KR101033316B1 - Capacitive touch detect system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: A capacitive touch detection system which uses the voltage of a response terminal is provided to sense the entry of an object within a sensing region by confirming the voltage of the response terminal which is converted to digital data. CONSTITUTION: A sensor(110) generates an induced charge according to a driving signal by coupling a sensing electrode to a driving electrode. An electric charge collector(130) generates the voltage according to the quantity of charge which flows in the response terminal. An electric charge measurer(140) measures the voltage of the response terminal. A switching unit(150) connects the sensing electrode to the response terminal.

Description

Capacitive Touch Sensing System {CAPACITIVE TOUCH DETECT SYSTEM}

In order to more fully understand the drawings used in the detailed description of the invention, a brief description of each drawing is provided.

FIG. 1A is a diagram showing an electric field between two electrodes when no object enters the sensing area, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an electric field between two electrodes when there is an object in the sensing area.

FIG. 2 is a view for explaining a change in capacitive coupling according to FIGS. 1A and 1B.

3 is a diagram schematically illustrating a capacitive touch sensing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a timing diagram of main signals of the capacitive touch sensing system according to the first embodiment of FIG. 3.

5 is a diagram schematically illustrating a capacitive touch sensing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a diagram schematically illustrating a capacitive touch sensing system according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

7A and 7B are timing diagrams of main signals of the capacitive touch sensing system according to the third embodiment of FIG. 6.

8 is a diagram schematically illustrating a capacitive touch sensing system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

The present invention relates to a capacitive touch sensing system for detecting the presence of an object in a sensing area.

Recently, the touch sensing system has been widely used not only in notebook computers but also in home and portable devices or home appliances due to its convenience and aesthetics. In general, in a touch sensing system, the sensing elements are arranged in a matrix structure at a predetermined position on the control panel. In addition, the touch sensing system senses a position on the control panel of the sensing element in which contact of the user or an object is generated and receives a user input.

However, in the existing touch sensing system, only when the control panel directly contacts the touch panel, the contact position may be sensed and ultimately receive a user input. In this case, a stain or the like may occur on the control panel, thereby causing aesthetic appearance, and wear due to contact of an object.

Accordingly, there is a need for a touch sensing system capable of detecting an event and ultimately receiving a user input even when an object exists within a predetermined sensing region without direct contact with the object.

An object of the present invention is to solve the problems of the prior art, to provide a capacitive touch sensing system for detecting the presence of an object in the sensing area.

One aspect of the present invention for achieving the above technical problem relates to a capacitive touch sensing system. According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a capacitive touch sensing system including a driving electrode and a sensing electrode, wherein the driving electrode is coupled to a driving signal, and the sensing electrode is capacitively coupled to the driving electrode. The sensing element generating an induced charge according to a driving signal; A charge integrator formed between a capacitor and a response terminal reset to the same voltage in response to a reset signal, the charge integrator generating a voltage in the response terminal according to the amount of charge flowing into the capacitor; A charge meter for measuring a voltage of the response terminal; A switching element connected to the sensing electrode in the first state of a switching signal and driven to apply the driving signal to the sensing electrode in a second state of the switching signal; And a controller providing the driving signal, the reset signal, and the switching signal.

Another aspect of the present invention for achieving the above technical problem relates to a capacitive touch sensing system. According to another aspect of the present invention, a capacitive touch sensing system includes a control panel. The control panel includes N input lines arranged in a first direction; M output lines arranged in a second direction; N x M sensing elements arranged on an intersection of a matrix structure consisting of the input lines and the output lines, each comprising a driving electrode and a sensing electrode, wherein the driving electrode is received through the respective input line. Coupled to the driving signal, wherein the sensing electrode is capacitively coupled to the driving electrode, the N × M sensing elements generating induced charges according to the driving signal to the respective output output lines; And a signal generation block for generating the driving signal on each of the input lines according to the received operation signal. The capacitive touch sensing system according to another aspect of the present invention is a charge integrator formed between a capacitor and a response terminal which are reset to the same voltage in response to a reset signal, and the voltage according to the amount of charge flowing into the capacitor is measured. The charge integrator generated in the response terminal; A charge meter for measuring a voltage of the response terminal; A switching block connected to any one of the output lines selected in the first state of a switching signal to the power storage terminal, the switching block being driven to apply the operation signal to the output lines in the second state of the switching signal; And a controller providing the operation signal, the reset signal, and the switching signal.

Another aspect of the present invention for achieving the above technical problem relates to a capacitive touch sensing system. According to another aspect of the present invention, a capacitive touch sensing system includes a sensing element including a driving electrode and a sensing electrode, wherein the driving electrode is coupled to a driving signal, and the sensing electrode is capacitively coupled to the driving electrode. The sensing element generating an induced charge according to the driving signal; A charge integrator formed between a capacitor and a response terminal reset to the same voltage in response to a reset signal, the charge integrator generating a voltage in the response terminal according to the amount of charge flowing into the capacitor; A charge meter for measuring a voltage of the response terminal; A full swing element for driving a swing control signal to provide a full swing signal to the output stage; A switching element connected to the sensing electrode according to a first state of a switching signal and driven to apply the full swing signal to the sensing electrode according to a second state of the switching signal; And a controller providing the driving signal, the reset signal, the switching signal, and the swing control signal.

Another aspect of the present invention for achieving the above technical problem relates to a capacitive touch sensing system. According to another aspect of the present invention, a capacitive touch sensing system includes a control panel. The control panel includes N input lines arranged in a first direction; M output lines arranged in a second direction; N x M sensing elements arranged on an intersection of a matrix structure consisting of the input lines and the output lines, each comprising a driving electrode and a sensing electrode, wherein the driving electrode is received through the respective input line. Coupled to the driving signal, wherein the sensing electrode is capacitively coupled to the driving electrode, the N × M sensing elements generating induced charges according to the driving signal to the respective output output lines; And a signal generation block for generating the driving signal on each of the input lines according to the received operation signal. In addition, the capacitive touch sensing system according to another aspect of the present invention, the capacitive touch sensing system is a charge integrator is formed between the capacitor and the response terminal is reset to the same voltage in response to a reset signal, the capacitor The charge integrator generating a voltage at the response terminal according to an amount of charge introduced into the response terminal; A charge meter for measuring a voltage of the response terminal; A full swing element for driving a swing control signal to provide a full swing signal to the output stage; A switching block connected to any one of the output lines selected according to a first state of a switching signal to the power storage terminal, the switching block being driven to apply the full swing signal to the output lines according to a second state of the switching signal; And a controller providing the operation signal, the reset signal, the switching signal, and the swing control signal.

For a better understanding of the present invention and its operational advantages, and the objects attained by the practice of the present invention, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention, and the accompanying drawings. In understanding each of the figures, it should be noted that like parts are denoted by the same reference numerals whenever possible.

First, before describing the embodiments of the present invention in detail, the change in the capacitive coupling caused by the presence of an object in the sensing region of the sensing device will be described.

FIG. 1A is a diagram showing an electric field between two electrodes when no object enters the sensing area, and FIG. 1B is a diagram between two electrodes when there is an object in the sensing area (ie, a finger of a user grounded). It is a figure which shows the electric field of. 1A and 1B, only two electrodes 10, 20 forming a sensing element are shown for simplicity.

When no object enters the sensing region as shown in FIG. 1A (CASE1), all electric force lines formed between the two electrodes 10 and 20 are connected to the two electrodes 10 and 20. However, when the user's finger 30 enters the sensing area as shown in FIG. 1B (CASE2), a part of the electric force line formed between the two electrodes 10 and 20 is coupled with the ground plane through the finger 30. Only the remaining electric force lines are connected to the electrodes 10 and 20.

Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 2, when the user's finger 30 enters into the sensing area (CASE2), the electrodes 10, as compared with the case where no object enters into the sensing area (CASE1), are shown in FIG. 20) capacitive coupling is reduced.

By using this principle, by applying a constant waveform, such as a drive signal (XDR) to one electrode 10, and by measuring the change in the voltage of the detection signal (XDT) according to the other electrode 20, It is possible to detect which object is approaching within the detection area.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

First Example

3 is a diagram schematically illustrating a capacitive touch sensing system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, the capacitive touch sensing system of the first embodiment includes a sensing element 110, a charge integrator 130, a charge meter 140, a switching element 150, and a controller 160.

The sensing element 110 includes a driving electrode EDR and a sensing electrode EDT. The driving electrode EDR is coupled to the driving signal XDR. In addition, a dielectric is formed between the driving electrode EDR and the sensing electrode EDT, and the sensing electrode EDT is capacitively coupled to the driving electrode ERD. Accordingly, the sensing electrode EDT generates induced charges according to the driving signal XDR applied to the driving electrode EDR.

The charge integrator 130 is formed between the capacitor terminal NCP and the response terminal NRS that are reset to the same voltage in response to the reset signal RST. At this time, electric charge flows into the power storage terminal NCP. The response terminal NRS generates a voltage corresponding to the amount of charge flowing into the storage terminal NCP.

Preferably, the charge integrator 130 includes a storage capacitor 131, a reset switch 133 and an amplification means 135.

The power storage capacitor 131 is formed between the power storage terminal NCP and the response terminal NRS. The reset switch 133 electrically connects the power storage terminal NCP and the response terminal NRS in response to the reset signal XRS.

The amplifying means 135 increases the voltage level of the response terminal NRS as the charge stored in the power storage terminal NCP increases. Preferably, the amplifying means 135 is a calculation that the reference voltage (VREF) is applied to the positive input terminal, the power storage terminal (NCP) is applied to the negative input terminal, the output terminal is connected to the response terminal (NRS) It is an amplifier.

The charge meter 140 measures the voltage of the response terminal (NRS). In a preferred embodiment, the charge meter 140 is an ADC circuit for converting the voltage of the response terminal (NRS) to digital data (XDIG) and outputs.

The switching element 150 connects the sensing electrode EDT to the storage terminal NCP in a first state (eg, logic 'H') of the switching signal XSW. The switching element 150 is driven to apply the driving signal XDR to the sensing electrode EDT in a second state (eg, logic 'L') of the switching signal XSW.

The controller 160 provides the driving signal XDR, the reset signal XRS, and the switching signal XSW.

With continued reference to FIG. 3, preferably, the capacitive touch sensing system of the first embodiment further includes a charge buffer 170.

The charge buffer 170 is coupled to the power storage terminal NCP, and provides a rectified current for buffering the induced charge formed in the power storage terminal NCP according to the driving signal XDR. By the charge buffer 170, the voltage level of the capacitor NCP can be restored more quickly.

4 is a timing diagram of main signals of the capacitive touch sensing system according to the first embodiment of FIG. 3. Referring to Fig. 4, the operation principle of the capacitive touch sensing system according to the first embodiment is described.

Referring to FIG. 4 together with FIG. 3, when the reset signal XRS becomes “L” at a time point t11, between the power storage terminal NCP and the response terminal NRS of the charge integrator 130. The reset state is released.

When the switching signal XSW becomes “H” at time t12, the sensing electrode EDT is controlled to the reference voltage VREF. At the time t13, when the driving signal XDR transitions to “L”, according to the induced charge P11 generated at the sensing terminal EDT and thus the amount of inflow charge P12 of the storage terminal NCP, The voltage level of the response terminal NRS is increased.

At the time t14, when the switching signal XSW becomes “L”, the sensing electrode EDT becomes the ground voltage VSS according to the driving signal XDR. At the time t15, the sensing electrode EDT is controlled by the power supply voltage VCC according to the driving signal XDR. As such, since the sensing electrode EDT is controlled to the same power voltage as the ground voltage VSS and the power supply voltage VCC, the sensing electrode EDT is controlled to the reset state again.

Then, the voltage VFN of the response terminal NRS is converted into digital data XDIG at a time point t16 after the predetermined number of times (four times in FIG. 4) of activation of the driving signal XDR is generated. .

In this case, the voltage VFN of the response terminal NRS converted into the digital data XDIG may be checked to detect whether an object enters the sensing region of the sensing element 110. If an object enters into the sensing area of the sensing element 110, the rising width of the voltage level of the response terminal NRS may be higher than that of an object not present in the sensing area of the sensing element 110. It will be a significantly smaller value.

By the capacitive touch sensing system of the first embodiment as described above, it is possible to detect an object entering the sensing region without direct contact with the sensing element 110.

In addition, in the present embodiment, after the charge induced in the sensing terminal EDT is transferred to the power storage terminal NCP of the charge integrator 130, the driving signal XDR is full swinged in the sensing terminal EDT. ) Is applied. Therefore, the sensing terminal EDT recovers the reset state quickly after transferring the induced charge to the power storage terminal NCP of the charge integrator 130.

Meanwhile, the first embodiment of FIG. 3 may be expanded like the second embodiment of FIG. 5.

2nd Example

FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating a capacitive touch sensing system according to a second embodiment of the present invention, which detects whether an object has entered a specific position on a control panel using the technical spirit of the first embodiment of FIG. 3. System.

In the embodiment of Figure 5, the same reference numerals and reference numerals are given to components and signals having the same function as the embodiment of Figure 3, the specific illustration thereof is omitted.

Referring to FIG. 5, the capacitive touch sensing system of the second embodiment includes N input lines LIN1 to LIN4 and 4 (in FIG. 5, four are shown as examples). Output lines LOUT1 to LOUT4, and N × M sensing elements 110 and a signal generation block BGN on the control panel CONPAL, and include a charge integrator 130 and a charge. The measurement device 140 includes a switching block BSW and a controller 160.

The input lines LIN1 to LIN4 are arranged side by side in a first direction (eg, a row direction), and the output lines LOUT1 to LOUT4 are side by side in a second direction (eg, a column direction). Are arranged.

The sensing elements 110 are arranged on the intersection of a matrix structure consisting of the input lines LIN1 to LIN4 and the output lines LOUT1 to LOUT4. In this case, each of the sensing elements 110 of FIG. 5 may be embodied in the same configuration as the sensing element 110 of FIG. 3 and may also function in the same manner.

That is, each of the sensing elements 110 includes a driving electrode EDR (not shown in FIG. 5) and a sensing electrode EDT (not shown in FIG. 5). The driving electrode EDR is coupled to the respective driving signals XDR1 to XDR4. In addition, a dielectric is formed between the driving electrode EDR and the sensing electrode EDT, and the sensing electrode EDT is capacitively coupled to the driving electrode ERD. Accordingly, the sensing electrode EDT generates inductive charges according to respective driving signals XDR1 to XDR4 applied to the driving electrode EDR.

The signal generation block BGN is connected to the input lines LIN1 to LIN4 selected by the row selection address RADD, and the driving signals XDR1 to XDR4 corresponding to the received operation signal XOP. Occurs. In this case, the signal generators 120_1 to 120_4 included in the signal generation block BGN are determined by the signal generators 120_1 to 120_4 enabled by the row selection address RADD.

The charge integrator 130 may be configured in the same manner as the charge integrator 130 of FIG. 3. That is, the charge integrator 130 is formed between the capacitor terminal NCP and the response terminal NRS, which are reset to the same voltage in response to the reset signal XRS, to the amount of charge flowing into the capacitor terminal NCP. The corresponding voltage is generated at the response terminal NRS.

The charge meter 140 may also be configured in the same manner as the charge meter 140 of FIG. 3, and measures the voltage of the response terminal NRS. Preferably, the charge meter 140 is implemented as an ADC circuit for converting the voltage of the response terminal (NRS) into digital data (XDIG).

The switching block BSW connects one of the output lines LOUT1 to LOUT4 selected in the first state of the switching signal XSW to the power storage terminal NCP, and the switching signal XSW. In the second state, the driving signal XOP is applied to the output lines LOUT1 to LOUT4. In this case, the switching elements 150_1 to 150_4 included in the switching block BSW may be implemented similarly to the switching element 150 of FIG. 3 and may be enabled by the column selection address CADD. (150_1 to 150_4) is determined.

The controller 160 may be configured in the same manner as the controller 140 of FIG. 3, and provides the operation signal XOP, the reset signal XRS, and the switching signal XSW.

5, preferably, the capacitive touch sensing system of the second embodiment further includes a charge buffer 170.

The charge buffer 170 may be configured in the same manner as the charge buffer 170 of FIG. 3, and performs the same function. That is, the charge buffer 170 is coupled to the power storage terminal NCP, and provides a rectified current that buffers the induced charge formed in the power storage terminal NCP according to the driving signal XDR. Therefore, by the charge buffer 170, the voltage level of the power storage terminal (NCP) can be restored more quickly.

By the capacitive touch sensing system of the second embodiment as described above, it is possible to detect an object entering the sensing area without direct contact with the sensing element 110. In the second embodiment of FIG. 5, the control panel CONPAL into which the object enters the detection area.

The sensing element 110 of the image may be identified to ultimately receive a user input.

In the first and second embodiments of FIGS. 3 and 5, the charge meter 140, the controller 160 and the charge buffer 170 are shown as separate components. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the functionality of these components may be implemented by a single integrated circuit chip.

On the other hand, the capacitive touch sensing system of the present invention can be modified in various forms.

The third Example

6 is a diagram schematically illustrating a capacitive touch sensing system according to a third embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 6, the capacitive touch sensing system of the second embodiment includes a sensing element 210, a charge integrator 230, a charge meter 240, a full swing element 245, a switching element 250, and a controller ( 260, and preferably further includes a charge buffer 270.

The third embodiment of FIG. 6 is substantially the same as the first embodiment of FIG. 3, in which the full swing element 245 is added and in the second state of the switching signal XSW in the switching element 250. There is only a difference in the action applied. Therefore, in describing the third embodiment of FIG. 6, for signals having the same function as the first embodiment of FIG. 3, the same reference numerals are used as much as possible.

Referring to FIG. 6 again, the sensing element 210 includes a driving electrode EDR and a sensing electrode EDT. The driving electrode EDR is coupled to the driving signal XDR. In addition, a dielectric is formed between the driving electrode EDR and the sensing electrode EDT, and the sensing electrode EDT is capacitively coupled to the driving electrode ERD. Accordingly, the sensing electrode EDT generates induced charges according to the driving signal XDR applied to the driving electrode EDR.

The charge integrator 230 is formed between the capacitor terminal NCP and the response terminal NRS that are reset to the same voltage in response to the reset signal RST. At this time, electric charge flows into the power storage terminal NCP. The response terminal NRS generates a voltage corresponding to the amount of charge flowing into the storage terminal NCP.

Preferably, the charge integrator 230 has a storage capacitor 231, a reset switch 233 and the amplifying means 235.

The power storage capacitor 231 is formed between the power storage terminal NCP and the response terminal NRS. The reset switch 233 electrically connects the power storage terminal NCP and the response terminal NRS in response to the reset signal XRS.

The amplifying means 235 increases the voltage level of the response terminal NRS as the charge stored in the power storage terminal NCP increases. Preferably, the amplifying means 235 is a calculation that the reference voltage (VREF) is applied to the positive input terminal, the capacitor terminal (NCP) is applied to the negative input terminal, the output terminal is connected to the response terminal (NRS) It is an amplifier.

The charge meter 240 measures the voltage of the response terminal (NRS). In a preferred embodiment, the charge meter 240 is an ADC circuit for converting the voltage of the response terminal (NRS) to digital data (XDIG) and outputs.

The full swing element 245 drives the swing control signal XPCON to provide a full swing signal XPUL for full swing between the power supply voltage VCC and the ground voltage VSS. In this embodiment, the full swing signal XPUL is controlled to be "H" in the sensing operation.

The switching element 250 connects the sensing electrode EDT to the storage terminal NCP in a first state (eg, logic 'H') of the switching signal XSW. The switching element 250 is driven to apply the full swing signal XPUL to the sensing electrode EDT in a second state (eg, logic 'L') of the switching signal XSW. .

The controller 260 provides the driving signal XDR, the reset signal XRS, the switching signal XSW, and the swing control signal XPCON.

With continued reference to FIG. 6, preferably, the capacitive touch sensing system of the third embodiment further includes a charge buffer 270.

The charge buffer 270 is coupled to the power storage terminal NCP, and provides a rectified current for buffering the induced charge formed in the power storage terminal NCP according to the driving signal XDR. By the charge buffer 270, the voltage level of the capacitor NCP may be restored more quickly.

7A and 7B are timing diagrams of main signals of the capacitive touch sensing system according to the third embodiment of FIG. 6, and FIG. 7A shows that the sensing terminal EDT of the sensing element 210 is reset to the power supply voltage VCC. FIG. 7B illustrates a case where the sensing terminal EDT of the sensing element 210 is reset to the ground voltage VSS. 7A and 7B, the operating principle of the capacitive touch sensing system according to the third embodiment is described.

Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B together with FIG. 6, when the reset signal XRS becomes “L” at time points t21 and t31, the capacitor NCP and the response terminal of the charge integrator 230 are used. The reset state between (NRS) is released.

At the time points t22 and t32, when the switching signal XSW becomes “H”, the sensing electrode EDT is controlled to the reference voltage VREF. At the times t23 and t33, when the driving signal XDR transitions to "L", the induced charges P21 and P31 generated in the sensing terminal EDT and thus the amount of inflow charge P22 of the capacitor terminal NCP. And P32, the voltage level of the response terminal (NRS) is raised.

When the switching signal XSW becomes “L” at the time points t24 and t34, the sensing electrode EDT is controlled by the power supply voltage VCC or the ground voltage VSS according to the full swing signal XPUL. do. As such, since the sensing electrode EDT is controlled to a power voltage such as the power supply voltage VCC or the ground voltage VSS, the sensing electrode EDT is controlled to the reset state again.

Then, the voltage VFN of the response terminal NRS at the time points t25 and t35 after the predetermined number (four times in FIG. 7) of activation of the driving signal XDR is generated as the digital data XDIG. To convert.

In this case, by checking the voltage VFN of the response terminal NRS converted into the digital data XDIG, it is possible to detect whether an object enters the sensing region of the sensing element 210.

In addition, in the present embodiment, after the charge induced in the sensing terminal EDT is transferred to the power storage terminal NCP of the charge integrator 230, the full swing signal (swinging full swing to the sensing terminal EDT) XPUL) is applied. Therefore, the sensing terminal EDT recovers the reset state quickly after transferring the induced charge to the power storage terminal NCP of the charge integrator 230.

The third embodiment of FIG. 6 may be expanded like the fourth embodiment of FIG. 8.

Fourth Example

FIG. 8 is a diagram schematically illustrating a capacitive touch sensing system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, which detects whether an object has entered a specific position on a control panel using the technical spirit of the third embodiment of FIG. 6. System.

In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the same reference numerals and reference numerals are given to components and signals having the same function as the embodiment of FIG. 6, and detailed illustrations thereof are omitted.

Referring to FIG. 8, the capacitive touch sensing system of the fourth embodiment includes N input lines LIN1 to LIN4 and 4 (in FIG. 8, four are shown as examples). Output lines LOUT1 to LOUT4, and N × M sensing elements 210 and a signal generation block BGN on the control panel CONPAL, and include a charge integrator 230 and a charge. The measurement device 240 includes a full swing element 245, a switching block BSW, and a controller 160.

The input lines LIN1 to LIN4 are arranged side by side in a first direction (eg, a row direction), and the output lines LOUT1 to LOUT4 are side by side in a second direction (eg, a column direction). Are arranged.

The sensing elements 210 are arranged at the intersection of a matrix structure consisting of the input lines LIN1 to LIN4 and the output lines LOUT1 to LOUT4. In this case, each of the sensing elements 210 of FIG. 8 may be embodied in the same configuration as the sensing element 210 of FIG. 6 and may also function in the same manner.

That is, each of the sensing elements 210 is formed to include a driving electrode EDR (not shown in FIG. 8) and a sensing electrode EDT (not shown in FIG. 8). The driving electrode EDR is coupled to the respective driving signals XDR1 to XDR4. In addition, a dielectric is formed between the driving electrode EDR and the sensing electrode EDT, and the sensing electrode EDT is capacitively coupled to the driving electrode ERD. Accordingly, the sensing electrode EDT generates inductive charges according to respective driving signals XDR1 to XDR4 applied to the driving electrode EDR.

The signal generation block BGN is connected to the input lines LIN1 to LIN4 selected by the row selection address RADD, and the driving signals XDR1 to XDR4 corresponding to the received operation signal XOP. Occurs. In this case, the signal generators 220_1 to 220_4 included in the signal generation block BGN are determined by the signal generators 220_1 to 220_4 enabled by the row selection address RADD.

The charge integrator 230 may be configured in the same manner as the charge integrator 230 of FIG. 6. That is, the charge integrator 230 is formed between the capacitor terminal NCP and the response terminal NRS, which are reset to the same voltage in response to the reset signal XRS, to the amount of charge flowing into the capacitor terminal NCP. The corresponding voltage is generated at the response terminal NRS.

The charge meter 240 may also be configured in the same manner as the charge meter 240 of FIG. 6, and measures the voltage of the response terminal NRS. Preferably, the charge meter 240 is implemented as an ADC circuit for converting the voltage of the response terminal (NRS) into digital data (XDIG).

The full swing element 245 may be configured in the same manner as the full swing element 245 of FIG. 6, and may drive a swing control signal XPCON to pull between the power supply voltage VCC and the ground voltage VSS. Provides a swing full swing signal (XPUL). In the present embodiment, the full swing signal XPUL is controlled to be "H" in the sensing operation of the capacitive touch sensing system of the present invention.

The switching block BSW connects one of the output lines LOUT1 to LOUT4 selected in the first state of the switching signal XSW to the power storage terminal NCP, and the switching signal XSW. In the second state, the driving signal is driven to apply the full swing signal XPUL to the output lines LOUT1 to LOUT4. In this case, the switching elements 250_1 to 250_4 included in the switching block BSW may be implemented similarly to the switching element 250 of FIG. 6 and may be enabled by the column selection address CADD. (250_1 to 250_4) is determined.

The controller 260 may be configured in the same manner as the controller 240 of FIG. 3, and the operation signal XOP, the reset signal XRS, the switching signal XSW, and the swing control signal XPCON. ).

With continued reference to FIG. 8, preferably, the capacitive touch sensing system of the fourth embodiment further includes a charge buffer 270.

The charge buffer 270 may be configured in the same manner as the charge buffer 270 of FIG. 6, and performs the same function. That is, the charge buffer 270 is coupled to the power storage terminal NCP, and provides a rectified current for buffering the induced charge formed in the power storage terminal NCP according to the driving signal XDR. Therefore, by the charge buffer 270, the voltage level of the capacitor NCP can be restored more quickly.

By the capacitive touch sensing system of the fourth embodiment as described above, it is possible to detect an object entering the sensing area without direct contact with the sensing element 210. In addition, in the fourth exemplary embodiment of FIG. 8, the sensing element 210 on the control panel CONPAL in which an object enters the sensing area may be grasped to ultimately receive a user input.

As described above, the capacitive touch sensing system of the present invention is capacitively coupled to a driving electrode, the sensing element generating induced charges on the sensing electrode, and the charge generating voltage on the response terminal according to the amount of charge flowing into the storage terminal. A charge meter for measuring the voltage of the integrator and the response terminal and a switching element for controlling the connection of the sensing electrode. At this time, by checking the voltage of the response terminal is converted into digital data it is possible to detect whether the object enters into the sensing region of the sensing element. Therefore, according to the capacitive touch sensing system of the present invention, it is possible to detect an object entering the sensing area without directly touching the sensing element.

In addition, in the present exemplary embodiment, after the charge induced in the sensing terminal EDT is transferred to the power storage terminal NCP of the charge integrators 130 and 230, the driving terminal swings full to the sensing terminal EDT. Signal XDR, operation signal XOP or full swing signal XPUL is applied. Therefore, the sensing terminal EDT transfers the induced charge to the power storage terminal NCP of the charge integrators 130 and 230, and then quickly recovers the reset state.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to one embodiment shown in the drawings, this is merely exemplary, and those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments are possible therefrom. Therefore, the true technical protection scope of the present invention will be defined by the technical spirit of the appended claims.

Claims (12)

In the capacitive touch sensing system, A sensing element comprising a driving electrode and a sensing electrode, wherein the driving electrode is coupled to a driving signal, and the sensing electrode is capacitively coupled to the driving electrode to generate an induced charge according to the driving signal. ; A charge integrator formed between a capacitor and a response terminal reset to the same voltage in response to a reset signal, the charge integrator generating a voltage in the response terminal according to the amount of charge flowing into the capacitor; A charge meter for measuring a voltage of the response terminal; A switching element connected to the sensing electrode in the first state of a switching signal and driven to apply the driving signal to the sensing electrode in a second state of the switching signal; And And a controller for providing the drive signal, the reset signal, and the switching signal. The system of claim 1, wherein the capacitive touch sensing system is And a charge buffer coupled to the power storage terminal, the charge buffer being driven to provide a rectified current to buffer the induced charge. In a capacitive touch sensing system that includes a control panel, The control panel N input lines arranged in a first direction; M output lines arranged in a second direction; N x M sensing elements arranged on an intersection of a matrix structure consisting of the input lines and the output lines, each comprising a driving electrode and a sensing electrode, wherein the driving electrode is received through the respective input line. Coupled to the driving signal, wherein the sensing electrode is capacitively coupled to the driving electrode, the N × M sensing elements generating induced charges according to the driving signal to the respective output output lines; And A signal generation block for generating each of the driving signals in each of the input lines according to a received operation signal; The capacitive touch sensing system A charge integrator formed between a capacitor and a response terminal reset to the same voltage in response to a reset signal, the charge integrator generating a voltage in the response terminal according to the amount of charge flowing into the capacitor; A charge meter for measuring a voltage of the response terminal; A switching block connected to any one of the output lines selected in the first state of a switching signal to the power storage terminal, the switching block being driven to apply the operation signal to the output lines in the second state of the switching signal; And And a controller for providing the operation signal, the reset signal, and the switching signal. 4. The charge integrator of claim 3, wherein the charge integrator A power storage capacitor formed between the power storage terminal and the response terminal; A reset switch electrically connecting the power storage terminal and the response terminal in response to the reset signal; And And amplifying means having a reference voltage applied to a positive input terminal, said capacitor terminal applied to a negative input terminal, and an output terminal connected to said response terminal. The method of claim 3, wherein the signal generation block is And the operation signal is gated according to a predetermined row address and provided as the driving signal of each input line. The system of claim 3, wherein the capacitive touch sensing system is And a charge buffer coupled to the power storage terminal, the charge buffer being driven to provide a rectified current to buffer the induced charge. In the capacitive touch sensing system, A sensing element comprising a driving electrode and a sensing electrode, wherein the driving electrode is coupled to a driving signal, and the sensing electrode is capacitively coupled to the driving electrode to generate an induced charge according to the driving signal. ; A charge integrator formed between a capacitor and a response terminal reset to the same voltage in response to a reset signal, the charge integrator generating a voltage in the response terminal according to the amount of charge flowing into the capacitor; A charge meter for measuring a voltage of the response terminal; A full swing element for driving a swing control signal to provide a full swing signal to the output stage; A switching element connected to the sensing electrode according to a first state of a switching signal and driven to apply the full swing signal to the sensing electrode according to a second state of the switching signal; And And a controller for providing the driving signal, the reset signal, the switching signal, and the swing control signal. The method of claim 7, wherein the capacitive touch sensing system And a charge buffer coupled to the power storage terminal, the charge buffer being driven to provide a rectified current to buffer the induced charge. In a capacitive touch sensing system that includes a control panel, The control panel N input lines arranged in a first direction; M output lines arranged in a second direction; N x M sensing elements arranged on an intersection of a matrix structure consisting of the input lines and the output lines, each comprising a driving electrode and a sensing electrode, wherein the driving electrode is received through the respective input line. Coupled to the driving signal, wherein the sensing electrode is capacitively coupled to the driving electrode, the N × M sensing elements generating induced charges according to the driving signal to the respective output output lines; And A signal generation block for generating each of the driving signals in each of the input lines according to a received operation signal; The capacitive touch sensing system A charge integrator formed between a capacitor and a response terminal reset to the same voltage in response to a reset signal, the charge integrator generating a voltage in the response terminal according to the amount of charge flowing into the capacitor; A charge meter for measuring a voltage of the response terminal; A full swing element for driving a swing control signal to provide a full swing signal to the output stage; A switching block connected to any one of the output lines selected according to a first state of a switching signal to the power storage terminal, the switching block being driven to apply the full swing signal to the output lines according to a second state of the switching signal; And And a controller configured to provide the operation signal, the reset signal, the switching signal, and the swing control signal. 10. The system of claim 9, wherein the charge integrator A power storage capacitor formed between the power storage terminal and the response terminal; A reset switch electrically connecting the power storage terminal and the response terminal in response to the reset signal; And And amplifying means having a reference voltage applied to a positive input terminal, said capacitor terminal applied to a negative input terminal, and an output terminal connected to said response terminal. The method of claim 9, wherein the signal generation block is And the operation signal is gated according to a predetermined row selection signal and provided as the driving signal of each input line. The method of claim 9, wherein the capacitive touch sensing system is And a charge buffer coupled to the power storage terminal, the charge buffer being driven to provide a rectified current to buffer the induced charge.

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