first mode, sets the width of the second direction of the first sensor part to a size of 20 to 40 percent of the width of the second direction of the active area, and sets the width of the first direction of the second sensor part to a size of 20 to 40 percent of the width of the first direction of the active area. Claim 12 delete Claim 13 A display panel; an input sensor disposed on the display panel and operating in a first mode for detecting input from an input device and a second mode for detecting input by a user's touch, wherein, based on an input location where the input from the input device is provided, a first area adjacent to the input location and a second area not adjacent to the input location are defined; An electronic device comprising a sensor controller connected to the input sensor, wherein in the first mode, the input sensor comprises a first sensor portion extending in a first direction within the first region, a second sensor portion extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction within the first region, and a compensation portion disposed in the second region, wherein the sensor controller provides a first signal to the first sensor portion and the second sensor portion and provides a second signal having an inverse phase of the first signal to the compensation portion, wherein the display panel comprises a light-emitting element, wherein the light-emitting element comprises a first electrode, a second electrode disposed on the first electrode, and a light-emitting layer disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the input sensor is disposed on the second electrode, and the first signal and the second signal are transmitted to the second electrode by a parasitic capacitance formed between the input sensor and the second electrode, and the first signal and the second signal transmitted to the second electrode cancel each other out. Claim 14 An electronic device according to claim 13, wherein the input sensor comprises a plurality of first sensing electrodes extending in the first direction and a plurality of second sensing electrodes extending in the second direction, the first sensor part comprises at least one first sensing electrode among the plurality of first sensing electrodes, and the second sensor part comprises at least one second sensing electrode among the plurality of second sensing electrodes. Claim 15 In paragraph 14, the electronic device in which the first sensor part and the second sensor part intersect with the input position. Claim 16 In paragraph 13, the above compensation unit is provided in a plurality of units, and the plurality of compensation units are spaced apart from each other with at least one of the first sensor unit and the second sensor unit in between. Claim 17 An electronic device according to claim 13, wherein the ratio of the area occupied by the first region and the area occupied by the second region in the input sensor is 5:5, 6:4, or 4:

6. Claim 18 An electronic device according to claim 14, wherein the sensor controller alternately provides a first uplink signal and a second uplink signal having opposite phases to the first sensing electrodes and the second sensing electrodes in the second mode, and executes the first mode when access of the input device is detected through the first sensing electrodes and the second sensing electrodes. Claim 19 An electronic device according to claim 13, wherein, in the first mode, when the input position where the input of the input device is provided moves from the first input position to a second input position different from the first input position, the sensor controller resets the first area and the second area to the input sensor based on the second input position. Claim 20 In claim 14, the first mode comprises a first section for applying the first signal or the second signal to the first sensing electrodes and the second sensing electrodes, and a second section for detecting the input from a downlink signal provided from the input device, wherein the second section is an electronic device that proceeds after the first section.

Images