Touch device and touch sensing method

Abstract

This touch sensing method may comprise: receiving, in a time-division manner, a plurality of first sensing signals and a plurality of second sensing signals from a first touch division area and a second touch division area of a touch panel, both of which are commonly connected to a touch IC; acquiring first matrix data and second matrix data by using the plurality of first sensing signals and the plurality of second sensing signals; acquiring third matrix data by arranging the plurality of first matrix data and the plurality of second matrix data for each of a plurality of driving signals; and acquiring fourth matrix data by arranging the first matrix data and the second matrix data in the third matrix data to correspond to the first touch division area and the second touch division area of the touch panel, respectively.

Description

Touch device and touch sensing method

[0001] The present invention relates to a touch device and a touch sensing method.

[0002] As display panels have grown larger in recent years, touch panels have also grown larger. Furthermore, as display panels have transitioned from rigid to flexible, touch panels are also adopting flexible touch panels.

[0003] As touch panels become larger, noise also increases as the load increases, which causes a problem in that touch sensing performance deteriorates.

[0004] Meanwhile, as touch panels become larger, the number of transmission lines they contain also increases. Since sensing time is typically proportional to the number of transmission lines, this increases the sensing time. Furthermore, this increase in the number of transmission lines complicates the layout for electrical connections between the touch IC and the touch panel.

[0005] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned and other problems.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a touch device and a touch sensing method applicable to a touch panel having a multi-touch segmented area.

[0007] Another object of the embodiment is to provide a touch device and a touch sensing method capable of improving touch sensing performance.

[0008] Another object of the embodiment is to provide a touch device and a touch sensing method capable of shortening sensing time.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a touch device and a touch sensing method that can simplify the layout for electrical connection between a touch IC and a touch panel.

[0010] The technical problems of the embodiment are not limited to those described in this article, but include those that can be understood through the description of the invention.

[0011] According to one aspect of the embodiment to achieve the above or other objects, there is provided a touch sensing method in a touch device including a touch IC for touch-driving a touch panel, wherein the touch panel comprises: a first touch partition area including a plurality of first transmission lines in a first direction and a plurality of first reception lines in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a second touch partition area including a plurality of second transmission lines in the first direction and a plurality of second reception lines in the second direction; wherein the touch IC comprises: a plurality of transmission channels commonly connected to the plurality of first transmission lines and the plurality of second transmission lines; a plurality of first reception channels connected to the plurality of first reception lines; and a plurality of second reception channels connected to the plurality of second reception lines. The touch sensing method comprises: a step of receiving a plurality of first sensing signals in a time-division manner through the plurality of first reception channels and receiving a plurality of second sensing signals in a time-division manner through the plurality of second reception channels in response to a plurality of driving signals supplied in a time-division manner to the plurality of first transmission lines and the plurality of second transmission lines commonly connected to the plurality of transmission channels; The method comprises: acquiring first matrix data based on a plurality of first sensing data converted from a plurality of first sensing signals received in the time division manner, and acquiring second matrix data based on a plurality of second sensing data converted from a plurality of second sensing signals received in the time division manner; arranging the acquired plurality of first matrix data and the acquired plurality of second matrix data for each of the plurality of driving signals to acquire third matrix data; and arranging the first matrix data and the second matrix data in the acquired third matrix data to correspond to the first touch segment area and the second touch segment area of ​​the touch panel to acquire fourth matrix data.

[0012] The above touch sensing method may include a step of correcting a boundary area where the first matrix data and the second matrix data come into contact in the acquired fourth matrix data.

[0013] The above touch sensing method may further include a step of receiving a plurality of third sensing signals in a time-division manner through the plurality of first transmission lines and the plurality of second transmission lines commonly connected to the plurality of transmission channels in response to a plurality of driving signals supplied in a time-division manner through the plurality of first transmission lines and the plurality of second transmission lines commonly connected to the plurality of transmission channels; and a step of converting the plurality of third sensing signals received in the time-division manner to obtain a plurality of third sensing data.

[0014] The above touch sensing method may further include a step of removing a fake touch from among two or more touches in the second direction using the plurality of first sensing data and the plurality of second sensing data when two or more touches are recognized in the second direction by a touch on the touch panel.

[0015] The above touch sensing method may further include a step of, when three or more touches in the second direction and two touches in the first direction are recognized in the boundary area by a touch on the touch panel, removing a false touch from among three or more touches in the second direction using the plurality of first sensing data and the plurality of second sensing data, and removing a false touch from among two touches in the first direction using the magnitude of sensing values ​​included in the boundary area.

[0016] The step of acquiring the third matrix data may include the step of arranging a plurality of first sensing data acquired on the plurality of first transmission lines and a plurality of second sensing data acquired on the plurality of second transmission lines along the second direction.

[0017] In the fourth matrix data obtained above, the plurality of first sensing values ​​of the plurality of first sensing data and the plurality of second sensing values ​​of the plurality of second sensing data may be arranged to correspond to the plurality of first touch nodes of the first touch segmentation area and the plurality of second touch nodes of the second touch area, respectively.

[0018] According to another aspect of the embodiment to achieve the above or other purposes, a touch panel includes a touch IC for touch driving, the touch panel includes a first touch partition area including a plurality of first transmission lines in a first direction and a plurality of first reception lines in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a second touch partition area including a plurality of second transmission lines in the first direction and a plurality of second reception lines in the second direction; wherein the touch IC includes a plurality of transmission channels commonly connected to the plurality of first transmission lines and the plurality of second transmission lines; a plurality of first reception channels connected to the plurality of first reception lines; And a plurality of second receiving channels connected to the plurality of second receiving lines; wherein the touch IC receives a plurality of first sensing signals in a time-division manner through the plurality of first receiving channels in response to a plurality of driving signals supplied in a time-division manner to the plurality of first transmission lines and the plurality of second transmission lines commonly connected to the plurality of transmission channels, and receives a plurality of second sensing signals in a time-division manner through the plurality of second receiving channels, obtains first matrix data based on a plurality of first sensing data converted from the plurality of first sensing signals received in the time-division manner, and obtains second matrix data based on a plurality of second sensing data converted from the plurality of second sensing signals received in the time-division manner, arranges the plurality of acquired first matrix data and the plurality of acquired second matrix data for each of the plurality of driving signals to obtain third matrix data, and arranges the first matrix data and the second matrix data in the acquired third matrix data to correspond to the first touch partition area and the second touch partition area of ​​the touch panel to obtain fourth matrix data.

[0019] The above touch IC can correct a boundary area where the first matrix data and the second matrix data come into contact in the acquired fourth matrix data.

[0020] The touch IC receives a plurality of third sensing signals in a time-division manner through the plurality of first transmission lines and the plurality of second transmission lines commonly connected to the plurality of transmission channels in response to a plurality of driving signals supplied in a time-division manner to the plurality of first transmission lines and the plurality of second transmission lines commonly connected to the plurality of transmission channels, and can convert the plurality of third sensing signals received in a time-division manner to obtain a plurality of third sensing data.

[0021] The above touch IC can remove a fake touch from among two or more touches in the second direction by using the plurality of first sensing data and the plurality of second sensing data when two or more touches are recognized in the second direction by a touch on the touch panel.

[0022] The above touch IC can, when three or more touches in the second direction and two touches in the first direction are recognized in the boundary area by a touch on the touch panel, remove a false touch from among three or more touches in the second direction using the plurality of first sensing data and the plurality of second sensing data, and remove a false touch from among two touches in the first direction using the magnitude of the sensing values ​​included in the boundary area.

[0023] The effects of the touch device and touch sensing method according to the embodiment are described as follows.

[0024] According to at least one of the embodiments, touch sensing is possible for each of a plurality of touch segmentation areas, so that touch sensing performance can be improved through noise reduction.

[0025] According to at least one of the embodiments, by correcting the boundary area between the sensing data acquired in each of the plurality of touch segmentation areas, touch misrecognition is prevented and more accurate touch recognition is possible, thereby improving touch sensing performance and enhancing reliability.

[0026] According to at least one of the embodiments, the sensing time can be drastically shortened by connecting a plurality of transmission channels of the touch IC in common to a plurality of first transmission lines of a first touch segment area of ​​the touch panel and a plurality of second transmission lines of a second touch segment area.

[0027] According to at least one of the embodiments, the number of transmission channels of the touch IC can be reduced by half, as the plurality of transmission channels of the touch IC are commonly connected to the plurality of first transmission lines of the first touch partition area of ​​the touch panel and the plurality of second transmission lines of the second touch partition area, thereby reducing the size of the touch IC.

[0028] According to at least one of the embodiments, the layout for electrical connections between the plurality of transmission channels of the touch IC and the plurality of first transmission lines of the first touch segment area and the plurality of second transmission lines of the second touch segment area can be simplified. By simplifying the layout, electrical shorts between adjacent lines can be prevented, and the layout's occupied area can be reduced, thereby reducing its size.

[0029] Further scope of applicability of the embodiments will become apparent from the detailed description below. However, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific embodiments, such as preferred embodiments, are given by way of example only.

[0030] Figure 1 illustrates a touch device according to an embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates a connection relationship between a plurality of first transmission lines of a first touch segmented area and a plurality of second transmission lines of a second touch segmented area divided in a touch panel in an embodiment.

[0032] Fig. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a touch sensing method according to an embodiment.

[0033] Figure 4 illustrates the third matrix data of the embodiment.

[0034] Figure 5 illustrates the fourth matrix data of the embodiment.

[0035] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a touch sensing method in active pen mode.

[0036] Figures 7a to 7e show multiple touches, including fake touches, recognized when an active pen touches.

[0037] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for removing false touches when two or more touches are recognized in a first direction.

[0038] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for removing false touches in each direction when two or more touches are recognized in the first direction and the second direction, respectively.

[0039] The sizes, shapes, and dimensions of components depicted in the drawings may differ from the actual components. Furthermore, even if the same components are depicted with different sizes, shapes, and dimensions across drawings, this is merely an example within the drawings, and the same components may have the same sizes, shapes, and dimensions across drawings.

[0040] Hereinafter, embodiments disclosed in the present specification will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. Regardless of the drawing numbers, identical or similar components will be given the same reference numbers and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted. The suffixes 'module' and 'part' used for components in the following description are given or used interchangeably in consideration of the ease of writing the specification, and do not have distinct meanings or roles in themselves. In addition, the attached drawings are intended to make it easier to understand the embodiments disclosed in the present specification, and the technical ideas disclosed in the present specification are not limited by the attached drawings. In addition, when an element such as a layer, region, or substrate is referred to as existing 'on' another element, this includes that it may be directly on the other element or that other intermediate elements may exist therebetween.

[0041]

[0042] Fig. 1 illustrates a touch device according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 illustrates a connection relationship between a plurality of first transmission lines of a first touch segmented area and a plurality of second transmission lines of a second touch segmented area divided in a touch panel according to an embodiment.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 1, a touch device (100) according to an embodiment may include a touch panel (110), a touch IC (140), a host (160), etc.

[0044] The touch panel (110) can be combined with the display panel in an in-cell manner, an on-cell manner, or an added-on manner.

[0045] In the in-cell method, multiple touch nodes (115, 116) may be provided within the display panel. In the on-cell method, touch nodes (115, 116) may be provided on the display panel. In the add-on method, the touch panel (110) and the display panel may be provided separately and may be combined with each other.

[0046] In an embodiment, the touch panel (110) may output a sensing signal in response to a touch using a finger or an active pen. The active pen may be, for example, a stylus pen, but is not limited thereto.

[0047] In an embodiment, the size of the touch panel (110) may be increased. As the size of the touch panel (110) increases, noise also increases as the load increases, which causes a problem in that touch sensing performance deteriorates.

[0048] To address this issue, in an embodiment, the touch panel (110) may be divided into a first touch partition area (120) and a second touch partition area (130). Although the drawing illustrates two touch partition areas (120, 130), three or more touch partition areas are also possible.

[0049] Each touch segmentation area (120, 130) may include a plurality of touch nodes (115, 116). The touch nodes (115, 116) may be referred to as touch cells. The plurality of touch nodes (115, 116) may be arranged in a matrix. That is, the plurality of touch nodes (115, 116) may be arranged along a first direction (X) and also along a second direction (Y).

[0050] The first touch segmentation area (120) may include a plurality of first transmission lines (121-1 to 121-10) along the second direction (Y) and a plurality of first reception lines (122-1 to 122-10) along the first direction (X). In this case, a plurality of first touch nodes (115) may be provided at intersections of the plurality of first transmission lines (121-1 to 121-10) and the plurality of first reception lines (122-1 to 122-10).

[0051] When a plurality of driving signals (TX1 to TX10) are supplied through a plurality of first transmission lines (121-1 to 121-10), a plurality of first sensing signals (RX1 to RX10) from a plurality of first touch nodes (115) in the second direction (Y) connected to the plurality of first transmission lines (121-1 to 121-10) in response to the plurality of driving signals (TX1 to TX10) can be output through a plurality of first receiving lines (122-1 to 122-10) connected to the plurality of first touch nodes (115).

[0052] The second touch segmentation area (130) may include a plurality of second transmission lines (131-1 to 131-10) along the second direction (Y) and a plurality of second reception lines (132-1 to 132-10) along the first direction (X). In this case, a plurality of second touch nodes (116) may be provided at intersections of the plurality of second transmission lines (131-1 to 131-10) and the plurality of second reception lines (132-1 to 132-10).

[0053] When a plurality of driving signals (TX1 to TX10) are supplied through a plurality of second transmission lines (131-1 to 131-10), a plurality of second sensing signals (RX11 to RX20) from a plurality of second touch nodes (116) in the second direction (Y) connected to a plurality of second transmission lines (131-1 to 131-10) in response to the plurality of driving signals (TX1 to TX10) can be output through a plurality of second receiving lines (132-1 to 132-10) connected to the plurality of second touch nodes (116).

[0054] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the embodiment, a plurality of first transmission lines (121-1 to 121-10) of the first touch partition area (120) and a plurality of second transmission lines (131-1 to 131-10) of the second touch partition area (130) may be commonly connected or bound to each other. For example, a first-first transmission line (121-1) of the first touch partition area (120) and a second-first transmission line (131-1) of the second touch partition area (130) may be commonly connected to each other. A driving signal (TX1) may be simultaneously supplied through the first-first transmission line (121-1) of the first touch partition area (120) and the second-first transmission line (131-1) of the second touch partition area (130). In this case, a plurality of first sensing signals (RX1 to RX10) from a plurality of first touch nodes (115) on a 1-1 transmission line (121-1) can be output through a plurality of first receiving lines (122-1 to 122-10) connected to a plurality of first touch nodes (115). A plurality of second sensing signals (RX11 to RX20) from a plurality of second touch nodes (116) on a 2-1 transmission line (131-1) can be output through a plurality of second receiving lines (132-1 to 132-10) connected to a plurality of second touch nodes (116).

[0055] For example, the 1-2 transmission line (121-2) of the first touch partition area (120) and the 2-2 transmission line (131-2) of the second touch partition area (130) may be commonly connected to each other. The driving signal (TX2) may be simultaneously supplied through the 1-2 transmission line (121-2) of the first touch partition area (120) and the 2-2 transmission line (131-2) of the second touch partition area (130). In this case, a plurality of first sensing signals (RX1 to RX10) from a plurality of first touch nodes (115) on the 1-2 transmission line (121-2) may be output through a plurality of first receiving lines (122-1 to 122-10) connected to the plurality of first touch nodes (115). A plurality of second sensing signals (RX11 to RX20) from a plurality of second touch nodes (116) on a second-second transmission line (131-2) can be output through a plurality of second receiving lines (132-1 to 132-10) connected to a plurality of second touch nodes (116).

[0056] In this manner, the 1-10 transmission line (121-10) of the first touch segment area (120) and the 2-10 transmission line (131-10) of the second touch segment area (130) can be commonly connected to each other. The driving signal (TX10) can be simultaneously supplied through the 1-10 transmission line (121-10) of the first touch segment area (120) and the 2-10 transmission line (131-10) of the second touch segment area (130). In this case, a plurality of first sensing signals (RX1 to RX10) from a plurality of first touch nodes (115) on the 1-10 transmission line (121-10) can be output through a plurality of first receiving lines (122-1 to 122-10) connected to the plurality of first touch nodes (115). A plurality of second sensing signals (RX11 to RX20) from a plurality of second touch nodes (116) on the 2-10 transmission line (131-10) can be output through a plurality of second receiving lines (132-1 to 132-10) connected to a plurality of second touch nodes (116).

[0057] A plurality of driving signals (TX1 to TX10) can be supplied to a plurality of first transmission lines (121-1 to 121-10) of a first touch partition area (120) and a plurality of second transmission lines (131-1 to 131-10) of a second touch partition area (130) in a time-division manner within one frame.

[0058] For example, a driving signal (TX1) is supplied to the 1-1 transmission line (121-1) of the first touch segment area (120) and the 2-1 transmission line (131-1) of the second touch segment area (130), so that a plurality of first sensing signals (RX1 to RX10) and a plurality of second sensing signals (RX11 to RX20) can be output through a plurality of first receiving lines (122-1 to 122-10) of the first touch segment area (120) and a plurality of second receiving lines (132-1 to 132-10) of the second touch segment area (130), respectively.

[0059] Thereafter, a driving signal (TX2) is supplied to the first-second transmission line (121-2) of the first touch partition area (120) and the second-second transmission line (131-2) of the second touch partition area (130), so that a plurality of first sensing signals (RX1 to RX10) and a plurality of second sensing signals (RX11 to RX20) can be output through a plurality of first receiving lines (122-1 to 122-10) of the first touch partition area (120) and a plurality of second receiving lines (132-1 to 132-10) of the second touch partition area (130), respectively.

[0060] Through this time division method, the driving signals (TX3 to TX10) can be sequentially supplied to the 1-3 transmission lines (121-3) to the 1-10 transmission lines (121-10) of the first touch partition area (120) and the 2-3 transmission lines (131-3) to the 2-10 transmission lines (131-10) of the second touch partition area (130).

[0061] Meanwhile, the touch IC (140) may include a plurality of transmission channels (141-1 to 141-10), a plurality of first reception channels (143), a plurality of second reception channels (145), etc.

[0062] The number of transmission channels (141-1 to 141-10) may be the same as the number of first transmission lines (121-1 to 121-10) provided in the first touch partition area (120) or the number of second transmission lines (131-1 to 131-10) provided in the second touch partition area (130).

[0063] A plurality of transmission channels (141-1 to 141-10) may be commonly connected to the first touch partition area (120) and the second touch partition area (130), respectively. The plurality of transmission channels (141-1 to 141-10) may be commonly connected to one of the plurality of first transmission lines (121-1 to 121-10) of the first touch partition area (120) and one of the plurality of second transmission lines (131-1 to 131-10) of the second touch partition area (130), respectively.

[0064] For example, the first transmission channel (141-1 to 141-10) may be commonly connected to the first-first transmission line (121-1) of the first touch partition area (120) and the second-first transmission line (131-1) of the second touch partition area (130). For example, the second transmission channel (141-1 to 141-10) may be commonly connected to the first-second transmission line (121-2) of the first touch partition area (120) and the second-second transmission line (131-2) of the second touch partition area (130). According to this connection method, the 10th transmission channel (141-1 to 141-10) can be commonly connected to the 1-10th transmission line (121-10) of the first touch partition area (120) and the 2-10th transmission line (131-10) of the second touch partition area (130).

[0065] The touch IC (140) can output multiple drive signals (TX1 to TX10) in a time-division manner through multiple transmission channels (141-1 to 141-10). The touch IC (140) can simultaneously supply multiple drive signals (TX1 to TX10) in a time-division manner to the first touch partition area (120) and the second touch partition area (130) through multiple transmission channels (141-1 to 141-10).

[0066] For example, the touch IC (140) can simultaneously supply a driving signal (TX1) to the 1-1 transmission line (121-1) of the first touch partition area (120) and the 2-1 transmission line (131-1) of the second touch partition area (130) through the first transmission channel (141-1 to 141-10). For example, the touch IC (140) can simultaneously supply a driving signal (TX2) to the 1-2 transmission line (121-2) of the first touch partition area (120) and the 2-2 transmission line (131-2) of the second touch partition area (130) through the second transmission channel (141-1 to 141-10). In this manner, the touch IC (140) can simultaneously supply the driving signal (TX10) to the 1-10 transmission line (121-10) of the first touch segment area (120) and the 2-10 transmission line (131-10) of the second touch segment area (130) through the 10th transmission channel (141-1 to 141-10).

[0067] Meanwhile, the touch IC (140) can receive a plurality of first sensing signals (RX1 to RX10) output through a plurality of first receiving lines (122-1 to 122-10) from a plurality of first touch nodes (115) of the first touch segment area (120) through a plurality of first receiving channels (143). The touch IC (140) can receive a plurality of second sensing signals (RX11 to RX20) output through a plurality of second receiving lines (132-1 to 132-10) from a plurality of second touch nodes (116) of the second touch segment area (130) through a plurality of second receiving channels (145).

[0068] The number of first receiving channels (143) may be the same as the number of first receiving lines provided in the first touch partition area (120), and the number of second receiving channels (145) may be the same as the number of second receiving lines provided in the second touch partition area (130).

[0069] Meanwhile, the host (160) can manage the touch IC (140) or the touch panel (110) as a whole, control the touch IC (140), and perform operations or control commands corresponding to touches through acquisition of touch coordinates or touch recognition based on the fourth matrix data (340) provided from the touch IC (140). These functions can also be performed in the touch IC (140).

[0070] According to an embodiment, a plurality of transmission channels (141-1 to 141-10) of a touch IC (140) are commonly connected to a plurality of first transmission lines (121-1 to 121-10) of a first touch segment area (120) of a touch panel (110) and a plurality of second transmission lines (131-1 to 131-10) of a second touch segment area (130), so that the sensing time can be drastically shortened.

[0071] According to an embodiment, since the plurality of transmission channels (141-1 to 141-10) of the touch IC (140) are commonly connected to the plurality of first transmission lines (121-1 to 121-10) of the first touch partition area (120) of the touch panel (110) and the plurality of second transmission lines (131-1 to 131-10) of the second touch partition area (130), the layout for electrical connection between the plurality of transmission channels (141-1 to 141-10) of the touch IC (140) and the plurality of first transmission lines (121-1 to 121-10) of the first touch partition area (120) and the plurality of second transmission lines (131-1 to 131-10) of the second touch partition area (130) can be simplified. By simplifying the layout, electrical shorts between adjacent lines can be prevented, and the occupied area of ​​the layout can be reduced, thereby reducing the size.

[0072]

[0073] Fig. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a touch sensing method according to an embodiment.

[0074] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, the touch IC (140) can simultaneously supply a plurality of driving signals (TX1 to TX10) to the first touch partition area (120) and the second touch partition area (130) of the touch panel (110) in a time-division manner (S211). The touch IC (140) can receive a plurality of first sensing signals (RX1 to RX10) generated in the first touch partition area (120) in a time-division manner in response to each of the plurality of driving signals (TX1 to TX10) supplied in a time-division manner, and can receive a plurality of second sensing signals (RX11 to RX20) generated in the second touch partition area (130) in a time-division manner (S212).

[0075] Multiple driving signals (TX1 to TX10) can be supplied in a time-division manner within one frame. Here, one frame is a cycle of a touch frame, which may be the same as a display frame, but is not limited thereto.

[0076] For example, the touch IC (140) can supply a driving signal (TX1) to the 1-1 transmission line (121-1) of the first touch segment area (120) and the 2-1 transmission line (131-1) of the second touch segment area (130) through the first transmission channel (141-1). In response to the driving signal (TX1) supplied to the 1-1 transmission line (121-1), a plurality of first sensing signals (RX1 to RX10) can be generated from a plurality of first touch nodes (115) on the 1-1 transmission line (121-1). The touch IC (140) can receive a plurality of first sensing signals (RX1 to RX10) output through a plurality of first reception lines (122-1 to 122-10) connected to a plurality of first touch nodes (115) through a plurality of first reception channels (143). In response to the driving signal (TX1) supplied to the 2-1 transmission line (131-1), a plurality of second sensing signals (RX11 to RX20) may be generated from a plurality of second touch nodes (116) on the 2-1 transmission line (131-1). The touch IC (140) may receive a plurality of second sensing signals (RX11 to RX20) output through a plurality of second reception lines (132-1 to 132-10) connected to a plurality of second touch nodes (116) through a plurality of second reception channels (145).

[0077] Thereafter, the touch IC (140) can supply a driving signal (TX2) to the 1-2 transmission line (121-2) of the first touch segment area (120) and the 2-2 transmission line (131-2) of the second touch segment area (130) through the 2nd transmission channel (141-2). In response to the driving signal (TX2) supplied to the 1-2 transmission line (121-2), a plurality of first sensing signals (RX1 to RX10) can be generated from a plurality of first touch nodes (115) on the 1-2 transmission line (121-2). The touch IC (140) can receive a plurality of first sensing signals (RX1 to RX10) output through a plurality of first reception lines (122-1 to 122-10) connected to a plurality of first touch nodes (115) through a plurality of first reception channels (143). In response to the driving signal (TX2) supplied to the 2-2 transmission line (131-2), a plurality of second sensing signals (RX11 to RX20) may be generated from a plurality of second touch nodes (116) on the 2-2 transmission line (131-2). The touch IC (140) may receive a plurality of second sensing signals (RX11 to RX20) output through a plurality of second reception lines (132-1 to 132-10) connected to a plurality of second touch nodes (116) through a plurality of second reception channels (145).

[0078] Using this time division method, a plurality of first sensing signals (RX1 to RX10) and a plurality of second sensing signals (RX11 to RX20) can be obtained in response to each of a plurality of driving signals (TX1 to TX10).

[0079] Meanwhile, the touch IC (140) can obtain a plurality of first sensing data and a plurality of second sensing data (S213).

[0080] The touch IC (140) can digitally convert a plurality of first sensing signals (RX1 to RX10) received in a time-division manner to obtain a plurality of first sensing data in a time-division manner. The touch IC (140) can digitally convert a plurality of second sensing signals (RX11 to RX20) received in a time-division manner to obtain a plurality of second sensing data in a time-division manner.

[0081] The touch IC (140) can obtain first matrix data (310) and second matrix data (320) (S213).

[0082] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the touch IC (140) can obtain first matrix data (310) based on a plurality of first sensing data acquired in a time-division manner. The touch IC (140) can obtain second matrix data (320) based on a plurality of second sensing data acquired in a time-division manner.

[0083] The touch IC (140) can obtain third matrix data (330) by arranging the first matrix data (310) and the second matrix data (320) by a plurality of driving signals (TX1 to TX10) (S214).

[0084] As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, a plurality of driving signals (TX1 to TX10) may be arranged in a first direction (X), and a plurality of first sensing signals (RX1 to RX10) (first sensing data) of a first touch segment area (120) and a plurality of second sensing signals (RX11 to RX20) (second sensing data) of a second touch segment area (130) may be arranged in a second direction (Y). The first direction (X) may be the first direction (X) illustrated in FIG. 1, and the vertical axis direction may be the second direction (Y). In this case, a plurality of first sensing data acquired on the first transmission lines (121-1 to 121-10) and a plurality of second sensing data acquired on the second transmission lines (131-1 to 131-10) may be arranged along the second direction (Y) in the third matrix data (330).

[0085] At this time, the first transmission line (121-1 to 121-10) and the second transmission line (131-1 to 131-10) can be supplied with the same driving signal (TX1 to TX10) at the same time. By supplying the same driving signal (TX1 to TX10) to the first transmission line (121-1 to 121-10) and the second transmission line (131-1 to 131-10) at the same time, a plurality of first sensing data can be acquired on the first transmission line (121-1 to 121-10) and a plurality of second sensing data can be acquired on the second transmission line (131-1 to 131-10). In this case, the plurality of first sensing data and the plurality of second sensing data can be arranged along the second direction (Y) with respect to the same driving signal (TX1 to TX10). In this way, the plurality of first sensing data and the plurality of second sensing data obtained for each of the plurality of driving signals (TX1 to TX10) supplied in a time-division manner are arranged in the second direction (Y) for the plurality of driving signals (TX1 to TX10), thereby obtaining the third matrix data (330).

[0086] For example, for a driving signal (TX1), a plurality of first sensing data obtained from a plurality of first touch nodes (115) on a first-1 transmission line (121-1) of a first touch segment area (120) and a plurality of second sensing data obtained from a plurality of second touch nodes (116) on a second-1 transmission line (131-1) of a second touch segment area (130) may be arranged in a second direction (Y).

[0087] For example, for a driving signal (TX2), a plurality of first sensing data obtained from a plurality of first touch nodes (115) on a first-second transmission line (121-2) of a first touch segment area (120) and a plurality of second sensing data obtained from a plurality of second touch nodes (116) on a second-second transmission line (131-2) of a second touch segment area (130) may be arranged in a second direction (Y).

[0088] For example, for a driving signal (TX3), a plurality of first sensing data obtained from a plurality of first touch nodes (115) on a first-third transmission line (121-3) of a first touch segment area (120) and a plurality of second sensing data obtained from a plurality of second touch nodes (116) on a second-third transmission line (131-3) of a second touch segment area (130) may be arranged in a second direction (Y).

[0089] In this manner, a plurality of first sensing data obtained from a plurality of first touch nodes (115) on the 1-10 transmission line (121-10) of the first touch segment area (120) for the driving signal (TX10) and a plurality of second sensing data obtained from a plurality of second touch nodes (116) on the 2-10 transmission line (131-10) of the second touch segment area (130) can be arranged in the second direction (Y).

[0090] Meanwhile, the touch IC (140) can obtain the fourth matrix data (340) by arranging the first matrix data (310) and the second matrix data (320) in the third matrix data (330) to correspond to the first touch segment area (120) and the second touch segment area (130) of the touch panel (110) (S215).

[0091] As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, the touch IC (140) can arrange the first matrix data (310) in the third matrix data (330) to correspond to the first touch segment area (120). The touch IC (140) can arrange the second matrix data (320) in the third matrix data (330) to correspond to the second touch segment area (130). Accordingly, the fourth matrix data (340) can be obtained by the first matrix data (310) arranged to correspond to the first touch segment area (120) and the second matrix data (320) arranged to correspond to the second touch segment area (130). In this case, a boundary area (350) where the first matrix data (310) and the second matrix data (320) come into contact with each other can be obtained in the fourth matrix data (340).

[0092] For example, the touch panel (110) may be composed of the first column line (Col1) to the 20th column line (Col20) and the first row line (Row1) to the 10th row line (Row10). The fourth matrix data (340) may be composed of the first column line (Col1) to the 20th column line (Col20) and the first row line (Row1) to the 10th row line (Row10).

[0093] The first touch partition area (120) may be composed of the first column line (Col1) to the tenth column line (Col10) and the first row line (Row1) to the tenth row line (Row10), and the second touch partition area (130) may be composed of the eleventh column line (Col11) to the twentieth column line (Col20) and the first row line (Row1) to the tenth row line (Row10). The first matrix data (310) may be composed of the first column line (Col1) to the tenth column line (Col10) and the first row line (Row1) to the tenth row line (Row10), and the second matrix data (320) may be composed of the eleventh column line (Col11) to the twentieth column line (Col20) and the first row line (Row1) to the tenth row line (Row10).

[0094] A first touch segmentation area (120) and a second touch segmentation area (130) may be arranged along a first direction (X), and first matrix data (310) and second matrix data (320) may be arranged along the first direction (X). Accordingly, the first matrix data (310) may correspond to the first touch segmentation area (120), and the second matrix data (320) may correspond to the second touch segmentation area (130).

[0095] In the first touch segmentation area (120), the first column line (Col1) to the tenth column line (Col10) may correspond to the first-first transmission line (121-1) to the first-tenth transmission line (121-10), and the first row line (Row1) to the tenth row line (Row10) may correspond to the first-first reception line to the tenth reception line. In the second touch segmentation area (130), the eleventh column line (Col11) to the twentieth column line (Col20) may correspond to the second-first transmission line (131-1) to the second-tenth transmission line (131-10), and the first row line (Row1) to the tenth row line (Row10) may correspond to the first-first reception line to the tenth reception line. Accordingly, the first row line (Row1) to the tenth row line (Row10) and the first reception line to the tenth reception line can be mixed. In addition, the first column line (Col1) to the tenth column line (Col10) and the first-first transmission line (121-1) to the first-tenth transmission line (121-10) can be mixed, and the eleventh column line (Col11) to the twentieth column line (Col20) and the second-first transmission line (131-1) to the second-tenth transmission line (131-10) can be mixed.

[0096] In the first touch partition area (120), a plurality of first touch nodes (115) may be provided at intersections of the 1-1 transmission line (121-1) to the 1-10 transmission line (121-10) and the 1st reception line to the 10th reception line, and in the second touch partition area (130), a plurality of second touch nodes (116) may be provided at intersections of the 2-1 transmission line (131-1) to the 2-10 transmission line (131-10) and the 1st reception line to the 10th line.

[0097] In the first matrix data (310), a plurality of first sensing values ​​(1, ..., 190) may be provided at the intersections of the first column line (Col1) to the tenth column line (Col10) and the first row line (Row1) to the tenth row line (Row10), and in the second matrix data (320), a plurality of second sensing values ​​(11, ..., 200) may be provided at the intersections of the eleventh column line (Col11) to the twentieth column line (Col20) and the first row line (Row1) to the tenth row line (Row10).

[0098] A plurality of first sensing values ​​(1, ..., 190) of the first matrix data (310) may correspond to a plurality of first touch nodes (115) of the first touch segmentation area (120), and a plurality of second sensing values ​​(11, ..., 200) of the second matrix data (320) may correspond to a plurality of second touch nodes (116) of the second touch segmentation area (130). Accordingly, the plurality of first sensing values ​​(1, ..., 190) of the first matrix data (310) and the plurality of first touch nodes (115) of the first touch segmentation area (120) may be mixed, and the plurality of second sensing values ​​(11, ..., 200) of the second matrix data (320) and the plurality of second touch nodes (116) of the second touch segmentation area (130) may be mixed.

[0099] Referring again to FIG. 3, the touch IC (140) can correct the boundary area (350) where the first matrix data (310) and the second matrix data (320) meet in the fourth matrix data (340) (S216)

[0100] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the first matrix data (310) may include a plurality of first sensing values ​​(1, ..., 190) arranged in a matrix, and the second matrix data (320) may include a plurality of second sensing values ​​(11, ..., 200) arranged in a matrix.

[0101] To obtain the fourth matrix data (340), the first matrix data (310) and the second matrix data (320) of the third matrix data (330) may be rearranged (or remapped). In this case, the 10th column line (Col10) of the first matrix data (310) and the 11th column line (Col11) of the second matrix data (320) may come into contact with each other. That is, a plurality of first sensing values ​​(181 to 190) on the 10th column line (Col10) of the first matrix data (310) and a plurality of second sensing values ​​(11 to 20) on the 11th column line (Col11) of the second matrix data (320) may come into contact with each other. For example, the first sensing value (181) and the second sensing value (11) on the first row line (Row1) may come into contact with each other. For example, the first sensing value (185) and the second sensing value (15) on the fifth row line (Row5) may come into contact with each other.

[0102] A plurality of first sensing values ​​(181 to 190) on the 10th column line (Col10) of the first matrix data (310) and a plurality of second sensing values ​​(11 to 20) on the 11th column line (Col11) of the second matrix data (320) may be included in the boundary area (350).

[0103] A plurality of first sensing values ​​(161 to 170) on the 9th column line (Col9) of the first matrix data (310) and a plurality of second sensing values ​​(31, ..., 40) on the 12th column line (Col12) of the second matrix data (320) may also be included in the boundary area (350), but this is not limited thereto.

[0104] The sensing values ​​(181 to 190, 11 to 20) included in the boundary area (350) can be compensated differently from each other through the comparison results with the reference value.

[0105] If the sensing values ​​(181 to 190, 11 to 20) included in the boundary area (350) are smaller than the reference value, the sensing values ​​(181 to 190, 11 to 20) included in the boundary area (350) may be changed to an average value obtained by averaging the sensing values ​​(181 to 190, 11 to 20) included in the boundary area (350). If the sensing values ​​(181 to 190, 11 to 20) included in the boundary area (350) are larger than the reference value, the sensing values ​​(181 to 190, 11 to 20) included in the boundary area (350) may be changed to a value obtained by adding the sensing values ​​(181 to 190, 11 to 20) included in the boundary area (350).

[0106] As an example, if the largest sensing value among the sensing values ​​(181 to 190, 11 to 20) included in the boundary area (350) is smaller than the reference value, the sensing values ​​(181 to 190, 11 to 20) included in the boundary area (350) may be changed to an average value obtained by averaging the sensing values ​​(181 to 190, 11 to 20). For example, if the 13th sensing value (13) among the 183rd sensing value (183) and the 13th sensing value (13) on the 3rd row line (Row3) included in the boundary area (350) is greater than the 183rd sensing value (183) but less than the reference value, the 183rd sensing value (183) and the 13th sensing value (13) may be changed to an average value obtained by averaging the 183rd sensing value (183) and the 13th sensing value (13), respectively. Here, the reference value is for distinguishing whether or not an actual touch has occurred, and may be set through optimization.

[0107] If the 183rd sensing value (183) and the 13th sensing value (13) on the third row line (Row3) included in the boundary area (350) are smaller than the reference value, the possibility that the 183rd sensing value (183) and the 13th sensing value (13) are actual touches is very low and the possibility that they are noise is high. In this case, as described above, the 183rd sensing value (183) and the 13th sensing value (13) may be changed to an average value obtained by averaging the 183rd sensing value (183) and the 13th sensing value (13). Accordingly, the 183rd sensing value (183) and the 13th sensing value (13), which are very low in possibility that they are actual touches and are highly likely to be noise, are changed to values ​​smaller than their original values, thereby fundamentally blocking the possibility that they will be recognized as actual touches in the subsequent processing.

[0108] As another example, if the smallest sensing value among the sensing values ​​(181 to 190, 11 to 20) included in the boundary area (350) is greater than the reference value, the sensing values ​​(181 to 190, 11 to 20) included in the boundary area (350) may be changed to a value that adds the corresponding sensing values ​​(181 to 190, 11 to 20). For example, among the 183rd sensing value (183) and the 13th sensing value (13) on the 3rd row line (Row3) included in the boundary area (350), if the 183rd sensing value (183) is smaller than the 13th sensing value (13) but larger than the reference value, the 183rd sensing value (183) and the 13th sensing value (13) may be changed to a value that adds the 183rd sensing value (183) and the 13th sensing value (13), respectively.

[0109] If the 183rd sensing value (183) and the 13th sensing value (13) on the third row line (Row3) included in the boundary area (350) are greater than the reference value, there is a high possibility that the 183rd sensing value (183) and the 13th sensing value (13) are actual touches. In this case, as described above, the 183rd sensing value (183) and the 13th sensing value (13) may be changed to a value that is the sum of the 183rd sensing value (183) and the 13th sensing value (13). Accordingly, since the 183rd sensing value (183) and the 13th sensing value (13), which are likely to be actual touches, are changed to values ​​greater than the original values, the possibility of being recognized as an actual touch in a subsequent processing process increases, so that the accuracy of touch recognition can be further improved.

[0110] Through the above-described correction method, touch misrecognition can be prevented and more accurate touch recognition can be achieved, thereby improving touch sensing performance and enhancing reliability.

[0111]

[0112] Meanwhile, the touch IC (140) can perform different touch sensing operations depending on the normal mode and the active pen mode. The normal mode may be, for example, a finger mode for sensing a touch by a finger.

[0113] In normal mode, the touch IC (140) can output a plurality of first sensing signals (RX1 to RX10) and a plurality of second sensing signals (RX11 to RX20) through a plurality of first receiving lines (122-1 to 122-10) of the first touch segment area (120) and a plurality of second receiving lines (132-1 to 132-10) of the second touch segment area (130), as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3.

[0114] In contrast, in the active pen mode, the touch IC (140) can output a plurality of first sensing signals (RX1 to RX10) and a plurality of second sensing signals (RX11 to RX20) through a plurality of first receiving lines (122-1 to 122-10) of the first touch segment area (120) and a plurality of second receiving lines (132-1 to 132-10) of the second touch segment area (130), as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 6. In addition, the touch IC (140) can output a plurality of third sensing signals through a plurality of first transmitting lines (121-1 to 121-10) of the first touch segment area (120) and a plurality of second transmitting lines (131-1 to 131-10) of the second touch segment area (130), as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 6.

[0115] Therefore, in normal mode, touch is recognized for multiple points, i.e. multiple touch nodes (115, 116), whereas in active pen mode, touch can be recognized for only one point, i.e. one touch node.

[0116] For convenience, FIG. 6 only illustrates acquiring multiple third sensing signals (third sensing data) in the active pen mode, but as described above, the touch sensing operation illustrated in FIG. 3 can also be performed in the active pen mode.

[0117] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a touch sensing method in active pen mode.

[0118] As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, and 6, the touch IC (140) can simultaneously supply a plurality of driving signals (TX1 to TX10) to the first touch partition area (120) and the second touch partition area (130) of the touch panel (110) in a time-division manner (S221). Since S221 is the same as S211 illustrated in FIG. 3, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0119] The touch IC (140) can receive a third touch sensing signal generated in the first touch partition area (120) and the second touch partition area (130) in a time-division manner in response to each of a plurality of driving signals (TX1 to TX10) supplied in a time-division manner (S222).

[0120] A plurality of driving signals (TX1 to TX10) can be supplied in a time-division manner to a plurality of first transmission lines (121-1 to 121-10) of a first touch partition area (120) and a plurality of second transmission lines (131-1 to 131-10) of a second touch partition area (130). In response to the driving signals (TX1 to TX10) supplied in a time-division manner, a plurality of third sensing signals can be output through a plurality of first transmission lines (121-1 to 121-10) of the first touch partition area (120) and a plurality of second transmission lines (131-1 to 131-10) of the second touch partition area (130).

[0121] The first transmission lines (121-1 to 121-10) of the first touch segment area (120) and the second transmission lines (121-1 to 121-10) of the second touch segment area (130) are commonly connected so that the same driving signal (TX1 to TX10) is supplied, and the third sensing signal can be received through the first transmission lines (121-1 to 121-10) of the first touch segment area (120) and the second transmission lines (131-1 to 131-10) of the second touch segment area (130) to the same third receiving channel of the touch IC (140). A plurality of third sensing signals can be received through a plurality of third receiving channels (not shown) of the touch IC (140).

[0122] The touch IC (140) can digitally convert multiple third sensing signals to obtain multiple third sensing data (S223).

[0123] Meanwhile, even if the third sensing signal is generated only in the first touch segmentation area (120) and output to the first transmission line (121-1 to 121-10), the touch IC (140) can recognize that the third sensing signal is generated not only in the first touch segmentation area (120) but also in the second touch segmentation area (130). That is, even if the third sensing signal is generated in one of the first touch segmentation area (120) and the second touch segmentation area (130), the touch IC (140) can recognize that the third sensing signal is generated in each of the first touch segmentation area (120) and the second touch segmentation area (130). Accordingly, the touch IC (140) needs to remove false touches from among the third sensing signals in order to improve touch sensing performance, which will be described in detail later.

[0124] Figures 7a to 7e illustrate multiple touches, including fake touches, recognized when an active pen touches. In Figures 7a to 7e, solid lines drawn on the outside of the touch panel (110) represent real touches, and dotted lines represent fake touches.

[0125] As illustrated in FIGS. 7A to 7E, a touch IC (140) may be mounted on an FPCB (150). In addition, a plurality of connection portions (153) or a plurality of connection lines may be provided on the FPCB (150). The plurality of connection portions (153) or the plurality of connection lines may commonly connect each of a plurality of transmission channels (141-1 to 141-10) of the touch IC (140) to a plurality of first transmission lines (121-1 to 121-10) of the first touch segment area (120) and a plurality of second transmission lines (131-1 to 131-10) of the second touch segment area (130).

[0126] As illustrated in FIG. 7a, when the active pen (170) touches a point adjacent to the left side of the first touch segment area (120) of the touch panel (110), a third sensing signal may be generated in the second direction (Y) (or column line) in each of the first touch segment area (120) and the second touch segment area (130), and a first sensing signal (RX1 to RX10) may be generated in the first direction (X) (or row line) in the first touch segment area (120).

[0127] As illustrated in FIG. 7b, when the active pen (170) touches one point of the center area of ​​the first touch segmentation area (120), a third sensing signal may be generated in the second direction (Y) in each of the first touch segmentation area (120) and the second touch segmentation area (130), and a first sensing signal (RX1 to RX10) may be generated in the first direction (X) in the first touch segmentation area (120).

[0128] As illustrated in FIG. 7c, when the active pen (170) touches one point of the boundary area between the first touch segmentation area (120) and the second touch segmentation area (130), a third sensing signal may be generated in the second direction (Y) in the boundary area between the first touch segmentation area (120) and the second touch segmentation area (130), and a first sensing signal (RX1 to RX10) and a second sensing signal (RX11 to RX20) may be generated in the first direction (X) in the first touch segmentation area (120) and the second touch segmentation area (130), respectively. The boundary area between the first touch segmentation area (120) and the second touch segmentation area (130) may correspond to the boundary area (350) between the first matrix data (310) and the second matrix data (320), as illustrated in FIG. 5, but is not limited thereto.

[0129] As illustrated in FIG. 7d, when the active pen (170) touches one point of the central area of ​​the second touch segmentation area (130), a third sensing signal may be generated in the second direction (Y) in each of the first touch segmentation area (120) and the second touch segmentation area (130), and a second sensing signal (RX11 to RX20) may be generated in the first direction (X) in the second touch segmentation area (130).

[0130] As illustrated in FIG. 7e, when the active pen (170) touches a point adjacent to the right side of the second touch segmentation area (130), a third sensing signal may be generated in the second direction (Y) (or column line) in each of the first touch segmentation area (120) and the second touch segmentation area (130), and a first sensing signal (RX1 to RX10) may be generated in the first direction (X) (or row line) in the second touch segmentation area (130).

[0131] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for removing false touches when two or more touches are recognized in a first direction.

[0132] As shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 8, the touch IC (140) can recognize two or more touches in the second direction (Y) (or column line) (S231).

[0133] The touch IC (140) can recognize two or more touches in the second direction (Y) using a plurality of third sensing data illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0134] As described above, the first transmission line (121-1 to 121-10) of the first touch segment area (120) and the second transmission line (131-1 to 131-10) of the second touch segment area (130) are commonly connected so that the same driving signal (TX1 to TX10) is supplied, and a third sensing signal can be output through the first transmission line (121-1 to 121-10) and the second transmission line (131-1 to 131-10). Since the first transmission line (121-1 to 121-10) and the second transmission line (131-1 to 131-10) are received by the same third reception channel of the touch IC (140), even if the third sensing signal is output through the first transmission line (121-1 to 121-10) or the second transmission line (131-1 to 131-10), the touch IC (140) can recognize that both the first touch segment area (120) and the second touch segment area (130) are touched based on the third sensing data converted from the third sensing data.

[0135] When two or more touches are recognized in the second direction (Y), the touch IC (140) can remove fake touches among the two or more touches in the second direction (Y) using a plurality of first sensing data and a plurality of second sensing data (S232).

[0136] When the first transmission lines (121-1 to 121-10) of the first touch partition area (120) and the second transmission lines (131-1 to 131-10) of the second touch partition area (130) are commonly connected and the same driving signal (TX1 to TX10) is supplied, a plurality of first sensing signals (RX1 to RX10) and a plurality of second sensing signals (RX11 to RX20) can be output through a plurality of first receiving lines (122-1 to 122-10) of the first touch partition area (120) and a plurality of second receiving lines (132-1 to 132-10) of the second touch partition area (130) in response to the same driving signal (TX1 to TX10).

[0137] The touch IC (140) can obtain the fourth matrix data (340) through S212 to S216 illustrated in FIG. 3. The touch IC (140) can determine in which touch segmentation area among the first touch segmentation area (120) and the second touch segmentation area (130) a touch in the first direction (X) was recognized based on a plurality of first sensing data of the first matrix data (310) and a plurality of second sensing data of the second matrix data (320) included in the fourth matrix data (340).

[0138] When it is determined that a touch in the first direction (X) is recognized in the first touch segment area (120) (FIGS. 7A, 7B), the touch IC (140) determines the touch in the second direction (Y) recognized in the first touch segment area (120) among two or more touches in the second direction (Y) as a real touch, and determines the touch in the second direction (Y) recognized in the second touch segment area (130) as a fake touch, and can remove the corresponding touch.

[0139] When it is determined that a touch in the first direction (X) is recognized in the second touch segment area (130) (FIGS. 7d, 7e), the touch IC (140) determines the touch in the second direction (Y) recognized in the second touch segment area (130) among two or more touches in the second direction (Y) as a real touch, and determines the touch in the second direction (Y) recognized in the first touch segment area (120) as a fake touch, and can remove the corresponding touch.

[0140]

[0141] Meanwhile, when the active pen (170) touches a point in the boundary area between the first touch segment area (120) and the second touch segment area (130) of the touch panel (110), three or more touches may be recognized in the second direction (Y) and two or more touches may be recognized in the first direction (X), as illustrated in FIG. 7e. In this case, false touches must be removed from among the three or more touches in the second direction (Y) and false touches must be removed from among the two or more touches in the first direction (X).

[0142] To this end, a disambiguation methodology (or algorithm) can be proposed. The disambiguation methodology can operate in the following order:

[0143] First, nodes (or points) touched by the active pen can be separated into groups through clustering.

[0144] As illustrated in FIG. 7c, when a plurality of first transmission lines (121-1 to 121-10) of a first touch segment area (120) and a plurality of second transmission lines (131-1 to 131-10) of a second touch segment area (130) are commonly connected or tied to each other, two or more touched nodes (or points) are expected or recognized, and thus can be separated into at least two or more groups.

[0145] Afterwards, a group including a fake touch or a fake touch in the second direction (Y) can be removed through a touch expected or recognized in the first direction (X) and the second direction (Y) in at least two groups (S241, S242 of FIG. 9).

[0146] Even if fake touches in the second direction (Y) are removed, there may still be fake touches in the first direction (X) or groups containing fake touches.

[0147] Thereafter, using the sizes of the sensing values ​​(181 to 190, 11 to 20) included in the boundary area (350), a fake touch or a group including a fake touch can be removed among the two touches in the first direction (X) (S243 of FIG. 9). This will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 9.

[0148] FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for removing false touches in each direction when two or more touches are recognized in the first direction and the second direction, respectively.

[0149] As shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2 and FIG. 9, the touch IC (140) can recognize three or more touches in the second direction (Y) and two or more touches in the first direction (X) (S241).

[0150] When the active pen (170) touches the boundary area between the first touch segment area (120) and the second touch segment area (130) of the touch panel (110), the touch IC (140) can recognize three or more touches in two directions and two or more touches in the first direction (X) based on a plurality of first sensing signals (RX1 to RX10), a plurality of second sensing signals (RX11 to RX20), and a plurality of third sensing signals (Fig. 7c).

[0151] In this case, the touch IC (140) can remove fake touches from among three or more touches in the second direction (Y) using a plurality of first sensing data and a plurality of second sensing data (S242). Accordingly, a touch in the second direction (Y) in the boundary area between the first touch segmentation area (120) and the second touch segmentation area (130) is determined as a real touch, and a touch in the second direction (Y) in each of the first touch segmentation area (120) and the second touch segmentation area (130) is determined as a fake touch and can be removed.

[0152] Since S242 is identical to S232 illustrated in Fig. 8, a detailed description is omitted.

[0153] Thereafter, the touch IC (140) can remove a fake touch among two touches in the first direction (X) by using the sizes of the sensing values ​​(181 to 190, 11 to 20) included in the boundary area (350) (S243). Here, the boundary area (350) may be a boundary area defined by the contact between the first matrix data (310) and the second matrix data (320) included in the fourth matrix data (340).

[0154] As illustrated in FIG. 5, adjacent sensing values ​​(181 to 190, 11 to 20) may be provided in the boundary area (350) in each of a plurality of row lines (Row1 to Row10). By comparing the sizes of the adjacent sensing values ​​(181 to 190, 11 to 20) on the row lines, a touch in the first direction (X) in the touch segmentation area including a larger sensing value among the adjacent sensing values ​​(181 to 190, 11 to 20) may be determined as a real touch. Accordingly, a touch in the first direction (X) in the touch segmentation area including a smaller sensing value may be determined as a fake touch and may be removed.

[0155] At this time, the comparison is performed by comparing adjacent sensing values ​​(181 to 190, 11 to 20) on all row lines included in the boundary area (350), so that an actual touch can be determined. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, if the sensing values ​​included in the first touch segmentation area (120) are greater in 7 row lines among 10 row lines, a touch in the first direction (X) in the first touch segmentation area (120) can be determined as an actual touch.

[0156] The above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in any respect and should be considered illustrative only. The scope of the embodiments should be determined by a reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the equivalency range of the embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the embodiments.

Claims

1. A method for touch sensing in a touch device including a touch IC for touch-driving a touch panel, The above touch panel, A first touch segmentation area including a plurality of first transmission lines in a first direction and a plurality of first reception lines in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a second touch segmentation area including a plurality of second transmission lines in the first direction and a plurality of second reception lines in the second direction; The above touch IC, A plurality of transmission channels commonly connected to the plurality of first transmission lines and the plurality of second transmission lines; a plurality of first receiving channels connected to the plurality of first receiving lines; and a plurality of second receiving channels connected to the plurality of second receiving lines; The above touch sensing method, A step of receiving a plurality of first sensing signals in a time-division manner through the plurality of first receiving channels and receiving a plurality of second sensing signals in a time-division manner through the plurality of second receiving channels in response to a plurality of driving signals supplied in a time-division manner to the plurality of first transmission lines and the plurality of second transmission lines commonly connected to the plurality of transmission channels; A step of obtaining first matrix data based on a plurality of first sensing data converted from a plurality of first sensing signals received in the time division, and obtaining second matrix data based on a plurality of second sensing data converted from a plurality of second sensing signals received in the time division; A step of obtaining third matrix data by arranging the acquired plurality of first matrix data and the acquired plurality of second matrix data according to the plurality of driving signals; and A step of obtaining fourth matrix data by arranging the first matrix data and the second matrix data from the obtained third matrix data to correspond to the first touch segment area and the second touch segment area of ​​the touch panel; including; Touch sensing method.

2. In paragraph 1, A step of correcting a boundary area where the first matrix data and the second matrix data meet in the acquired fourth matrix data is further included; Touch sensing method.

3. In paragraph 2, A step of receiving a plurality of third sensing signals in a time-division manner through the plurality of first transmission lines and the plurality of second transmission lines commonly connected to the plurality of transmission channels in response to a plurality of driving signals supplied in a time-division manner through the plurality of first transmission lines and the plurality of second transmission lines commonly connected to the plurality of transmission channels; and A step of converting a plurality of third sensing signals received in the above time division to obtain a plurality of third sensing data; further comprising; Touch sensing method.

4. In paragraph 3, In a case where two or more touches are recognized in the second direction by a touch on the touch panel, a step of removing a fake touch from among two or more touches in the second direction by using the plurality of first sensing data and the plurality of second sensing data is further included. Touch sensing method.

5. In paragraph 3, A method of removing a fake touch from among three or more touches in the second direction and two touches in the first direction in the boundary area by a touch on the touch panel, using the plurality of first sensing data and the plurality of second sensing data, and removing a fake touch from among two touches in the first direction by using the magnitude of the sensing values ​​included in the boundary area, further comprising: Touch sensing method.

6. In paragraph 1, The step of obtaining the third matrix data is: A step of arranging a plurality of first sensing data acquired on the plurality of first transmission lines and a plurality of second sensing data acquired on the plurality of second transmission lines along the second direction; Touch sensing method.

7. In paragraph 1, In the acquired fourth matrix data, the plurality of first sensing values ​​of the plurality of first sensing data and the plurality of second sensing values ​​of the plurality of second sensing data are arranged to correspond to the plurality of first touch nodes of the first touch segmentation area and the plurality of second touch nodes of the second touch area, respectively. Touch sensing method.

8. Includes a touch IC for touch-driving the touch panel, The above touch panel, A first touch segmentation area including a plurality of first transmission lines in a first direction and a plurality of first reception lines in a second direction intersecting the first direction; and a second touch segmentation area including a plurality of second transmission lines in the first direction and a plurality of second reception lines in the second direction; The above touch IC, A plurality of transmission channels commonly connected to the plurality of first transmission lines and the plurality of second transmission lines; a plurality of first receiving channels connected to the plurality of first receiving lines; and a plurality of second receiving channels connected to the plurality of second receiving lines; The above touch IC, In response to a plurality of driving signals supplied in a time-division manner to the plurality of first transmission lines and the plurality of second transmission lines commonly connected to the plurality of transmission channels, a plurality of first sensing signals are received in a time-division manner through the plurality of first receiving channels, and a plurality of second sensing signals are received in a time-division manner through the plurality of second receiving channels. Obtaining first matrix data based on a plurality of first sensing data converted from a plurality of first sensing signals received in the above time division, and obtaining second matrix data based on a plurality of second sensing data converted from a plurality of second sensing signals received in the above time division, The acquired plurality of first matrix data and the acquired plurality of second matrix data are arranged for each of the plurality of driving signals to acquire third matrix data, In the acquired third matrix data, the first matrix data and the second matrix data are arranged to correspond to the first touch segment area and the second touch segment area of ​​the touch panel to acquire the fourth matrix data. Touch device.

9. In paragraph 8, The above touch IC, Correcting the boundary area where the first matrix data and the second matrix data meet in the fourth matrix data obtained above. Touch device.

10. In paragraph 9, The above touch IC, In response to a plurality of driving signals supplied in a time-division manner to the plurality of first transmission lines and the plurality of second transmission lines commonly connected to the plurality of transmission channels, a plurality of third sensing signals are received in a time-division manner by the plurality of first transmission lines and the plurality of second transmission lines commonly connected to the plurality of transmission channels. Converting a plurality of third sensing signals received in the above time division to obtain a plurality of third sensing data, Touch device.

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