KR101412634B1 - Multi-touch panel, multi-touch sensing device having the same and method of sensing multi-touch using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A multi-touch panel configured to receive reflected pulses to detect touch generation positions, a multi-touch sensing device having the same, and a multi-touch sensing method using the same. A multi-touch panel according to an embodiment includes a base substrate and a touch-sensing wiring. The touch-sensing wiring is formed in a meandering shape on the base substrate, receives the transmission pulse through one end, and outputs a reflection pulse corresponding to the transmission pulse through the one end according to the touch of the user. Accordingly, a single-layer touch panel can be realized because the touch-sensing wiring arranged in a meandering shape on a plane is used as a touch sensor and a router wiring. Accordingly, the number of manufacturing steps and manufacturing cost of the multi-touch panel can be reduced.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a multi-touch panel, a multi-touch sensing device having the same, and a multi-touch sensing device using the multi-

The present invention relates to a multi-touch panel, a multi-touch sensing device using the same, and a multi-touch sensing method using the multi-touch panel. More particularly, And a multi-touch sensing method using the multi-touch sensing device.

As electronic technology and information technology continue to evolve, the proportion of electronic devices in everyday life, including work environments, is steadily increasing. In recent years, the kinds of electronic devices have become very diverse. Portable electronic devices such as laptops, mobile phones, portable multimedia players (PMPs), and tablet PCs are pouring new design devices with new functions every day.

As the types of electronic devices to be encountered in everyday life are gradually diversified and the function of each electronic device becomes more sophisticated and complicated, there is a need for a user interface that can be easily learned by a user and can be intuitively manipulated. A touch panel device has attracted attention as an input device capable of satisfying such a requirement, and has already been widely applied to various electronic devices.

In particular, the touch screen device, which is the most general application product of a touch panel device, senses a touch position of a user on a display screen and uses information about the sensed contact position as input information to perform overall control of the electronic device including the display screen control Device.

However, in order to realize the above-described touch panel device, electrodes are usually disposed on different layers. That is, a first electrode extending in a first direction is formed on the first layer, and a second electrode extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction is disposed on the second layer to implement the touch panel device. As a result, the manufacturing cost of the touch panel device increases.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is an object of the present invention to provide a touch sensing device and a touch sensing method, A touch multi-touch panel configured to detect positions of the touch screen.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-touch sensing apparatus having the multi-touch panel.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-touch sensing method using the multi-touch sensing device.

In order to realize the object of the present invention, a multi-touch panel according to an embodiment includes a base substrate and a touch-sensing wiring. The touch-sensing wiring is formed on the base substrate in a serpentine shape, receives a transmission pulse through one end, and outputs a reflection pulse corresponding to the transmission pulse through the one end according to a user's touch.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a multi-touch sensing apparatus includes a multi-touch panel and a multi-touch sensing circuit. The multi-touch panel includes a base substrate and a plurality of reflection pulses formed on the base substrate in a serpentine shape. The multi-touch panel receives a transmission pulse through one end, And outputting touch-sensing wiring. The multi-touch sensing circuit outputs the transmission pulse to the touch-sensing wiring, and calculates a touch position based on the received reflection pulse.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a multi-touch sensing method including: outputting a transmission pulse to a touch-sensing wiring formed in a meandering shape on a base substrate; Receiving a reflected pulse reflected in response to a touch of a user generated on the touch-sensing wire; Generating a plurality of delay signals; Generating reflection pulse data by digitally converting the reflection pulse based on each of the delay signals, and storing the generated reflection pulse data in a memory; Extracting from the memory reflected pulse data corresponding to a value lower or higher than a critical range in the reflected pulse data; And recognizing the touch coordinates based on the address corresponding to the extracted reflected pulse data.

According to such a multi-touch panel, a multi-touch sensing device using the same, and a multi-touch sensing method using the touch-sensing panel, the touch-sensing wiring arranged in a twisted manner on a plane is used as a touch sensor and a router wiring. A touch panel can be implemented. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the number of manufacturing steps and manufacturing cost of the touch panel. In addition, even if a plurality of touches are generated on a single layer touch-sensing line, information corresponding to each of the plurality of touches is included in the reflected pulse, so that the multi-touch can be recognized.

1 is a block diagram for explaining a multi-touch sensing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a principle of detecting a touch position using the multi-touch sensing circuit according to the present invention.
3 is an enlarged view for explaining an example of the area A shown in Fig.
4 is an enlarged view for explaining another example of the area A shown in Fig.
5 is an enlarged view for explaining another example of the area A shown in Fig.
6 is an enlarged view for explaining another example of the area A shown in Fig.
7 is an enlarged view for explaining another example of the area A shown in Fig.
8 is a block diagram for explaining an example of the TDR measuring unit shown in FIG.
9 is a block diagram illustrating the flash analog-digital converter shown in FIG.
10 is a block diagram for explaining another example of the TDR measuring unit shown in FIG.
11 is a block diagram for explaining another example of the TDR measurement unit shown in FIG.
12 is a block diagram for explaining another example of the TDR measurement unit shown in FIG.
13 is a block diagram for explaining the termination processing unit shown in Fig.
14A is a waveform diagram for explaining a reflection pulse by the ground setting unit shown in FIG.
14B is a waveform diagram for explaining the reflection pulse by the circuit open portion shown in FIG.
14C is a waveform diagram for explaining the reflection pulse by the impedance matching unit shown in FIG.
15 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an example of the impedance matching unit shown in FIG.
16 is a conceptual diagram for explaining another example of the impedance matching unit shown in FIG.
17A is a waveform diagram for explaining a transmission pulse output from the transmission pulse output section.
17B is a waveform diagram for explaining a transmission pulse received by the TDR measurement section when the termination processing section is set as an open circuit;
17C is a waveform diagram for explaining the first to sixth TDR transmission pulses and the ADC conversion.
17D is a waveform diagram for explaining the digitally converted TDR data value.
18A is a waveform diagram for explaining a transmission pulse output from the transmission pulse output section.
18B is a waveform diagram for explaining a transmission pulse received by the TDR measurement unit when the termination processing unit is set as the impedance matching unit.
18C is a waveform diagram for explaining the first to sixth TDR transmission pulses and the ADC conversion.
18D is a waveform diagram for explaining the digitally converted TDR data value.
19A is a waveform diagram for explaining a transmission pulse output from the transmission pulse output unit.
19B is a waveform diagram for explaining transmission pulses received by the TDR measurement unit when the termination processing unit is set as the ground setting unit.
FIG. 19C is a waveform diagram for explaining the first to sixth TDR transmission pulses and the ADC conversion.
19D is a waveform diagram for explaining the digitally converted TDR data value.
20 is a waveform diagram for explaining transmission pulses output from the transmission pulse output unit shown in FIG.
21 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an example of a structure in which digitally converted reflection pulse data is stored in a memory.
22 is a block diagram for explaining a multi-touch sensing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.
23 is a conceptual diagram for explaining another example of a structure in which digitally converted reflection pulse data is stored in a memory.
24 is a flowchart illustrating a multi-touch sensing method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
25 is a flowchart for explaining the initial driving mode performing step shown in FIG.
26 is a flowchart illustrating a multi-touch sensing method according to another embodiment of the present invention.
27A and 27B are flowcharts for explaining a multi-touch sensing method according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, a multi-touch panel according to the present invention, a multi-touch sensing device having the same, and a multi-touch sensing method using the same will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is capable of various modifications and various forms, and specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the text. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed, but includes all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Like reference numerals are used for like elements in describing each drawing. In the accompanying drawings, the dimensions of the structures are enlarged to illustrate the present invention in order to clarify the present invention.

The terms first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. The terms are used only for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, the second component may also be referred to as a first component. The singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In this application, the terms "comprises", "having", and the like are used to specify that a feature, a number, a step, an operation, an element, a part or a combination thereof is described in the specification, But do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

Also, unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries are to be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the contextual meaning of the related art and are to be interpreted as either ideal or overly formal in the sense of the present application Do not.

Throughout the specification, the term "multi-touch sensing device" refers to a touch panel as an input means, a plurality of power sources such as a power source for transforming a household AC power source into a step- Refers to a touch-enabled cellular phone, a smart phone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a personal multimedia player (PMP), and a car navigation system. In addition, if a touch-type kiosk, a home electronic instrument like a TV, a refrigerator etc., a computer (like a tablet pc) and the like satisfy a plurality of power supply support conditions described above, .

Throughout the specification, the term "touch panel" refers to a portion corresponding to the touch input means in the above-mentioned touch screen device, and collectively refers to an input means including a capacitive touch sensor, a pad, a sign pad, and a touch screen.

1 is a block diagram for explaining a multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a multi-touch panel 110 and a multi-touch sensing circuit 120.

The multi-touch panel 110 includes a base substrate 112 and a touch-sensing wiring 114.

The base substrate 112 may include a ridge type substrate such as glass. Meanwhile, the base substrate 114 may include a flexible type substrate such as a film.

The touch-sensing wiring 114 is formed on the base substrate 112 in a serpentine shape. The touch-sensing wiring 114 receives a transmission pulse through one end thereof, and transmits a reflection And outputs a pulse. For example, when the user touches one position, one reflection pulse is output through the one end, and when the user touches two positions, two reflection pulses are output through the one end. Of course, when the user touches three or more positions, three reflection pulses or three or more reflection pulses are outputted through the one end. Accordingly, the multi-touch panel 110 according to the present invention can perform a multi-touch function.

The width of the touch-sensing wiring 114 may be less than 50 micrometers. Accordingly, even if the multi-touch panel 110 is disposed on the display panel, the touch-sensing wiring 114 is not visually recognized by the user. Further, when viewed on a plane, the bent portion of the touch-sensing wiring 114 may be rounded. The bending portion has a certain curvature so that the transmission pulse or the reflection pulse is not reflected by the bending of the touch-sensing wiring 114. Accordingly, reflection of the transmission pulse or the reflection pulse transmitted through the touch-sensing wiring 114 by bending can be minimized.

The touch-sensing wiring 114 is arranged on a plane in a serpentine shape, and is used to perform functions of a touch sensor and wiring of a router. Here, the function of the touch sensor refers to sensing the user's touch. That is, the touch sensor may be a portion where a user's finger or a stylus pen is contacted. The function of the router wiring also refers to providing a transmission pulse provided by the multi-touch sensing circuit 120 to the touch sensor or delivering a reflection pulse generated by a touch to the multi-touch sensing circuit 120 . That is, the router wiring may be a portion connected to the multi-touch sensing circuit 120 as an end portion of the touch-sensing wiring. Accordingly, the touch-sensing wiring 114 can realize a single-layer touch panel. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the number of manufacturing steps and manufacturing cost of the touch panel.

The multi-touch panel 110 may be disposed on a display panel (not shown) for displaying an image. When the display panel is a liquid crystal display panel, the extending direction of the touch-sensing wiring 114 may be parallel to the data line or parallel to the gate line.

The multi-touch sensing circuit 120 includes a transmission pulse output unit 122, a TDR measurement unit 124, a termination unit 126 and a controller 128. The multi- - The transmission pulse is output to the sensing wiring 114 and the touch position is calculated based on the received reflection pulse. The multi-touch sensing circuit 120 may be implemented in the form of an IC. In the present embodiment, the multi-touch sensing circuit 120 includes the transmission pulse output unit 122, the TDR measuring unit 124, the terminating unit 126, and the controller 128. However, , But it is not classified by hardware.

The transmission pulse output unit 122 is connected to one end of the touch-sensing wiring 114 to output a plurality of transmission pulses to the touch-sensing wiring 114. At this time, the widths of the transmission pulses are the same, and the intervals of the transmission pulses may be different from each other.

The TDR measurement unit 124 is connected to one end of the touch-sensing wiring 114 to measure the time taken until the reflection pulse arrives to detect the touch position.

The termination processing unit 126 is connected to the other end of the touch-sensing wiring 114 to set a termination resistance value of the touch-sensing wiring 114 according to the surrounding environment. For example, the termination processing unit 126 may set the floating state or the ground state to the ground state by opening the end of the touch-sensing wiring 114, and the touch-sensing wiring 114 The same impedance as that of the impedance of the input / output terminal may be set.

The controller 128 controls the termination processor 126 to set the termination resistance value of the touch-sensing wiring 114 at an initial level, an open level, a ground level, and an impedance matching level, respectively, The transmission pulse output section 122 is controlled so as to output the transmission pulse to the touch-sensing wiring 114 set to either the ground level or the impedance matching level. The controller 128 receives the reflected pulse through the TDR measuring unit 124 and then calculates a terminal resistance value corresponding to the reflected pulse having the smallest noise component in each of the reflected pulses corresponding to the set terminal resistance value And controls the termination processor 126 to select the terminal. Accordingly, the termination processor 126 sets the termination resistance value of the touch-sensing wiring to correspond to the selected terminal resistance value.

After the initial driving time has elapsed, the controller 128 controls the transmission pulse output unit 122 to output a transmission pulse to the touch-sensing wiring. Also, the controller 128 controls the operation of the TDR measuring unit 124. Accordingly, the TDR measuring unit 124 receives the reflected pulse reflected in response to the user's touch on the touch-sensing wire, generates a plurality of delay signals, and then, based on each of the delay signals, Converts the reflection pulse into a digital signal to generate reflection pulse data, and stores the generated reflection pulse data in a memory.

The controller 128 extracts reflection pulse data corresponding to a value lower or higher than a critical range in the reflection pulse data from the memory and recognizes touch coordinates based on the address corresponding to the extracted reflection pulse data.

The principle of detecting the touch position using the multi-touch sensing circuit 120 will be described below.

2 is a conceptual diagram for explaining a principle of detecting a touch position using the multi-touch sensing circuit 120 according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, when the four fingers touch the touch-sensing wiring 114 at the same time, the impedances of the touch-sensing wiring 114 are changed by the touch. For example, the impedance of the touch-sensing wiring 114 between the input terminal of the transmission pulse and the touch position of the first finger is Z0, and the impedance of the touch-sensing wiring 114 between the touch position of the first finger and the touch position of the second finger is Z1, and the impedance of the touch-sensing wiring 114 between the touch position of the second finger and the touch position of the third finger is Z2. Further, the impedance of the touch-sensing wiring 114 between the touch position of the third finger and the touch position of the fourth finger is Z3, and the impedance of the touch position of the fourth finger and the end of the touch-sensing wiring 114 is Z4. When a transmission pulse is output to the touch-sensing wiring 114, a first reflection is made at the touch position of the first finger, a second reflection is made at the touch position of the second finger, a third reflection is made at the touch position of the third finger, And is reflected at the fourth position at the touch position. Accordingly, information corresponding to the first to fourth reflections is included in the received reflected pulse. That is, since reflection pulses exist for four times (t1, t2, t3, t4) which are lower than the threshold range, the output pulses of the transmission pulses on the basis of four times (t1, t2, t3, t4) Can be calculated. In this embodiment, since the touch-sensing wiring 114 is formed in a serpentine shape on a plane, four touch coordinates can be recognized.

Generally, when the characteristics of a medium change when a wave progresses or an obstacle exists in the middle, a wave deformation such as refraction or reflection occurs.

This reflection means that some of the energy held by the wave in the opposite direction of the wave propagates back. The multi-touch sensing circuit 120 detects the arrival time of the reflection pulse generated at the incident point of the transmission pulse and detects the generation position of the reflection pulse according to the touch.

The velocity of the electromagnetic wave traveling through the vacuum is 300,000 km / sec, which is the speed of light. However, when traveling through the medium such as touch-sensing wiring, the velocity is reduced. Velocity of Propagation (VOP) is defined as the ratio of the velocity in the metal medium to the velocity of light.

When measuring the distance at which the reflection pulse is generated using the TDR measuring unit 124, the time taken for the reflection pulse to return is measured. Therefore, in order to measure the distance of the point where the reflection pulse is generated, the time is multiplied by the velocity. That is, the method of calculating the distance is expressed by Equation 1 below.

[Equation 1]

(Reflection point distance) = (arrival time of reflected pulse) ㅧ (VOP of touch-sensing wiring)

Therefore, when the VOP is different from the actual value, the distance of the measured reflection point is proportional to the error rate of the VOP. For accurate measurement, it is important to accurately check the VOP of the touch-sensing wiring to be measured. The VOP of the touch-sensing wiring depends on the configuration of the touch-sensing wiring as well as the characteristic impedance, and in particular, also changes according to the geometry of the touch-sensing wiring. That is, even in the case of the same touch-sensing wiring, slight changes may occur depending on whether the touch-sensing wiring is bent or formed in a straight line.

That is, the multi-touch sensing circuit 120 analyzes the shape of the reflection pulse and the time taken to reach the reflection pulse in the time domain according to the time domain, It is determined whether a touch has occurred. That is, in the multi-touch sensing circuit 120, the transmission pulse output unit 122 sends a transmission pulse to the touch-sensing wiring 114. When the TDR measuring unit 124 returns The reflected pulse is received and the touch position is measured.

In the present embodiment, a series resistance Rs for TDR measurement is disposed between the transmission pulse output section 122 and the touch-sensing wiring 114. [ The resistance value of the series resistor Rs may be a typical 50 Ohm. However, if necessary, the resistance value of the series resistor Rs can be varied from about 10 Ohm to several hundred Ohm.

The series resistance Rs may be embedded in an IC in which the transmission pulse output section 122, the TDR measurement section 124, the termination processing section 126 and the controller 128 are implemented, It can also be used as an external part. If the series resistance Rs is used outside the IC, there is a disadvantage that the number of pins in the IC increases. However, it is possible to use a precise resistor to improve the characteristics of the multi-touch sensing device.

The series resistance Rs is characterized in that the TDR signal is stably reflected when a value equal to or approximate to the impedance value of the touch-sensing wiring 114 is used. Therefore, the resistance value of the series resistance Rs can be varied in accordance with the impedance of the touch-sensing wiring 114. [

As described above, the multi-touch sensing apparatus according to the present embodiment can recognize the touch coordinates using the self-capping method. Here, the self-capping method is a method of sensing the presence / absence of touch by measuring the amount of change of the sensing signal itself modified from the touch action of the user by applying the sensing signal independently of the sensing patterns and using the same signal line.

According to the multi-touch sensing apparatus of the present embodiment, since the touch-sensing wiring arranged in a meandering shape on a plane is used as a touch sensor and a router wiring, a single-layer touch panel can be realized, It is possible to reduce the number of manufacturing steps and manufacturing cost of the semiconductor device.

In addition, according to the multi-touch sensing apparatus of the present embodiment, even if a plurality of touches are generated on a single-layer touch-sensing wire, information corresponding to each of the touches is included in the reflected pulse, The touch can be recognized.

In addition, according to the multi-touch sensing device according to the present embodiment, the touch-sensing wiring is formed in a meandering shape on a large base substrate, so that a large-sized touch panel can be easily realized.

In addition, according to the multi-touch sensing apparatus according to the present embodiment, a flexible touch panel can be easily implemented by using a flexible substrate such as a film as a base substrate having a touch-sensing wiring formed in a meandering shape.

3 is an enlarged view for explaining an example of the area A shown in Fig.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 3, the touch-sensing wiring 114 is formed of a linear wiring and covers the base substrate. The width of the touch-sensing wiring 114 may be greater than zero and less than 50 micrometers. Accordingly, even when the multi-touch panel is disposed on the display panel, it may not be visible to the user's eyes. The thickness of the touch-sensing wiring 114 may be from 1 micrometer to 2 micrometers, the width may be from 20 micrometers to 30 micrometers, and the line resistance value may be about 0.02 Ohm / sq. To 0.10 Ohm / sq. Lt; / RTI >

4 is an enlarged view for explaining another example of the area A shown in Fig. In particular, an example in which a ground wiring that further surrounds the touch-sensing wiring 114 in a plan view is further formed.

1 and 4, the touch-sensing wiring 114 includes a metal wiring MW formed of a linear wiring and a ground wiring GW surrounding the metal wiring MW on a plane. The ground lines GW serve to provide a reference voltage.

The metal wiring (MW) is formed of a linear wiring and covers the base substrate 112. The width of the metal wire (MW) may be greater than zero and less than 50 micrometers. Accordingly, even when the multi-touch panel is disposed on the display panel, it may not be visible to the user's eyes.

In addition, the ground wirings GW eliminate adverse effects of external noises on the metal wiring MW. The ground lines GW may include an optically transparent and electrically conductive material. For example, the ground lines GW may include a material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) or indium zinc oxide (IZO).

Although the ground wiring GW is shown as a pair in FIG. 4, the ground wiring may be formed on one side of the metal wiring MW in parallel with the metal wiring.

In FIG. 3 or FIG. 4, the metal wiring MW is formed as a straight line parallel to the short side or the long side of the base substrate 112. However, the touch-sensing wiring 114 may be formed on the base substrate 112 to have a shape longer than the length shown in FIG. 3 or FIG.

5 is an enlarged view for explaining another example of the area A shown in Fig.

1 and 5, the touch-sensing wiring 114 includes a plurality of sub-metal wirings (SMW) formed in a zigzag manner perpendicular to the extending direction (or X-axis direction) of the touch- ). At this time, the extension directions of the sub-metal wirings SMW adjacent to each other are parallel. The spacing between adjacent sub-metal wirings (SMW) may be the same. The width of the sub-metal wiring SMW may be greater than zero and less than 50 micrometers. Accordingly, even when the multi-touch panel is disposed on the display panel, it may not be visible to the user's eyes.

The sub-metal wiring SMW extending in the + Y-axis direction returns again in the Y-axis direction, and the bent portion is formed at this time. The bent portion is formed to be round on a plane. Accordingly, the transmission pulse or the reflection pulse transmitted through the sub-metal wiring SMW can be transmitted while maintaining the linearity without being reflected in the sub-metal wiring SMW.

A ground line surrounding the touch-sensing line 114 may be further formed. At this time, the ground wiring may be disposed on one side of the touch-sensing wiring 114 in parallel with the touch-sensing wiring 114. The ground lines may be arranged in parallel with the touch-sensing line 114 on both sides of the touch-sensing line 114.

6 is an enlarged view for explaining another example of the area A shown in Fig.

1 and 6, the touch-sensing wiring 114 includes a first sub-metal wiring SMW1 formed in a zigzag shape perpendicular to the extending direction of the touch-sensing wiring 114, And a second sub-metal wiring SMW2 connected to the metal wiring SMW1 and formed in a zigzag shape parallel to the extending direction of the touch-sensing wiring 114. [ Here, the extending direction of the touch-sensing wiring 114 is the X-axis direction.

The width of each of the first and second sub-metal wirings SMW1 and SMW2 may be greater than zero and less than 50 micrometers. Accordingly, even when the multi-touch panel is disposed on the display panel, it may not be visible to the user's eyes.

The extension directions of the first sub-metal wirings SMW1 adjacent to each other are parallel, and the interval between the first sub-metal wirings SMW1 adjacent to each other may be the same. In addition, the extending directions of the second sub-metal wirings SMW2 adjacent to each other are parallel, and the interval between the adjacent second sub-metal wirings SMW2 may be the same.

The first sub-metal wiring SMW1 extending in the + Y-axis direction again returns in the Y-axis direction, and a bent portion is formed at this time. The bent portion is formed to be round on a plane. Accordingly, the transmission pulse or the reflection pulse transmitted through the first sub-metal interconnection SMW1 can be transmitted while maintaining the linearity without being reflected in the first sub-metal interconnection SMW1.

Similarly, the second sub-metal interconnection SMW2, which is elongated in the + X-axis direction, returns again in the X-axis direction, at which time a bent portion is formed. The bent portion is formed to be round on a plane. Accordingly, the transmission pulse or the reflection pulse transmitted through the second sub-metal interconnection SMW2 can be transmitted while maintaining the linearity without being reflected in the second sub-metal interconnection SMW2.

A ground line surrounding the touch-sensing line 114 may be further formed. At this time, the ground wiring may be disposed on one side of the touch-sensing wiring 114 in parallel with the touch-sensing wiring 114. The ground lines may be arranged in parallel with the touch-sensing line 114 on both sides of the touch-sensing line 114.

7 is an enlarged view for explaining another example of the area A shown in Fig.

1 and 7, the touch-sensing wiring 114 includes a sub-metal wiring SMW formed in a zigzag shape at an angle to the extending direction of the touch-sensing wiring 114, The extension directions of the sub-metal wirings SMW crossing each other. Here, the extending direction of the touch-sensing wiring 114 is the X-axis direction.

The width of the sub-metal wiring SMW may be greater than zero and less than 50 micrometers. Accordingly, even when the multi-touch panel is disposed on the display panel, it may not be visible to the user's eyes.

The sub-metal wiring SMW is extended by a predetermined length toward the Y-axis with a first angle larger than 90 degrees with respect to the X-axis, elongated by a predetermined length in parallel with the X-axis, Axis direction with the first angle with respect to the axis. At this time, when the sub-metal wiring SMW is elongated, a bent portion may be formed. The bent portion is formed to be round on a plane. Accordingly, the transmission pulse or the reflection pulse transmitted through the sub-metal wiring SMW can be transmitted while maintaining the linearity without being reflected in the sub-metal wiring SMW.

A ground line surrounding the touch-sensing line 114 may be further formed. At this time, the ground wiring may be disposed on one side of the touch-sensing wiring 114 in parallel with the touch-sensing wiring 114. The ground lines may be arranged in parallel with the touch-sensing line 114 on both sides of the touch-sensing line 114.

Although an example of the touch-sensing wiring has been described above, it is apparent that various shapes can be employed to extend the length of the touch-sensing wiring formed on the plane.

8 is a block diagram for explaining an example of the TDR measuring unit shown in FIG.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 8, a TDR measuring unit 124 according to an exemplary embodiment includes a delay signal output unit 124a, a multiplexer 124b, an analog-to-digital converter 124c, and a memory 124d.

The delay signal output unit 124a includes a plurality of buffers serially connected to generate a plurality of delay signals d0, d1, d2, d3, ..., dn-1, dn To the multiplexer 124b. 7, n + 1 buffers are serially connected to output n + 1 delay signals d0, d1, d2, d3, ..., dn-1, dn in synchronization with the output of the transmission pulse .

The multiplexer 124b multiplexes the delay signals d0, d1, d2, d3, ..., dn-1, dn in response to a selection signal provided from the outside and outputs the multiplexed signals to the analog- to provide. That is, the multiplexer 124b provides any one of the delay signals to the analog-to-digital converter 124c in response to the selection signal.

The analog-to-digital converter 124c digitally converts the reflection pulse of the analog type in response to the delay signal multiplexed by the multiplexer 124b, and provides the digitally converted reflection pulse data to the memory 124d. In this embodiment, the analog-to-digital converter 124c converts the reflection pulse of the analog type into binary data, encodes the converted binary data, and provides it to the memory 124d. In this embodiment, the analog-to-digital converter 124c is a flash analog-to-digital converter. A detailed description thereof will be given later.

The memory 124d stores the reflected pulse data encoded by the analog-to-digital converter 124c. The memory 124d provides the stored reflection pulse data to the controller 128 (shown in FIG. 1) at the request of the controller 128.

Although the memory 124d is provided in the TDR measuring unit 124 in the present embodiment, the memory 124d may be disposed inside the controller 128 or separately from the controller 128 It is possible.

9 is a block diagram for explaining the flash analog-digital converter 124c shown in FIG.

8 and 9, the flash analog-to-digital converter 124c includes a resistor string 410 in which a plurality of resistors are serially connected, a plurality of resistive strings 410, And an encoder 430 for encoding the 2m bits output from the voltage ratio allocator 420 to m bits so that the reflection pulse of the analog type and the reference voltage are simultaneously supplied to the voltage comparator 420. [ To obtain a voltage comparison result between the reflection pulse and the reference voltage.

A reference voltage REF + of a first polarity is applied to one end of the resistor string 410, and a reference voltage REF- of a second polarity is applied to the other end thereof, thereby dividing the voltage by the serially connected resistors. The divided voltages are provided to the voltage ratio distributor 420.

The reflected pulse is input to all voltage comparators, and the reference voltage is input to each of the voltage comparators. Thus, each of the voltage comparators simultaneously compares each of the voltages distributed by the reflected pulse and the resistor string and outputs a logic 1 or logic 0 as a result of the voltage comparison.

The encoder 430 encodes the comparison result provided by each of the voltage comparators into m bits and outputs the result. For example, if the voltage corresponding to the reflected pulse is lower than all of the reference voltages (i.e., all comparators output a logic 0), the encoder will encode the comparison result to data 0. If the voltage corresponding to the reflected pulse is greater than the reference voltage closest to the negative reference voltage and lower than the other reference voltages (i.e., comparator X1 outputs logic 1 and the other comparators output logic 0) The encoder encodes the comparison result as data 1.

When the voltage comparators are composed of 10, the comparison result outputted from the encoder 430 can be summarized as shown in Table 1 below.

[Table 1]

10 is a block diagram for explaining another example of the TDR measuring unit shown in FIG.

1 and 10, the TDR measurement unit according to another example includes a delay signal output unit 124a, a plurality of analog-to-digital converters 124c0, 124c1, ..., 124cn, and a memory 124d .

The delay signal output unit 124a includes a plurality of buffers serially connected to generate a plurality of delay signals d0, d1, d2, d3, ..., dn-1, dn To the analog-to-digital converters 124c0, 124c1, ..., and 124cn. In FIG. 9, n + 1 buffers are serially connected to output n + 1 delay signals d0, d1, d2, d3, ..., dn-1, dn in synchronization with the output of the transmission pulse .

Each of the analog-to-digital converters 124c0, 124c1, ..., 124cn digitally converts an analog type of reflection pulse in response to a delay signal output from the buffers, 124d. In this embodiment, each of the analog-to-digital converters 124c0, 124c1, ..., 124cn converts the reflection pulse of the analog type into binary data, encodes the converted binary data and provides it to the memory 124d . In this embodiment, each of the analog-to-digital converters 124c0, 124c1, ..., 124cn is a flash analog-to-digital converter. Since the flash analog-to-digital converter has been described with reference to FIG. 8, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The memory 124d stores the reflected pulse data encoded by each of the analog-to-digital converters 124c0, 124c1, ..., 124cn. The memory 124d provides the stored reflection pulse data to the controller 128 (shown in FIG. 1) at the request of the controller 128.

In the present embodiment, the memory 124d is provided in the TDR measuring unit. However, the memory 124d may be disposed inside the controller 128 or separately.

11 is a block diagram for explaining another example of the TDR measurement unit shown in FIG.

11, a TDR measurement unit according to another example includes a delay signal output unit 124a, a first multiplexer 124b1, a second multiplexer 124b2, a first analog-to-digital converter 124c1, a second analog- Digital converter 124c2 and a memory 124d.

The delay signal output unit 124a includes a plurality of buffers serially connected to generate a plurality of delay signals d0, d1, d2, d3, ..., dn-1, dn To the first multiplexer 124b1 and the second multiplexer 124b2. In FIG. 10, n + 1 buffers are serially connected to output n + 1 delay signals d0, d1, d2, d3, ..., dn-1, dn in synchronization with the output of the transmission pulse . For example, odd-numbered delay signals are output to the first multiplexer 124b1, and even-numbered delay signals are output to the second multiplexer 124b2.

The first multiplexer 124b1 multiplexes the first to the (n / 2) bits of the delay signals d0, d1, d2, d3, ..., dn-1, dn in response to a selection signal provided from the outside, D delay signals d0, d1, d2, ..., d (n / 2) to the first analog-to-digital converter. That is, the first multiplexer 124b1 selects any one of the first through (n / 2) -th delay signals d0, d1, d2, ..., d (n / 2) To the first analog-to-digital converter.

The second multiplexer 124b2 selects the (n / 2 + 1) th to (n / 2 + 1) th to (n / 2) (N / 2 + 2), ..., d (n-1), dn) to the second analog-to-digital converter do. That is, the second multiplexer 124b2 outputs the (n / 2 + 1) th to (n / 2) th to (n / 2 + 1) th to the nth delay signals d (n / 2 + 1), d ..., d (n-1), dn to the second analog-to-digital converter.

The first analog-to-digital converter 124c1 digitally converts analog-type reflection pulses in response to the delay signal output from the first buffer, and provides the digital-converted reflection pulse data to the memory 124d.

The second analog-to-digital converter 124c2 digitally converts the analog-type reflection pulse in response to the delay signal output from the second buffer, and provides the digital-converted reflection pulse data to the memory 124d.

In this embodiment, each of the first and second analog-to-digital converters 124c1 and 124c2 converts the reflection pulse of the analog type into binary data, encodes the converted binary data, and provides it to the memory 124d. In this embodiment, the first and second analog-to-digital converters 124c1 and 124c2 are flash analog-to-digital converters. Since the flash analog-to-digital converter has been described with reference to FIG. 8, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The memory 124d stores the reflected pulse data encoded by each of the first and second analog-to-digital converters 124c1 and 124c2. The reflection pulse data may alternately be stored in one address line of the memory 124d. That is, one address line of the memory 124d may be logically bisected and defined as a left address line and a right address line. In the area corresponding to the left address line, the reflection pulse data digitally converted corresponding to the odd-numbered delay signal are sequentially stored. In the area corresponding to the right address line, the reflection pulse data May be sequentially stored.

For example, the first reflection pulse data provided from the first analog-to-digital converter 124c1 is stored corresponding to the first address of the left address line of the memory 124d, and the second analog-to- The second reflection pulse data provided in the memory 124d is stored corresponding to the second address of the right address line of the memory 124d.

In this way, one address line of the memory 124d stores alternately and sequentially reflected pulse data. Reflection pulse data may be stored in each of the addresses corresponding to the first address line of the memory 124d, and then reflected pulse data may be stored in each of the addresses corresponding to the second address line.

12 is a block diagram for explaining another example of the TDR measurement unit shown in FIG.

12, a TDR measurement unit according to another example includes a delay signal output unit 124a, a first multiplexer 124b1, a second multiplexer 124b2, a first analog-to-digital converter 124c1, a second analog- Digital converter 124c2 and a memory 124d.

The delay signal output unit 124a includes a plurality of buffers serially connected to generate a plurality of delay signals d0, d1, d2, d3, ..., dn-1, dn To the analog-to-digital converters. 11, n + 1 buffers are serially connected to output n + 1 delay signals d0, d1, d2, d3, ..., dn-1, dn in synchronization with the output of the transmission pulse .

The first multiplexer 124b1 receives the odd-numbered delay signals d0 and d2 (d0, d2, d3, ..., dn-1, dn) of the delay signals d0, , d4, ..., dn-1) to the first analog-digital converter 124c1. That is, the first multiplexer 124b1 outputs any one of the odd-numbered delay signals d0, d2, d4, ..., dn-1 to the first analog-to-digital converter 124c1 to provide.

The second multiplexer 124b2 receives the even-numbered delay signals d1 and d3 of the delay signals d0, d1, d2, d3, ..., dn-1 and dn in response to a selection signal provided from the outside. , d5, ..., dn) to the second analog-to-digital converter (124c2). That is, the second multiplexer 124b2 provides any one of the even-numbered delay signals d1, d3, d5, ..., dn to the second analog-to-digital converter 124c2 in response to the selection signal .

The first analog-to-digital converter 124c1 digitally converts the reflection pulse of the analog type in response to the odd-numbered delay signal output from the first multiplexer 124b1, and outputs the digitally-converted reflection pulse data to the memory 124d. .

The second analog-to-digital converter 124c2 digitally converts the reflection pulse of the analog type in response to the even-numbered delay signal output from the second multiplexer 124b2, and outputs the digitally-converted reflection pulse data to the memory 124d. .

In this embodiment, each of the first and second analog-to-digital converters 124c1 and 124c2 converts the reflection pulse of analog type into binary data, encodes the converted binary data, and provides it to the memory 124d. In this embodiment, the first and second analog-to-digital converters 124c1 and 124c2 are flash analog-to-digital converters. Since the flash analog-to-digital converter has been described with reference to FIG. 8, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The memory 124d stores the reflected pulse data encoded by each of the first and second analog-to-digital converters 124c1 and 124c2. The reflection pulse data may be sequentially stored in one address line of the memory 124d.

For example, the first reflection pulse data provided from the first analog-to-digital converter 124c1 is stored corresponding to the first address of the first address line of the memory 124d, and the second analog-to- The second reflection pulse data provided in the memory 124d is stored corresponding to the second address of the first address line of the memory 124d.

In this manner, reflection pulse data is sequentially stored in one address line of the memory 124d. Reflection pulse data may be stored in each of the addresses corresponding to the first address line of the memory 124d, and then reflected pulse data may be stored in each of the addresses corresponding to the second address line.

13 is a block diagram for explaining the termination processing unit 126 shown in FIG. 14A is a waveform diagram for explaining a reflection pulse by the ground setting unit 620 shown in FIG. 14B is a waveform diagram for explaining the reflection pulse by the circuit open portion 630 shown in FIG. 14C is a waveform diagram for explaining the reflection pulse by the impedance matching unit 640 shown in FIG. 14A to 14C, 2Tp represents the arrival time of the reflection pulse after transmission pulse output, and V represents the voltage level of the reflection pulse.

1 and 13, the terminating unit 126 includes a terminating switch 610, a ground setting unit 620, a circuit open unit 630, and an impedance matching unit 640.

The termination switch 610 connects the terminating end of the touch-sensing wiring 114 (shown in FIG. 1) to either the ground setting part 620, the circuit opening part 630, or the impedance matching part 640 . For example, in response to control of the controller 128 (shown in FIG. 1), the termination switch 610 may be connected to the ground setting unit 620, the circuit opening unit 630, (640).

The ground setting unit 620 connects the terminal of the touch-sensing wiring 114 with the ground terminal. Accordingly, since the termination impedance of the touch-sensing wiring 114 is set to the ground level, the reflected pulse is maintained at 0 V as shown in FIG. 14A.

The circuit open portion 630 floats the end of the touch-sensing wiring 114. Accordingly, since the termination impedance of the touch-sensing wiring 114 is set to the floating level, the reflected pulse is maintained at 2V as shown in FIG. 14B.

The impedance matching unit 640 is matched with the impedance of the touch-sensing wiring 114 to have the same impedance. Accordingly, the termination impedance of the touch-sensing wiring 114 is maintained at 1 V as the voltage of the reflection pulse, as shown in FIG. 14C.

FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an example of the impedance matching unit 640 shown in FIG.

Referring to FIG. 15, the impedance matching unit 640 includes a resistor string 642 composed of a plurality of resistors, and a switching unit 644 connected to each node of the resistors. In the present embodiment, the resistor string 642 is composed of a first resistor R11, a second resistor R12, a third resistor R13 and a fourth resistor R14, The first switch SW11, the second switch SW12, the third switch SW13 and the fourth switch SW14.

Here, the resistance values of the first to fourth resistors R11, R12, R13, and R14 may be equal to each other. The first to fourth switches SW11, SW12, SW13 and SW14 are connected in parallel to nodes of the first to fourth resistors R11, R12, R13 and R14. In this embodiment, the resistor string 642 is composed of four resistors, and the switching unit 644 is composed of four switches, but it is not limited to four resistors and four switches.

In operation, for example, when the first to fourth switches SW11, SW12, SW13, and SW14 are turned off, the impedance of the impedance matching unit 640 is connected to the first through fourth resistors R11, R12, R13, R14).

When the first switch SW11 is turned on and the second to fourth switches R12, R13, and R14 are turned off, the impedance of the impedance matching unit 640 is lower than the impedance of the second through fourth resistors R11, R12, R13, R14). Similarly, when the second switch SW12 is turned on and the first, third, and fourth switches SW11, SW13, and SW14 are turned off, the impedance of the impedance matching unit 640 is' Third and fourth resistors R11, R13 and R14. When the third switch SW13 is turned on and the first, second, and fourth switches SW11, SW12, and SW14 are turned off, the impedance of the impedance matching unit 640 is lower than the impedance of the first, 4 resistors (R11, R12, R14).

In this way, the impedance of the impedance matching unit 640 is varied by the switching operation of the switching unit 644. This impedance variable can be achieved by controlling the controller (shown in FIG. 1).

FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram for explaining another example of the impedance matching unit 640 shown in FIG.

16, the impedance matching unit 640 includes a resistor string 646 composed of a plurality of resistors, and a switching unit 648 connected to each node of the resistors. In the present embodiment, the resistor string 646 is composed of a first resistor R21, a second resistor R22, a third resistor R23 and a fourth resistor R24, The first switch SW21, the second switch SW22, the third switch SW23, and the fourth switch SW24.

Here, the resistance value of the first resistor R21 is twice the resistance value of the second resistor R22, and the resistance value of the second resistor R22 is twice the resistance value of the third resistor R23 And the resistance value of the third resistor R23 may be twice the resistance value of the fourth resistor R24.

The first through fourth switches SW11, SW22, SW23 and SW24 are connected in series, and the first through fourth switches SW11, SW22, SW23 and SW24 are connected to the first through fourth resistors (R21, R22, R23, R24). In this embodiment, the resistance string 646 is composed of four resistors, and the switching unit 648 is composed of four switches, but it is not limited to four resistors and four switches.

In operation, for example, when the first to fourth switches SW21, SW22, SW23, and SW24 are off, the impedance of the impedance matching unit 640 is connected to the first through fourth resistors R21, R22, R23, R24).

When the first switch SW21 is turned on and the second to fourth switches SW22, SW23, and SW24 are turned off, the impedance of the impedance matching unit 640 is lower than the impedance of the second, And is defined by resistors R22, R23, and R24.

When the first and second switches SW21 and SW22 are turned on and the third and fourth switches SW23 and SW24 are turned off, the impedance of the impedance matching unit 640 is changed to the third and 4 resistors (R23, R24).

When the second switch SW22 is turned on and the first, third, and fourth switches SW21, SW23, and SW24 are turned off, the impedance of the impedance matching unit 640 is switched to the first, 4 resistors (R21, R23, R24).

In this way, the impedance of the impedance matching unit 640 is varied by the switching operation of the switching unit 648. This impedance variable can be achieved by controlling the controller (shown in FIG. 1).

17A is a waveform diagram for explaining a transmission pulse output from the transmission pulse output section. 17B is a waveform diagram for explaining a transmission pulse received by the TDR measurement section when the termination processing section is set as an open circuit; 17C is a waveform diagram for explaining the first to sixth TDR transmission pulses and the ADC conversion. 17D is a waveform diagram for explaining the digitally converted TDR data value.

Referring to Figs. 17A to 17D, a transmission pulse having a constant width is output (shown in Fig. 17A). The transmission pulse may be output during a blank interval of signals driving a display panel disposed under the multi-touch panel.

For example, if the display panel is a liquid crystal display panel, a signal for driving the display panel may be output during a vertical blank period during driving the liquid crystal display panel, a horizontal blank interval period. Here, the vertical blank period is a time period for distinguishing a frame from a frame. In addition, the horizontal blank section is time enough to conserve the time required for the image data transferred in units of lines to be processed in the internal circuit of the source driver device, and sufficient time is allocated to stabilize the system.

Then, a reflected pulse is received corresponding to the output transmission pulse (shown in FIG. 17B). At this time, the reflected pulse has the first high level corresponding to the output transmission pulse. Since the termination processing section is constituted by an open circuit, the reflection pulse maintains the transmission pulse at the low level and at the same time, maintains the second high level higher than the first high level.

If a user's touch is made at an arbitrary point on the touch-sensing wiring 114 (shown in Fig. 1) where a transmission pulse is output, the received reflection pulse has a voltage waveform lower or higher than the reference level. This is because the electrical resistance or the like changes depending on the user's touch. When a finger touch of the user is made on the touch-sensing wiring 114, the finger of the user forms a capacitor C, and a voltage waveform having a level lower than the reference level exists. On the other hand, when the stylus pen touches the touch-sensing wiring 114, the stylus pen forms an inductor L, and a voltage waveform having a level higher than the reference level exists.

Accordingly, it can be seen that the user's finger touch is performed in two places in the reflection pulse shown in this embodiment.

Then, in order to convert the distance in the received reflected pulse, n times of sampling are performed sequentially (as shown in Fig. 17C) and the reflected pulse is converted into a plurality of digital values (shown in Fig. 16D). For example, if the width of the transmission pulse is equal to or larger than the width of the reflection pulse, the width of the reflection pulse is approximately 1 nsec, and n is 200, a reflection pulse for a transmission pulse repeated at intervals of 5 psec is sampled The distance corresponding to the position can be converted.

18A is a waveform diagram for explaining a transmission pulse output from the transmission pulse output section. 18B is a waveform diagram for explaining a transmission pulse received by the TDR measurement unit when the termination processing unit is set as the impedance matching unit. 18C is a waveform diagram for explaining the first to sixth TDR transmission pulses and the ADC conversion. 18D is a waveform diagram for explaining the digitally converted TDR data value.

Referring to Figs. 18A to 18D, a transmission pulse having a constant width is output (shown in Fig. 18A). The transmission pulse may be output during a blank interval of signals driving a display panel disposed under the multi-touch panel. For example, if the display panel is a liquid crystal display panel, a signal for driving the display panel may be output during a vertical blank interval during driving of the liquid crystal display panel, or during a horizontal blank interval.

Then, a reflected pulse is received corresponding to the output transmission pulse (shown in FIG. 18B). At this time, the reflected pulse has the first high level corresponding to the output transmission pulse. Since the termination processing section is constituted by the impedance matching section, the reflected pulse maintains the first high level even after the transmission pulse is maintained at the low level.

If a user's touch is made at an arbitrary point on the touch-sensing wiring 114 (shown in Fig. 1) where a transmission pulse is output, the received reflection pulse has a voltage waveform lower or higher than the reference level. It can be seen that the user's finger touch is made in two places in the reflection pulse shown in this embodiment.

Then, in order to convert the distance in the received reflected pulse, n times of sampling are performed sequentially (as shown in Fig. 18C), and the reflected pulse is converted into a plurality of digital values (shown in Fig. 17D). For example, if the width of the transmission pulse is equal to or larger than the width of the reflection pulse, the width of the reflection pulse is approximately 1 nsec, and n is 200, a reflection pulse for a transmission pulse repeated at intervals of 5 psec is sampled The distance corresponding to the position can be converted.

19A is a waveform diagram for explaining a transmission pulse output from the transmission pulse output unit. 19B is a waveform diagram for explaining transmission pulses received by the TDR measurement unit when the termination processing unit is set as the ground setting unit. FIG. 19C is a waveform diagram for explaining the first to sixth TDR transmission pulses and the ADC conversion. 19D is a waveform diagram for explaining the digitally converted TDR data value.

Referring to Figs. 19A to 19D, a transmission pulse having a constant width is output (shown in Fig. 19A). The transmission pulse may be output during a blank interval of signals driving a display panel disposed under the multi-touch panel. For example, if the display panel is a liquid crystal display panel, a signal for driving the display panel may be output during a vertical blank interval during driving of the liquid crystal display panel, or during a horizontal blank interval.

Then, a reflected pulse is received corresponding to the output transmission pulse (shown in FIG. 19B). At this time, the reflected pulse has the first high level corresponding to the output transmission pulse. Since the termination processing section is constituted by the ground setting section, the reflection pulse maintains the ground level while the transmission pulse is maintained at the low level.

If a user's touch is made at an arbitrary point on the touch-sensing wiring 114 (shown in Fig. 1) where a transmission pulse is output, the received reflection pulse has a voltage waveform lower or higher than the reference level. It can be seen that the user's finger touch is made in two places in the reflection pulse shown in this embodiment.

Then, in order to convert the distance in the received reflected pulse, n times of sampling are sequentially performed (shown in Fig. 19C), and the reflected pulse is converted into a plurality of digital values (shown in Fig. 19D). For example, if the width of the transmission pulse is equal to or larger than the width of the reflection pulse, the width of the reflection pulse is approximately 1 nsec, and n is 200, a reflection pulse for a transmission pulse repeated at intervals of 5 psec is sampled The distance corresponding to the position can be converted.

20 is a waveform diagram for explaining transmission pulses output from the transmission pulse output unit shown in FIG.

Referring to Fig. 20, each of the heights h of the transmission pulses is the same and each of the widths w of the transmission pulses is the same, and the distances d between the transmission pulses are different from each other. As a result, noise can be reduced.

21 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an example of a structure in which digitally converted reflection pulse data is stored in a memory.

Referring to FIG. 21, reflection pulse data digitally converted corresponding to the delay signal d0 is stored in the memory address (x0, y0), and reflection pulse data And the reflection pulse data digitally converted corresponding to the delay signal d2 is stored in the memory address (x2, y0). At this time, digital-converted reflection pulse data corresponding to the delay signal dnn-1 is stored in the memory address (x1, ym), and reflection pulse data digitally converted corresponding to the delay signal dnn is stored in the memory address (x0, ym) .

In the case where the reflected pulse data digitally converted in this manner is stored in the memory, the touch-sensing wiring is formed as a single wiring to cover the entire area of the touch screen. In the case of this embodiment, the IC has one wiring for TDR TX and sensing.

22 is a block diagram for explaining a multi-touch sensing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 22, a multi-touch sensing apparatus 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a multi-touch panel 210 and a multi-touch sensing circuit 220.

The multi-touch panel 210 includes a base substrate 212 and a plurality of touch-sensing wires 214. The base substrate 212 may include a ridge type substrate such as glass. Meanwhile, the base substrate 214 may include a flexible type substrate such as a film.

Each of the touch-sensing wirings 214 is formed on the base substrate 212 in a serpentine shape. The touch-sensing wirings 214 receive a transmission pulse through one end and correspond to the transmission pulse through the one end And outputs the reflected pulse. In this embodiment, each of the touch-sensing wirings 214 is arranged line by line. For example, when the user touches one position, one reflection pulse is output through the one end, and when the user touches two positions, two reflection pulses are outputted through the one end. Of course, when the user touches three or more positions, three reflection pulses or three or more reflection pulses are outputted through the one end. Accordingly, the multi-touch panel 210 according to the present invention can perform a multi-touch function.

The multi-touch panel 210 may be disposed on a display panel (not shown) for displaying an image. When the display panel is a liquid crystal display panel, the extending direction of each of the touch-sensing wirings 214 may be parallel to the data line or parallel to the gate line.

Each of the touch-sensing wirings 214 according to the present embodiment is disposed along a line parallel to the lateral direction. In operation, when a transmission pulse is applied to a touch-sensing line corresponding to a particular line, the touch-sensing lines corresponding to the other lines may be grounded. For example, when a transmission pulse is applied to the touch-sensing wiring corresponding to the first line, a ground voltage is applied to the touch-sensing wiring corresponding to the other line, and a transmission pulse is applied to the touch- When applied, a ground voltage may be applied to the touch-sensing lines corresponding to the other lines.

The multi-touch sensing circuit 220 includes a transmission pulse output unit 222, a first switch 223, a TDR measurement unit 224, a second switch 225, a termination unit 226, and a controller 228 And outputs the transmission pulse to each of the touch-sensing wirings 214 of the multi-touch panel 210, and calculates a touch position based on the received reflection pulse. The multi-touch sensing circuit 220 may be implemented in an IC form. In the present embodiment, the multi-touch sensing circuit 220 includes a transmission pulse output section 222, a first switch 223, a TDR measurement section 224, a second switch 225, a termination processing section 226, Controller 228. However, this is logically divided for the sake of convenience of description, but is not limited to hardware.

The transmission pulse output unit 222 is connected to one end of each of the touch-sensing wirings 214 and outputs a plurality of transmission pulses to each of the touch-sensing wirings 214. At this time, the widths of the transmission pulses are the same, and the intervals of the transmission pulses may be different from each other.

The first switch 223 is connected to one end of each of the touch-sensing wirings 214 and outputs a transmission pulse provided from the transmission pulse output unit 222 in response to the switching control of the controller 228, -Sensing wirings 214, respectively.

The TDR measuring unit 224 is connected to one end of the switch 223 and stores reflection pulse data for measuring a time taken until the reflection pulse arrives. The second switch 225 connects the other end of each of the touch-sensing wirings 214 and the termination processor 226 in response to the switching control of the controller 228.

The termination processing unit 226 is connected to the other end of each of the touch-sensing wirings 214 by the second switch 225 and outputs a termination resistance value of each of the touch-sensing wirings 214 according to the surrounding environment Setting. For example, the termination processing unit 226 may set the terminal to the floating state by opening the end of the touch-sensing wiring, or may set the ground state to the ground state. Also, the termination processing unit 226 may be provided with the same impedance as the impedance of the touch- .

The controller 228 controls the transmission pulse output unit 222 to output a plurality of transmission pulses to each of the touch-sensing wirings. Also, the controller 228 controls the operation of the TDR measuring unit 224. Accordingly, the TDR measuring unit 224 receives the reflected pulses reflected on the touch-sensing wires in response to the touch of the user, generates a plurality of delay signals, and then, based on each of the delay signals Converts each of the reflection pulses into digital data to generate reflection pulse data, and stores the generated reflection pulse data in a memory.

The controller 228 extracts reflection pulse data corresponding to a value lower or higher than the critical range in the reflection pulse data from the memory and recognizes touch coordinates based on the address corresponding to the extracted reflection pulse data.

Reflected pulse data corresponding to a value lower than the threshold range in the reflection pulse data may mean that the user's touch is a finger. That is, since the finger of the user has a certain capacitance component, when the finger of the user is touched, the reflected pulse becomes lower than the critical range.

In addition, reflection pulse data corresponding to a value higher than the critical range in the reflection pulse data may mean that the touch of the user is made by the stylus pen. That is, since the stylus pen has a structure in which the inductor coil is wound, when the stylus pen is touched, the reflected pulse becomes higher than the critical range.

In the present embodiment, a plurality of series resistors Rs for TDR measurement are disposed between the output terminal of the transmission pulse output section 222 and the first switch 223. The resistance value of each of the series resistors Rs may be typically 50 Ohm. However, if necessary, the resistance value of each of the series resistors Rs may be varied from about 10 Ohm to several hundred Ohm.

Each of the series resistors Rs is connected to the transmission pulse output section 222, the first switch 223, the TDR measurement section 224, the second switch 225, the termination processing section 226, The controller 228 may be incorporated in the IC in which the controller 228 is implemented, or may be used as an individual component outside the IC. If each of the series resistors Rs is used outside of the IC, there is a drawback that the number of pins in the IC increases. However, it is possible to use a precise resistor to improve the characteristics of the multi-touch sensing device.

Each of the series resistors Rs has a characteristic that the TDR signal is most stably reflected when a value equal to or approximate to the impedance value of the touch-sensing wires 214 is used. Therefore, it is preferable to vary the resistance value of each of the series resistors Rs according to the impedance of the touch-sensing wirings 214. [

Although the multi-touch sensing circuit 220 in which the first switch 223 and the second switch 225 are disposed is shown in FIG. 22, the first switch 223 and the second switch 225 may be omitted have. At this time, the transmission pulse output unit 222 is connected to each of the touch-sensing wirings 214, and series resistors Rs may be disposed therebetween. In addition, the termination processor 226 may be coupled to each of the touch-sensing wires 214.

23 is a conceptual diagram for explaining another example of a structure in which digitally converted reflection pulse data is stored in a memory.

Referring to FIG. 23, in the first scan, digital-converted reflection pulse data corresponding to the delay signal d0 is stored in the memory address (x0, y0), and the memory address (x1, y0) Reflection pulse data is stored. At the memory address (x2, y0), reflection-pulse data that is digitally converted corresponding to the delay signal d2 is stored. At this timing, the digital-converted reflection pulse data corresponding to the delay signal dn is stored in the memory address (xn, y0) in the first scan, and the digitally converted reflection pulse data corresponding to each of the delay signals in the first x- .

In the second scan, digital-converted reflection pulse data corresponding to the delay signal d0 is stored in the memory address (x0, y1), and reflection pulse data digitally-converted corresponding to the delay signal d1 is stored in the memory address (x1, y1) And stored in the memory address (x2, y1), the digital-converted reflection pulse data corresponding to the delay signal d2. At this timing, in the second scan, the digital-converted reflection pulse data corresponding to the delay signal dn is stored in the memory address (xn, y1), and the digitally converted reflection pulse data corresponding to each of the first x lines are sequentially .

At this time, in the m-th scan, the digital-converted reflection pulse data corresponding to the delay signal dnn is stored in the memory address (x0, ym), and the memory address (x1, ym) Reflection pulse data is stored. In this way, the memory address (xn, ym) stores the reflected pulse data digitally converted corresponding to the delay signal dp + 1.

In this case, the number of wires required for TDR and sensing in the IC is required to be m. However, there is an advantage that only n delay buffers are required compared to the scheme shown in Fig.

On the other hand, although not separately shown, when using two or more analog-to-digital converters, the following timing can be used.

For example, when two analog-to-digital converters are used, the odd-numbered delay signals are A / D converted using the first analog-to-digital converter and stored in the memory, and the second analog- AD conversion and can be stored in the memory.

As another example, when three analog-to-digital converters are used, the 3n-th delay signal is A / D converted using the first analog-to-digital converter and stored in memory, and the second analog- And stores it in the memory. The 3n + 2th delay signal is A / D converted using a third analog-to-digital converter, and is stored in the memory.

In this way, the IC can be implemented by increasing the number of analog-to-digital converters to a maximum of n. In this case, the size of the IC increases, but the measurement time of the entire area of the touch screen can be shortened.

24 is a flowchart illustrating a multi-touch sensing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, a finger touch sensing method will be described. For convenience of explanation, a multi-touch sensing method using the multi-touch sensing device shown in FIG. 1 is described, but the multi-touch sensing device shown in FIG. 22 may also be used.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 24, the controller 128 of the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 checks whether it is an initial operation (step S50).

If the initial driving is checked in step S50, the controller 128 of the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 performs an initial driving mode (step S60).

After the initial driving is not checked in step S50 or step S60 is performed, the transmission pulse output unit 122 of the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 outputs a transmission pulse for touch sensing to the touch-sensing wiring S100).

The TDR measuring unit 124 of the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 receives a reflected pulse reflected in response to a user's touch (step S102). At this time, the received reflection pulse may not have a level lower than the reference level of the reflection pulse, and one or a plurality of levels may exist. If the received reflected pulse does not have a level lower than the reference level, it means that the touch is not performed. The presence of one level lower than the reference level in the received reflected pulse means that there is one touch point. On the other hand, the presence of two or three levels lower than the reference level in the received reflected pulse means that there are two or three touch points.

The TDR measuring unit 124 of the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 removes the noise component included in the reflected pulse in step S102 (step S104). A digital differentiator can be used to remove the noise component from the reflected pulse. The digital differentiator may be disposed inside the TDR measuring unit 124 or may be disposed outside.

The TDR measurement unit 124 of the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 generates a plurality of delay signals (step S106).

The TDR measurement unit 124 of the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 generates a plurality of reflection pulse data by digitally converting the reflection pulse using the delay signals generated in step S106 (step S108).

The TDR measurement unit 124 of the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 stores the reflection pulse data generated in step S108 in a memory (step S110). The memory may be a frame memory capable of storing image data corresponding to one frame or a line memory capable of storing image data corresponding to one line of image data corresponding to one frame.

The controller 128 of the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 checks whether reflection pulse data having a value lower than the critical range exists among reflection pulse data stored in the memory (step S112). Reflected pulse data corresponding to a value lower than the threshold range in the reflection pulse data may mean that the user's touch is a finger. That is, since the finger of the user has a certain capacitance component, when the finger of the user is touched, the reflected pulse becomes lower than the critical range.

If it is checked in step S112 that there is no reflected pulse data having a value lower than the critical range, the process returns to step S100.

If it is checked in step S112 that there is reflected pulse data having a value lower than the critical range, the controller 128 of the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 outputs reflected pulse data corresponding to a value lower than the critical range in the memory (Step S114).

The controller 128 of the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 checks whether or not the reflection pulse data forms a cluster (step S116). In the case where the reflection pulse data is a cluster, values lower than the critical range are extracted from two or more memory lines adjacent to each other. That is, when the touch by the user is made in a plurality of touch-sensing lines that are adjacent to each other, the reflection pulse data can be clustered.

If it is determined in step S116 that the reflected pulse data does not form a cluster, the controller 128 of the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 recognizes the touch coordinates based on the address of the extracted reflected pulse data (step S118).

If it is checked in step S116 that the reflection pulse data constitutes a cluster, the controller 128 of the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 extracts reflected pulse data corresponding to the center point among the cluster data through interpolation (step S120) .

The controller 128 of the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 recognizes the touch coordinates based on the address corresponding to the center point (step S122). The recognized touch coordinates may be provided to an external host system (not shown).

If it is checked that it is not finished, the process returns to step S100. If it is checked to be finished, the process is terminated.

In this embodiment, it has been described that the step of removing the noise component from the received reflected pulse is included, but the step of removing the noise component may be omitted.

25 is a flowchart for explaining the initial driving mode performing step shown in FIG.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 24 and 25, the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 sets the terminal resistance value of the touch-sensing wiring to an open level (step S610).

Next, the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 outputs a transmission pulse to one end of the touch-sensing wiring (step S612), and receives the reflected pulse (step S614). At this time, the reflection pulse is received corresponding to the open level because the other end of the touch-sensing wiring, that is, the termination is opened.

Next, the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 measures the noise of the reflected pulse corresponding to the open level and stores the measured result (step S616).

Next, the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 sets the terminal resistance value of the touch-sensing wiring to the impedance matching level (step S620).

Next, the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 outputs a transmission pulse to one end of the touch-sensing wiring (step S622), and receives a reflected pulse reflected therefrom (step S624). At this time, the reflection pulse is received corresponding to the impedance matching level because the other end of the touch-sensing wiring, that is, the terminal end thereof, is matched with the impedance of the touch-sensing wiring.

Next, the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 measures the noise of the reflection pulse corresponding to the impedance matching level and stores the measured result (step S626).

Next, the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 sets the terminal resistance value of the touch-sensing wiring to the ground level (step S630).

Next, the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 outputs a transmission pulse to one end of the touch-sensing wiring (step S632), and receives the reflected pulse (step S634). At this time, the reflection pulse is received corresponding to the ground level because the other end of the touch-sensing wiring, that is, the terminal is grounded.

Then, the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 measures the noise of the reflected pulse corresponding to the ground level and stores the measured result (step S636).

The multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 selects an end resistance value corresponding to the reflection pulse having the smallest noise component (step S640). Depending on the surrounding environment of the multi-touch panel, the noise component may be minimum when the end of the touch-sensing wiring is set to the open level, or the noise component may be minimum when the end of the touch- sensing wiring is set to the impedance matching level And the noise component may be minimal when the end of the touch-sensing wiring is set to the ground level.

The multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 sets a termination resistance value to correspond to the selected terminal resistance value (step S650).

In the present embodiment, the procedure for setting the terminal resistance value of the touch-sensing wiring is set to the open level, the impedance matching level, and the ground level, but the order may be changed. That is, the setting order of the termination resistance value of the touch-sensing wiring may be set to an impedance matching level, an off level and a ground level, or may be set to an impedance matching level, a ground level and an open level, An open level, and the like.

26 is a flowchart illustrating a multi-touch sensing method according to another embodiment of the present invention. In particular, a stylus pen touch sensing method is described. For convenience of explanation, a multi-touch sensing method using the multi-touch sensing device shown in FIG. 1 is described, but the multi-touch sensing device shown in FIG. 22 may also be used.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 26, the controller 128 of the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 checks whether it is an initial operation (step S50).

If the initial driving is checked in step S50, the controller 128 of the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 performs an initial driving mode as described with reference to FIG. 24 (step S60).

After the initial driving is not checked in step S50 or step S60 is performed, the transmission pulse output unit 122 of the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 outputs a transmission pulse for touch sensing to the touch-sensing wiring S200).

The TDR measuring unit 124 of the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 receives a reflected pulse reflected in response to a user's touch (step S202). At this time, the received reflection pulse may not have a level higher than the reference level of the reflection pulse, and one or more levels may exist. If the received reflected pulse does not have a level higher than the reference level, it means that no touch is made. The presence of one level higher than the reference level in the received reflection pulse means that there is one touch point. On the other hand, the presence of two or three levels higher than the reference level in the received reflected pulse means that there are two or three touch points.

The TDR measuring unit 124 of the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 removes a noise component included in the reflected pulse in step S202 (step S204). A digital differentiator can be used to remove the noise component from the reflected pulse.

The TDR measurement unit 124 of the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 generates a plurality of delay signals (step S206).

The TDR measurement unit 124 of the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 generates a plurality of reflection pulse data by digitally converting the reflection pulse using the delay signals generated in step S206 (step S208).

The TDR measurement unit 124 of the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 stores the reflection pulse data generated in step S208 in a memory (step S210). The memory may be a frame memory capable of storing image data corresponding to one frame or a line memory capable of storing image data corresponding to one line of image data corresponding to one frame.

The controller 128 of the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 checks whether reflection pulse data having a value higher than the critical range exists among reflection pulse data stored in the memory (step S212). Reflected pulse data corresponding to a value higher than the critical range in the reflection pulse data may mean that the touch of the user is made by the stylus pen. That is, since the stylus pen has a structure in which the inductor coil is wound, when the stylus pen is touched, the reflected pulse becomes higher than the critical range.

If it is checked in step S212 that there is no reflected pulse data having a value higher than the threshold range, the process returns to step S200.

If it is checked in step S212 that reflected pulse data having a value higher than the threshold range is present, the controller 128 of the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 outputs reflection pulse data corresponding to a value higher than the threshold range in the memory (Step S214).

The controller 128 of the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 checks whether or not the reflection pulse data forms a cluster (step S216). In the case where the reflection pulse data is a cluster, values lower than the critical range are extracted from two or more memory lines adjacent to each other. That is, when the touch by the user is made in a plurality of touch-sensing lines that are adjacent to each other, the reflection pulse data can be clustered.

If it is determined in step S216 that the reflected pulse data does not form a cluster, the controller 128 of the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 recognizes the touch coordinates based on the address of the extracted reflected pulse data (step S218).

If it is checked in step S216 that the reflection pulse data constitutes a cluster, the controller 128 of the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 extracts reflection pulse data corresponding to the center point among the cluster data through interpolation (step S220) .

The controller 128 of the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 recognizes touch coordinates based on the address corresponding to the center point (step S222).

If it is checked that the process is not completed, the process returns to step S200. If the process is terminated, the process is terminated.

In this embodiment, it has been described that the step of removing the noise component from the received reflected pulse is included, but the step of removing the noise component may be omitted.

27A and 27B are flowcharts for explaining a multi-touch sensing method according to another embodiment of the present invention. Particularly, a composite touch sensing method will be described. For convenience of explanation, a multi-touch sensing method using the multi-touch sensing device shown in FIG. 1 is described, but the multi-touch sensing device shown in FIG. 22 may also be used.

Referring to FIGS. 27A and 27B, the controller 128 of the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 checks whether it is an initial operation (step S50).

If the initial driving is checked in step S50, the controller 128 of the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 performs an initial driving mode as described with reference to FIG. 24 (step S60).

After the initial driving is not checked in step S50 or step S60 is performed, the transmission pulse output unit 122 of the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 outputs a transmission pulse for touch sensing to the touch-sensing wiring S300).

The TDR measuring unit 124 of the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 receives a reflected pulse reflected in response to a user's touch (step S302). At this time, the received reflection pulse may not have a level higher than the reference level of the reflection pulse, and one or more levels may exist. If the received reflected pulse does not have a level higher than the reference level, it means that no touch is made. The presence of one level higher than the reference level in the received reflection pulse means that there is one touch point. On the other hand, the presence of two or three levels higher than the reference level in the received reflected pulse means that there are two or three touch points.

The TDR measuring unit 124 of the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 removes the noise component included in the reflected pulse in step S302 (step S304). A digital differentiator can be used to remove the noise component from the reflected pulse. In this embodiment, it has been described that the step of removing the noise component from the received reflected pulse is included, but the step of removing the noise component may be omitted.

The TDR measurement unit 124 of the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 generates a plurality of delay signals (step S306).

The TDR measuring unit 124 of the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 generates a plurality of reflection pulse data by digitally converting the reflection pulse using the delay signals generated in step S306 (step S308).

The TDR measurement unit 124 of the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 stores the reflection pulse data generated in step S308 in a memory (step S310). The memory may be a frame memory capable of storing image data corresponding to one frame or a line memory capable of storing image data corresponding to one line of image data corresponding to one frame.

The controller 128 of the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 checks whether reflection pulse data having a value higher than the critical range exists among reflection pulse data stored in the memory (step S312). Reflected pulse data corresponding to a value higher than the critical range in the reflection pulse data may mean that the touch of the user is made by the stylus pen. That is, since the stylus pen has a structure in which the inductor coil is wound, when the stylus pen is touched, the reflected pulse becomes higher than the critical range.

If it is checked in step S312 that reflected pulse data having a value higher than the threshold range is present, the controller 128 of the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 extracts reflection pulse data corresponding to a value higher than the threshold range (Step S314).

The controller 128 of the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 checks whether or not the reflection pulse data forms a cluster (step S316). In the case where the reflection pulse data is a cluster, values lower than the critical range are extracted from two or more memory lines adjacent to each other. That is, when the touch by the user is made in a plurality of touch-sensing lines that are adjacent to each other, the reflection pulse data can be clustered.

If it is determined in step S316 that the reflected pulse data does not form a cluster, the controller 128 of the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 recognizes the touch coordinates based on the address of the extracted reflected pulse data (step S318).

If it is checked in step S316 that the reflected pulse data constitutes a cluster, the controller 128 of the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 extracts reflection pulse data corresponding to the center point among the cluster data through interpolation (step S320) .

The controller 128 of the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 recognizes the touch coordinates based on the address corresponding to the center point (step S322).

If it is checked that it is not finished, the process returns to step S300. If it is checked to be finished, the process is terminated.

If it is checked in step S312 that there is no reflected pulse data having a value higher than the critical range, the controller 128 of the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 determines whether there is reflection pulse data having a value lower than the critical range (Step S326). Reflected pulse data corresponding to a value lower than the threshold range in the reflection pulse data may mean that the user's touch is a finger. That is, since the finger of the user has a certain capacitance component, when the finger of the user is touched, the reflected pulse becomes lower than the critical range.

If it is checked in step S326 that there is no reflected pulse data having a value lower than the critical range, the process returns to step S300.

If it is checked in step S326 that there is reflected pulse data having a value lower than the critical range, the controller 128 of the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 extracts reflection pulse data corresponding to a value lower than the critical range ( Step S328).

The controller 128 of the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 checks whether or not the reflection pulse data forms a cluster (step S330). In the case where the reflection pulse data is a cluster, values lower than the critical range are extracted from two or more memory lines adjacent to each other. That is, when the touch by the user is made in a plurality of touch-sensing lines that are adjacent to each other, the reflection pulse data can be clustered.

If it is determined in step S330 that the reflected pulse data does not form a cluster, the controller 128 of the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 recognizes touch coordinates based on the extracted reflection pulse data address (step S332).

If it is checked in step S330 that the reflection pulse data constitutes a cluster, the controller 128 of the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 extracts reflection pulse data corresponding to the center point among the cluster data through interpolation (step S334) .

The controller 128 of the multi-touch sensing apparatus 100 recognizes the touch coordinates based on the address corresponding to the center point (step S336), and then feeds back to step S324.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims. You will understand.

As described above, according to the present invention, since the touch-sensing wiring arranged in a meandering shape on a plane is used as a touch sensor and a router wiring, a single-layer touch panel can be realized. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce the number of manufacturing steps and manufacturing cost of the touch panel.

In addition, even if a plurality of touches are generated on a single layer touch-sensing line, information corresponding to each of the plurality of touches is included in the reflected pulse, so that the multi-touch can be recognized.

In addition, by forming the touch-sensing wiring in a meandering form on a large base board, a large-sized touch panel can be easily implemented.

Further, the flexible touch panel can be easily implemented by using a flexible substrate such as a film as a base substrate on which the touch-sensing wiring is formed in a meandering form.

100, 200: Multi-touch sensing device 110, 210: Multi-touch panel
120, 220: multi-touch sensing circuit 112, 212: base substrate
114, 214: touch-sensing wiring 122, 222: transmission pulse output section
124, 224: TDR measurement unit 126, 226:
128, 228: Controller 124a: Delay signal output section
124b, 124b1, 124b2: multiplexer 124d: memory
124c, 124c0, 124c1, ..., 124cn: analog-to-digital converters
410, 646: resistance string 420: voltage ratio grant
430: Encoder 610: Terminating switch
620: Ground setting unit 630: Circuit open unit
640: Impedance matching unit 648:
MW: Metal wiring GW: Ground wiring
SMW: Sub-metallization

Claims (26)

A base substrate; And
And a touch-sensing circuit that is formed on the base substrate in a serpentine shape, receives a transmission pulse through one end, and outputs one or more reflection pulses corresponding to the transmission pulse through the one end according to one or more touches of the user, ≪ / RTI >
Wherein the touch coordinates are recognized based on an arrival time of the reflection pulse. The multi-touch panel according to claim 1, further comprising a ground line surrounding the outer periphery of the touch-sensing line when viewed in a plan view. The multi-touch panel according to claim 1, wherein the touch-sensing wiring is formed as a linear wiring and covers the base substrate. The multi-touch panel according to claim 1, wherein the touch-sensing wiring is physically separated into a plurality of pieces to cover the base substrate. The touch-sensing wiring according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the base substrate has a rectangular shape, the touch-sensing wiring is formed parallel to one side of the base substrate, and the touch- Wherein the multi-touch panel comprises a plurality of touch panels. The touch-sensing semiconductor device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the base substrate has a rectangular shape, the touch-sensing wiring is formed parallel to one side of the base substrate,
And a sub-metal wiring formed in a zigzag shape perpendicular to an extension direction of the touch-sensing wiring,
Wherein the extension directions of the sub-metal wirings adjacent to each other are parallel to each other. The touch-sensing semiconductor device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the base substrate has a rectangular shape, the touch-sensing wiring is formed parallel to one side of the base substrate,
A first sub-metal wiring formed in a zigzag shape perpendicular to an extension direction of the touch-sensing wiring; And
And a second sub-metal wiring formed in a zigzag shape parallel to the extending direction of the touch-sensing wiring. The touch-sensing semiconductor device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the base substrate has a rectangular shape, the touch-sensing wiring is formed parallel to one side of the base substrate,
And a sub-metal wiring formed in a zigzag shape at an angle with the extending direction of the touch-sensing wiring,
Wherein the extending directions of the sub-metal wirings adjacent to each other cross each other. The multi-touch panel according to claim 1, wherein the base substrate comprises a rigid type substrate. The multi-touch panel according to claim 1, wherein the base substrate comprises a flexible type substrate. A touch-sensing device, comprising: a base substrate; a touch-sensing circuit formed in a serpentine shape on the base substrate, for receiving a transmission pulse through one end and outputting a reflection pulse corresponding to the transmission pulse through the one end, A multi-touch panel; And
And a multi-touch sensing circuit for outputting the transmission pulse to one end of the touch-sensing wiring and calculating a touch position based on an arrival time of the reflection pulse received through one end of the touch- Touch sensing device. 12. The multi-touch sensing circuit according to claim 11,
And a transmission pulse output unit connected to one end of the touch-sensing wiring and outputting a plurality of transmission pulses,
Wherein the width of each of the transmission pulses is the same, and the intervals of the transmission pulses are different from each other. 13. The multi-touch sensing apparatus of claim 12, wherein a series resistor is disposed between one end of the touch-sensing wiring and the transmission pulse output unit. 12. The multi-touch sensing circuit according to claim 11,
And a time-domain reflectometer (TDR) measuring unit connected to one end of the touch-sensing wiring and measuring a time taken until the reflection pulse arrives to detect a touch position. Touch sensing device. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the TDR measurement unit comprises:
A plurality of buffers serially connected to generate a plurality of delay signals in synchronization with an output of the transmission pulse;
A multiplexer for multiplexing the delay signals in response to an externally provided selection signal;
An analog-to-digital converter for digitally converting the reflected pulse in response to the multiplexed delay signal;
An encoder for encoding the digitally converted reflection pulse data; And
And a memory for storing encoded reflection pulse data. 12. The multi-touch sensing circuit according to claim 11, wherein the multi-touch sensing circuit includes a termination processor connected to the other end of the touch-sensing wiring and configured to set a termination resistance value of the touch- - Touch sensing device. The apparatus according to claim 16,
A ground setting unit for setting a terminal resistance value of the touch-sensing wiring to a ground level;
A circuit open portion for floating the terminal resistance value of the touch-sensing wiring; And
And an impedance matching unit having an impedance equal to the impedance of the touch-sensing wiring,
Wherein one of the ground setting unit, the circuit open unit, and the impedance matching unit is selected according to the surrounding environment. 18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the termination processor further comprises an end switch for connecting an end of the touch-sensing wire to one of the ground setting unit, the circuit opening unit, and the impedance matching unit. - Touch sensing device. 12. The multi-touch sensing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the touch-sensing wiring is formed as a linear wiring and covers the base substrate. 12. The multi-touch sensing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the touch-sensing wiring is physically separated into a plurality of pieces to cover the base substrate. Outputting a transmission pulse to one end of a touch-sensing wiring formed in a meandering shape on a base substrate;
Receiving reflected pulses reflected in response to a user's touch generated on the touch-sensing wire through one end of the touch-sensing wire;
Generating a plurality of delay signals;
Generating reflection pulse data by digitally converting the reflection pulse based on each of the delay signals, and storing the generated reflection pulse data in a memory;
Extracting reflected pulse data corresponding to a value lower than a critical range or reflection pulse data corresponding to a value higher than the critical range in the reflection pulse data from the memory; And
And recognizing touch coordinates based on an address corresponding to the extracted reflected pulse data. 22. The multi-touch sensing method of claim 21, wherein reflection pulse data corresponding to a value lower than the threshold range is recognized as a finger touch of the user. 22. The multi-touch sensing method according to claim 21, wherein reflection pulse data corresponding to a value higher than the critical range is recognized as a stylus pen touch. The method of claim 21, further comprising the step of checking whether or not reflection pulse data extracted corresponding to a value lower than the critical range out of the extracted reflection pulse data or reflection pulse data extracted corresponding to a value higher than the critical range form a cluster ;
Recognizing the touch coordinates based on the address of the memory corresponding to the extracted reflected pulse data if it is checked that the extracted reflected pulse data does not form a cluster;
Extracting the center point of the cluster data through interpolation if the extracted reflected pulse data is checked to be a cluster; And
And recognizing touch coordinates based on an address of the memory corresponding to the extracted center point. 22. The multi-touch sensing method of claim 21, wherein the widths of the transmission pulses are the same, and the intervals of the transmission pulses are different from each other. 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising: setting an end resistance value of the touch-sensing wiring at an initial level to an open level, a ground level, and an impedance matching level, respectively, and receiving the reflection pulse after outputting the transmission pulse;
Selecting an end resistance value corresponding to the reflection pulse having the smallest noise component in each of the reflection pulses corresponding to the set terminal resistance value; And
Further comprising setting an end resistance value of the touch-sensing wiring to correspond to the selected terminal resistance value.

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