The following detailed description of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It should be understood that the various embodiments of the present invention are different, but need not be mutually exclusive. For example, certain features, structures, and characteristics described herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention in connection with an embodiment. It is also to be understood that the position or arrangement of the individual components within each disclosed embodiment may be varied without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled, if properly explained. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to the same or similar functions throughout the several views.
Hereinafter, a touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Hereinafter, the capacitive touch sensor panel 100 and the pressure detection module 400 are illustrated, but the touch sensor panel 100 and the pressure detection module 400 capable of detecting a touch position and / ) Can be applied.
1 is a block diagram of a touch input apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
1, the touch input apparatus 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a touch screen 1001, a communication unit 1002, a processor 1500, an other unit 1004, interfaces 1006-1, 1006 - 2, and a memory 1005.
The touch input apparatus 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be a portable electronic apparatus such as a notebook computer, a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), and a smart phone. Further, the touch input device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention may be a non-mobile electronic device such as a desktop computer, smart television, or the like.
A touch screen 1001 according to an embodiment of the present invention allows a user to operate a computing system by touching (touching) the screen with an object such as a finger. Generally, the touch screen 1001 recognizes touches on the panel and the computing system can perform calculations accordingly by interpreting such touches.
Also, the touch screen 1001 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes at least one area for receiving a touch input from a user, and the touch input received through the touch screen 1001 is transmitted to the processor 1002 through the communication unit 1002. [ (1500). The processor 1500 receives the touch input, executes a command according to the touch input, and outputs the command execution result to the touch screen 1002 through the communication unit 1002. [
The touch screen 1001 according to the embodiment of the present invention can be used as a concept including the display panel 200A.
The pressure sensors 450 and 460 may sense the touch pressure using a capacitance change amount based on a touch input of an object such as a finger through the touch screen 1001 or sense a pressure or a force using a resistance value change. Specifically, it is possible to detect the touch pressure according to the capacitance change amount using the pressure sensor of Fig. 3 or the pressure sensors 450 and 460 of Figs. 4 to 6, or to use the change of the resistance value of the pressure sensor 450 The touch pressure or the touch force can be detected. The touch information according to the detected touch pressure can be output through the display panel 200A.
The processor 1500 can control a process for sending and receiving commands from the memory 1005, the communication unit 1002, and the touch screen 1001 and executing the corresponding commands. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the processor 1500 may receive pressure touch detection information and transmit a user input message based on the pressure touch detection information. Meanwhile, the processor 1500 can be driven by applying all the examples of the pressure detection method described in FIGS.
The communication unit 1002 receives the touch input from the touch screen 1001 and transmits the touch input to the processor 1500. The interfaces 1006-1 and 1006 are connected between the processor 1500, the other unit 1004, Mediates data transmission and reception.
The memory 1005 stores instructions through data transmission / reception with the process 1003.
The other unit 1004 includes a power supply unit 1004-1 for supplying a power for operating each configuration to perform basic functions and maintaining the performance of the touch input device 1000 according to the present invention, A sensor unit 1004-3 including an audio unit 1004-2 involved in input / output, a gyro sensor, an acceleration sensor, a vibration sensor, a proximity sensor, a magnet sensor, a gravity sensor, etc., And a timer 1004-4 for performing a predetermined operation.
However, the above configuration may be omitted or replaced if necessary, and another configuration may be added.
2A is a schematic view of a touch sensor 10 of a capacitive type included in a touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention and a configuration for operation thereof. 2A, the touch sensor 10 includes a plurality of driving electrodes TX1 to TXn and a plurality of receiving electrodes RX1 to RXm. The touch sensor 10 includes a plurality of driving electrodes And a plurality of receiving electrodes RX1 to RXm for receiving a sensing signal including information on a capacitance change amount that changes in accordance with a touch on a touch surface, And a sensing unit 11 for sensing a touch position.
As shown in FIG. 2A, the touch sensor 10 may include a plurality of driving electrodes TX1 to TXn and a plurality of receiving electrodes RX1 to RXm. 2A, the plurality of driving electrodes TX1 to TXn and the plurality of receiving electrodes RX1 to RXm of the touch sensor 10 are shown as an orthogonal array. However, the present invention is not limited to this, The electrodes TX1 to TXn and the plurality of receiving electrodes RX1 to RXm can have any number of dimensions including the diagonal, concentric and three-dimensional random arrangement, and the like and their application arrangements. Here, n and m are positive integers and may be the same or different from each other, and the size may be changed according to the embodiment.
The plurality of driving electrodes TX1 to TXn and the plurality of receiving electrodes RX1 to RXm may be arranged to cross each other. The driving electrode TX includes a plurality of driving electrodes TX1 to TXn extending in a first axis direction and a receiving electrode RX includes a plurality of receiving electrodes extending in a second axis direction intersecting the first axis direction RX1 to RXm).
7A and 7B, in the touch sensor 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the plurality of driving electrodes TX1 to TXn and the plurality of receiving electrodes RX1 to RXm are formed in the same layer . For example, the plurality of driving electrodes TX1 to TXn and the plurality of receiving electrodes RX1 to RXm may be formed on a top surface of a display module 200 to be described later.
Also, as shown in FIG. 7C, the plurality of driving electrodes TX1 to TXn and the plurality of receiving electrodes RX1 to RXm may be formed in different layers. For example, one of the plurality of driving electrodes TX1 to TXn and the plurality of receiving electrodes RX1 to RXm may be formed on the upper surface of the display module 200 and the other may be formed on the lower surface of the cover, (Not shown).
The plurality of driving electrodes TX1 to TXn and the plurality of receiving electrodes RX1 to RXm are formed of ITO (indium tin oxide) or ATO (tin oxide), which is made of a transparent conductive material (for example, tin oxide (SnO2) (Antimony Tin Oxide)) or the like. However, this is merely an example, and the driving electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX may be formed of another transparent conductive material or an opaque conductive material. For example, the driving electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX may include at least one of silver ink, copper, nano silver, and carbon nanotube (CNT) . In addition, the driving electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX may be realized by a metal mesh.
The driving unit 12 according to the embodiment of the present invention can apply a driving signal to the driving electrodes TX1 to TXn. In an embodiment of the present invention, the driving signal may be sequentially applied to one driving electrode at a time from the first driving electrode TX1 to the nth driving electrode TXn. This application of the driving signal can be repeated again. This is merely an example, and driving signals may be simultaneously applied to a plurality of driving electrodes according to an embodiment.
The sensing unit 11 acquires information on the electrostatic capacitance Cm generated between the driving electrodes TX1 to TXn and the receiving electrodes RX1 to RXm to which the driving signal is applied through the receiving electrodes RX1 to RXm And the touch position and the touch position can be detected by receiving the sensing signal. For example, the sensing signal may be a signal in which a driving signal applied to the driving electrode TX is coupled by a capacitance Cm: 14 generated between the driving electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX. The process of sensing the driving signal applied from the first driving electrode TX1 to the nth driving electrode TXn through the receiving electrodes RX1 to RXm may be referred to as scanning the touch sensor 10 .
For example, the sensing unit 11 may include a receiver (not shown) connected to each of the reception electrodes RX1 to RXm through a switch. The switch is turned on during a period of sensing the signal of the corresponding receiving electrode RX so that a sensing signal can be sensed from the receiving electrode RX at the receiver. The receiver may be comprised of an amplifier (not shown) and a feedback capacitor coupled between the negative input of the amplifier and the output of the amplifier, i. E., The feedback path. At this time, the positive input terminal of the amplifier may be connected to the ground. In addition, the receiver may further include a reset switch connected in parallel with the feedback capacitor. The reset switch can reset the conversion from current to voltage performed by the receiver. A negative input terminal of the amplifier may be connected to the corresponding receiving electrode RX to receive a current signal including information on the capacitance Cm, and integrate the current signal to convert the voltage into a voltage. The sensing unit 11 may further include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for converting the integrated data to digital data through the receiver. The digital data may then be input to a processor (not shown) and processed to obtain touch information for the touch sensor 10. The sensing unit 11 may be configured to include an ADC and a processor together with a receiver.
The control unit 13 may perform a function of controlling the operation of the driving unit 12 and the sensing unit 11. For example, the controller 13 may generate a driving control signal and transmit the driving control signal to the driving unit 12 so that the driving signal is applied to the driving electrode TX predetermined at a predetermined time. The control unit 13 generates a sensing control signal and transmits the sensing control signal to the sensing unit 11 so that the sensing unit 11 receives a sensing signal from the sensing electrode RX previously set at a predetermined time to perform a predetermined function can do.
2A, the driving unit 12 and the sensing unit 11 may constitute a touch detection device (not shown) capable of detecting whether the touch sensor 10 is touched or touched. The touch detection apparatus may further include a control section (13). The touch sensing device may be integrated on a touch sensing IC (touch sensing integrated circuit), which is a touch sensing circuit, in a touch input device including the touch sensor 10. The driving electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX included in the touch sensor 10 are included in the touch sensing IC through a conductive trace and / or a conductive pattern printed on a circuit board And may be connected to the driving unit 12 and the sensing unit 11. The touch sensing IC may be placed on a circuit board on which a conductive pattern is printed, for example, a first printed circuit board (hereinafter, referred to as a first PCB). According to the embodiment, the touch sensing IC may be mounted on a main board for operating the touch input device.
As described above, a capacitance Cm of a predetermined value is generated at each intersection of the driving electrode TX and the reception electrode RX. When an object such as a finger is close to the touch sensor 10, Can be changed. In FIG. 2A, the capacitance may represent mutual capacitance (Cm). The sensing unit 11 senses such electrical characteristics and can detect whether the touch sensor 10 is touched and / or touched. For example, it is possible to detect the touch and / or the position of the touch on the surface of the touch sensor 10 having the two-dimensional plane including the first axis and the second axis.
More specifically, the position of the touch in the second axial direction can be detected by detecting the drive electrode TX to which the drive signal is applied when a touch to the touch sensor 10 occurs. Likewise, the position of the touch in the first axis direction can be detected by detecting the capacitance change from the received signal received through the receiving electrode RX when touching the touch sensor 10.
In the above description, the operation of the touch sensor 10 for sensing the touch position has been described based on the amount of mutual capacitance change between the driving electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, as shown in FIG. 2B, it is also possible to sense the touch position based on the amount of change in self capacitance.
FIG. 2B is a schematic view for explaining still another capacitive touch sensor 10 included in the touch input device according to another embodiment of the present invention and its operation. The touch sensor 10 shown in FIG. 2B is provided with a plurality of touch electrodes 30. The plurality of touch electrodes 30 may be arranged in a lattice pattern at regular intervals as shown in FIG. 7D, but the present invention is not limited thereto.
The driving control signal generated by the control unit 130 is transmitted to the driving unit 12 and the driving unit 12 applies the driving signal to the predetermined touch electrode 30 at a predetermined time based on the driving control signal. The sensing control signal generated by the control unit 13 is transmitted to the sensing unit 11. The sensing unit 11 senses the sensing signal from the touch electrode 30 preset at a predetermined time Receive input. At this time, the sensing signal may be a signal for the amount of change in self-capacitance formed on the touch electrode 30.
At this time, whether or not the touch sensor 10 is touched and / or the touch position is detected by the sensing signal sensed by the sensing unit 11. For example, since the coordinates of the touch electrode 30 are known in advance, it is possible to detect the touch of the object with respect to the surface of the touch sensor 10 and / or its position.
Although the driving unit 12 and the sensing unit 11 are divided into separate blocks for the sake of convenience, the operation of applying the driving signal to the touch electrode 30 and the sensing signal from the touch electrode 30 May be performed by one driving and sensing unit.
2C illustrates a control block for controlling the touch position, the touch pressure, and the display operation in the touch input device including the display panel. In the touch input apparatus 1000 configured to detect the touch pressure in addition to the display function and the touch position detection, the control block includes a touch sensor controller 1100 for detecting the touch position, a display controller (not shown) for driving the display panel And a pressure sensor controller 1300 for detecting the pressure. The display controller 1200 receives input from a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (CPU), which is a central processing unit on the main board for operating the touch input apparatus 1000, And a control circuit for displaying desired contents. Such a control circuit may include a display panel control IC, a graphic controller IC, and other circuits necessary for operation of the display panel 200A.
A pressure sensor controller 1300 for detecting pressure through a pressure sensor may be configured similar to the configuration of the touch sensor controller 1100 to operate similarly to the touch sensor controller 1100.
According to an embodiment, the touch sensor controller 1100, the display controller 1200, and the pressure sensor controller 1300 may be included in the touch input device 1000 as different components. For example, the touch sensor controller 1100, the display controller 1200, and the pressure sensor controller 1300 may be formed of different chips. At this time, the processor 1500 of the touch input apparatus 1000 may function as a host processor for the touch sensor controller 1100, the display controller 1200, and the pressure sensor controller 1300.
The touch input device 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention may be applied to various devices such as a cell phone, a PDA (Personal Data Assistant), a smartphone, a tablet PC, an MP3 player, a notebook, An electronic device including the same display screen and / or a touch screen.
The touch sensor controller 1100, the display controller 1200, and the pressure sensor controller 1300, which are separately configured as described above, to make the touch input apparatus 1000 thin and light weight, May be integrated into one or more configurations in accordance with an embodiment. In addition, it is also possible that these respective controllers are integrated in the processor 1500. In addition, the touch panel 10 and / or the pressure sensor may be incorporated in the display panel 200A according to the embodiment.
The touch sensor 10 for detecting a touch position in the touch input apparatus 1000 according to the embodiment may be located outside or inside the display panel 200A. The display panel 200A of the touch input device 1000 according to the embodiment may be a display device including a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display panel (PDP), an organic light emitting diode (OLED) Display panel. Accordingly, the user can perform an input action by touching the touch surface while visually checking the screen displayed on the display panel.
3A to 3F are conceptual diagrams illustrating the relative positions of the display electrodes with respect to the display panel 200A in the touch input device 1000 according to the embodiment. First, the configuration of a display panel 200A using an LCD panel will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3C. FIG.
As shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C, the LCD panel includes a liquid crystal layer 250 including a liquid crystal cell, a first substrate layer 261 including electrodes at both ends of the liquid crystal layer 250, A first polarizing layer 271 and a second polarizing layer 262 are formed on one surface of the first substrate layer 261 in a direction opposite to the second substrate layer 262 and the liquid crystal layer 250, And a second polarizing layer 272. In this case, the first substrate layer 261 may be a color filter glass, and the second substrate layer 262 may be a TFT glass. Also, at least one of the first substrate layer 261 and the second substrate layer 262 may be formed of a bendable material such as a plastic according to an embodiment. 3A to 3C, the second substrate layer 262 includes a data line, a gate line, a TFT, a common electrode (Vcom), and a pixel electrode It can be composed of various layers. These electrical components can operate to generate a controlled electric field to orient the liquid crystals located in the liquid crystal layer 250.
Next, the configuration of the display panel 200A using the OLED panel will be described with reference to FIGS. 3D to 3F.
As shown in FIGS. 3D to 3F, the OLED panel includes an organic layer 280 including an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), a first substrate layer 281 including electrodes at both ends of the organic layer 280, 2 substrate layer 283 and a first polarizing layer 282 on one side of the first substrate layer 281 in a direction opposite to the liquid crystal layer 280. At this time, the first substrate layer 281 may be an encapsulation glass, and the second substrate layer 283 may be a TFT glass. In addition, at least one of the first substrate layer 281 and the second substrate layer 283 may be formed of a bendable material such as a plastic. In the case of the OLED panel shown in FIGS. 3D to 3F, an electrode used for driving a display panel 200A such as a gate line, a data line, a first power supply line (ELVDD), a second power supply line (ELVSS) . OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) panel is a self-luminous display panel that uses the principle that light is generated when electrons and holes are combined in an organic layer when current is applied to a fluorescent or phosphorescent organic thin film. Determine the color.
Specifically, OLEDs use the principle that an organic material emits light when an organic material is applied to glass or plastic and electricity is supplied. That is, when holes and electrons are injected into the anode and the cathode of the organic material, respectively, and then recombined with the light emitting layer, excitons having a high energy state are formed. When excitons fall into a state of low energy, energy is emitted, And to use the generated principle. At this time, the color of the light changes depending on the organic material of the light emitting layer.
In OLED, a line-driven PM-OLED (Passive-matrix Organic Light-Emitting Diode) and an AM-OLED (Active-matrix Organic Light-Emitting Diode) are used depending on the operation characteristics of the pixels constituting the pixel matrix exist. Since both of them do not require a backlight, the display module can be made very thin, the contrast ratio is constant according to the angle, and color reproducibility according to temperature is good. In addition, un-driven pixels are very economical in that they do not consume power.
In operation, the PM-OLED emits light only for a scanning time with a high current, and the AM-OLED maintains a light emission state for a frame time with a low current. Therefore, AM-OLED has better resolution than PM-OLED, it is advantageous to drive a large-area display panel and has low power consumption. In addition, since each element can be individually controlled by incorporating a thin film transistor (TFT), it is easy to realize a sophisticated screen.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that an LCD panel or an OLED panel may further include other configurations for performing the display function and may be modified.
3A and 3D show that the touch sensor 10 in the touch input device 1000 is disposed outside the display panel 200A. A touch sensor may be disposed on the display panel 200A, and a third electrode 610 and a fourth electrode 611 may be included in the touch sensor. The touch surface for the touch input device 1000 may be the surface of the touch sensor. Also, the first electrode 620 and the second electrode 621 may be disposed on the second substrate layers 262 and 283.
Figs. 3B, 3C, 3E and 3F show that the touch sensor 10 is disposed inside the display panel 200A in the touch input device 1000. Fig.
3B and 3E, a third electrode 610 and a fourth electrode 611 are disposed between the first substrate layer 261, 281 and the first polarizing layer 271, 282. At this time, the touch surface for the touch input device 1000 may be the upper surface or the lower surface in FIGS. 3B and 3E as the outer surface of the display panel 200A. Also, the first electrode 620 and the second electrode 621 may be disposed on the second substrate layers 262 and 283.
In FIGS. 3C and 3F, the first electrode 620 and the second electrode 621 may be disposed on the second substrate layers 262 and 283.
The touch surface for the touch input device 1000 shown in Figs. 3A to 3F may be the upper surface or the lower surface of the display panel 200A as an outer surface of the display panel 200A. 3A to 3F, the upper surface or the lower surface of the display panel 200A, which may be a touch surface, may be covered with a cover layer (not shown) to protect the display panel 200A.
At least one of the first electrode 620 and the second electrode 621 may be an electrode used for driving the display panel 200A. Specifically, when the display panel 200A is an LCD panel, At least one of the electrode 620 and the second electrode 621 may be at least one of a data line, a gate line, a TFT, a common electrode (Vcom), and a pixel electrode And at least one of the first electrode 620 and the second electrode 621 may include a data line, a gate line, a data line, and the like, when the display panel 200A is an OLED panel. The first electrode 620 and the second electrode 621 may include at least one of a first power supply line ELVDD and a second power supply line ELVSS. The first electrode 620 and the second electrode 621 are disposed on the first and second layers 262 and 283, One of the first electrode 620 and the second electrode 621 may be disposed on the second substrate layer 262 or 283 and the other may be disposed on the first substrate layer 261 or 281, Or may be disposed under the substrate layers 261 and 281. [
Also, according to the embodiment, at least a part of the touch sensor 10 may be configured to be positioned in the display panel 200A, and at least a remaining part of the touch sensor may be configured to be positioned outside the display panel 200A. For example, one of the driving electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX constituting the touch sensor may be located outside the display panel 200A, and the remaining electrode may be located inside the display panel 200A . In the case where the touch sensor 10 is disposed inside the display panel 200A, an electrode for the touch sensor operation may be additionally arranged. However, various configurations and / or electrodes disposed inside the display panel 200A may perform touch sensing The touch sensor 10 may be used as a touch sensor. At least some of the touch sensors 10 may be positioned between the first substrate layers 261 and 281 and the second substrate layers 262 and 283 included in the display panel 200A . At this time, the rest of the touch sensors except for at least a part of the touch sensors may be disposed inside the display panel 200A at positions other than the positions between the first substrate layers 261, 281 and the second substrate layers 262, 283.
Next, a method of detecting a touch position using a part of the first electrode 620, the second electrode 621, the third electrode 610 and the fourth electrode 611 shown in FIGS. 3A to 3F .
The touch sensor 10 of the touch input apparatus 1000 shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3D and 3E may include a third electrode 610 and a fourth electrode 611. More specifically, the third electrode 610 and the fourth electrode 611 function as the driving and receiving electrodes described in FIG. 2A, and are formed in accordance with the mutual capacitance between the third electrode 610 and the fourth electrode 611 The touch position can be detected. The third electrode 610 and the fourth electrode 611 operate as the single electrode 30 described with reference to FIG. 2B so that the touch according to the self-capacitance of the third electrode 610 and the fourth electrode 611 The position can be detected.
The touch sensor 10 of the touch input apparatus 1000 shown in FIGS. 3B and 3E may include a third electrode 610 and a first electrode 620. Specifically, the third electrode 610 and the first electrode 620 operate as the driving and receiving electrodes described with reference to FIG. 2A, and are operated according to the mutual capacitance between the third electrode 610 and the first electrode 620 The touch position can be detected. In this case, when the first electrode 620 is an electrode used to drive the display panel 200A, the display panel 200A is driven in the first time period, and the touch panel 200A is touched in the second time period different from the first time period. The position can be detected.
The touch sensor 10 of the touch input device 1000 shown in FIGS. 3C and 3F may include a first electrode 620 and a second electrode 621. Specifically, the first electrode 620 and the second electrode 621 function as the driving electrode and the receiving electrode described in FIG. 2A, and are formed in accordance with the mutual capacitance between the first electrode 620 and the second electrode 621 The touch position can be detected. The first electrode 620 and the second electrode 621 may operate as the single electrode 30 described with reference to FIG. 2B and may be touched according to the self-capacitance of the first electrode 620 and the second electrode 621, The position can be detected. In this case, when the first electrode 620 and / or the second electrode 621 is an electrode used for driving the display panel 200A, the display panel 200A is driven in the first time period, The touch position can be detected in a second time interval different from the interval.
Next, a method of detecting the touch pressure using a part of the first electrode 620, the second electrode 621, the third electrode 610 and the fourth electrode 611 shown in FIGS. 3A to 3F .
The pressure sensor of the touch input apparatus 1000 shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3D and 3E may be composed of a third electrode 610 and a fourth electrode 611. Specifically, when pressure is applied to the touch surface, the distance between the pressure sensor and the reference potential layer (not shown) located at the top, bottom or inside of the display panel 200A is changed, The mutual capacitance between the third electrode 610 and the fourth electrode 611 can change as the distance between the potential layers varies. As described above, the touch pressure can be detected according to the mutual capacitance between the third electrode 610 and the fourth electrode 611. In this case, when the touch sensor 10 is composed of the third electrode 610 and the fourth electrode 611, the touch position can be detected and the touch pressure can be detected. Also, the touch position can be detected in the first time interval, and the touch pressure can be detected in the second time interval different from the first time interval. The first electrode 620 and / or the second electrode 621 used for driving the display panel 200A may be disposed between the third electrode 610 and the fourth electrode 611, which are pressure sensors, The first electrode 620 and / or the second electrode 621 may be floating during a time interval in which the touch pressure is detected in order to detect a capacitance change due to a distance change between the pressure sensor and the reference potential layer .
The pressure sensor of the touch input apparatus 1000 shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3D and 3E may be constituted by at least one of the third electrode 610 and the fourth electrode 611. Specifically, when pressure is applied to the touch surface, the distance between the pressure sensor and the reference potential layer (not shown) located at the top, bottom, or inside of the display panel 200A is changed, The capacitance between the third electrode 610 and the reference potential layer, that is, the self-capacitance of the third electrode 610 and / or the capacitance between the fourth electrode 611 and the reference potential layer 610, The electrostatic capacity of the fourth electrode 611 can be changed. In this way, the touch pressure can be detected according to the self-capacitance of the third electrode 610 and / or the fourth electrode 611. In this case, when the touch sensor 10 is composed of the third electrode 610 and the fourth electrode 611, the touch position can be detected and the touch pressure can be detected. Also, the touch position can be detected in the first time interval, and the touch pressure can be detected in the second time interval different from the first time interval. The first electrode 620 and / or the second electrode 621 used for driving the display panel 200A are connected to the third electrode 610 and / or the fourth electrode 611, which are pressure sensors, The first electrode 620 and / or the second electrode 621 may be floating during a period of time during which the touch pressure is detected in order to detect a capacitance change due to a distance change between the pressure sensor and the reference potential layer .
The pressure sensor of the touch input apparatus 1000 shown in FIGS. 3B and 3E may include a third electrode 610 and a first electrode 620. Specifically, when pressure is applied to the touch surface, the distance between the pressure sensor and the reference potential layer (not shown) located at the top, bottom or inside of the display panel 200A is changed, As the distance between the potential layers varies, the mutual capacitance between the third electrode 610 and the first electrode 620 can vary. As described above, the touch pressure can be detected according to the mutual capacitance between the third electrode 610 and the first electrode 620. In this case, when the touch sensor 10 includes at least one of the third electrode 610 and the fourth electrode 611, it is possible to detect the touch position and simultaneously detect the touch pressure. Also, the touch position can be detected in the first time interval, and the touch pressure can be detected in the second time interval different from the first time interval. In this case, when the electrode used to drive the display panel 200A includes at least one of the first electrode 620 and the second electrode 621, the display panel 200A is driven, Pressure can be detected. Also, the display panel 200A may be driven in the first time interval and the touch pressure may be detected in the second time interval different from the first time interval. At this time, the touch sensor 10 includes at least one of the third electrode 610 and the fourth electrode 611, and an electrode used for driving the display panel 200A is connected to the first electrode 620, And the second electrode 621, it is possible to detect the touch position and the touch pressure while driving the display panel 200A. In addition, the touch position is detected in the first time interval, the touch pressure is detected in the second time interval different from the first time interval, and the touch pressure is detected in the third time interval different from the first time interval and the second time interval. Can be driven. In the case where the second electrode 621 used for driving the display panel 200A is disposed between the third electrode 610 as the pressure sensor and the reference potential layer, The second electrode 621 may be floating during a time period for detecting the touch pressure.
The pressure sensor of the touch input apparatus 1000 shown in FIGS. 3A to 3F may include a first electrode 620 and a second electrode 621. Specifically, when pressure is applied to the touch surface, the distance between the pressure sensor and the reference potential layer (not shown) located at the top, bottom, or inside of the display panel 200A is changed, As the distance between the reference potential layers varies, the mutual capacitance between the first electrode 620 and the second electrode 621 can vary. Thus, the touch pressure can be detected according to the mutual capacitance between the first electrode 620 and the second electrode 621. In this case, when the electrode used to drive the display panel 200A includes at least one of the first electrode 620 and the second electrode 621, the display panel 200A is driven, Pressure can be detected. Also, the display panel 200A may be driven in the first time interval and the touch pressure may be detected in the second time interval different from the first time interval. At this time, when the touch sensor 10 includes at least one of the first electrode 620 and the second electrode 621, the touch position can be detected and the touch pressure can be detected. Also, the touch position can be detected in the first time interval, and the touch pressure can be detected in the second time interval different from the first time interval. At this time, the touch sensor 10 includes at least one of the first electrode 620 and the second electrode 621, and the electrode used for driving the display panel 200A is the first electrode 620, And the second electrode 621, it is possible to detect the touch position and the touch pressure while driving the display panel 200A. In addition, the touch position is detected in the first time interval, the touch pressure is detected in the second time interval different from the first time interval, and the touch pressure is detected in the third time interval different from the first time interval and the second time interval. Can be driven.
3A to 3F may include at least one of a first electrode 620 and a second electrode 621. The pressure sensor of the touch input apparatus 1000 may include a first electrode 620 and a second electrode 621. [ Specifically, when pressure is applied to the touch surface, the distance between the pressure sensor and the reference potential layer (not shown) located at the top, bottom or inside of the display panel 200A is changed, The capacitance between the first electrode 620 and the reference potential layer, that is, the self-capacitance of the first electrode 620 and / or the capacitance between the second electrode 621 and the reference potential layer, That is, the self-capacitance of the second electrode 621 can be changed. In this manner, the touch pressure can be detected according to the self-capacitance of the first electrode 620 and / or the second electrode 621. In this case, when the electrode used to drive the display panel 200A includes at least one of the first electrode 620 and the second electrode 621, the display panel 200A is driven, Pressure can be detected. Also, the display panel 200A may be driven in the first time interval and the touch pressure may be detected in the second time interval different from the first time interval. At this time, when the touch sensor 10 includes at least one of the first electrode 620 and the second electrode 621, the touch position can be detected and the touch pressure can be detected. Also, the touch position can be detected in the first time interval, and the touch pressure can be detected in the second time interval different from the first time interval. At this time, the touch sensor 10 includes at least one of the first electrode 620 and the second electrode 621, and the electrode used for driving the display panel 200A is the first electrode 620, And the second electrode 621, it is possible to detect the touch position and the touch pressure while driving the display panel 200A. In addition, the touch position is detected in the first time interval, the touch pressure is detected in the second time interval different from the first time interval, and the touch pressure is detected in the third time interval different from the first time interval and the second time interval. Can be driven.
At this time, the reference potential layer may be disposed on the upper portion of the display panel 200A. Specifically, the reference potential layer can be disposed between the display panel 200A and the cover layer disposed above the display panel 200A and performing the function of protecting the display panel 200A. More specifically, the reference potential layer can be formed on the bottom surface of the cover layer. In addition, since the distance between the reference potential layer and the pressure sensor can be changed when applying pressure to the touch input device 1000, a spacer layer may be disposed between the reference potential layer and the pressure sensor. When the pressure sensor does not include the first electrode 620 or the second electrode 621 in the touch input apparatus 1000 shown in Figs. 3A and 3D, the reference potential layer is disposed between the pressure sensor and the display panel 200A Or may be disposed above the pressure sensor.
Depending on the embodiment, the spacer layer may be implemented with an air gap. The spacer layer may be made of a shock-absorbing material according to an embodiment. The spacer layer may be filled with a dielectric material according to an embodiment. Depending on the embodiment, the spacer layer may be formed of a material having a resilience that contracts upon application of pressure and returns to its original shape upon release of pressure. According to an embodiment, the spacer layer may be formed of an elastic foam. Further, since the spacer layer is disposed on the display panel 200A, it may be a transparent material.
Further, the reference potential layer may be disposed under the display panel 200A. Specifically, the reference potential layer may be formed on a substrate, which will be described later, disposed below the display panel 200A, or the substrate itself may serve as a reference potential layer. In addition, the reference potential layer may be formed on the cover disposed on the upper portion of the substrate and disposed under the display panel 200A and performing the function of protecting the display panel 200A, or the cover itself may serve as the reference potential layer . As shown in FIG. 12, when the pressure is applied to the touch input device 1000, the display panel 200A is bent, and the distance between the reference potential layer and the pressure sensor can be changed as the display panel 200A is warped. Further, a spacer layer may be disposed between the reference potential layer and the pressure sensor. Specifically, a spacer layer may be disposed between the display panel 200A and the substrate on which the reference potential layer is disposed or between the display panel 200A and the cover on which the reference potential layer is disposed. 3A and 3B, when the pressure sensor does not include the first electrode 620 or the second electrode 621, the spacer layer is disposed on the upper portion of the display panel 200A .
Likewise, according to embodiments, the spacer layer may be implemented with an air gap. The spacer layer may be made of a shock-absorbing material according to an embodiment. The spacer layer may be filled with a dielectric material according to an embodiment. Depending on the embodiment, the spacer layer may be formed of a material having a resilience that contracts upon application of pressure and returns to its original shape upon release of pressure. According to an embodiment, the spacer layer may be formed of an elastic foam. Further, since the spacer layer is disposed under the display panel 200A, it may be a transparent or opaque material.
Further, the reference potential layer may be disposed inside the display panel 200A. Specifically, the reference potential layer may be disposed on the upper surface or the lower surface of the first substrate layer 261, 281 of the display panel 200A, or on the upper surface or the lower surface of the second substrate layer 262, 283. More specifically, the reference potential layer may include at least one of the first electrode 620 and the second electrode 621. The display panel 200A is bent when pressure is applied to the touch input device 1000 and the distance between the reference potential layer and the pressure sensor can be changed as the display panel 200A is warped. Further, a spacer layer may be disposed between the reference potential layer and the pressure sensor. When the pressure sensor does not include the first electrode 620 or the second electrode 621 in the touch input apparatus 1000 shown in Figs. 3A and 3D, the spacer layer is formed on the top or inside of the display panel 200A In the case of the touch input device 1000 shown in Figs. 3B, 3C, 3E, and 3F, a spacer layer may be disposed inside the display panel 200A.
Likewise, according to embodiments, the spacer layer may be implemented with an air gap. The spacer layer may be made of a shock-absorbing material according to an embodiment. The spacer layer may be filled with a dielectric material according to an embodiment. Depending on the embodiment, the spacer layer may be formed of a material having a resilience that contracts upon application of pressure and returns to its original shape upon release of pressure. According to an embodiment, the spacer layer may be formed of an elastic foam. Further, since the spacer layer is disposed on or inside the display panel 200A, it may be a transparent material.
According to the embodiment, when the spacer layer is disposed inside the display panel 200A, the spacer layer may be an air gap included in manufacturing the display panel 200A and / or the backlight unit. When the display panel 200A and / or the backlight unit include one air gap, the one air gap can perform the function of the spacer layer. In the case where the display panel 200A and / or the backlight unit include a plurality of air gaps, As a spacer layer.
In the case where the touch sensor 10 and / or the pressure sensor includes the first electrode 620 or the second electrode 621 and the display panel 200A is an LCD panel, the data line, the gate line, And the pixel electrode may be configured to be used as the touch sensor 10 and / or the pressure sensor. When the display panel 200A is an OLED panel, at least one of the gate line, the data line, the first power supply line ELVDD, and the second power supply line ELVSS is connected to the touch sensor 10 and / May be configured to be used. In addition, according to an embodiment, at least one of the electrodes included in the display other than the electrodes described herein may be used as the touch sensor 10 and / or the pressure sensor.
In the foregoing, a touch input device for detecting a touch pressure using an electrode used for detecting a touch position and / or an electrode used for driving a display has been described. Hereinafter, in order to detect the touch pressure in the touch input device according to the embodiment of the present invention, the case where the electrode used for detecting the touch position and the electrode used for driving the display, For example,
The pressure sensors 450 and 460 for sensing the amount of capacitance change in the touch input device 1000 according to the present invention are formed in the form of an electrode sheet and include a display module 200 and a touch input device (Not shown). The display module 200 of the touch input apparatus 1000 according to the present invention may include a structure for driving the display panel 200A and the display panel 200A. Specifically, when the display panel 200A is an LCD panel, the display module 200 may include an LCD panel and a backlight unit (not shown), and a display panel control IC , A graphics control IC, and other circuitry.
4A to 4F illustrate an example in which the electrode sheet according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied to the touch input device.
The cover layer 100 formed with the touch sensor for detecting the touch position in the touch input device 1000 of the present invention and the display module 200 may be laminated with an adhesive such as OCA (Optically Clear Adhesive). Accordingly, display color clarity, visibility, and light transmittance of the display module 200 that can be confirmed through the touch surface of the touch sensor can be improved.
4A to 4F, the cover layer 100 formed with the touch sensor as the touch input device 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes the display module 200 as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3D, The touch input device 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention can be applied to the case where the touch sensor 10 is disposed inside the display module 200 as shown in FIGS. 3B and 3E . 4A and 4B illustrate that the cover layer 100 formed with the touch sensor covers the display module 200. The touch sensor 10 is disposed inside the display module 200 and covers the display module 200, A touch input device 1000 covered with a cover layer 100 such as glass can be used as an embodiment of the present invention.
The touch input device 1000 to which the electrode sheet according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be applied includes a cell phone, a PDA (personal data assistant), a smartphone, a tablet PC, , A notebook, and the like.
The substrate 300 in the touch input device 1000 to which the electrode sheet according to the embodiment of the present invention can be applied is connected to the touch input device 1000 together with the housing 320 which is the outermost mechanism of the touch input device 1000, And / or a mounting space 310 where the battery can be placed, and the like. A central processing unit (CPU), an application processor (CPU), or the like may be mounted on the circuit board for operating the touch input device 1000 as a main board. The circuit board and / or the battery for the operation of the display module 200 and the touch input device 1000 may be separated through the substrate 300 and the electrical noise generated in the display module 200 may be cut off.
The touch sensor 10 or the cover layer 100 may be formed wider than the display module 200, the substrate 300 and the mounting space 310 in the touch input device 1000, The housing 320 may be formed to enclose the display module 200, the substrate 300, and the circuit board together with the touch sensor 10.
The touch input apparatus 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention detects a touch position through the touch sensor 10 and arranges the electrode sheet 440 between the display module 200 and the substrate 300, Can be detected. At this time, the touch sensor 10 may be located inside or outside the display module 200.
Hereinafter, the configuration for detecting the pressure including the electrode sheet 440 will be collectively referred to as the pressure detecting module 400. For example, in an embodiment, the pressure sensing module 400 may include an electrode sheet 440 and / or a spacer layer 420.
As described above, the pressure detecting module 400 includes a spacer layer 420 formed of, for example, an air gap, which will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4B to 4F. The spacer layer 420 may be made of a shock-absorbing material according to an embodiment. The spacer layer 420 may be filled with a dielectric material according to embodiments.
4B is a perspective view of the touch input apparatus 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention. 4B, the electrode sheet 440 may be disposed between the display module 200 and the substrate 300 in the touch input device 1000 in the first example of the present invention. The touch input device 1000 may include a spacer layer disposed between the display module 200 of the touch input device 1000 and the substrate 300 to dispose the electrode sheet 440.
Hereinafter, the electrodes 450 and 460 for detecting the pressure are referred to as pressure sensors 450 and 460 so as to be clearly distinguished from the electrodes included in the touch sensor 10. At this time, since the pressure sensors 450 and 460 are disposed on the rear surface rather than the front surface of the display panel, the pressure sensors 450 and 460 may be formed of an opaque material as well as a transparent material.
At this time, a frame 330 having a predetermined height along the rim of the upper portion of the substrate 300 may be formed to hold the spacer layer 420 on which the electrode sheet 440 is disposed. At this time, the frame 330 may be adhered to the cover layer 100 with an adhesive tape (not shown). 4B, the frame 330 is formed on all the edges of the substrate 300 (e.g., four sides of a tetragonal shape), but the frame 330 may be formed on at least a part of the rim of the substrate 300 Three surfaces). According to an embodiment, the frame 330 may be integrally formed with the substrate 300 on the upper surface of the substrate 300. In an embodiment of the present invention, the frame 330 may be constructed of a material that is not elastic. In the embodiment of the present invention, when the pressure is applied to the display module 200 through the cover layer 100, the display module 200 may be bent together with the cover layer 100, The magnitude of the touch pressure can be detected even if there is no deformation of the mold.
4C is a cross-sectional view of a touch input device including a pressure electrode of an electrode sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention. Although the pressure sensors 450 and 460 are shown separate from the electrode sheet 440 in Figure 4c and some of the figures below, this is for illustrative convenience only and the pressure sensors 450 and 460 are included in the electrode sheet 440 . 4C, an electrode sheet 440 including pressure sensors 450 and 460 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention may be disposed on the substrate 300 as in the spacer layer 420. As shown in FIG.
The pressure electrode for pressure detection may include a first electrode 450 and a second electrode 460. At this time, one of the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460 may be a driving electrode and the other may be a receiving electrode. A driving signal may be applied to the driving electrode and a sensing signal may be obtained through the receiving electrode. When a voltage is applied, mutual capacitance may be generated between the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460.
4D is a cross-sectional view of the touch input apparatus 1000 shown in FIG. The lower surface of the display module 200 may have a ground potential for noise shielding. The cover layer 100 and the display module 200 may be warped or pressed when applying pressure to the surface of the cover layer 100 through the object 500. [ Accordingly, the distance d between the ground potential plane and the pressure sensors 450 and 460 can be reduced to d '. In this case, as the distance d decreases, the fringing capacitance is absorbed to the lower surface of the display module 200, so that the mutual capacitance between the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460 can be reduced have. Accordingly, the magnitude of the touch pressure can be calculated by acquiring the amount of decrease in mutual capacitance in the sensing signal obtained through the receiving electrode.
In FIG. 4D, the lower surface of the display module 200 is the ground potential, that is, the reference potential layer. However, the reference potential layer may be disposed inside the display module 200. In this case, when the pressure is applied to the surface of the cover layer 100 through the object 500, the cover layer 100 and the display module 200 may be bent or pressed. Accordingly, the distance between the reference potential layer disposed inside the display module 200 and the pressure sensors 450 and 460 changes, and thus the capacitance change amount is obtained from the sensing signal obtained through the receiving electrode, Can be calculated.
In the touch input device 1000 to which the electrode sheet 440 according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied, the display module 200 may be bent or pressed according to a touch to apply pressure. The display module 200 can be bent or pressed to show a deformation according to a touch. The position where the display module 200 is deformed when the display module 200 is bent or pressed may not coincide with the touch position, but the display module 200 may exhibit warping at least at the touch position. For example, when the touch position is close to the edge and the edge of the display module 200, the position where the display module 200 is bent or pushed to the greatest degree may be different from the touch position, It is possible to indicate warping or pressing.
At this time, the upper surface of the substrate 300 may also have a ground potential for noise shielding. 5 illustrates a cross section of an electrode sheet according to an embodiment of the present invention. 5A, a cross-sectional view of an electrode sheet 440 including pressure sensors 450 and 460 attached on a substrate 300 or a display module 200 is illustrated. As shown in FIG. Since the pressure sensors 450 and 460 are located between the first insulating layer 470 and the second insulating layer 471 in the electrode sheet 440, The module 200 can be prevented from being short-circuited. Depending on the type and / or implementation of the touch input device 1000, the substrate 300 or the display module 200 to which the pressure sensors 450 and 460 are attached may not exhibit the ground potential or may exhibit a weak ground potential have. In this case, the touch input device 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention may further include a ground electrode (not shown) between the substrate 300 or the display module 200 and the insulating layer 470 . According to an embodiment, another insulating layer (not shown) may further be provided between the ground electrode and the substrate 300 or the display module 200. At this time, the ground electrode (not shown) can prevent the magnitude of capacitance generated between the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460, which are pressure electrodes, from becoming too large.
FIG. 4E illustrates a case where an electrode sheet 440 including pressure sensors 450 and 460 according to an embodiment of the present invention is formed on the lower surface of the display module 200. At this time, the substrate 300 may have a ground potential. Accordingly, as the touch surface of the cover layer 100 is touched, the distance d between the substrate 300 and the pressure sensors 450 and 460 decreases, and as a result, the distance between the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460 Quot;). ≪ / RTI >
The first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460 shown in FIG. 5 are formed in the same layer as the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460, respectively. As shown in FIG. 7A, Type electrodes. Here, the plurality of first electrodes 450 are connected to each other in the first axis direction, and the plurality of second electrodes 460 are connected to each other in the second axis direction orthogonal to the first axis direction. 450 and the second electrode 460 may be formed such that a plurality of diamond-shaped electrodes are connected to each other through a bridge so that the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460 are insulated from each other. At this time, the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460 shown in FIG. 5 may be formed of the electrode shown in FIG. 7B.
The first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460 may be formed in different layers according to an embodiment to form an electrode layer. 5B illustrates a cross-section of the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460 formed on different layers. 5B, the first electrode 450 is formed on the first insulating layer 470 and the second electrode 460 is formed on the first electrode 450, Layer 471 as shown in FIG. According to an embodiment, the second electrode 460 may be covered with a third insulating layer 472. That is, the electrode sheet 440 may include a first insulating layer 470 to a third insulating layer 472, a first electrode 450, and a second electrode 460. At this time, the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460 are located on different layers, so that the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460 overlap each other. For example, the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460 may be formed similar to the pattern of the driving electrode TX and the receiving electrode RX arranged in the MXN structure, as shown in FIG. 7C . At this time, M and N may be natural numbers of 1 or more. Alternatively, the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460 in the rhombic shape may be located on different layers, respectively, as shown in FIG. 7A.
It is exemplified that the touch pressure is detected from the change of mutual capacitance between the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460. However, the electrode sheet 440 may include only the pressure electrode of the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460. In this case, one electrode of the pressure electrode and the ground layer (the display module 200) The substrate 300, or the reference potential layer disposed in the display module 200), that is, the magnitude of the electrostatic capacitance, to detect the magnitude of the touch pressure. At this time, a drive signal is applied to the one pressure electrode, and a change in magnetic capacitance between the pressure electrode and the ground layer can be sensed from the pressure electrode.
For example, the pressure electrode included in the electrode sheet 440 in FIG. 4C may include only the first electrode 450. At this time, depending on the distance between the display module 200 and the first electrode 450, The magnitude of the touch pressure can be detected from the capacitance change between the first electrode 450 and the display module 200. The capacitance d between the display module 200 and the first electrode 450 may increase as the touch pressure increases because the distance d decreases as the touch pressure increases. This can be equally applied to the embodiment related to FIG. 4E. At this time, the pressure electrode need not have a comb-shaped or triangular shape necessary for increasing mutual capacitance change detection accuracy, and any one of the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460 may be formed on one plate , Or a rectangular shape), and the other electrode may be arranged in a lattice pattern at regular intervals as shown in FIG. 7D.
5C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the electrode sheet 440 including only the first electrode 450. FIG. The electrode sheet 440 including the first electrode 450 may be disposed on the substrate 300 or the display module 200, as illustrated in FIG. 5 (c).
4F illustrates a case in which the pressure sensors 450 and 460 are formed on the upper surface of the substrate 300 and the lower surface of the display module 200 in the spacer layer 420. The electrode sheet may include a first electrode sheet 440-1 including a first electrode 450 and a second electrode sheet 440-2 including a second electrode 460. [ At this time, either one of the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460 may be formed on the substrate 300, and the other one may be formed on the lower surface of the display module 200. 4F illustrates that the first electrode 450 is formed on the substrate 300 and the second electrode 460 is formed on the lower surface of the display module 200. [
The cover layer 100 and the display module 200 may be warped or pressed when applying pressure to the surface of the cover layer 100 through the object 500. [ Accordingly, the distance d between the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460 can be reduced. In this case, the mutual capacitance between the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460 may increase as the distance d decreases. Accordingly, it is possible to calculate the magnitude of the touch pressure by acquiring the increase amount of mutual capacitance in the sensing signal obtained through the receiving electrode. In this case, since the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460 are formed on different layers in FIG. 4F, the first electrode 450 and the second electrode 460 need not have a comb-like shape or a trident shape 7D, a plurality of first electrodes 450 and a plurality of second electrodes 460 may be arranged in a lattice pattern at regular intervals (see FIG. 7D) .
5D illustrates a first electrode sheet 440-1 including a first electrode 450 and a second electrode sheet 440-1 attached on the substrate 300 and including a second electrode 460. [ 2) is attached to the display module 200. FIG. The first electrode sheet 440-1 including the first electrode 450 may be disposed on the substrate 300, as illustrated in FIG. 5 (d). In addition, the second electrode sheet 440-2 including the second electrode 460 may be disposed on the lower surface of the display module 200.
5 (a), when the substrate 300 or the display module 200 to which the pressure sensors 450 and 460 are attached does not exhibit the ground potential or exhibits a weak ground potential, as shown in FIG. 5 the electrode sheet 440 in FIGS. 4A to 4D may include a ground electrode (not shown) between the substrate 300 or the display module 200 and the first insulation layers 470, 470-1 and 470-2 . At this time, the electrode sheet 440 may further include an additional insulation layer (not shown) between the ground electrode (not shown) and the substrate 300 or the display module 200.
The pressure sensors 450 and 460 for sensing the amount of capacitance change in the touch input device 1000 according to the present invention may be formed directly on the display panel 200A. 6A to 6C are cross-sectional views illustrating embodiments of pressure sensors 450 and 460 formed directly on various display panels 200A.
6A shows pressure sensors 450 and 460 formed on a display panel 200A using an LCD panel. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6A, pressure sensors 450 and 460 may be formed on the bottom surface of the second substrate layer 262. In this case, although the second polarizing layer 272 is omitted in FIG. 6A, the pressure between the pressure sensors 450 and 460 and the back light unit 275, or between the pressure electrodes 450 and 460 and the second substrate layer 262, The second polarizing layer 272 may be disposed between the first polarizing layer 271 and the second polarizing layer 272. When a touch pressure is detected based on the amount of mutual capacitance change when a pressure is applied to the touch input device 1000, a drive signal is applied to the drive electrode 450, From the receiving electrode 460, an electrical signal including information on the electrostatic capacitance which changes in accordance with a change in distance between the potential layer 300 and the pressure sensors 450 and 460. A driving signal is applied to the pressure sensors 450 and 460 and the reference potential layer 300 separated from the pressure sensors 450 and 460 and the pressure sensor 450 , 460) from pressure sensors (450, 460).
Next, Fig. 6B shows pressure sensors 450 and 460 formed on the lower surface of the display panel 200A using an OLED panel (in particular, an AM-OLED panel). Specifically, the pressure sensors 450 and 460 may be formed on the bottom surface of the second substrate layer 283. At this time, the method of detecting the pressure is the same as that described in Fig. 6A.
Next, Fig. 6C shows the pressure sensors 450 and 460 formed in the display panel 200A using the OLED panel. Specifically, pressure sensors 450 and 460 may be formed on the upper surface of the second substrate layer 283. At this time, the method of detecting the pressure is the same as that described in Fig. 6A.
6C, the display panel 200A using the OLED panel has been described. However, the pressure sensors 450 and 460 are formed on the upper surface of the second substrate layer 272 of the display panel 200A using the LCD panel .
6A to 6B, the pressure sensors 450 and 460 are formed on the upper surface or the lower surface of the second substrate layers 272 and 283. However, the pressure sensors 450 and 460 may be formed on the first substrate layers 261 and 281, Or on the upper surface or the lower surface.
The pressure sensors 450 and 460 for sensing the amount of capacitance change in the touch input apparatus 1000 according to the present invention include a first electrode 450 formed directly on the display panel 200A and a second electrode 450 formed in the form of an electrode sheet, Electrode 460 as shown in FIG. Specifically, the first electrode 450 is formed directly on the display panel 200A as illustrated in FIGS. 6A to 6C, and the second electrode 460 is formed in the form of an electrode sheet as illustrated in FIGS. And can be attached to the touch input apparatus 1000.
8 to 11 illustrate a touch input method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The touch input method implements user authentication by utilizing image information generated by the pressure magnitude, movement path information, and tilt information of the touch input device. I would like to describe how to do this.
Conventionally, when a user wants to sign on a touch screen in order to perform user authentication such as electronic payment or member authentication, a touch input is performed on the touch screen directly using a hand or a pen to generate a handwriting image as shown in FIG. 9B. That is, a desired handwriting image is generated by performing a touch drawing directly on the touch screen with a hand or a pen.
However, in this case, the touch input device 1000 can receive the incorrect information because the correct touch input is not performed even though the user input is effective by directly signing.
Thus, in the case of the present invention, the user applies only the pressure touch to the touch screen, and the object such as the hand or the pen is no longer moved while the pressure touch is applied, The same image can be generated.
By moving the user's other body parts such as the arm or elbow, user authentication can be performed more easily than touching the touch screen directly with a hand or a pen.
In addition, since the user input is performed in the 3D space instead of the input in the narrow area called the touch screen, the number of mistakes in the user input can be reduced, and more accurate user authentication becomes possible.
8 is a flowchart of a touch input method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8, according to the touch input method for pressure touch according to the embodiment of the present invention, the processor 1500 can receive the pressure touch detection information of the user for the touch input device (S810) The pressure touch according to an embodiment of the present invention is a touch having a pressure of a predetermined magnitude or more and is sensed by pressure sensors 450 and 460. Specifically, it may mean a touch having a force enough to cause a warp in the touch screen, or a touch having a force enough to recognize pressure applied to the pressure sensors 450 and 460 .
That is, the general touch may mean a TAB TOUCH or a LONG TOUCH before reaching the pressure touch, and the pressure touch means a touch that the size information of the touch pressure indicates a predetermined threshold value or more .
As shown in FIG. 9A, when an object is pressurized by pressing a touch input device according to an embodiment of the present invention, a predetermined touch region (FIGS. 9A and 1020) is generated, The size of the region 1020 can be increased, and accordingly, the width of at least one image (described later) according to the present invention can be increased. For example, as shown in FIG. 9B, when the image having the first width increases the intensity of the touch pressure, the second image having the width larger than the first width may be changed as shown in FIG. 11A. Specifically, the generated at least one image may be a signature image, and at least one of the images may be composed of one or a plurality of strokes. At this time, the thickness of the stroke may be different according to the size information of the touch pressure. Preferably, the larger the touch pressure, the thicker the stroke. Conversely, according to the embodiment, the larger the touch pressure, the thinner the stroke. The processor 1500 may control the thickness of the corresponding strokes to change when the size information of the touch pressure is changed while generating the signature image.
Meanwhile, in the case of the present invention, it is possible to generate the touch pressure magnitude information by detecting the capacitance change amount with respect to the pressure sensors 450 and 460. The predetermined object for applying pressure to the touch input device of the present invention may include at least one of a user's hand and a pen.
The processor 1500 determines whether the magnitude of the touch pressure is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value and determines that the touch pressure is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value in operation S820. If not, execution of the present invention can be terminated.
When the processor 1500 determines that the magnitude of the touch pressure indicates a predetermined threshold value or more, the processor 1500 may generate at least one image using the sensor information by the sensor unit 1004-3. (S820, S860) At least one image according to the embodiment of the present invention is a handwriting image (①②③) as shown in FIG. 9B, and each image (① or ② or ③) As shown in Fig.
More specifically, the processor 1500 may use at least one of the acceleration measurement information of the touch input apparatus 1000 sensed by the acceleration sensor and the inclination information of the touch input apparatus 1000 sensed by the gyro sensor (S830 to S860). The processor 1500 generates movement path information (including a movement distance) of the touch input device from the acceleration measurement information, generates at least one image from the movement path information can do. At this time, the processor 1500 can determine the trajectory (or shape) of the generated image in accordance with the movement route information of the touch input apparatus 1000.
At this time, the tilt information of the touch input device can be detected by the acceleration sensor in addition to the rotational angular velocity by the gyro sensor. Alternatively, the inclination of the touch input device can be detected by using the information of the gyro sensor and the acceleration sensor together.
The movement path information generation by the acceleration sensor according to the embodiment of the present invention and the resulting at least one image are as shown in FIG.
For example, as shown in FIG. 9A, when the user holds the touch input device 1000 (grips) and applies the pressure touch with the thumb, the touch input device 1000 is moved in a predetermined direction such as up, down, left, , At least one image (D, Dou) is generated and displayed on the touch screen 1001 as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B. Here, FIG. 10A assumes that the touch input device is on the left side of the user, and FIG. 10B assumes that the touch input device is on the right side of the user. Specifically, when the touch input apparatus 1000 is moved in a predetermined direction, the processor 1500 generates movement route information of the touch input apparatus 1000 as acceleration measurement information by the acceleration sensor, The trajectory (or shape) of at least one image as shown in Figs. 10A and 10B can be determined.
An example of the movement route information of the touch input apparatus 1000 is shown in Fig. 10C.
As shown in FIG. 10C, the movement route information indicates that the user moves the touch input apparatus 1000 from right to left (A), from left to right (B), from upward to downward (D) moving from the upward direction to the downward direction (d), and the movement of the touch input device 1000 to the front or rear surface (bar).
On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 10A, in order to express "D" composed of (a) stroke and (b) stroke on the 3D space, when the user first touches the touch input apparatus 1000, The processor 1500 generates a stroke (a) in FIG. 10A. When the touch input apparatus 1000 is moved downward while moving from the left to the right as shown in (b) of FIG. 10 and moving from the right to the left as shown in (a) (B) of Fig. 10A.
At this time, when the user completes the "D" as shown in FIG. 10A, if the user moves the touch input device 1000 to the right with respect to the user and generates movement route information of the touch input device as shown in FIG. "Dou" is generated and displayed on the touch screen 1001 as shown in Fig.
Meanwhile, according to the embodiment of the present invention, slope information may be added together with movement path information to generate an image, and examples in which slope information is added will be described in FIGS. 11B to 11D.
As shown in FIGS. 11B to 11D, the processor 1500 can control the inclination of at least one image of the present invention to be different according to the inclination of the touch input apparatus 1000. [
For example, as shown in FIG. 11B, when the touch input apparatus 1000 is tilted at a predetermined angle? As shown in FIG. 11C in a state where the touch input apparatus 1000 is horizontally aligned with the ground, As shown in Fig. That is, the angle (?) At which the image is inclined may be an angle at which the center point (P) of the image is inclined by a predetermined angle (?) With respect to the ground surface. (In the present invention, the x-axis, the y-axis form a plane parallel to the paper surface, and the 3D space is formed on the z-axis)
On the other hand, when the touch input apparatus 1000 is tilted at a predetermined angle (-θ) as shown in FIG. 11D while the touch input apparatus 1000 is horizontally aligned with the ground as shown in FIG. 11B, An image that is symmetric with respect to the image of 11c (converted 180 degrees) can be generated and displayed.
As described above, in addition to the travel route information of the touch input apparatus 1000, the inclination information also contributes to image generation, thereby effectively giving the user aesthetic effect.
Meanwhile, the processor 1500 of the present invention can verify the validity of the user based on the generated image information (s880). For example, the image information of the present invention can be used as handwriting information related to digital signature information for electronic settlement, member authentication, and the like.
At this time, the user authentication information may be stored in the memory 1005, and the processor 1500 may verify user validity by comparing the user authentication information stored in the memory with the generated at least one image. s890)
If it is determined that the user is a valid user, the corresponding command corresponding to the authentication information can be executed. For example, the electronic settlement corresponding to the member authentication information can be executed. On the other hand, if the result of the determination that the review result information is an invalid user is an information, a separate error message can be output. (s900 to s910)
On the other hand, the processor 1500 can determine whether the user is a valid user in the generation speed of the stroke or in the generation order. Alternatively, it is possible to judge whether the user is valid by using the shape of the generated stroke. Here, the shape of the stroke may include the thickness of the strokes described above, and may be used as a concept including a handwriting such as italics. The signature of the first user (ex> DOU) and the signature of the second user (ex> ADA) As shown in FIG. Particularly, the acceleration sensor is a sensor that detects a change in speed per unit time, and detects a dynamic force such as an acceleration vibration, an impact or the like. Based on the generation speed of image information detected through the acceleration sensor according to the embodiment of the present invention , The processor 1500 may verify the user validity. For example, if the handwritten image type is compared with the stored information in the memory to verify validity, and the image information is generated quickly or slowly in a range outside the average speed range, It can be judged. Information on the average speed range can be stored in memory as a threshold range. In addition, when the handwriting image generation order is the first order, it is determined that the user is a valid user, and when the handwritten image generation order is the second order, the user is determined as an invalid user.
For example, if the handwriting image is generated in the left-to-right direction of 1-> 2-> 3 of the handwriting image as shown in FIG. 9B, The processor 1500 may determine this to be an invalid user. In this case, it is possible to verify the case where the user deviates from the usual writing habit, so that the unauthorized user can be easily verified.
In the meantime, an embodiment using a pressure sensor for detecting a touch pressure according to an embodiment of the present invention has been described. Hereinafter, an embodiment using a strain gauge to detect touch pressure or force will be described.
In one embodiment, the touch input device according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a display panel 200A formed with a strain gauge for pressure detection, and can detect a touch force based on a change in the resistance value of the strain gauge have.
13A is a cross-sectional view of a touch input device including a strain gauge according to an embodiment of the present invention. 13A, the strain gauge 450 according to the embodiment of the present invention may be formed on the bottom surface of the display panel 200A.
13B is a sectional view when a force is applied to the touch input apparatus 1000 shown in FIG. 13A. The top surface of the substrate 300 may have a ground potential for noise shielding. The cover layer 100 and the display panel 200A may be warped or pressed when a force is applied to the surface of the cover layer 100 through the object 500. [ As the display panel 200A is warped, the strain gage 450 formed on the display panel 200A is deformed, and thus the resistance value of the strain gage 450 can be changed. The magnitude of the touch force can be calculated from the change of the resistance value.
In the touch input device 1000 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the display panel 200A can be bent or pressed according to a touch to apply a force. The display panel 200A can be bent or pressed to show a deformation according to a touch. According to the embodiment, the position where the display panel 200A is deformed when the display panel 200A is bent or pressed may not coincide with the touch position, but the display panel 200A may exhibit warping at least at the touch position. For example, when the touch position is close to the edge and the edge of the display panel 200A, the position where the display panel 200A is warped or pressed most greatly may be different from the touch position, It is possible to indicate warping or pressing.
13A to 13E are plan views of an exemplary force sensor capable of sensing a force used in a touch input device according to the present invention. In this case, the force sensor may be a strain gauge. A strain gauge is a device whose electrical resistance varies in proportion to the amount of strain, and generally a metal-bonded strain gauge can be used.
Materials that can be used for the strain gage include transparent conductive materials such as conductive polymers (PEDOT), indium tin oxide (ITO), antimony tin oxide (ATO), carbon nanotubes (CNT), graphene ), Gallium zinc oxide, indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO), tin oxide (SnO2), indium oxide (In2O3), zinc oxide (ZnO), gallium oxide (Ga2O3) Cadmium (CdO), other doped metal oxides, piezoresistive elements, piezoresistive semiconductor materials, piezoresistive metal materials, silver nanowires, platinum nanowires, nickel nanowires, and other metallic nanowires may be used. Examples of opaque materials include silver ink, copper, nano silver, carbon nanotube (CNT), Constantan alloy, Karma alloys, doped Polycrystalline silicon, doped amorphous silicon, doped single crystal silicon, doped other semiconductor material, and the like can be used.
As shown in Fig. 13A, the metal strain gauge may be composed of a metal foil arranged in a lattice-like manner. The lattice type method can maximize the deformation amount of the metal wire or foil which is likely to be deformed in the parallel direction. At this time, the vertical lattice cross-section of the strain gage 450 shown in Fig. 13A can be minimized to reduce the effects of shear strain and Poisson strain.
In the example of FIG. 13A, the strain gage 450 may include traces 451 that are not in contact while they are in an at rest state, i.e., are not strained or otherwise deformed, have. The strain gage may have a nominal resistance, such as 1.8 K? 0.1% in the absence of strain or force. As a basic parameter of the strain gauge, the sensitivity to strain can be expressed by the gauge coefficient (GF). At this time, the gauge coefficient can be defined as a ratio of the electrical resistance change to the change in length (strain) and can be expressed as a function of the strain epsilon as follows.
Where R is the variation of the strain gage resistance, R is the resistance of the undeformed strain gage, and GF is the gauge coefficient.
At this time, in order to measure small changes in resistance, strain gauges are used in bridge settings with voltage driven sources in most cases. 13B and 13C illustrate exemplary strain gauges that can be applied to a touch input device according to the present invention. As shown in the example of FIG. 13B, the strain gage is included in a Wheatstone bridge 3000 having four different resistances (shown as R1, R2, R3, R4) The resistance of the gauge can be sensed (for other resistors). The bridge 3000 is coupled to a force sensor interface (not shown) to receive a drive signal (voltage VEX) from a touch controller (not shown) to drive the strain gage and generate a sense signal ) To the touch controller. At this time, the output voltage VO of the bridge 3000 can be expressed as follows.
When R1 / R2 = R4 / R3 in the above equation, the output voltage VO becomes zero. Under this condition, the bridge 3000 is in a balanced state. At this time, when the resistance value of any one of the resistors included in the bridge 3000 is changed, a non-zero output voltage VO is outputted.
13C, when the strain gage 450 is RG and the RG changes, a change in the strain gage 450 resistance causes an imbalance in the bridge and a non-zero output voltage VO . When the nominal resistance of the strain gage 450 is RG, the change in resistance R induced by deformation can be expressed as? R = RG x GF x? Through the above gage coefficient equation. Assuming that R1 = R2 and R3 = RG, the bridge equation is rewritten as a function of the strain? Of VO / VEX as follows.
Although the bridge of Figure 13c includes only one strain gage 450, it can be used up to four strain gauges at the locations shown as R1, R2, R3, R4 included in the bridge of Figure 13b, It will be appreciated that the resistance change can be used to sense the applied force.
13A and 13B, when a force is applied to the display panel 200A on which the strain gauge 450 is formed, the display panel 200A is warped and the display panel 200A is warped, And the trace 451 becomes longer and narrower, thereby increasing the resistance of the strain gauge 450. [0064] As the applied force increases, the resistance of the strain gage 450 may correspondingly increase. Therefore, if the force sensor controller 1300 detects an increase in the resistance value of the strain gauge 450, the rise can be interpreted as a force applied to the display panel 200A.
In another embodiment, bridge 3000 may be integrated with force sensor controller 1300, in which case at least one of the resistors R1, R2, R3 may be replaced by a resistor in force sensor controller 1300 have. For example, resistors R2 and R3 may be replaced by resistors in force sensor controller 1300 and bridge 3000 may be formed by strain gage 450 and resistor R1. Thus, the space occupied by the bridge 3000 can be reduced.
Since the strain gauge 450 shown in Fig. 13A has a large variation in the length of the trace 451 with respect to deformation in the horizontal direction because the traces 451 are aligned in the horizontal direction, sensitivity to deformation in the horizontal direction is high, As for the deformation in the direction, the change in the length of the trace 451 is relatively small, so that the sensitivity to deformation in the vertical direction is low. As shown in FIG. 13D, the strain gage 450 includes a plurality of sub-regions, and the alignment direction of the traces 451 included in each sub-region can be configured differently. By configuring the strain gauge 450 including the traces 451 having different alignment directions, the sensitivity difference of the strain gauge 450 with respect to the strain direction can be reduced.
The touch input apparatus 1000 according to the present invention may include a force sensor composed of a single channel by forming one strain gauge 450 under the display panel 200A as shown in Figs. 13A and 13D. In addition, the touch input apparatus 1000 according to the present invention may include a plurality of strain gages 450 formed under the display panel 200A as shown in FIG. The magnitude of each of a plurality of forces for a plurality of touches may be simultaneously sensed by using the plurality of force sensors composed of a plurality of channels.
The features, structures, effects and the like described in the embodiments are included in one embodiment of the present invention and are not necessarily limited to only one embodiment. Furthermore, the features, structures, effects and the like illustrated in the embodiments can be combined and modified by other persons skilled in the art to which the embodiments belong. Therefore, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to these combinations and modifications.
While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration and example only and is not to be taken by way of illustration, It can be seen that various modifications and applications are possible. For example, each component specifically shown in the embodiments can be modified and implemented. It is to be understood that all changes and modifications that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.
