KR102175668B1 - Electronic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

An electronic device according to an embodiment includes: a touch sensing unit; And an input unit disposed on the touch sensing unit and including a cover substrate on which an input pattern is formed, wherein the touch sensing unit includes: a substrate including an effective area including a plurality of unit cells; And a sensing line disposed on the effective area of the substrate and sensing by a time domain measurement method.

Description

Electronic device {ELECTRONIC APPARATUS}

The embodiment relates to an electronic device.

As electronic engineering technology and information technology continue to develop, the proportion of electronic devices in daily life including work environments is steadily increasing. In recent years, the types of electronic devices have also become very diverse. In addition, electronic devices with new designs with new functions are pouring out every day.

As the types of electronic devices encountered in daily life are gradually diversified, and functions of each electronic device become more sophisticated and complex, the need for a user interface that can be easily learned and intuitively operated by a user is raised.

Accordingly, there is a need for an electronic device including a new input device capable of meeting this need. An input device refers to a device that senses a user's contact position and performs overall control of an electronic device by using information on the sensed contact position as input information. In addition, the new input device requires a location detection method for more precise and simple location recognition.

The embodiment is to provide an electronic device including a touch sensing unit.

An electronic device according to an embodiment includes: a touch sensing unit; And an input unit disposed on the touch sensing unit and including a cover substrate on which an input pattern is formed, wherein the touch sensing unit includes: a substrate including an effective area including a plurality of unit cells; And a sensing line disposed on the effective area of the substrate and sensing by a time domain measurement method.

An electronic device according to an embodiment includes a touch sensing unit including a sensing line that senses by a time domain measurement method. Compared to the conventional capacitive method, the touch sensing unit can recognize delicate touches.

In addition, the touch sensing speed can be increased to several µs (microseconds). Accordingly, the electronic device according to the embodiment may more accurately and quickly sense the touch position of the touch user, and perform overall control using information on the sensed touch position as input information.

Further, the electronic device according to the embodiment may be formed to have flexible characteristics including flexible substrates, or may be curved or bent to form a curved electronic device. In addition, the electronic device according to the embodiment may be formed as a transparent electronic device or a translucent electronic device including transparent substrates. Due to this, it is easy to carry and can be changed into various designs.

1 is a perspective view of an electronic device according to a first embodiment.
2 is a diagram illustrating a touch sensing unit of an electronic device according to the first embodiment.
3 and 4 are diagrams for explaining a sensing method of a sensing line.
5 is a diagram illustrating an input unit of an electronic device according to the first embodiment.
6 is a diagram illustrating an input unit of an electronic device according to a second embodiment.
7 is a diagram illustrating an input unit of an electronic device according to a third embodiment.
8 is a diagram illustrating an input unit of an electronic device according to a fourth embodiment.
9 is a perspective view of an electronic device according to a fifth embodiment.
10 is a diagram illustrating a touch sensing unit of an electronic device according to a fifth embodiment.
11 is a diagram illustrating a touch sensing unit of an electronic device according to a sixth embodiment.

In the description of the embodiments, each layer (film), region, pattern, or structure is “on” or “under/under” the substrate, each layer (film), region, pad or patterns. The description that "is formed in" includes both directly or through another layer. The criteria for the top/top or bottom/bottom of each layer will be described based on the drawings.

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

1 is a perspective view of an electronic device according to a first embodiment. 2 is a diagram illustrating a touch sensing unit of an electronic device according to a first embodiment, and FIGS. 3 and 4 are diagrams for explaining a sensing method of a sensing line. 5 is a diagram illustrating an input unit of an electronic device according to the first embodiment.

1 and 2, an electronic device according to an embodiment includes a touch sensing unit and an input unit. The input unit may be disposed on the touch sensing unit. An input pattern is formed in the input unit so that a user can touch a suitable location. The touch sensing unit may sense a user's contact position and control the electronic device by using information on the sensed contact position as input information.

The input unit includes a cover substrate 15 on which an input pattern is formed. In addition, the touch sensing unit includes a substrate 10. A sensing line 100 sensing by a time domain measurement method is formed on the substrate 10 of the touch sensing unit.

In detail, the substrate 10 of the touch sensing unit includes an effective area AA through which a user's touch command input is possible. In the drawing, the boundary of the effective area AA and the end of the substrate 10 are shown to be spaced apart from each other, but the boundary between the end of the substrate 10 and the effective area AA may be the same. That is, if necessary, the entire surface of the substrate 10 may be the effective area AA.

The sensing line 100 is formed on the effective area AA. One sensing line 100 may be formed in one effective area AA. In addition, although only one effective area AA and one sensing line 100 are shown in the drawing, the substrate 10 includes a plurality of effective areas AA and includes a plurality of sensing lines 100. I can.

The substrate 10 of the touch sensing unit and the cover substrate 15 of the input unit may include glass or plastic. For example, the substrate 10 and the cover substrate 15 may include reinforced glass, semi-reinforced glass, soda lime glass, or reinforced plastic.

In addition, the substrate 10 and the cover substrate 15 may include a photoisotropic film. For example, the substrate 10 and the cover substrate 15 may include COC, COP, photoisotropic polycarbonate (PC), photoisotropic polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), and the like.

However, the exemplary embodiment is not limited thereto, and the substrate 10 may include various materials capable of supporting the sensing line 100 formed thereon. In addition, the cover substrate 15 may have an input pattern formed thereon, and may include various materials capable of protecting the touch sensing unit.

In addition, the substrate 10 and the cover substrate 15 may be flexible substrates having flexible characteristics. That is, the electronic device according to the embodiment may be a flexible electronic device. Further, the substrate 10 and the cover substrate 15 may be curved or bent substrates. In this case, the electronic device may also be curved or bent to form a curved electronic device. Due to this, it is easy to carry and can be changed into various designs.

In addition, the substrate 10 and the cover substrate 15 may be transparent substrates, and the electronic device may be formed of a transparent electronic device or a translucent electronic device. For example, the touch sensing unit may have transparency, and the input unit may have transparency or translucency. In this case, the touch sensing unit may include a transparent substrate 10 and a transparent sensing line 100 formed on the substrate 10. The input unit may include a transparent cover substrate 15 on which a transparent or translucent input pattern is formed. That is, as the input pattern is formed to be transparent or translucent, the electronic device may be formed as a transparent electronic device or a translucent electronic device.

Through this, the transparent electronic device or the translucent electronic device may replace transparent glass. The transparent electronic device or the semi-transparent electronic device replacing transparent glass may check an object or an image on a rear surface of the electronic device. In addition, an input pattern may be manipulated while checking an object or an image on the back of the electronic device.

For example, the transparent electronic device or the translucent electronic device may be mounted on a window or vending machine instead of transparent glass. In addition, in order to select an object on the back of the electronic device, an input pattern of the electronic device may be selected or manipulated.

The sensing line 100 may be formed of a metal, a transparent conductive material, or a conductive polymer. When the sensing line 100 is formed of metal, there is an advantage in that resistance is small and quick recognition is possible. For example, the sensing line 100 may include Cu, Au, Ag, Al, Ti, Ni, or an alloy thereof. In addition, the sensing line 100 may include a nanowire, a photosensitive nanowire film, a carbon nanotube (CNT), graphene, or various metals.

When the sensing line 100 is formed of a transparent conductive material, light may be transmitted from the rear surfaces of the touch sensing unit and the input unit, and the transparent electronic device or the translucent electronic device may be formed. For example, the transparent conductive material is indium tin oxide, indium zinc oxide, copper oxide, tin oxide, zinc oxide, titanium oxide It may contain metal oxides such as (titanium oxide).

When the sensing line 100 is formed of a conductive polymer, it is possible to form a transparent electronic device or a semi-transparent electronic device such as a transparent conductive material. In addition, since the conductive polymer has flexibility, it can be applied to a flexible electronic device or a curved electronic device. In addition, the conductive polymer may be a material having a low density to form a light weight electronic device.

In addition, the sensing line 100 may include a conductive pattern. For example, the conductive pattern may be arranged in a mesh shape. The mesh shape may be randomly formed to prevent moire phenomenon. The moire phenomenon is a pattern created by overlapping periodic stripes. As neighboring stripes overlap, the thickness of the stripes becomes thicker, making them stand out compared to other stripes. Therefore, in order to prevent such moire phenomenon, the conductive pattern shape may be variously arranged.

Specifically, the conductive pattern may include an opening and a line part. In this case, the line width of the conductive pattern line portion may be 0.1 μm to 10 μm. A conductive pattern wire portion having a line width of 0.1 μm or less may not be possible due to a manufacturing process. When the line width is 10 μm or less, the pattern of the sensing line 100 may be made invisible. Preferably, the line width of the conductive pattern line portion may be 1 µm to 7 µm. More preferably, the line width of the line portion of the conductive pattern may be 2 μm to 5 μm.

In addition, the opening of the conductive pattern may be uniformly arranged in various shapes such as a square, diamond, pentagon, hexagonal polygonal shape or circular shape. That is, the conductive pattern may have a regular shape.

However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the conductive pattern may have an irregular shape. That is, various conductive pattern openings may be provided in one conductive pattern.

When the sensing line 100 has a mesh shape, even if the sensing line 100 is formed of a metal material, the pattern may not be seen. In addition, since the resistance of the sensing line 100 can be lowered, it can be applied to a large-sized substrate 10 and an electronic device. In addition, when the substrate 10 and the electronic device are bent, the sensing line 100 may be bent without physical damage. Accordingly, it is possible to improve the bending characteristics and reliability of the electronic device.

The sensing line 100 may include a pattern extending in one direction and a pattern extending in a direction different from the one direction. For example, the sensing line 100 may be formed of a linear pattern extending in a first direction and a curved pattern extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

Patterns having different directions may be alternately and repeatedly arranged to fill the entire surface of the effective area AA. That is, the sensing line 100 may have a certain symmetry and repeatability. However, the exemplary embodiment is not limited to the drawings, and may include various patterns capable of filling the entire surface of the effective area AA through repetitive arrangement.

Further, although not shown in the drawing, a ground electrode may be further disposed adjacent to the sensing line 100. The ground electrode serves to prevent static electricity or ESD from outside from flowing into the electronic device. Accordingly, generation of static electricity in the electronic device can be prevented, and a sensing failure can be prevented. Through this, it is possible to improve the accuracy and reliability of the touch by preventing signal interference.

3 and 4, the sensing line 100 is sensed through a time domain reflection (TDR) measurement method, and a touch position may be recognized. That is, the sensing line 100 is sensed by a time domain measurement method. The time domain measurement method means that a pulse is applied to one end (100a) of the sensing line 100, the pulse proceeds to the other end (100b) of the sensing line 100, and reflects a reflected pulse from a touch point. This is a method of outputting from one end 100a of the sensing line 100.

Specifically, a pulse is applied to one end 100a of the sensing line 100. While the pulse A proceeds along the pattern of the sensing line 100, some signals B are transmitted at a point (touch point, T) having an impedance greater than the impedance of the applied pulse A. , Some signals C are reflected and returned. The magnitude of the impedance can be compared by its absolute value.

In this case, the TDR measurement method is a method of detecting the touch position by analyzing the reflected pulse. For example, it is possible to detect the touch position by measuring the time it takes for the reflected pulse to arrive. That is, it is possible to recognize the touch position based on the transmission line theory.

Specifically, energy pulses are transmitted in an electrically conductive path (eg, a sensing line) having a constant impedance. At this time, the sensing line has a characteristic impedance, and when the sensing line is terminated with its characteristic impedance, a reflection pulse is not transmitted. That is, when the sensing line is terminated, there will be no reflected pulse returning to the starting point of the sensing line where the pulse was generated.

On the other hand, if the electrically conductive path is unterminated, or if there is a change in impedance along the electrically conductive path, some or all of the pulse is reflected to the starting point at which the pulse occurred. That is, when the sensing line is non-terminated, there will be a positive reflection pulse returning to the starting point of the sensing line where the transmitted pulse has occurred.

Also, if there is an impedance difference anywhere along the sensing line, a reflected pulse will be generated and detected. For example, an increase in capacitance along the sensing line (eg, a finger touch) may cause the negative reflection pulse to return to the starting point of the sensing line. The time it takes for the reflected pulse to reach the starting point is used to determine the distance to the point at which the impedance difference occurs.

Accordingly, an impedance greater than the impedance of the pulse passing through the sensing line 100 is formed at the touched point T. For this reason, by digitally converting and analyzing the pulse reflected from the touch point, data corresponding to a value lower or higher than a threshold in the Time Domain can be extracted. Thereafter, the x, y (2D) coordinates, which are touch coordinates, may be recognized based on the address corresponding to the extracted reflected pulse data.

The sensing line 100 includes one end 100a to which a pulse is generated and applied, and the other end 100b to which the pulse is transmitted along the sensing line 100 and terminated. One end 100a of the sensing line 100 may be connected to the circuit unit 50.

The circuit unit 50 drives and senses the sensing line 100. For example, the circuit unit 50 may include a pulse generator and a TDR measurement unit.

The pulse generator is a device that applies a pulse to the sensing line 100. In addition, the TDR measuring unit converts analog-type reflected pulses into digital data, extracts reflected pulse data corresponding to a value lower or higher than a threshold range from the digitally converted data, and touch coordinates based on the address corresponding thereto. It is a device that recognizes.

Through this TDR measurement method, the diameter of the touch tip can be reduced. For example, the diameter of the touch tip can be reduced to 0.5 to 0.8 compared to the conventional capacitive method. Therefore, delicate touch recognition is possible. In addition, it is possible to improve the touch sensing speed compared to the conventional capacitive method. That is, the touch sensing speed can be increased to several µs (microseconds).

Referring to FIG. 5, the input unit includes a cover substrate 15 on which an input pattern is formed. The input pattern of the input unit may be a character or function input pattern. The input pattern of the input unit may be a visually recognized physical pattern.

In this case, the input pattern may be formed by printing on the cover substrate 15. That is, the input pattern may be a pattern printed on the cover substrate 15. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is sufficient if the input pattern is formed in a pattern that allows the user to visually recognize that it is an appropriate location for a desired input.

In this case, the electronic device including the input unit and the touch sensing unit is a keyboard. The input pattern is not limited to the drawings, and may be formed in various forms capable of configuring a keyboard.

In detail, the input unit may include an input pattern composed of Korean characters, English characters, numbers, special characters, or function keys, like a typewriter. The electronic device cannot be used alone, and can be paired with an image display device to check, edit, and modify the input content.

Conventional keyboards operate by measuring the amount of electric charge or current flow as a key is pressed, and a metal spring, a rubber dome, and a sponge are used to return to a state before the key is pressed. In addition, in the conventional keyboard, a fixed plastic frame was used to support a plurality of keys. For this reason, the conventional keyboard is difficult to form a flexible electronic device, there is a problem that it is difficult to carry.

The electronic device according to the embodiment may be formed to be thinner than a conventional keyboard, and may be flexible, curved or bent to form a curved shape, and may form a transparent or translucent keyboard. . That is, it is easy to carry and can be formed in various designs.

Hereinafter, an input unit of an electronic device according to other embodiments will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8. 6 to 8 are diagrams illustrating input units of electronic devices according to the second to fourth embodiments, respectively. In the electronic device according to the second to fourth embodiments, except for the input unit, the touch sensing unit may be the same as the first embodiment. Also, a description of the same and similar parts as the description of the electronic device according to the above-described embodiment may be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 6, the input unit includes a cover substrate 25 on which an input pattern is formed. The input pattern of the input unit may be a visually recognized physical pattern. The input pattern of the input unit may be a keyboard input pattern.

In this case, the input pattern may be formed by printing on the cover substrate 25. That is, the input pattern may be a pattern printed on the cover substrate 25. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is sufficient if the input pattern is formed in a pattern that allows the user to visually recognize that it is an appropriate location for a desired input. In this case, the electronic device including the input unit is a keyboard. The keyboard is a performance device and means a board in which a plurality of keys are arranged in parallel. The input pattern may emit sounds of different heights by the user's touch. The input pattern is not limited to the drawings, and may be formed in various forms that may constitute a keyboard.

The cover substrate 25 may include glass or plastic. For example, the cover substrate 25 may include reinforced glass, semi-reinforced glass, soda lime glass, or reinforced plastic. In addition, the cover substrate 25 may include a photoisotropic film. For example, the cover substrate 25 may include COC, COP, photoisotropic polycarbonate (PC), photoisotropic polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), and the like.

However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and the cover substrate 25 may include various materials capable of forming the input pattern and protecting the touch sensing unit.

In addition, the cover substrate 25 may be a flexible substrate having flexible characteristics. In this case, the electronic device according to the embodiment may be a flexible electronic device. In addition, the cover substrate 25 may be a curved or bent substrate. In this case, the electronic device may also be curved or bent to form a curved electronic device. In addition, the cover substrate 25 may be a transparent substrate. In addition, the input pattern formed on the cover substrate 25 may be a transparent or translucent pattern. For this reason, the electronic device may be formed as a transparent electronic device or a translucent electronic device. Due to this, it is easy to carry and can be changed into various designs.

Referring to FIG. 7, the input unit includes a cover substrate 35 on which an input pattern is formed. The input pattern of the input unit may be a character or function input pattern. In this case, the input pattern is a physical pattern that can be visually recognized, and the input pattern may be formed by printing on the cover substrate 35. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is sufficient if the input pattern is formed in a pattern that allows the user to visually recognize that it is an appropriate location for a desired input.

In this case, the electronic device including the input unit is a remote control. The remote control refers to an electronic device used for remote operation of a machine. For example, it can be used to control television, radio and audio equipment. The input pattern is not limited to the drawings, and may be formed in various forms capable of configuring a remote control.

Referring to FIG. 8, the input unit includes a cover substrate 45 on which an input pattern is formed. The input pattern of the input unit may be a character or function input pattern. In this case, the input pattern is a physical pattern that can be visually recognized, and the input pattern may be printed and formed on the cover substrate 45. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is sufficient if the input pattern is formed in a pattern that allows the user to visually recognize that it is an appropriate location for a desired input.

In this case, the electronic device including the input unit may be included in the dashboard. Also, the electronic device may be included in a center fascia among the dashboards. The dashboard is a part with various instruments necessary for driving in front of the driver's seat and the passenger's seat. The center fascia refers to a control panel part between the driver's seat and the passenger seat of the dashboard.

The center fascia may include an audio controller, an air conditioner, and a heater controller or a navigator. The input pattern may be a controller pattern of audio, air conditioner, and heater. However, the input pattern is not limited to the drawing, and may be formed in various forms applicable to a dashboard.

Hereinafter, an electronic device according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. 9 is a perspective view of an electronic device according to a fifth embodiment, and FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a touch sensing unit of the electronic device according to the fifth embodiment. Description of the same and similar parts as the description of the touch window according to the above-described embodiment may be omitted.

9 and 10, an electronic device according to an embodiment includes a touch sensing unit and an input unit. The input unit may be disposed on the touch sensing unit. An input pattern is formed in the input unit so that a user can touch a suitable location. The touch sensing unit may sense a user's contact position and control the electronic device by using information on the sensed contact position as input information.

The input unit includes a cover substrate 15 on which an input pattern is formed. In the drawings, the cover substrate 15 is shown with the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, but the cover substrate may be the same cover substrates 25, 35, and 45 as in the second to fourth embodiments.

In addition, the touch sensing unit includes a substrate 10. A sensing line 200 for sensing in a time domain measurement method is formed on the substrate 10 of the touch sensing unit.

The substrate 10 of the touch sensing unit includes an effective area AA through which a user's touch command input is possible. A sensing line 200 is formed on the effective area AA. One sensing line 200 may be formed in one effective area AA. In addition, although only one effective area AA and one sensing line 200 are shown in the drawing, the substrate 10 includes a plurality of effective areas AA and includes a plurality of sensing lines 200. I can.

The sensing line 200 includes one end 200a to which a pulse is generated and applied, and the other end 200b to which the pulse is transmitted along the sensing line 200 and terminated. One end 200a of the sensing line 200 may be connected to the circuit unit 50.

The circuit unit 50 drives and senses the sensing line 200. For example, the circuit unit 50 may include a pulse generator and a TDR measurement unit.

The pulse generator is a device that applies a pulse to the sensing line 200. In addition, the TDR measuring unit converts analog-type reflected pulses into digital data, extracts reflected pulse data corresponding to a value lower or higher than a threshold range from the digitally converted data, and touch coordinates based on the address corresponding thereto. It is a device that recognizes.

The effective area AA may be divided into a plurality of unit cells (UC). Each of the plurality of unit cells UC may include the same pattern (hereinafter, unit pattern). The unit cell UC may be formed in a circular or polygonal shape, for example, a triangle or a square. In this case, the plurality of unit cells UC may be repeatedly arranged in at least two different directions.

For example, when the unit cell UC is a square, the one unit cell UC is formed to be in contact with another unit cell UC in a first direction, and at the same time, another unit cell UC and It is formed so as to contact in the second direction. The first and second directions may be perpendicular to each other.

In addition, for example, when the unit cell UC is a triangular shape, the one unit cell UC may be formed to contact other unit cells UC in a first direction to a third direction, respectively. In this case, the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction may be directions forming 120° to each other.

A sensing line 200 is disposed on the effective area AA of the substrate 10. The sensing line 200 may be disposed to fill the entire surface of the effective area AA. The sensing line 200 includes a first sensing pattern 201 and a second sensing pattern 202. The first sensing pattern 201 is a unit pattern formed in one unit cell UC, and the second sensing pattern 202 is a unit pattern formed in one unit cell UC. It is a connection pattern that connects with the formed unit pattern.

In detail, in the plurality of unit cells UC disposed in the effective area AA, one unit pattern is formed in one unit cell UC. The first sensing pattern 201 refers to one unit pattern formed in the unit cell UC.

In addition, the second sensing pattern 202 is a pattern that connects the first sensing pattern 201 formed in one unit cell UC and the first sensing pattern 201 formed in another unit cell UC. . The second sensing pattern 102 may be formed to be connected to one end and the other end of the first sensing pattern 101 formed on the unit cell UC. The first sensing pattern 201 and the second sensing pattern 202 may be integrally formed.

In this case, the second sensing pattern 102 may be connected to the first sensing pattern 101 of another unit cell UC disposed in the first direction of the unit cell UC. In addition, the second sensing pattern 102 may be connected to the first sensing pattern 101 of another unit cell UC disposed in the second direction of the unit cell UC. That is, the second sensing pattern 102 connected to one end of the first sensing pattern 101 and the second sensing pattern 102 connected to the other end of the first sensing pattern 101 may extend in different directions. have. A second sensing pattern 102 extending in two different directions may be formed in one unit cell UC.

The first sensing pattern 201 may include a plurality of node points. The number of node points included in the first pattern 201 may be two. The first sensing pattern 201 includes patterns extending in different directions based on the node point. For example, the first sensing pattern 201 may include a u-shaped pattern, and may include a pattern extending in a first direction and a pattern extending in a second direction based on one node point. .

In this case, a ratio of the length of the pattern extending in the first direction and the length of the pattern extending in the second direction based on one node point may be 1:5 to 5:1. Preferably, a ratio of the length of the pattern extending in the first direction and the length of the pattern extending in the second direction based on one node point may be 1:2 to 2:1. More preferably, the length of the pattern extending in the first direction and the length of the pattern extending in the second direction based on one node point may be substantially the same.

If the length difference between the length of the pattern extending in the first direction and the pattern extending in the second direction is large based on one node point, the sensing line (as the pulse advances from one end 200a to the other end 200b) without a touch. 200) can be rapidly reduced. In this case, when the length of the sensing line 200 becomes longer, there may be a problem in that data of a pulse reaching the other end 200b cannot be extracted, and reflection pulses and touches are not recognized.

The sensing line 200 may fill the entire surface of the effective area AA while allowing the first sensing pattern 201 as a unit pattern to be repeatedly disposed in at least two different directions. Accordingly, it is possible to reduce a difference in length of a pattern extending in the first direction and a pattern extending in the second direction based on one node point than in a case where it is repeatedly arranged in only one direction. In addition, it is possible to prevent a sudden decrease in impedance in the sensing line 200, reduce impedance noise, and improve touch sensitivity.

In detail, the difference between the impedances of two arbitrary points of the sensing line 200 may be 40% or less of the impedance of any one point. The distance between any two points may be 1m. That is, the difference in impedance per unit length of the sensing line 200 may be 40% or less.

Preferably, the difference in impedance per unit length of the sensing line 200 may be 20% or less. More preferably, the difference in impedance per unit length of the sensing line 200 may be 10% or less. The smaller the difference in impedance per unit length, the more applicable to a large area touch window. The difference in impedance per unit length may be controlled by adjusting a difference between a length of a pattern extending in one direction and a length of a pattern extending in another direction based on one node point of the sensing line 200.

That is, as the difference between the length of the pattern extending in the first direction and the length of the pattern extending in the second direction in the unit pattern is reduced, one end of the sensing line 200 ( It is possible to reduce the impedance difference between 200a) and the other end 200b. In addition, an impedance difference between one end 200a and the other end 200b of the sensing line 200 is reduced, and can be applied to a touch window having a large area.

Hereinafter, an electronic device according to a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 11. 11 is a diagram illustrating a touch sensing unit of an electronic device according to a sixth embodiment. In the electronic device according to the sixth embodiment, except for the touch sensing unit, the input unit may be the same as the above-described embodiments. Also, a description of the same and similar parts as the description of the electronic device according to the above-described embodiment may be omitted.

Referring to FIG. 11, the electronic device according to the embodiment includes a touch sensing unit and an input unit, and the touch sensing unit includes a substrate 10. A sensing line 300 sensing by a time domain measurement method is formed on the substrate 10 of the touch sensing unit.

The substrate 10 of the touch sensing unit includes an effective area AA through which a user's touch command input is possible. A sensing line 300 is formed on the effective area AA.

The sensing line 300 is sensed through a time domain transmission (TDT) measurement method, and a touch position may be recognized. That is, the sensing line 300 is sensed by a time domain measurement method.

The time domain transmission (TDT) measurement method means that a pulse is applied to one end (300a) of the sensing line 300, and the pulse proceeds to the other end (300b) of the sensing line 300, and is transmitted from a touch point. This is a method of recognizing and outputting a transmission pulse at the other end 300b of the sensing line 300.

Specifically, a pulse is applied to one end 300a of the sensing line 300. The pulse proceeds along the pattern of the sensing line 300, and some pulses are reflected at a point (touch point, T) having an impedance greater than the impedance of the applied pulse (T), and some pulses are transmitted through. The magnitude of the impedance can be compared by its absolute value.

The TDT measurement method is a method of detecting a touch position by analyzing a pulse transmitted through the touch point (hereinafter, a transmitted pulse). For example, it is possible to detect a touch position by distinguishing a transmission pulse from a pulse (hereinafter referred to as a progress pulse) that has progressed without passing through the touch point, and measuring the time taken for the transmission pulse to arrive.

Specifically, energy pulses are transmitted in an electrically conductive path (eg, a sensing line) having a constant impedance. In this case, the sensing line has a characteristic impedance, and when the sensing line is terminated with its characteristic impedance, a reflection pulse and a transmission pulse do not occur. That is, when the sensing line is terminated, it may be determined that there is no touch.

On the other hand, if the electrically conductive path is unterminated or there is a change in impedance along the electrically conductive path, a part of the pulse is reflected to the starting point where the pulse was generated, and a part of the pulse is transmitted in the direction of travel. do. That is, if there is an impedance difference anywhere along the sensing line, a reflected pulse and a transmitted pulse will be generated and detected.

For example, an increase in capacitance along the sensing line (e.g., a finger touch) can cause the negative reflection pulse to return to the start point of the sensing line, and some pulses become transmission pulses and proceed to the end point of the sensing line. can do. The time it takes for the transmission pulse to reach the end point is used to determine the distance to the point at which the impedance difference occurs.

At the touched point T, an impedance greater than the impedance of the pulse passing through the sensing line 300 is formed during non-touch. For this reason, the transmission pulse passing through the touch point has an impedance size different from that of the proceeding pulse without passing through the touch point. Data corresponding to a value lower or higher than a threshold may be extracted by digitally converting the transmission pulse and analyzing it in a time domain.

Thereafter, the x, y (2D) coordinates, which are touch coordinates, may be recognized based on the address corresponding to the extracted transmission pulse data. That is, based on the time when the transmission pulse reaches the other end 300b of the sensing line 300, the length of the sensing line 300 to the touch point and the touch position can be recognized by analyzing in the time domain. have.

The sensing line 300 may be formed as a single line including one end 300a to which a pulse is generated and applied and the other end 300b to which the pulse is transmitted along the sensing line 300 and terminated. One end 300a and the other end 300b of the sensing line 300 may be connected to a circuit unit.

The circuit part drives and senses the sensing line 300. For example, the circuit unit may include a pulse generator 60 and a TDT measurement unit 70. The pulse generator 60 and the TDT measuring unit 70 are connected to one end 300a and the other end 300b of the sensing line 300, respectively.

A pulse generator 60 may be connected to one end 300a of the sensing line 300. The pulse generator 60 is a device that applies a plurality of pulses to the sensing line 300. In this case, the width of each of the pulses may be the same, and the interval of each of the pulses may be different.

A TDT measuring unit 70 may be connected to the other end 300b of the sensing line 300. The TDT measuring unit 70 is applied to one end 300a of the sensing line 300 through the pulse generator 60, proceeds to the sensing line 300, and the other end of the sensing line 300 ( It receives a pulse that ends with 300b).

The TDT measuring unit 70 may discriminate between a transmission pulse passing through the touch point and a progress pulse that proceeds without passing through the touch point. In detail, the TDT measurement unit 70 converts an analog-type transmission pulse into digital data, extracts transmission pulse data corresponding to a value lower or higher than a threshold range from the digitally converted data, and an address corresponding thereto. It is a device that recognizes touch coordinates based on.

In general, when the sensing line 300 is touched, the transmission pulse has an impedance greater than that of the reflection pulse. Accordingly, the electronic device according to the embodiment may provide an electronic device with improved reliability.

Features, structures, effects, and the like described in the above-described embodiments are included in at least 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 each embodiment may be combined or modified for other embodiments by a person having ordinary knowledge in the field to which the embodiments belong. Accordingly, contents related to such combinations and modifications should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention.

In addition, although the embodiments have been described above, these are only examples and do not limit the present invention, and those of ordinary skill in the field to which the present invention pertains are illustrated above within the scope not departing from the essential characteristics of the present embodiment. It will be seen that various modifications and applications that are not available are possible. For example, each component specifically shown in the embodiments can be modified and implemented. And differences related to these modifications and applications should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention defined in the appended claims.

Claims (14)

A touch sensing unit; And
An input unit disposed on the touch sensing unit and including a cover substrate on which an input pattern is formed,
The touch sensing unit,
A substrate including an effective area including a plurality of unit cells; And
It is disposed on the effective area of the substrate and includes a sensing line for sensing by a time domain measurement method,
One unit pattern including a first sensing pattern and a second sensing pattern is disposed in the unit cell,
The first sensing pattern includes two node points,
The first sensing pattern extends in a first direction and a second direction based on each node point,
The ratio of the length of the pattern extending in the first direction and the length of the pattern extending in the second direction is 1:5 to 5:1,
The sensing line is an electronic device in which a difference between an impedance of two arbitrary points is 40% or less of an impedance of one point. The method of claim 1,
In the time domain measurement method, a pulse applied to one end of the sensing line outputs a reflected pulse reflected from a touch point at one end of the sensing line. The method of claim 2,
The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the touch sensing unit further comprises a pulse generator and a TDR measuring unit connected to one end of the sensing line. The method of claim 1,
In the time domain measurement method, a pulse applied to one end of the sensing line is transmitted through a touch point, and a transmission pulse transmitted from the touch point is output from the other end of the sensing line. The method of claim 4,
The touch sensing unit may include a pulse generator connected to one end of the sensing line; And
And a time domain transmission (TDT) measuring unit connected to the other end of the sensing line. delete delete The method of claim 1,
The electronic device, wherein the cover substrate of the input unit and the substrate of the touch sensing unit are flexible substrates. The method of claim 1,
The cover substrate of the input unit and the substrate of the touch sensing unit are curved or bent,
The electronic device, wherein the electronic device is a curved electronic device. The method of claim 1,
The electronic device, wherein the electronic device is a transparent electronic device or a translucent electronic device. The method of claim 1,
The input pattern of the input unit is a character or function input pattern,
The electronic device is an electronic device that is a keyboard. The method of claim 1,
The input pattern of the input unit is a character or function input pattern,
The electronic device is an electronic device that is a remote control. The method of claim 1,
The input pattern of the input unit is a character or function input pattern,
The electronic device is an electronic device included in a dashboard. The method of claim 1,
The input pattern of the input unit is a keyboard input pattern,
The electronic device is an electronic device that is a keyboard.

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