Stylus pen coordinate correction control method and electronic device performing same

Abstract

A method according to an embodiment of the present invention is a control method by which a control unit corrects coordinates of a stylus pen in an electronic device including a sensor unit configured to sense the stylus pen and the control unit configured to control the sensor unit, and comprises the steps of: dynamically calculating an estimated tilt or azimuth according to an actual tilt or rotation direction of the stylus pen; and correcting position coordinates of the stylus pen in real time on the basis of the estimated tilt or azimuth.

Description

Stylus pen coordinate correction control method and electronic device performing the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for detecting the position coordinates of a stylus pen, and more specifically, to a control method for dynamically correcting position coordinates by continuously tracking the tilt and azimuth change patterns of the pen over time on a display panel, and an electronic device for performing the same.

[0002] Generally, in an N5 coordinate system environment, a discrepancy occurs between the coordinates recognized by the system (collectively referred to as the operating system (OS), applications, and graphics drivers) and the actual physical position of the pen tip depending on the tilt and azimuth of the stylus pen. Conventionally, 9-direction calibration has been used to solve this problem.

[0003] However, conventional technology had a limitation in that it used only one of the nine orientations at the point of initial contact with the pen, applying a fixed calibration value throughout the entire duration of the pen's contact. Consequently, if the accurate orientation could not be estimated at that location, tilt accuracy would be significantly reduced, and there was a problem where coordinate accuracy dropped significantly, particularly in the edge or corner areas of the panel. Furthermore, when the orientation was misrecognized during accuracy measurement in APL, the coordinates on the screen would be completely distorted from the actual position, and there was a structural blind spot where precise interpolation processing by orientation or tilt was impossible within the N5 coordinate system.

[0004] The present invention is derived to solve the problems of the prior art as described above, and provides a coordinate correction control method and an electronic device that performs the same, which overcomes the limitation of using only the initially recognized fixed orientation value and estimates the orientation so that it gradually converges to the actual rotation direction of the pen by continuously reflecting changes in orientation over time, thereby enabling the position coordinates of the pen on the display screen to not deviate from the physical position of the pen tip even while tilting the stylus pen or dynamically drawing a stroke.

[0005] A method according to an embodiment of the present invention is a control method in which a control unit corrects the coordinates of a stylus pen in an electronic device comprising a sensor unit configured to sense a stylus pen and a control unit configured to control the sensor unit, the control unit comprises: a step of dynamically calculating an estimated tilt or orientation according to the actual tilt or rotation direction of the stylus pen; and a step of correcting the position coordinates of the stylus pen in real time based on the estimated tilt or orientation.

[0006] An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention is an electronic device for correcting the coordinates of a stylus pen, comprising: a sensor unit configured to sense the stylus pen; a display panel configured to output a screen; and a control unit configured to control the sensor unit; wherein the control unit is configured to dynamically calculate an estimated tilt or orientation based on the actual tilt or rotation direction of the stylus pen, and to correct the position coordinates of the stylus pen in real time based on the estimated tilt or orientation.

[0007] When using the method and electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention, even if a stylus pen in contact with a touch surface on a display screen is tilted or dynamically rotated, the offset of the initial coordinates gradually decreases and the coordinates on the screen converge to perfectly match the actual physical position of the pen tip. In addition, by analyzing signal characteristic information to filter out external noise and optimizing the frame collection criteria by generalizing them for each panel area (surface / edge), there is an advantage of providing seamless and smooth trajectory rendering even in various environments.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall flow of a stylus pen coordinate correction control method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the detailed control flow of a control unit for updating an azimuth record table according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the coordinate convergence action and effect according to the movement of the stylus pen when applying the coordinate correction control method of the stylus pen according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating an electronic device in which the control method illustrated in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 can be performed.

[0012] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining a sensor unit (100) and a control unit (300) included in an electronic device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining a modified embodiment of the electronic device shown in FIG. 5, and is a drawing for explaining a modified embodiment in which the arrangement of the second electrode pattern is modified.

[0014] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining another modified embodiment of the electronic device shown in FIG. 6, and is a drawing for explaining a modified embodiment in which the first electrode pattern has a double routing structure.

[0015] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining another modified embodiment of the electronic device shown in FIG. 5, and is a drawing for explaining a modified embodiment in which both ends of the first electrode pattern are connected to different terminals.

[0016] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining another modified embodiment of the electronic device shown in FIG. 8, and is a drawing for explaining an embodiment in which the wiring structure is modified to minimize the bezel.

[0017] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining another modified embodiment of the electronic device shown in FIG. 8, and is a drawing for explaining a modified embodiment in which second electrode patterns are alternately arranged.

[0018] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining another modified embodiment of the electronic device shown in FIG. 9, and is a drawing for explaining a modified embodiment in which second electrode patterns are alternately arranged.

[0019] FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining a modified embodiment of the electronic device shown in FIG. 7.

[0020] FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram of an electronic device including a sensor unit (1000) and a control unit (3000) according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram of an electronic device including a sensor unit (1000) and a control unit (3000') according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram of an electronic device including a sensor unit (1000) and a control unit (3000'') according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG. 16 is a drawing illustrating an electronic device including a sensor unit (1000') and a control unit (3100, 3300) according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 17 is a drawing for explaining a modified embodiment of the electronic device shown in FIG. 16.

[0025] FIG. 18 is a drawing for explaining another modified embodiment of the sensor unit (100) shown in FIG. 4.

[0026] FIG. 19 is a drawing for explaining another modified embodiment of the sensor unit (100) shown in FIG. 4.

[0027] FIG. 20 is a diagram schematically illustrating another electronic device on which the control method illustrated in FIG. 1 to 3 can be performed.

[0028] Hereinafter, a detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention is given with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that reference numerals and identical components in the drawings are indicated by the same reference numerals whenever possible, even if they are shown in different drawings. For reference, in describing the present invention, detailed descriptions of related known functions or configurations are omitted if it is determined that such detailed descriptions may unnecessarily obscure the essence of the invention.

[0029] The stylus pen described in this specification may be an Electro Magnetic Resonance (EMR) type stylus pen. An EMR type stylus pen is configured to interact electromagnetically with a sensor (100). For example, an EMR type stylus pen may include an LC resonant circuit internally. Energy may be generated when the LC resonant circuit resonates due to a magnetic field generated by the sensor (100). Due to the generated energy, the stylus pen emits a magnetic field signal to the outside, and the sensor (100) can detect the magnetic field signal. Meanwhile, the pen tip of the EMR type stylus pen may be made of a non-conductive material. Additionally, the EMR type stylus pen does not have a separate battery internally, but a battery may be installed internally depending on the case.

[0030] The electronic device described in this specification may be an electronic device such as a conventional smartphone, or an electronic device having a rectangular screen that is relatively larger than the screen of a conventional smartphone and has a screen with a diagonal length of approximately 10 inches or more and 13 inches. For example, it may include at least one of a foldable smartphone, a tablet personal computer, a vehicle display device, an e-book reader, a laptop personal computer, and a netbook computer.

[0031] Hereinafter, a stylus pen coordinate correction control method according to one embodiment of the present invention and an electronic device for performing the same will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0032] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall flow of a stylus pen coordinate correction control method according to one embodiment of the present invention. Here, the stylus pen coordinate correction control method according to one embodiment of the present invention can be implemented in the form of firmware.

[0033] Referring to FIG. 1, the overall control flow of a stylus pen coordinate correction control method according to one embodiment of the present invention is performed chronologically through the following steps by a control unit (such as a processor or a microcontroller (MCU)) provided within an electronic device. Here, the control unit may also be referred to as a 'controller'.

[0034] The initial position coordinate calculation step (S100) is a step in which the control unit receives raw data obtained through the sensor unit and, based on this, primarily calculates and updates the initial position coordinates corresponding to the X-axis and Y-axis of the sensor unit. In this step, the control unit detects the amount of change in electromagnetic signal that occurs when the stylus pen approaches or contacts a touch surface, and can determine the initial node coordinates where the stylus pen is located in the N5 coordinate system.

[0035] The phase information update step (S200) is a step in which the control unit updates the phase information of the pen signal based on the data acquired in the preceding step S100. By precisely analyzing not only the intensity of the received pen signal but also the phase change, the control unit verifies the validity of the pen signal and filters out external noise, thereby establishing reliable basic data for subsequent algorithm processing.

[0036] The tilt and orientation information calculation step (S300) is a step in which the control unit comprehensively analyzes previously acquired data and phase information to calculate and determine in real time the physical tilt of the stylus pen and the initial orientation (Azimuth) information that is directed at the time of first contact. In the prior art, only one of the nine orientations at the time of first contact was used fixedly, but in the embodiment of the present invention, the control unit continuously calculates orientation information that changes dynamically every frame and utilizes it as mediating data for updating the orientation record table described later.

[0037] The azimuth information update step (S400) is a step in which the control unit continuously updates the azimuth record table (which may be internally referred to as a 'Dynamic Azimuth Map') stored in the control unit's internal memory using the real-time azimuth information calculated in step S300. The control unit collects azimuth information that is continuously input over time during the entire period in which the stylus pen is in contact with the touch surface, and accumulates and updates the azimuth record table by reflecting the trend or pattern of change of the azimuth information. Through this, the control unit can dynamically calculate an estimated azimuth such that the initially calculated azimuth gradually converges to the amount of change in the tilt or rotation direction of the stylus pen.

[0038] The correction coordinate calculation step (S500) is a step in which the control unit applies the dynamic azimuth information continuously updated in step S400 to the calibration data for each preset reference azimuth to correct the initial position coordinates derived in step S100. The control unit performs interpolation operations to prevent discontinuous changes in coordinates even when the pen moves dynamically and controls the trajectory to transition smoothly, thereby precisely offsetting the offset between the actual physical position of the pen tip and the recognition coordinates that inevitably occurs when the pen is tilted.

[0039] The corrected position coordinate reporting step (S600) is a step in which the control unit scales and converts the position coordinates of the pen corrected in step S500 to match the display resolution of the actual hardware, and then finally reports them to the system. Here, the system refers to the main control environment (operating system (OS) and main processor, etc.) of a host device, and refers to the main brain (OS / AP) of a smart device that receives the precise position coordinates calculated by offsetting errors by the control method according to an embodiment of the present invention, and displays and drives the final result (movement trajectory of the pen) on the display screen viewed by the user.

[0040] The detailed control method of the control unit for updating dynamic orientation information and correcting position coordinates performed in the above steps S400 and S500 can be embodied through the flowchart of FIG. 2. FIG. 2 will be described in detail below.

[0041] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the detailed control flow of a control unit for updating a direction record table according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 2, the control unit can call an internal algorithm module to perform the following detailed control flow. Here, the 'internal algorithm module' refers to a set of software blocks or hardware logic circuits mounted inside the control unit that substantially drives the 'directional record table update' of FIG. 2.

[0043] In the direction record table acquisition step (S410) and pen state determination step (S420), the control unit first retrieves the direction record table currently accumulated from memory (S410) to prepare for the operation. Subsequently, the control unit checks the current physical state of the stylus pen based on the sensing signal detected through the sensor unit (S420). The state of the pen can be divided into two paths: a contact state and a non-contact state (Hover / None State).

[0044] When the control unit determines the current physical state of the stylus pen as a contact state, the control unit continuously updates the orientation record table (S430). As an embodiment to encompass the broad scope of the present invention, the control unit may collect orientation data in the amount of N (N is a natural number) frames from the central surface of the display panel and collect orientation data in the amount of M (M is a natural number) frames from the edge area where signal loss and distortion are likely to occur, and accumulate them in a buffer within the control unit. As a more specific embodiment, here, M may be a natural number greater than N, and more specifically, N may be 100 frames and M may be 200 frames. At this time, the control unit may perform asymmetric buffer update control to maximize real-time responsiveness, specifically, when the buffer size increases, it may increase by one frame at a time, and when it decreases, it may optimize memory by rapidly deleting two frames of past data for every one frame increase. Meanwhile, M and N may be the same, or N may be a natural number greater than M. Here, the term 'surface area' refers to a wide, flat central active area in the center of the screen, excluding the 'edge' area corresponding to the border of the display panel.

[0045] Subsequently, the collected data derives a bearing record table through a predetermined operation of the control unit (S440). Here, the control unit can derive a bearing record table through an operation of the first blending method (blendingType1).

[0046] Specifically, to prevent processing speed from being degraded due to the computational load of the microcontroller, the control unit can perform interpolation by selecting the top three direction data based on frequency from the direction statistics accumulated in the direction record table, instead of performing calculations on all nine stored directions. Through this, the control unit can reduce unnecessary data calculations and maximize processing speed.

[0047] In addition, the control unit can perform a smoothing transition operation to prevent discontinuous changes in coordinates when the ranking of the third bearing among the bearing statistics accumulated in the bearing record table changes due to the user's dynamic pen input. In this process, the control unit can subtract the sum of the fourth bearing data from the top 1st to 3rd bearing data to mathematically mitigate the shock of the abrupt replacement of bearing data. Consequently, the control unit can calculate a pen trajectory that continues naturally without coordinate jumps even at the point where the bearing changes by smoothly recalculating the final interpolation weights of the three bearings based on the subtracted values. Through this process, an updated final bearing record table can be derived.

[0048] The control unit can calculate position coordinates corrected to match the actual position of the pen tip based on the derived orientation record table (S500).

[0049] Meanwhile, at step S420, if the control unit determines that the current physical state of the stylus pen is a non-contact state (Hover / None State), the control unit temporarily suspends the accumulation operation and retrieves the Default Azimuth Map (S450). During this process, the time-out reset setting unit of the control unit is activated, and the control unit continuously compares and determines whether the time (timeout) during which the pen's non-contact state is maintained exceeds a preset threshold. Here, it is preferable to set the threshold to approximately 0.5 seconds to 1 second. If the time (timeout) during which the non-contact state is maintained exceeds the preset threshold, the control unit completely initializes the buffer accumulated from the previous stroke to clear the orientation record table (S460). Through this, the phenomenon in which the tilt and orientation residual data of the previous stroke intervene as an error in the coordinate correction process of the next stroke that starts anew can be fundamentally prevented.

[0050] FIGS. 3 (a) to (c) is a diagram showing the coordinate convergence action and effect according to the movement of the stylus pen when applying the coordinate correction control method of the stylus pen according to one embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 2.

[0051] Referring to FIGS. 3 (a) to (c), when a coordinate correction control method for a stylus pen according to an embodiment of the present invention, which operates in the steps shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, is applied, the operation and effect of how the position coordinates are corrected according to the movement trajectory of the stylus pen on the display screen can be confirmed.

[0052] Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 3(a), when a user first contacts the touch surface of the display panel with the stylus pen (10), the orientation data accumulated in the system is insufficient, so the recognized coordinates do not exactly match the physical end point of the pen tip, and an offset of a certain level may occur between the recognized coordinates and the physical end point of the pen tip.

[0053] However, as illustrated in FIG. 3 (b) and (c), when the user moves the stylus pen (10) downward while maintaining contact with the touch surface, the offset is gradually offset and reduced as the estimated orientation accumulated in the orientation record table converges with the actual rotation direction of the stylus pen (10). Finally, the control unit dynamically adjusts the corrected position coordinates to match the display resolution and reports them to the system, thereby producing a unique effect in which the on-screen coordinates rendered on the display screen and the physical actual position of the stylus pen tip completely coincide with each other.

[0054] FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically illustrating an electronic device in which the control method illustrated in FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 can be performed.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 4, an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention may further include a window layer (or cover layer) (500) disposed on a sensor unit (100) comprising a plurality of electrode patterns, and a display panel (600) disposed below the sensor unit (100). The sensor unit (100) may be disposed between the window layer (500) and the display panel (600). For example, the sensor unit (100) may be formed on the upper surface of the encapsulation layer of the display panel (600). Additionally, the electronic device may further include a magnetic field shielding layer (700) disposed below the display panel.

[0056] As illustrated in FIG. 4, a plurality of electrode patterns within the sensor unit (100) may be composed of a metal mesh (MM). When a plurality of electrode patterns of the sensor unit (100) are composed of a metal mesh (MM), the metal mesh (MM) may be positioned to overlap with a black matrix (BM) of the display panel (600). Here, the black matrix (BM) refers to a black area positioned between pixels (601, 602, 603) of the display panel (600).

[0057] The sensor unit (100) includes a plurality of electrode patterns and is controlled by a control unit (not shown) to sense a touch such as a finger, drive an external stylus pen, and sense a pen signal emitted from an external stylus pen. Here, the sensor unit (100) may also be referred to as a 'sensor'.

[0058] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the sensor unit (100) and the control unit (not shown) will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0059] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining a sensor unit (100) and a control unit (300) included in an electronic device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 5, the sensor unit (100) includes a plurality of first electrode patterns (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) and a plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e, 120f, 120g, 120h). Here, the plurality of first electrode patterns (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) may be named as a plurality of first patterns, and the plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e, 120f, 120g, 120h) may also be named as a plurality of second patterns.

[0061] Each first electrode pattern (110a) has a shape extending along a first direction (y) and is configured such that at least one end of both ends is electrically connected to a control unit (300). One end of the first electrode pattern (110a) may be electrically connected to the control unit (300) through a connection pattern (T1-1). One end of the first electrode pattern (110a) may be positioned closer to the control unit (300) than the other end of the first electrode pattern (110a). The other end of each first electrode pattern (110a) is configured to be electrically floating.

[0062] Each first electrode pattern (110a) may have a bar shape extended along the first direction (y). However, it is not limited thereto, and the first electrode pattern (110a) may have a shape in which certain patterns are arranged along the first direction (y) and said certain patterns are connected in series. Here, the certain patterns may have a rhombus or a diamond shape.

[0063] A plurality of first electrode patterns (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) are arranged along a second direction (x). A plurality of first electrode patterns (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) may be arranged at equal intervals along the second direction (x).

[0064] Each second electrode pattern (120a) has two ends that are electrically connected to the control unit (300). Here, the two ends of the second electrode pattern (120a) are positioned on the same side, in contrast to the two ends of the first electrode pattern (110a) being positioned on different sides.

[0065] At least one bent portion (125) is disposed between the two ends of the second electrode pattern (120a). The bent portion (125) may have a shape formed by being bent at least twice to form a receiving space on the inside. The bent portion (125) may be formed to be rounded or angular. The bent portion (125) may also be referred to as a curved portion. The bent portion (125) may also be used to mean a physical connecting portion that connects two extended patterns arranged parallel to each other in the second direction (x) to form a closed loop.

[0066] Each second electrode pattern (120a) may include two extension patterns arranged parallel to each other in the second direction (x) and a connecting pattern connecting the two extension patterns, at least a portion of which is arranged along the first direction (y).

[0067] Each second electrode pattern (120a) may have an open-loop shape in which one side of the closed loop is open.

[0068] Each second electrode pattern (120a) may have a U-shape. The U-shape may include an angular U-shape, a rounded U-shape, or an asymmetrical U-shape. Alternatively, each second electrode pattern (120a) may have a horseshoe shape.

[0069] In the second electrode pattern (120a), both ends are configured to be electrically connected to the control unit (300). Both ends of the second electrode pattern (120a) are electrically connected to the control unit (300) through a pair of connection patterns (T2-1). One end of the second electrode pattern (120a) may be electrically connected to the control unit (300) through one connection pattern (T2-1a), and the other end may be electrically connected to the control unit (300) through another connection pattern (T2-1b).

[0070] A plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e, 120f, 120g, 120h) are arranged along a first direction (y). A plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e, 120f, 120g, 120h) may be arranged at equal intervals along the first direction (y).

[0071] The direction (-x) in which each end of some of the second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e, 120f, 120g, 120h) is facing may be the exact opposite of the direction (x) in which each end of the remaining second electrode patterns (120e, 120f, 120g, 120h) is facing.

[0072] Alternatively, at least one second electrode pattern (120a) among a plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e, 120f, 120g, 120h) arranged along a first direction (y) may be arranged symmetrically with respect to an axis parallel to the first direction (y) with respect to at least one other second electrode pattern (120e). For example, among a plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e, 120f, 120g, 120h), both ends of a plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d) arranged continuously along a first direction (y) may be positioned on the left side, and both ends of another plurality of second electrode patterns (120e, 120f, 120g, 120h) arranged continuously along a first direction (y) may be positioned on the right side.

[0073] The sensor unit (100) includes first connection patterns (T1-1) for electrically connecting each first electrode pattern (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) to the control unit (300), and second connection patterns (T2-1) for electrically connecting each second electrode pattern (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e, 120f, 120g, 120h) to the control unit (300). One or more pads may be disposed between each connection pattern (T1-1, T2-1) and the control unit (300).

[0074] A plurality of first connection patterns (T1-1) may be formed of a metal mesh or a metal wire (or line). A plurality of second connection patterns (T2-1) may also be formed of a metal mesh or a metal wire (or line).

[0075] Unlike what is shown in the drawing, the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the sensor part (100) may be reversed. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, each first electrode pattern (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) may have a shape in which it extends along the second direction (x) and each second electrode pattern (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e, 120f, 120g, 120h) extends along the first direction (y).

[0076] A plurality of first and second electrode patterns (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d, 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e, 120f, 120g, 120h) within the sensor unit (100) may be configured on different layers or on the same layer. A plurality of first electrode patterns (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) and a plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e, 120f, 120g, 120h) shown in FIG. 1 may each be placed on different layers for electrical insulation between them. However, although not shown in a separate drawing, if a bridge is used, a plurality of first electrode patterns (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) and a plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e, 120f, 120g, 120h) may be placed on the same layer.

[0077] The control unit (300) is electrically connected to the sensor unit (100) and is intended to control the sensor unit (100). The control unit (300) may be configured to perform various operations on the sensor unit (100). Here, the various operations include the operation of sensing the touch or hovering of a conductive object, such as a user's finger, on the sensor unit (100), the operation of driving a stylus pen, and the operation of sensing a stylus pen. Additionally, the operation of sensing the tilt and pressure of the stylus pen may also be included.

[0078] The control unit (300) may include a first control unit (310) and a second control unit (330). The first control unit (310) and the second control unit (330) may be configured to perform different functions. For example, the first control unit (310) may be configured so that the sensor unit (100) performs a touch sensing operation. The second control unit (330) may be configured so that the sensor unit (100) performs a stylus driving operation and / or a stylus sensing operation.

[0079] The first control unit (310) is electrically connected to a plurality of first electrode patterns (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) and a plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e, 120f, 120g, 120h) of the sensor unit (100), and the second control unit (330) is configured to be electrically connected to a plurality of first electrode patterns (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) and a plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e, 120f, 120g, 120h) of the sensor unit (100).

[0080] The first control unit (310) and the second control unit (330) may be configured to be physically separated from each other. Being physically separated means that the first control unit (310) and the second control unit (330) are each configured as separate chips. When the first control unit (310) and the second control unit (330) are physically separated from each other, the first control unit (310) and the second control unit (330) may be configured to communicate with each other. Each of the first control unit (310) and the second control unit (330) may include a communication module for communication with each other. The first control unit (310) and the second control unit (330) may be configured to communicate with each other to determine the control sequence or operation of the sensor unit (100).

[0081] The first control unit (310) and the second control unit (330) may be configured to control the sensor unit (100) by time division. For example, the first control unit (310) may be configured to control the sensor unit (100) in any first time interval, and the second control unit (330) may be configured to control the sensor unit (100) in a second time interval after the first time interval. Here, the second time interval may be divided into at least two time intervals, so that in the second-1 time interval, the second control unit (300) may control the sensor unit (100) to perform a first operation, and in the second-2 time interval, the second control unit (300) may control the sensor unit (100) to perform a second operation different from the first operation. For example, in the 2-1 time interval, the second control unit (300) can perform an operation of driving the stylus pen using the sensor unit (100), and in the 2-2 time interval, the second control unit (300) can perform an operation of receiving a pen signal emitted from the stylus pen using the sensor unit (100).

[0082] Meanwhile, the first control unit (310) and the second control unit (330) may be configured as a single control unit (300). When configured as a single control unit (300), the single control unit (300) may include a first die that performs the function of the first control unit (310) and a second die that performs the function of the second control unit (330), or it may be configured to have a single die that performs the functions of the first and second control units (310, 330).

[0083] The electronic device illustrated in FIG. 5 can detect whether a conductive object, such as a finger, is touched and the location of the touch (touch sensing mode) by controlling the sensor unit (100) by the control unit (300), and can also drive an external stylus pen (stylus driving mode or uplink mode) or detect the location of the stylus pen by detecting a pen signal emitted from the stylus pen (stylus detection mode or downlink mode). This will be explained in detail below with examples.

[0084] Touch sensing mode (touch sensing operation)

[0085] A method in which a control unit (300) performs an operation of detecting whether an object is touched and the touch location using a sensor unit (100), wherein the control unit (300) detects a change in capacitance between a plurality of first electrode patterns (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) and a plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e, 120f, 120g, 120h). In this mode, the control unit (300) may be configured to apply a touch driving signal to at least one of the plurality of first electrode patterns (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) and to receive a touch detection signal from a plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e, 120f, 120g, 120h). Here, the control unit (300) may be configured to electrically connect both ends of each second electrode pattern (120a) in order to receive a touch detection signal from each second electrode pattern (120a). For example, the control unit (300) may include a switch unit (not shown) configured to electrically connect both ends of each second electrode pattern (120a). The control unit (300) may electrically connect or electrically disconnect both ends of each second electrode pattern (120a) by controlling the switch unit (not shown).

[0086] Conversely, the control unit (300) may be configured to apply a touch driving signal to at least one of a plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e, 120f, 120g, 120h) and to receive a touch detection signal from a plurality of first electrode patterns (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d). Here, in order to apply a touch driving signal to each second electrode pattern (120a), the control unit (300) may be configured to electrically connect both ends of each second electrode pattern (120a) as described above.

[0087] Although the above description describes a mutual sensing method, the control unit (300) may also control a plurality of first electrode patterns (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) and a plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e, 120f, 120g, 120h) using a self-sensing method. For example, the control unit (300) may be configured to apply a self-driving signal to a plurality of first electrode patterns (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) and to receive a self-sensing signal from a plurality of first electrode patterns (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d). Alternatively, the control unit (300) may be configured to apply a self-driving signal to a plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e, 120f, 120g, 120h) and to receive a self-sensing signal from a plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e, 120f, 120g, 120h). Here, a self-driving signal is applied to a plurality of first electrode patterns (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d), and when a self-sensing signal is received from a plurality of first electrode patterns (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d), a signal identical to the self-driving signal is also applied to a plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e, 120f, 120g, 120h) so as to electrically exclude the mutual capacitance between the first electrode patterns (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) and the second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e, 120f, 120g, 120h) and sense only the self-capacitance. It is possible. Likewise, when self-sensing with a plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e, 120f, 120g, 120h), a signal identical to the self-driving signal can be applied to a plurality of first electrode patterns (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d).

[0088] The control unit (300) can detect whether the object is touched and the touch location based on signals provided through a mutual sensing method and / or a self-sensing method. Here, the touch sensing mode can be performed by the first control unit (310).

[0089] Stylus drive mode or uplink mode (stylus drive operation)

[0090] A method in which a control unit (300) performs an operation of driving the stylus pen using a sensor unit (100) is configured such that the control unit (300) applies a pen driving signal to at least one of a plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e, 120f, 120g, 120h). To apply a pen driving signal to each second electrode pattern (120a), the control unit (300) may be configured to electrically separate both ends of each second electrode pattern (120a) and apply the pen driving signal to at least one of the two ends. The control unit (300) may electrically ground the other end of each second electrode pattern (120a) and may be configured to apply a signal having the magnitude of the pen driving signal but with the opposite phase. That is, it can be configured to apply different pen driving signals to both ends of each second electrode pattern (120a).

[0091] Meanwhile, as another method for the control unit (300) to drive the stylus pen using the sensor unit (100), the control unit (300) may be configured to apply a pen driving signal to at least two of the plurality of first electrode patterns (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d). For example, the control unit (300) may apply a pen driving signal to two or more of the first electrode patterns (110a, 110b) among the plurality of first electrode patterns (110a, 110b). Here, the control unit (300) may be configured to apply a pen driving signal to one or more of the first electrode patterns (110a) among the two or more of the first electrode patterns (110a, 110b), and to electrically ground the other or more of the first electrode patterns (110b) or to apply a signal having a magnitude opposite to the pen driving signal.

[0092] Meanwhile, as another method for the control unit (300) to drive the stylus pen using the sensor unit (100), the control unit (300) may be configured to apply a pen driving signal to at least one of a plurality of first electrode patterns (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) and to apply a pen driving signal to at least one of a plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e, 120f, 120g, 120h). For example, the control unit (300) may be configured to apply a pen driving signal to one or more first electrode patterns (110a, 110b) and one or more second electrode patterns (120a) so that a magnetic field is formed relatively large at a specific location on the sensor unit (100), taking into account the position of the stylus pen.

[0093] The above stylus driving mode can be performed by the second control unit (330).

[0094] Stylus detection mode or downlink mode (stylus sensing operation)

[0095] A method in which a control unit (300) receives a pen signal emitted from the stylus pen using a sensor unit (100), wherein the control unit (300) receives pen detection signals received from a plurality of first electrode patterns (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) to detect the position of the stylus pen on the x-axis, and receives pen detection signals received from a plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e, 120f, 120g, 120h) to detect the position of the stylus pen on the y-axis.

[0096] An electromagnetic field is formed around the stylus pen by a pen signal from the stylus pen, and a current or voltage signal may be induced in some electrode patterns among a plurality of first electrode patterns (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) located around the formed electromagnetic field and some electrode patterns among a plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e, 120f, 120g, 120h). A control unit (300) receives the induced current or voltage signal and can determine the position of the stylus pen.

[0097] To this end, the control unit (300) can induce a current or voltage signal in each first electrode pattern (110a) and electrically isolate both ends of each second electrode pattern (120a) to induce a current or voltage signal in some of the electrode patterns among the plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e, 120f, 120g, 120h).

[0098] The control unit (300) can sense the position of the pen on the x-axis by differentially controlling two pen detection signals provided from two adjacent first electrode patterns (110a, 110b) among a plurality of first electrode patterns (110a, 110b, 110c, 110d) to remove noise and improve the signal-to-noise ratio.

[0099] The control unit (300) can sense the position of the pen on the y-axis by differentially applying two pen detection signals provided at each end of each second electrode pattern (120a) to remove noise and improve the signal-to-noise ratio. Alternatively, the control unit (300) may sense the position of the pen on the y-axis by electrically grounding one end of each second electrode pattern (120a) and receiving a pen detection signal only from the other end. Alternatively, the control unit (300) may sense the position of the pen on the y-axis by differentially applying two pen detection signals provided from the other ends of two different second electrode patterns (120a, 120b) among a plurality of second electrode patterns.

[0100] The above stylus detection mode can be performed by the second control unit (330).

[0101] Modified embodiments of the electronic device shown in FIG. 5 will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0102] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining a modified embodiment of the electronic device shown in FIG. 5, and is a drawing for explaining a modified embodiment in which the arrangement of the second electrode pattern is modified.

[0103] The embodiment of FIG. 6 differs from FIG. 5 in that the plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e', 120f', 120g', 120h') of the sensor part (100') are arranged in the same direction. Specifically, it differs from FIG. 5 in that all of the plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e', 120f', 120g', 120h') are arranged in the same direction. Both ends of the plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e', 120f', 120g', 120h') are arranged on the left side. Meanwhile, unlike the drawing, both ends of a plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e', 120f', 120g', 120h') can be positioned on the right side. Since all of the plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e', 120f', 120g', 120h') are positioned in the same direction, there is an advantage in that some of the second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d) and other parts of the second electrode patterns (120e, 120f, 120g, 120h) in FIG. 1 can eliminate signal discontinuity that may appear in a left-right symmetrical structure.

[0104] The electronic device shown in Fig. 6 can detect whether an object is touched and the location of the touch in the same way as the electronic device shown in Fig. 5, and can detect the location of the stylus pen by detecting the operation of the stylus pen and / or the pen signal from the stylus pen.

[0105] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining another modified embodiment of the electronic device shown in FIG. 6, and is a drawing for explaining a modified embodiment in which the first electrode pattern has a double routing structure.

[0106] The embodiment of FIG. 7 differs from FIG. 6 in that the plurality of first electrode patterns (110a', 110b', 110c', 110d') of the sensor unit (100'') are electrically connected to the control unit (300'). Specifically, it differs in that both ends of each first electrode pattern (110a') of the plurality of first electrode patterns (110a', 110b', 110c', 110d') are electrically connected to the control unit (300'). In FIG. 6, only one end of each first electrode pattern (110a) is electrically connected to the control unit (300) and the other end is electrically floating, whereas in the embodiment of FIG. 7, both the one end and the other end of each first electrode pattern (110a') are electrically connected to the control unit (300'). At this time, one end and the other end of each first electrode pattern (110a') are respectively connected to a control unit (300') and a different terminal. In other words, each first electrode pattern (110a') also has a double routing structure, just like each second electrode pattern (120a). Since both ends of each first electrode pattern (110a') are connected to the control unit (300'), the double routing structure has the advantage of reducing the resistance of the first electrode pattern (110a') compared to FIGS. 5 and 6.

[0107] The electronic device illustrated in FIG. 7 can detect whether an object is touched and the touch location in the same manner as the electronic device illustrated in FIG. 5, and can detect the position of the stylus pen by detecting the operation of the stylus pen and / or a pen signal from the stylus pen. This will be explained in detail below with an example.

[0108] Touch sensing mode (touch sensing operation)

[0109] A control unit (300') performs an operation of detecting whether an object is touched and the touch location using a sensor unit (100'), and is a mode of detecting a change in capacitance between a plurality of first electrode patterns (110a', 110b', 110c', 110d') and a plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e', 120f', 120g', 120h'). In this mode, the control unit (300') may be configured to apply a touch driving signal to at least one of a plurality of first electrode patterns (110a', 110b', 110c', 110d') and to receive a touch detection signal from a plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e', 120f', 120g', 120h') (first sensing operation). Conversely, the control unit (300') may be configured to apply at least one touch driving signal among a plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e', 120f', 120g', 120h') and receive a touch detection signal from a plurality of first electrode patterns (110a', 110b', 110c', 110d') (second sensing operation).

[0110] In the case of the first sensing operation above, the control unit (300') can control the other end of each first electrode pattern (110a') to be electrically floating. Alternatively, the control unit (300') can control the two ends of each first electrode pattern (110a') to be electrically connected to each other so that the same touch driving signal is applied to both ends of each first electrode pattern (110a'). Alternatively, the control unit (300') can control the same touch driving signal to be applied to both ends of each first electrode pattern (110a') even if different driving units (not shown) exist at both ends of each first electrode pattern (110a').

[0111] In the case of the first sensing operation above, the control unit (300') may be configured to electrically connect both ends of each second electrode pattern (120a) in order to receive a touch detection signal from each second electrode pattern (120a). For example, the control unit (300') may include a switch unit (not shown) configured to electrically connect both ends of each second electrode pattern (120a). The control unit (300') may electrically connect or electrically disconnect both ends of each second electrode pattern (120a) by controlling the switch unit (not shown).

[0112] In the case of the second sensing operation above, the control unit (300') can control the other end of each second electrode pattern (120a) to be electrically floating. Alternatively, the control unit (300') can control the two ends of each second electrode pattern (120a) to be electrically connected to each other so that the same touch driving signal is applied to both ends of each second electrode pattern (120a). Alternatively, the control unit (300') can control the two ends of each second electrode pattern (120a) so that the same touch driving signal is applied even if different driving units (not shown) exist at both ends of each second electrode pattern (120a).

[0113] In the case of the second sensing operation described above, the control unit (300') can control the two ends of each first electrode pattern (110a') to be electrically connected to each other or to electrically float one of the two ends. For example, the control unit (300') may include a switch unit (not shown) configured to electrically connect the two ends of each first electrode pattern (110a'). By controlling the switch unit (not shown), the control unit (300') can electrically connect the two ends of each first electrode pattern (110a') to each other or electrically separate them from each other.

[0114] Although the above description describes a mutual sensing method, the control unit (300') may also control a plurality of first electrode patterns (110a', 110b', 110c', 110d') and a plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e', 120f', 120g', 120h') using a self-sensing method. For example, the control unit (300') may be configured to apply a self-driving signal to a plurality of first electrode patterns (110a', 110b', 110c', 110d') and receive a self-sensing signal corresponding to self-capacitance from a plurality of first electrode patterns (110a', 110b', 110c', 110d') to which the self-driving signal is applied. Alternatively, the control unit (300') may be configured to apply a self-driving signal to a plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e', 120f', 120g', 120h') and to receive a self-sensing signal from a plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e', 120f', 120g', 120h') to which the self-driving signal is applied. Here, a self-driving signal is applied to a plurality of first electrode patterns (110a', 110b', 110c', 110d'), and when a self-sensing signal is received from a plurality of first electrode patterns (110a', 110b', 110c', 110d'), a signal identical to the self-driving signal is also applied to a plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e', 120f', 120g', 120h'), thereby mutual between the first electrode patterns (110a', 110b', 110c', 110d') and the second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e', 120f', 120g', 120h'). It is possible to electrically exclude capacitance and sense only self-capacitance.Likewise, when self-sensing with a plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e', 120f', 120g', 120h'), the same signal as the self-driving signal can be applied to a plurality of first electrode patterns (110a', 110b', 110c', 110d').

[0115] The control unit (300') can detect whether the object is touched and the touch location based on signals provided through a mutual sensing method and / or a self-sensing method. Here, the touch sensing mode can be performed by the first control unit (310).

[0116] Stylus drive mode or uplink mode (stylus drive operation)

[0117] A method in which a control unit (300') performs an operation of driving the stylus pen using a sensor unit (100'') may be configured such that the control unit (300') applies a pen driving signal to at least one of a plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e', 120f', 120g', 120h'). To apply a pen driving signal to each second electrode pattern (120a), the control unit (300') may be configured to electrically isolate both ends of each second electrode pattern (120a) and apply the pen driving signal to at least one of the two ends. The control unit (300') may electrically ground the other end of each second electrode pattern (120a) and may be configured to apply a signal having the magnitude of the pen driving signal but with the opposite phase. That is, it can be configured to apply different pen driving signals to both ends of each second electrode pattern (120a).

[0118] In another method for the control unit (300') to drive the stylus pen using the sensor unit (100''), the control unit (300') may be configured to apply a pen driving signal to at least two of a plurality of first electrode patterns (110a', 110b', 110c', 110d'). For example, the control unit (300') may control both ends of each first electrode pattern (110a') to control a predetermined current to flow through each first electrode pattern (110a'). For example, the control unit may control the pen driving signal to be applied to one end of a first electrode pattern (110a') while grounding the other end of the first electrode pattern (110a') or controlling the application of an inverse signal of the pen driving signal. In addition, one end of the other first electrode pattern (110b') can be controlled to ground or to apply the inverse signal of the pen driving signal, and the other end can be controlled to apply the pen driving signal. By controlling it in this way, currents with opposite directions can be flowed in one first electrode pattern (110a') and the other first electrode pattern (110b').

[0119] Meanwhile, as another method for the control unit (300') to drive the stylus pen using the sensor unit (100''), the control unit (300') may be configured to apply a pen driving signal to at least one of a plurality of first electrode patterns (110a', 110b', 110c', 110d') and to apply a pen driving signal to at least one of a plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e', 120f', 120g', 120h'). For example, the control unit (300') may be configured to apply a pen driving signal to one or more first electrode patterns (110a', 110b') and one or more second electrode patterns (120a) so that a magnetic field is formed relatively large at a specific location on the sensor unit (100'') by considering the position of the stylus pen.

[0120] The above stylus driving mode can be performed by the second control unit (330).

[0121] Stylus detection mode or downlink mode (stylus sensing operation)

[0122] A method in which a control unit (300') receives a pen signal emitted from the stylus pen using a sensor unit (100''), wherein the control unit (300') receives pen detection signals received from a plurality of first electrode patterns (110a', 110b', 110c', 110d') to detect the position of the stylus pen on the x-axis, and receives pen detection signals received from a plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e', 120f', 120g', 120h') to detect the position of the stylus pen on the y-axis.

[0123] An electromagnetic field is formed around the stylus pen by a pen signal from the stylus pen, and a current or voltage signal may be induced in some electrode patterns among a plurality of first electrode patterns (110a', 110b', 110c', 110d') located around the formed electromagnetic field and in some electrode patterns among a plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e', 120f', 120g', 120h'). A control unit (300') receives the induced current or voltage signal and can determine the position of the stylus pen.

[0124] To this end, the control unit (300') can control both ends of each first electrode pattern (110a') to induce a current or voltage signal by the pen signal in each first electrode pattern (110a'), and can electrically separate both ends of each second electrode pattern (120a) to induce a current or voltage signal in some of the multiple second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e', 120f', 120g', 120h').

[0125] The control unit (300') can sense the position of the pen on the x-axis by differentially applying two pen detection signals provided at each end of each first electrode pattern (110a'). Alternatively, the control unit (300') may sense the position of the pen on the x-axis by electrically grounding one end of each first electrode pattern (110a') and receiving a pen detection signal only from the other end. Alternatively, the control unit (300') may sense the position of the pen on the x-axis by differentially applying two pen detection signals provided from the other ends of two different first electrode patterns (110a', 110b') among a plurality of first electrode patterns to remove noise and improve the signal-to-noise ratio.

[0126] The control unit (300') can sense the position of the pen on the y-axis by differentially applying two pen detection signals provided at each end of each second electrode pattern (120a) to remove noise and improve the signal-to-noise ratio. Alternatively, the control unit (300') may sense the position of the pen on the y-axis by electrically grounding one end of each second electrode pattern (120a) and receiving the pen detection signal only from the other end. Alternatively, the control unit (300') may sense the position of the pen on the y-axis by differentially applying two pen detection signals provided from the other ends of two different second electrode patterns (120a, 120b) among a plurality of second electrode patterns.

[0127] The above stylus detection mode can be performed by the second control unit (330).

[0128] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining another modified embodiment of the electronic device shown in FIG. 5, and is a drawing for explaining a modified embodiment in which both ends of the first electrode pattern are connected to different terminals.

[0129] The embodiment of FIG. 8 differs from FIG. 5 in that the plurality of first electrode patterns (110a', 110b', 110c', 110d') of the sensor unit (100''') are electrically connected to each of the plurality of first electrode patterns (110a', 110b', 110c', 110d'). In FIG. 5, only one end of each first electrode pattern (110a) is electrically connected to the control unit (300) and the other end is electrically floating, whereas in the embodiment of FIG. 8, both the one end and the other end of each first electrode pattern (110a') are electrically connected to the control unit (300'). At this time, one end and the other end of each first electrode pattern (110a') are respectively connected to a control unit (300') and different terminals.

[0130] The electronic device illustrated in FIG. 8 can detect whether an object is touched and the location of the touch in the same manner as the electronic device illustrated in FIG. 5, and can detect the location of the stylus pen by detecting the operation of the stylus pen and / or a pen signal from the stylus pen. Here, the operation or control of the control unit (300') by the sensor unit (100''') including a plurality of first electrode patterns (110a', 110b', 110c', 110d') differs from the control unit (300) of FIG. 1. Specific differences are replaced with the content described in FIG. 7.

[0131] FIG. 9 is a drawing for explaining another modified embodiment of the electronic device shown in FIG. 8, and is a drawing for explaining an embodiment in which the wiring structure is modified to minimize the bezel.

[0132] The embodiment of FIG. 9 differs from FIG. 8 in that it has a plurality of first electrode patterns (110a'', 110b'', 110c', 110d') of the sensor unit (100''''). Specifically, among the plurality of first electrode patterns (110a'', 110b'', 110c', 110d'), the connection patterns (T1-a T1-b) connected to the other end of some of the first electrode patterns (110a'', 110b'') are arranged so as to be symmetrical with respect to the connection patterns (T1-c T1-d) connected to the other end of some of the first electrode patterns (110c', 110d'). More specifically, the connection pattern (T1-a T1-b) connected to the other end of some of the first electrode patterns (110a'', 110b'') turns to the left and is connected to the control unit (300'), and the connection pattern (T1-c T1-d) connected to the other end of the remaining first electrode patterns (110c', 110d') turns to the right and is connected to the control unit (300').

[0133] In this way, the connection pattern (T1-a T1-b) connected to the other end of some of the first electrode patterns (110a'', 110b'') among the plurality of first electrode patterns (110a'', 110b'') is arranged to be symmetrically connected to the connection pattern (T1-c T1-d) connected to the other end of the remaining first electrode patterns (110c', 110d'), thereby having the advantage of minimizing both bezels of the electronic device.

[0134] The electronic device illustrated in FIG. 9 can detect whether an object is touched and the location of the touch in the same manner as the electronic device illustrated in FIG. 5, and can detect the location of the stylus pen by detecting the operation of the stylus pen and / or a pen signal from the stylus pen. Here, the operation or control of the control unit (300') by the sensor unit (100'''') including a plurality of first electrode patterns (110a', 110b', 110c', 110d') differs from the control unit (300) of FIG. 5. The specific differences are replaced with the content described in FIG. 7.

[0135] FIG. 10 is a drawing for explaining another modified embodiment of the electronic device shown in FIG. 8, and is a drawing for explaining a modified embodiment in which second electrode patterns are alternately arranged.

[0136] The embodiment of FIG. 10 differs from FIG. 8 in that it has a plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b', 120c, 120d', 120e', 120f, 120g', 120h) of the sensor part (100'''''). Specifically, among the plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b', 120c, 120d', 120e', 120f, 120g', 120h), some of the second electrode patterns (120b', 120d', 120f, 120h) with both ends positioned on the left and the remaining second electrode patterns (120a, 120c, 120e', 120g') with both ends positioned on the right are arranged alternately one by one along the first direction (y).

[0137] The electronic device shown in FIG. 10 can detect whether an object is touched and the location of the touch in the same way as the electronic device shown in FIG. 8, and can detect the location of the stylus pen by detecting the operation of the stylus pen and / or the pen signal from the stylus pen.

[0138] FIG. 11 is a drawing for explaining another modified embodiment of the electronic device shown in FIG. 9, and is a drawing for explaining a modified embodiment in which second electrode patterns are alternately arranged.

[0139] The embodiment of FIG. 11 differs from FIG. 9 in that it has a plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b', 120c, 120d', 120e', 120f, 120g', 120h) of the sensor part (100''''''). Specifically, among the plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b', 120c, 120d', 120e', 120f, 120g', 120h), some of the second electrode patterns (120b', 120d', 120f, 120h) with both ends positioned on the left and the remaining second electrode patterns (120a, 120c, 120e', 120g') with both ends positioned on the right are arranged alternately one by one along the first direction (y).

[0140] The electronic device shown in FIG. 11 can detect whether an object is touched and the location of the touch in the same way as the electronic device shown in FIG. 9, and can detect the location of the stylus pen by detecting the operation of the stylus pen and / or the pen signal from the stylus pen.

[0141] FIG. 12 is a drawing for explaining a modified embodiment of the electronic device shown in FIG. 7.

[0142] The sensor unit (100''''''') of the embodiment of FIG. 12 differs from the sensor unit (100'') of FIG. 7. Specifically, the difference is that the plurality of first electrode patterns (110a', 110b', 110c', 110d') of the sensor unit (100'') of FIG. 7 have a shape that extends in the second direction (x) in the sensor unit (100'''''') of FIG. 12, and the plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e', 120f', 120g', 120h') of the sensor unit (100'') of FIG. 7 have a shape that extends in the first direction (y) in the sensor unit (100'''''') of FIG. 12.

[0143] The sensor part (100) of FIG. 12 may be a useful structure when the number of multiple second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e', 120f', 120g', 120h') is greater than the number of multiple first electrode patterns (110a', 110b', 110c', 110d'). Since each second electrode pattern (120a) has both ends connected to different terminals of the control unit (300'), the number of channels of the plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e', 120f', 120g', 120h') increases by more than twice compared to the plurality of first electrode patterns (110a', 110b', 110c', 110d'). Since both ends of the multiple second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e', 120f', 120g', 120h') can be positioned closest to the control unit (300'), there is an advantage in that the electrical connection structure between the multiple second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d, 120e', 120f', 120g', 120h') and the control unit (300') becomes simpler. Furthermore, there is an advantage in that the bezel of the electronic device can also be reduced.

[0144] The electronic device shown in FIG. 12 can detect whether an object is touched and the location of the touch in the same way as the electronic device shown in FIG. 7, and can detect the location of the stylus pen by detecting the operation of the stylus pen and / or the pen signal from the stylus pen.

[0145] FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram of an electronic device including a sensor unit (1000) and a control unit (3000) according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and is a conceptual diagram of an electronic device according to a second embodiment having a separated control unit structure.

[0146] The sensor unit (1000) illustrated in FIG. 13 includes a plurality of electrode patterns and a plurality of channels (X-ch, Y-ch) electrically connected to the plurality of electrode patterns. Each channel (X-ch, Y-ch) is configured to be electrically connected to at least one of the plurality of electrode patterns included in the sensor unit (1000). Each channel (X-ch, Y-ch) is configured to be electrically connected to a control unit (3000).

[0147] A plurality of electrode patterns included in the sensor portion (1000) may include a plurality of first electrode patterns and a plurality of second electrode patterns shown in FIGS. 5 to 12. Here, additional electrode patterns may be included in addition to the plurality of first electrode patterns and a plurality of second electrode patterns shown in FIGS. 5 to 12.

[0148]

[0149] The sensor unit (1000) is configured so that each channel required for sensing can be shared or separated. For example, multiple channels (X-ch, Y-ch) may be configured to be used for both touch sensing operations and stylus driving / sensing operations. Alternatively, some of the multiple channels (X-ch, Y-ch) may be used for touch sensing operations and the remaining parts may be used for stylus driving / sensing operations, so as to be configured to be separated from each other. Alternatively, each channel may be configured to be used independently for touch sensing operations and stylus driving / sensing operations.

[0150] A plurality of electrode patterns within the sensor unit (1000) may be composed of a material such as a metal mesh. A plurality of electrode patterns within the sensor unit (1000) may be arranged on at least two different layers or may be formed on the same layer.

[0151] When a plurality of electrode patterns of the sensor unit (1000) are composed of the same layer, the control unit (3000) requires that the sensor unit (1000) perform touch sensing operations, stylus driving operations, and stylus sensing operations, respectively, and that there be a distinction between the operations. This distinction between operations can be achieved by the control unit (3000) dividing time to define specific operations for each time interval. Alternatively, the control unit (3000) may control the corresponding operations for each time interval according to a predetermined operation scenario.

[0152] Alternatively, the control unit (3000) may receive display driving signals (VSYNC, HSYNC) from a display controller (not shown) of an electronic device and control the sensor unit (1000) to perform touch sensing operations, stylus driving operations, and stylus sensing operations based on the provided display driving signals (VSYNC, HSYNC). For example, the control unit (3000) may control the sensor unit (1000) to perform touch sensing operations, stylus driving operations, and stylus sensing operations according to a preset operation scenario in synchronization with the display driving signals (VSYNC, HSYNC).

[0153] The control unit (3000) may include a first control unit (3100) and a second control unit (3300) that are separated from each other. The first control unit (3100) and the second control unit (3300) may be composed of separate ICs. In an actual product, the chip for the first control unit (3100) and the chip for the second control unit (3300) may be placed together on a single substrate.

[0154] The first control unit (3100) may be configured so that the sensor unit (1000) performs a touch sensing operation. The second control unit (3300) may be configured so that the sensor unit (1000) performs a stylus driving operation and / or a stylus sensing operation.

[0155] FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram of an electronic device including a sensor unit (1000) and a control unit (3000') according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and is a conceptual diagram of a third embodiment including a multi-die package controller.

[0156] Since the sensor unit (1000) of FIG. 14 is identical to the sensor unit (1000) of FIG. 13, the specific description is replaced with the previously explained content.

[0157] The control unit (3000') may be composed of a single IC including multiple dies (3100', 3300'). The control unit (3000') may include a first die (3100') and a second die (3300') disposed internally. The first die (3100') and the second die (3300') may be configured to perform different functions. The first die (3100') may be configured to perform a touch sensing operation, and the second die (3300') may be configured to perform a stylus driving operation and / or a stylus sensing operation.

[0158] Since the first die (3100') and the second die (3300') are mounted in one package, this control unit (3000') has the advantage of being able to reduce its size compared to the control unit (3000) shown in FIG. 13.

[0159] FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram of an electronic device including a sensor unit (1000) and a control unit (3000'') according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and is a conceptual diagram of a fourth embodiment including a single-die controller.

[0160] Since the sensor unit (1000) of FIG. 15 is identical to the sensor unit (1000) of FIG. 10, the specific description is replaced with the previously explained content.

[0161] The control unit (3000'') may be composed of a single IC having a single die (3001). The single die (3001) may include a circuit configured to perform a touch sensing operation and a circuit configured to perform a stylus driving operation and / or a stylus sensing operation.

[0162] The control unit (3000'') can be configured to perform different functions in an integrated manner through time-sharing control, etc., within a single die (3001).

[0163] This control unit (3000'') has the advantage of minimizing the number of parts and area compared to the control unit (3000, 3000') shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14.

[0164] FIG. 16 is a drawing illustrating an electronic device including a sensor unit and a control unit according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0165] Referring to FIG. 16, the sensor part (1000') may be a part of the sensor (100'', 100''''''') of FIG. 7 or FIG. 12, but is not limited thereto, and may also be replaced with the sensor (100''', 100'''', 100''''', 100''''') of FIG. 8 to 11.

[0166] The sensor unit (1000') includes a plurality of first electrode patterns (110a', 110b', 110c', 110d') and a plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d). Each of the plurality of first electrode patterns (110a', 110b', 110c', 110d') has a shape extending along a first direction, and is configured such that one end is electrically connected to the first control unit (3100) and the second control unit (3300), respectively, and the other end is electrically connected to the first control unit (3100) and the second control unit (3300), respectively. Here, the one end and the other end of each first electrode pattern (110a') are configured to be connected to different terminals of the first control unit (3100) and the second control unit (3300). Each of the plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d) has a shape that extends along a second direction that intersects the first direction. Each of the plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d) is configured such that at least a portion has a U-shape, as mentioned in FIG. 7, so that each of the second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d) may have two ends (X01, X02 / X11, X12 / X21, X22 / X31, X32). Each of the two ends (X01, X02 / X11, X12 / X21, X22 / X31, X32) of the second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d) is configured to be electrically connected to the first control unit (3100) and the second control unit (3300).

[0167] The first control unit (3100) and the second control unit (3300) are each composed of separate ICs and are arranged separately from each other. The first control unit (3100) and the second control unit (3300) may be configured to perform different functions. For example, the first control unit (3100) may be configured to perform stylus driving and sensing functions. The second control unit (3300) may be configured to perform touch sensing functions.

[0168] The first control unit (3100) is electrically connected to a plurality of electrode patterns (110a', 110b', 110c', 110d', 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d) of the sensor unit (1000'). Additionally, the second control unit (3300) is configured to be electrically connected to a plurality of electrode patterns (110a', 110b', 110c', 110d', 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d) of the sensor unit (1000'). The electrical connection between the first and second control units (3100, 3300) and a plurality of electrode patterns (110a', 110b', 110c', 110d', 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d) may be composed of conductive wiring or a metal mesh.

[0169] The first control unit (3100) and the second control unit (3300) may be configured to control the sensor unit (1000') to perform various operations. The various operations may include touch sensing operations, stylus driving operations, and stylus sensing operations.

[0170] In the operations described below, when the first control unit (3100) controls the sensor unit (1000'), the second control unit (3300) may be electrically floating with the sensor unit (1000'), and conversely, when the second control unit (3300) controls the sensor unit (1000'), the first control unit (3100) may be electrically floating with the sensor unit (1000'). This control method is intended to prevent mutual interference between the first control unit (3100) and the second control unit (3300) when controlling the sensor unit (1000').

[0171] A touch sensing operation may include a first touch sensing operation and a second touch sensing operation. Here, the first touch sensing operation may be a mutual sensing operation, and the second touch sensing operation may be a self-sensing operation.

[0172] In the first touch sensing operation, the first control unit (3100) controls a plurality of electrode patterns (110a', 110b', 110c', 110d', 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d) to be electrically floating. The second control unit (3300) controls the application of a mutual driving signal to a plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d) among a plurality of electrode patterns (110a', 110b', 110c', 110d', 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d) and is configured to receive a mutual sensing signal from a plurality of first electrode patterns (110a', 110b', 110c', 110d'). Conversely, the second control unit (3300) may be configured to control the application of a mutual driving signal to a plurality of first electrode patterns (110a', 110b', 110c', 110d') and to receive a mutual sensing signal from a plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d).

[0173] In the second touch sensing operation, the first control unit (3100) controls a plurality of electrode patterns (110a', 110b', 110c', 110d', 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d) to be electrically floating. The second control unit (3300) applies a self-driving signal to each of the plurality of electrode patterns (110a', 110b', 110c', 110d', 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d) and can receive a self-sensing signal from the plurality of electrode patterns (110a', 110b', 110c', 110d', 120a, 120b, 120c, 120d) to which the self-driving signal is applied.

[0174] In the stylus driving operation, the second control unit (3300) controls a plurality of first electrode patterns (110a', 110b', 110c', 110d') to be electrically floating or grounded (GND). The first control unit (3100) can set a plurality of first electrode patterns (110a', 110b', 110c', 110d) to be electrically floating or grounded (GND) and control a predetermined current to flow through at least one of a plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d). For example, the first control unit (3100) may be configured to apply a pen driving signal to either one end (X01) or the other end (X02) of at least one second electrode pattern (120a), and to ground the other end or apply an inverse phase pen driving signal having the opposite phase of the pen driving signal. Alternatively, the first control unit (3100) may set a plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d) to be electrically floating or grounded (GND), and control a predetermined current to flow through at least one of a plurality of first electrode patterns (110a', 110b', 110c', 110d'). For example, the first control unit (3100) may be configured to apply a pen driving signal to at least one first electrode pattern (110a') and to ground or apply an inverse phase pen driving signal having the opposite phase of the pen driving signal to one or more other first electrode patterns (110b').

[0175] In the stylus sensing operation, the second control unit (3300) controls a plurality of first electrode patterns (110a', 110b', 110c', 110d') to be electrically floating. The first control unit (3100) may be configured to receive pen sensing signals from a plurality of first electrode patterns (110a', 110b', 110c', 110d') and a plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d). Here, the pen sensing signal is a signal induced in a plurality of first electrode patterns (110a', 110b', 110c', 110d') and a plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d) by a magnetic field pen signal emitted from an external stylus pen, and the induced signal may be a current or voltage signal.

[0176] FIG. 17 is a drawing for explaining a modified embodiment of the electronic device shown in FIG. 16, and is a drawing for explaining an embodiment including a signal transmission unit (3500) for communication between control units.

[0177] The electronic device of FIG. 17, compared to the electronic device of FIG. 16, further includes a signal transmission unit (3500) for signal transmission between a first control unit (3100) and a second control unit (330). The signal transmission unit (3500) may be composed of certain component(s) to implement various communication methods including GPIO, SPI, I2C, I3C, etc.

[0178] For example, when an external stylus pen is detected, a detection signal indicating that a stylus pen has been detected is transmitted from the first control unit (3100) to the second control unit (3300) through the signal transmission unit (3500), and the second control unit (3300) that receives the detection signal can control a plurality of first electrode patterns (110a', 110b', 110c', 110d') and a plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d) to be electrically floating or to perform a predetermined operation according to a preset operation scenario. Conversely, when an external touch is detected, a detection signal indicating that a touch has been detected is transmitted from the second control unit (3300) to the first control unit (3100) through the signal transmission unit (3500), and the first control unit (3100) that receives the detection signal can control the plurality of first electrode patterns (110a', 110b', 110c', 110d') and the plurality of second electrode patterns (120a, 120b, 120c, 120d) to be electrically floating or to perform a predetermined operation according to a preset operation scenario.

[0179] Meanwhile, although not shown in a separate drawing, a separate host capable of controlling the first control unit (3100) and the second control unit (3300) shown in FIG. 17 may also be additionally provided.

[0180] FIG. 18 is a drawing for explaining another modified embodiment of the sensor unit (100) shown in FIG. 4.

[0181] Referring to FIG. 18, the sensor unit (1000'') may include a plurality of first to fourth patterns (101, 102, 103, 104).

[0182] The first pattern (101) has a shape that extends along any first direction (X). The first direction may be the long axis direction of the display screen of the electronic device. The first pattern (101) may also be named TX (first touch electrode or touch driving electrode).

[0183] One end of each of the plurality of first patterns (101) is electrically connected to the control unit (3000) through a trace, and the other end of each is electrically floating.

[0184] The second pattern (102) has a shape that extends along the first direction (X), is positioned adjacent to the first pattern (101), and is positioned at a predetermined distance from the first pattern (101). The second pattern (102) may also be named STX (Stylus TX, first pen electrode or pen driving electrode).

[0185] One end of the second pattern (102) is electrically connected to at least one other second pattern through a trace, and the other end is electrically connected to the control unit (3000) through a trace.

[0186] Some of the second patterns (102) may have one end positioned on the left and the other end positioned on the right. Conversely, the remaining second patterns may have one end positioned on the right and the other end positioned on the left.

[0187] The third pattern (103) has a shape that extends along a second direction (Y) different from the first direction. The second direction (Y) may be a direction perpendicular to the first direction (X) and may be the short-axis direction of the display screen of the electronic device. The third pattern (103) may also be named RX (second touch electrode or touch receiving electrode).

[0188] One end of each of the multiple third patterns (103) is electrically connected to the control unit (3000) through traces, and the other end of each is electrically floating.

[0189] The fourth pattern (104) has a shape that extends along the second direction (Y), is positioned adjacent to the third pattern (103), and is positioned at a predetermined distance from the third pattern (103). The fourth pattern (104) may also be named SRX (Stylus RX, second pen electrode or pen receiving electrode).

[0190] One end of a plurality of fourth patterns (104) is electrically connected through at least one trace, and the other end can be electrically floating.

[0191] The third and fourth patterns (103, 104) are placed on the same layer or on different layers as the first and second patterns (101, 102), and are placed at a predetermined distance from the first and second patterns (101, 102).

[0192] A plurality of first patterns (101) are arranged along the second direction (Y), and a plurality of second patterns (102) are also arranged along the second direction (Y). A plurality of third patterns (103) are arranged along the first direction (X), and a plurality of fourth patterns (104) are also arranged along the first direction (X).

[0193] Since the first pattern (101) extends along the first direction (X) and the third pattern (103) extends along the second direction (Y), and the first direction (X) is shorter than the second direction (Y), the number of multiple first patterns (101) is less than the number of multiple third patterns (103). Therefore, the number of channels of multiple first patterns (101) is less than the number of channels of multiple third patterns (103). Here, the number of multiple first patterns (101) and the number of multiple third patterns (103) may increase or decrease depending on the screen size of the electronic device.

[0194] The sensor unit (1000'') illustrated in FIG. 18 can perform touch sensing operations, stylus pen driving operations, and stylus pen sensing operations under the control of the control unit (3000).

[0195] The above touch sensing operation may be an operation in which a control unit (3000) applies a touch driving signal to one of the first pattern (101) and the third pattern (103), and receives a touch detection signal from the other pattern. The control unit (3000) can determine the touch location of an object, such as a finger, based on the touch detection signal.

[0196] The above stylus pen driving operation may be an operation in which the control unit (3000) applies a pen driving signal to one or more of the first to fourth patterns (101, 102, 103, 104).

[0197] The above stylus pen sensing operation may be an operation in which the control unit (3000) receives a first pen sensing signal from at least one of the first and second patterns (101, 102) and receives a second pen sensing signal from at least one of the third and fourth patterns (103, 104). The control unit (3000) can determine the position of the stylus pen based on the first and second pen sensing signals.

[0198] FIG. 19 is a drawing for explaining another modified embodiment of the sensor unit (100) shown in FIG. 4.

[0199] Referring to FIG. 19, the sensor unit (1000''') includes a plurality of first patterns (101), a plurality of third patterns (103), and a plurality of fourth patterns (104).

[0200] The sensor unit (1000''') illustrated in FIG. 19 has the second pattern (102) omitted compared to the sensor unit (1000') illustrated in FIG. 18, and both ends of the first pattern (101) arranged in the first direction (or long axis direction) are electrically connected to the control unit (3000) through traces. More specifically, one end of the first pattern (101) is connected to the first terminal of the control unit (3000) through one trace (or trace pattern), and the other end is connected to the second terminal of the control unit (3000) through another trace (trace pattern). In this way, the method of electrically connecting both ends of each of the multiple first patterns (101) to the control unit (3000) through traces is hereinafter referred to as the 'double routing method'.

[0201] In the sensor unit (1000''') of FIG. 19, the first pattern (101) can be named as the first pattern in the first direction (X), the third pattern (103) as the first pattern in the second direction (Y), and the fourth pattern (104) as the second pattern in the second direction (Y).

[0202] Of the two ends of the third pattern (103) arranged in the second direction (or short direction), the end positioned closer to the control unit (3000) is electrically connected to the control unit (3000) through a trace, and the other end is electrically floating.

[0203] Of the two ends of the fourth pattern (104) that are positioned adjacent to the third pattern (103) and positioned in the second direction (or short direction), the end positioned closer to the control unit (3000) is electrically floating, and the other end is electrically connected to the other ends of the other third patterns through one or more traces.

[0204] The sensor unit (1000''') can sense an object such as a finger and / or drive and sense a stylus pen, even though it does not have a plurality of second patterns (102) compared to the sensor unit (1000'') shown in FIG. 18. Furthermore, the number of channels between the sensor unit (1000''') and the control unit (3000) can be reduced.

[0205] The sensor unit (1000''') illustrated in FIG. 19, like the sensor unit (1000'') illustrated in FIG. 18, can perform touch sensing operations, stylus pen driving operations, and stylus pen sensing operations under the control of the control unit (3000).

[0206] The above touch sensing operation may be an operation in which a control unit (3000) applies a touch driving signal to one of the first pattern (101) and the third pattern (103), and receives a touch detection signal from the other pattern. The control unit (3000) can determine the touch location of an object, such as a finger, based on the touch detection signal.

[0207] The above stylus pen driving operation may be an operation in which the control unit (3000) applies a pen driving signal to one or more of the first, third, and fourth patterns (101, 103, 104).

[0208] The above stylus pen sensing operation may be an operation in which the control unit (3000) receives a first pen sensing signal from a first pattern (101) and receives a second pen sensing signal from at least one of the third and fourth patterns (103, 104). The control unit (3000) can determine the position of the stylus pen based on the first and second pen sensing signals.

[0209] The control unit (3000) of FIGS. 18 and FIGS. 19 can be applied as any one of the control units (3000, 3000', 3000'') mentioned in FIGS. 13 to 15.

[0210] FIG. 20 is a diagram schematically illustrating another electronic device on which the control method illustrated in FIG. 1 to 3 can be performed.

[0211] Referring to FIG. 20, an electronic device according to another embodiment of the present invention may include a window layer (or cover layer) (500) disposed on a touch sensor (400) comprising a plurality of electrode patterns, a display panel (600) disposed below the touch sensor (400), and a sensor unit (10) disposed below the display panel (600). Herein, a magnetic field shielding layer (700) disposed below the sensor unit (10) may be further included.

[0212] The sensor unit (10) has a form in which thin metal lines are densely overlapped horizontally and vertically on a flexible printed circuit board. Each of the lines acts as a loop antenna. This sensor unit (10) can also be named a digitizer.

[0213] The sensor unit (10) is physically separated from the touch sensor (400) that senses an object such as a finger. A display panel (600) that physically separates the two is placed between the sensor unit (10) and the touch sensor (400).

[0214] The touch sensor (400) includes a plurality of electrode patterns. The plurality of electrode patterns may include a first electrode pattern arranged along a first direction and a second electrode pattern arranged along a second direction intersecting the first direction. A touch control unit (not shown) controlling the touch sensor (400) may apply a mutual driving signal to the first electrode pattern for mutual sensing and receive a mutual detection signal from the second electrode pattern. Additionally, the touch control unit (not shown) may apply a self driving signal to the first and second electrode patterns for self sensing and receive a self detection signal from the first and second electrode patterns to which the self driving signal is applied.

[0215] A digitizer control unit (not shown) that controls the sensor unit (10) sequentially flows current through each loop to form a magnetic field and receives a signal returning from the stylus pen. The digitizer control unit (not shown) converts the minute analog signal received from the antenna into digital data and calculates the location coordinates by calculating the point where the signal is strongest. In addition, the control unit (not shown) can calculate pressure and tilt values ​​by analyzing frequency changes in the received signal.

[0216] A digitizer control unit (not shown) that controls the sensor unit (10) may be configured independently of a touch control unit (not shown) that controls the touch sensor (400), as shown in FIG. 13. However, this is not limited thereto, and the two may also be configured as a single control unit (controller IC) with integrated functions.

[0217] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, this is merely illustrative and does not limit the invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and applications not exemplified above are possible within the scope of the essential characteristics of the embodiments. For example, each component specifically shown in the embodiments may be modified and implemented. Furthermore, differences related to such modifications and applications should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A control method in which the control unit corrects the coordinates of a stylus pen in an electronic device comprising a sensor unit configured to sense a stylus pen and a control unit configured to control the sensor unit, wherein A step of dynamically calculating an estimated tilt or orientation based on the actual tilt or rotation direction of the stylus pen; and A step of correcting the position coordinates of the stylus pen in real time based on the estimated inclination or orientation above; A stylus pen coordinate correction control method including 2. In paragraph 1, the step of dynamically calculating the estimated slope or orientation is, A step of calculating the initial position coordinates and initial orientation (Azimuth) of the stylus pen based on data acquired through the sensor unit; A step of collecting orientation information that is continuously input over time while the stylus pen is in contact with a touch surface, and accumulating and updating an Azimuth Record Table by reflecting the trend or pattern of change of the orientation information; and A step of dynamically calculating an estimated orientation based on the accumulated and updated orientation record table above, such that the initial orientation gradually converges to the tilt or rotation direction of the stylus pen; A stylus pen coordinate correction control method including 3. In Paragraph 2, A stylus pen coordinate correction control method, wherein the step of accumulating and updating the above orientation record table involves collecting orientation data in the form of N (N is a natural number) frames from the surface portion of the touch surface and collecting orientation data in the form of M (M is a natural number) frames from the edge area and accumulating it in a buffer inside the control unit.

4. In Paragraph 3, A stylus pen coordinate correction control method that performs an asymmetric update when accumulating the above orientation data in the above buffer, increasing the size of the buffer by a preset first set frame number when the size of the buffer increases, and deleting past data by a second set frame number greater than the first set frame number whenever the size of the buffer decreases, whenever the first set frame number increases.

5. In paragraph 2, the step of correcting the above-mentioned position coordinates in real time is, A stylus pen coordinate correction control method that performs interpolation operations by selecting only K (K is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) orientations distributed at the top of the frequency criteria among the statistics of orientations accumulated in the above-mentioned updated orientation record table.

6. In paragraph 5, the step of correcting the above-mentioned location coordinates in real time is, A stylus pen coordinate correction control method that performs a smoothing transition operation in which, when the rank of the Kth direction among the K directions distributed at the top level changes, the sum of the (K+1)th direction is subtracted from the direction data from the 1st to the Kth position and then the interpolation weight is recalculated.

7. In paragraph 2, the step of correcting the above-mentioned position coordinates in real time is, A stylus pen coordinate correction control method that reports the corrected position coordinates to a system by dynamically adjusting them to the display resolution, so that as the stylus pen moves continuously, the offset between the on-screen coordinates rendered on the display screen and the actual physical position of the stylus pen tip gradually decreases to match each other.

8. In Paragraph 2, If the stylus pen is not in contact with the touch surface, a step of calling a basic orientation map; A step of comparing the time (Time-out) during which the above non-contact state is maintained with a preset threshold; and A step of clearing the accumulated orientation record data when the time maintained in the above non-contact state exceeds the above threshold; A stylus pen coordinate correction control method including 9. In Paragraph 8, A stylus pen coordinate correction control method in which the above preset threshold is set as a fixed constant or is dynamically varied based on at least one of the previous movement speed, orientation and tilt change, noise change, and pressure change of the stylus pen.

10. An electronic device for correcting the coordinates of a stylus pen, A sensor unit configured to sense the above-mentioned stylus pen; A display panel configured to output a screen; and A control unit configured to control the sensor unit above; including An electronic device configured such that the control unit dynamically calculates an estimated tilt or orientation based on the actual tilt or rotation direction of the stylus pen, and corrects the position coordinates of the stylus pen in real time based on the estimated tilt or orientation.

11. In Paragraph 10, The above control unit is, Based on the data acquired through the sensor unit, the initial position coordinates and initial orientation (Azimuth) of the stylus pen are calculated, and While the stylus pen is in contact with the touch surface of the sensor unit, orientation information that is continuously input over time is collected, and the trend or pattern of change is accumulated and updated in the Azimuth Record Table. Based on the above accumulated and updated orientation record table, configured to dynamically calculate an estimated orientation such that the initial orientation gradually converges to the amount of change in the tilt or rotation direction of the stylus pen, Electronic device.

12. In Paragraph 11, An electronic device configured such that, when accumulating and updating the orientation record table, the control unit collects orientation data in the amount of N (N is a natural number) frames from the surface portion of the touch surface and collects orientation data in the amount of M (M is a natural number) frames from the edge area and accumulates it in a buffer inside the control unit.

13. In Paragraph 12, An electronic device configured such that, when accumulating the orientation data in the buffer, the control unit sequentially increases the required size by one frame at a time when the size of the buffer increases, and when the size of the dynamic buffer decreases, it deletes two frames of past data for every one frame increase.

14. In Paragraph 11, An electronic device configured such that, when calculating the corrected position coordinates, the control unit selects only K (where K is a natural number greater than or equal to 2) orientations distributed at the top of the frequency criteria among the orientation statistics accumulated in the updated orientation record table and performs an interpolation operation.

15. In Paragraph 14, An electronic device configured such that when the rank of the K-th direction among the K directions distributed at the top level changes, the control unit performs a smoothing transition operation by subtracting the sum of the (K+1)-th direction from the direction data from the 1st to the Kth position and recalculating the interpolation weight.

16. In Paragraph 11, An electronic device configured such that the control unit reports to the system the corrected position coordinates dynamically adjusted to the resolution of the display, so that as the stylus pen moves continuously, the offset between the on-screen coordinates rendered on the display and the physical actual position of the stylus pen tip gradually decreases to match each other.

17. In Paragraph 11, An electronic device for correcting the coordinates of a stylus pen, wherein the control unit is configured to call a Default Azimuth Map and wait when the stylus pen is determined to be in a hover or none state, and to compare the time-out during which the non-contact state is maintained with a preset threshold, and to clear the accumulated azimuth record data if the maintained time exceeds the threshold.

18. In Paragraph 17, An electronic device configured such that the control unit sets the preset threshold value to a fixed constant or dynamically varies it based on at least one of the previous movement speed, orientation and tilt change of the stylus pen, noise change, and pressure change.

19. In Paragraph 10, It further includes a window having a touch surface and disposed on the sensor part; and The above display panel is positioned below the sensor unit, and The sensor unit includes a plurality of first electrode patterns extending in a first direction and a plurality of second electrode patterns extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction. Each of the above-mentioned second electrode patterns has an open loop shape in which one side of the closed loop is open, and is configured such that both ends of the second electrode pattern are electrically connected to different terminals of the control unit, respectively. An electronic device configured such that the control unit is electrically connected to the sensor unit and controls a touch sensing operation for detecting a touch of an object through the sensor unit, a stylus driving operation for driving the stylus pen, and / or a stylus sensing operation for sensing the stylus pen.

20. In Paragraph 19, Each of the above first electrode patterns is configured such that both ends are electrically connected to different terminals of the control unit, respectively, and An electronic device in which the ends of some of the plurality of second electrode patterns are arranged to face in the same direction.

21. In Paragraph 20, An electronic device in which the ends of the remaining second electrode patterns among the plurality of second electrode patterns are arranged to face in a direction opposite to the ends of some of the second electrode patterns.

22. In Paragraph 19 or 20, An electronic device in which the plurality of first electrode patterns and the plurality of second electrode patterns are composed of a metal mesh material.

23. In paragraph 19 or 20, the control unit, It includes a first control unit for performing the touch sensing operation; and a second control unit for performing the stylus driving / sensing operation. An electronic device comprising the first control unit and the second control unit as physically separated separate chips.

24. In the 23rd, An electronic device further comprising a signal transmission unit for transmitting signals between the first control unit and the second control unit, wherein the signal transmission unit is configured to perform GPIO (General Purpose Input / Output) or I2C communication.

25. In Paragraph 19 or 20, The above control unit is an electronic device comprising a single IC in which a circuit for performing the touch sensing operation and a circuit for performing the stylus driving / sensing operation are integrated within a single die.

26. In Paragraph 19 or 20, The above control unit is an electronic device composed of a single IC in which a circuit for performing the touch sensing operation and a circuit for performing the stylus driving / sensing operation are respectively integrated on different dies.

27. In Paragraph 10, It further includes a window having a touch surface and disposed on the sensor part; and The above display panel is positioned below the sensor unit, and The sensor unit comprises a plurality of first electrode patterns extending in a first direction, a plurality of third electrode patterns extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a plurality of fourth electrode patterns extending in the second direction and disposed adjacent to the third electrode patterns. Each of the above first electrode patterns has both ends configured to be electrically connected to the control unit, and At least some of the other ends of the plurality of fourth electrode patterns are configured to be electrically connected to each other, and An electronic device configured such that the control unit is electrically connected to the sensor unit and controls a touch sensing operation for detecting a touch of an object through the sensor unit, a stylus driving operation for driving the stylus pen, and / or a stylus sensing operation for sensing the stylus pen.

28. In Paragraph 10, It further includes a window having a touch surface and disposed on the sensor part; and The above display panel is positioned below the sensor unit, and The sensor unit comprises a plurality of first electrode patterns extending in a first direction, a plurality of second electrode patterns extending in the first direction and disposed adjacent to the first electrode pattern, a plurality of third electrode patterns extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a plurality of fourth electrode patterns extending in the second direction and disposed adjacent to the third electrode pattern. At least some of the other ends of the plurality of second electrode patterns are configured to be electrically connected to each other, and At least some of the other ends of the plurality of fourth electrode patterns are configured to be electrically connected to each other, and An electronic device configured such that the control unit is electrically connected to the sensor unit and controls a touch sensing operation for detecting a touch of an object through the sensor unit, a stylus driving operation for driving the stylus pen, and / or a stylus sensing operation for sensing the stylus pen.

29. In Paragraph 10, A window having a touch surface; and A touch sensor positioned below the above window; including The above display panel is positioned between the touch sensor and the sensor unit, and The above sensor part is an electronic device that is a digitizer.

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