KR102330586B1 - Apparatus for sensing touch/fingerprint - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a touch/fingerprint sensing device capable of performing touch sensing and fingerprint sensing with one driving integrated circuit and reducing fingerprint sensing time, wherein the touch/fingerprint sensing device according to the present invention includes a plurality of touch sensors having a touch screen; and a driving integrated circuit for grouping the plurality of touch sensors into a plurality of sensing groups and sensing a change in capacitance of the touch sensors, wherein the driving integrated circuit is included in each of the sensing groups in the row direction in the touch sensing mode A touch driving signal is sequentially supplied to a touch sensor in units of sensing groups in the row direction, and a change in capacitance of a touch sensor included in each sensing group is sequentially sensed in units of sensing groups in the row direction, and fingerprint sensing mode A touch driving signal may be simultaneously supplied to the touch sensors included in each of the plurality of sensing groups, and a change in capacitance of the touch sensors included in each of the plurality of sensing groups may be simultaneously sensed.

Description

Touch/fingerprint sensing device {APPARATUS FOR SENSING TOUCH/FINGERPRINT}

The present invention relates to a touch/fingerprint sensing device, and more particularly, to a touch/fingerprint sensing device capable of performing touch sensing and fingerprint sensing with a single driving integrated circuit and reducing a fingerprint sensing time.

The touch sensing device is installed in an image display device such as a liquid crystal display device, a field emission display device, a plasma display device, an electroluminescent display device, an electrophoretic display device, and an organic light emitting display device, so that a user can use a finger or a pen while viewing the display device. It is a type of input device that directly touches the screen to input information.

Recently, a touch sensing device has been commercialized as an input device for various electronic devices such as portable information devices such as smart phones and tablet PCs, notebook computers, monitors, and televisions.

A touch sensing device may be divided into a resistive type, a capacitive type, and infrared sensing prevention according to a touch sensing method.

The capacitive touch panel is divided into a self capacitance type and a mutual capacitance type. The mutual capacitance type touch panel has the advantage of being able to implement multi-touch input compared to the self capacitance type touch panel.

The touch sensing device is also applied to implement a security function for various electronic devices, but recently has been implemented to sense a user's fingerprint. In particular, US Patent No. 8,564,314 (hereinafter referred to as "patent document") discloses a capacitive touch sensor capable of touch sensing and fingerprint sensing.

The capacitive touch sensor disclosed in the patent document includes a touch position sensor having a touch sensing region and a fingerprint sensor having a fingerprint sensing region, sensing the touch position through the touch position sensor, and sensing the fingerprint through the fingerprint sensor.

However, the patent literature has the following problems.

First, since the touch recognition area and the fingerprint recognition area are electrically separated, it is impossible to perform a touch position and a fingerprint with the same electrode.

Second, it is impossible to perform a fingerprint in a touch sensing area other than a predetermined fingerprint sensing area.

Third, a driving integrated circuit for touch sensing and a driving integrated circuit for fingerprint sensing are required for touch sensing.

The present invention has been devised to solve the above problems, and it is a technical task to provide a touch/fingerprint sensing device capable of performing touch sensing and fingerprint sensing with a single driving integrated circuit and reducing a fingerprint sensing time.

A touch/fingerprint sensing device according to the present invention for achieving the above technical problem is a touch screen having a plurality of touch sensors; and a driving integrated circuit for grouping the plurality of touch sensors into a plurality of sensing groups and sensing a change in capacitance of the touch sensors, wherein the driving integrated circuit is included in each of the sensing groups in the row direction in the touch sensing mode A touch driving signal is sequentially supplied to a touch sensor in units of sensing groups in the row direction, and a change in capacitance of a touch sensor included in each sensing group is sequentially sensed in units of sensing groups in the row direction, and fingerprint sensing mode A touch driving signal may be simultaneously supplied to the touch sensors included in each of the plurality of sensing groups, and a change in capacitance of the touch sensors included in each of the plurality of sensing groups may be simultaneously sensed.

According to the means for solving the above problems, the present invention has the following effects.

First, touch sensing and fingerprint sensing may be performed according to a change in capacitance of a touch sensor included in a plurality of sensing groups using a single driving integrated circuit.

Second, it is possible to reduce the touch sensing time and the fingerprint sensing time. In particular, since the fingerprint is sensed through each of a plurality of sensing groups defined to correspond to the size of the fingerprint, it is possible to sense the fingerprint in the entire area rather than a specific area of the touch screen. can

Third, by connecting the sensor electrode to the touch sensing line using a thin film transistor, the sensing sensitivity of touch and fingerprint can be improved because it senses touch and fingerprint in a self-capacitance method while having the same routing wiring as a mutual capacitance touch screen. have.

In addition to the effects of the present invention mentioned above, other features and advantages of the present invention will be described below or will be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from such description and description.

1 is a diagram for explaining a touch/fingerprint recognition apparatus according to a first example of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a touch sensor formed on the touch screen shown in FIG. 1 .
FIG. 3 is a view for explaining the first switching unit shown in FIG. 1 .
4A is a diagram illustrating an operation of a first switching unit in a touch sensing mode.
4B is a diagram illustrating an operation of the first switching unit in a fingerprint sensing mode.
FIG. 5 is a view for explaining the second switching unit shown in FIG. 1 .
6A is a diagram illustrating an operation of a second switching unit in a touch sensing mode.
6B is a diagram illustrating an operation of a second switching unit in a fingerprint sensing mode.
7 is a view for explaining a touch sensing method of the touch/fingerprint sensing device according to the first example of the present invention.
8 is a view for explaining a fingerprint sensing method of the touch/fingerprint sensing device according to the first example of the present invention.
9 is a view for explaining a touch/fingerprint recognition apparatus according to a second example of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of one sensing group shown in FIG. 9 .
11 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a touch sensor formed on the touch screen shown in FIG.
12 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the sensing driver shown in FIG. 9 .
13 is a view for explaining a touch sensing method of a touch/fingerprint sensing device according to a second example of the present invention.
14 is a diagram for explaining a fingerprint sensing method of a touch/fingerprint sensing device according to a second example of the present invention.

The meaning of the terms described herein should be understood as follows.

The singular expression is to be understood as including the plural expression unless the context clearly defines otherwise, and the terms "first", "second", etc. are used to distinguish one element from another, The scope of rights should not be limited by these terms. It should be understood that terms such as “comprise” or “have” do not preclude the possibility of addition or existence of one or more other features or numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof. The term “at least one” should be understood to include all possible combinations from one or more related items. For example, the meaning of "at least one of the first, second, and third items" means 2 of the first, second, and third items as well as each of the first, second, or third items. It means a combination of all items that can be presented from more than one. The term “on” is meant to include not only cases in which a certain component is formed directly on top of another component, but also a case in which a third component is interposed between these components.

Hereinafter, a preferred example of a touch/fingerprint sensing device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In adding reference numerals to components of each drawing, the same components may have the same reference numerals as much as possible even though they are indicated in different drawings. In addition, in describing the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description may be omitted.

FIG. 1 is a view for explaining a touch/fingerprint recognition apparatus according to a first example of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view for explaining a touch sensor formed on the touch screen shown in FIG. 1 .

1 and 2 , the touch/fingerprint recognition apparatus 100 according to the first example of the present invention includes a touch screen 110 and one driving integrated circuit 120 .

The touch screen 110 includes a plurality of touch sensors TS disposed on the substrate 101 along the row direction X and the column direction Y of the substrate 101 . Specifically, the touch screen 110 includes a substrate 101, m row lines (RL), a dielectric layer 103, n column lines (CL), a cover substrate 105, and a plurality of touch sensors TS.

The substrate 101 may be made of a transparent plastic material.

Each of the m row lines RL is formed in parallel with a predetermined interval along the column direction Y of the substrate 101 while extending long in the row direction X of the substrate 101 . Each of the m row lines RL is made of a transparent conductive material, and is a fine pattern having a width smaller than the ridge of the user's finger 10 fingerprint, that is, the interval between the peak 12 and the peak 12 of the fingerprint. can be formed. These m row lines RL are first to x-th (where x is m/h) row line groups RLG1 to RLGx (or row direction) consisting of h adjacent units (where h is a natural number equal to or greater than 2). grouped into a sensing group of

The dielectric layer 103 is formed on the substrate 101 to cover the m row lines RL. The dielectric layer 103 may be made of a material having a predetermined dielectric constant for forming the touch sensor TS made of capacitance. For example, the dielectric layer 103 may be made of a polymer material or a glass material.

Each of the n column lines CL extends in the column direction Y of the substrate 101 and is formed in parallel to have a constant interval along the row direction X of the substrate 101 . That is, each of the n column lines CL is positioned on the dielectric layer 103 to cross each of the m row lines RL. Each of the n column lines CL is made of a transparent conductive material, and is a fine pattern having a width smaller than the ridge of the user's finger 10 fingerprint, that is, the gap between the peak 12 and the peak 12 of the fingerprint. can be formed. These n column lines CL are first to y-th (where y is n/i) column line groups CLG1 to CLGy consisting of i adjacent units (where i is a natural number equal to or different from h). ) (or sensing groups in the color direction).

The cover substrate 105 is made of a transparent plastic material and covers the n column lines CL to prevent the n column lines CL from being exposed to the outside. Here, the n column lines CL1 to CL3 may be formed on a lower surface of the cover substrate 105 facing the dielectric layer 103 to be positioned on the dielectric layer 103 . Additionally, when the dielectric layer 103 is made of a glass material, the cover substrate 105 may be omitted.

Each of the plurality of touch sensors TS may have a mutual capacitance formed at an intersection of a row line RL and a column line CL crossing each other with the dielectric layer 103 interposed therebetween. The mutual capacitance accumulates charges by the touch driving signal supplied to the row line RL, and the accumulated charge (or capacitance) changes according to a user's touch, thereby serving as the touch sensor TS. In particular, each of the touch sensors TS allows the driving integrated circuit 120 to sense the peaks and valleys of the fingerprint by changing the accumulated charge according to the respective contact between the peaks and valleys of the user's fingerprint.

The plurality of touch sensors TS are grouped into a plurality of sensing groups 112 arranged in a matrix form along the row direction X and the column direction Y on the substrate 101 . Accordingly, the plurality of sensing groups 112 are arranged along the row direction X of the substrate 101 in the row direction X and the column direction along the column direction Y of the substrate 101 . It can be divided into a sensing group of (Y).

Each of the plurality of sensing groups 112 has a size corresponding to the size of the fingerprint, for example, a rectangular shape having a length in the row direction (X) and a length in the column direction (Y) having a range of 10 to 40 mm. can be defined as In this case, the m number of row lines RL may be formed with a pitch in the range of 50 to 100 μm, and the n number of column lines CL may also be formed with a pitch in the range of 50 to 100 μm. Accordingly, at least two row lines RL and at least two column lines CL are formed to cross each other in each of the plurality of sensing groups 112 .

In the touch sensing mode of the touch screen 110 , at least two row lines RL included in each of the plurality of sensing groups 112 are electrically connected to each other in each sensing group 112 in the row direction (X). One touch driving electrode is formed for each sensing group 112 of On the other hand, in the fingerprint sensing mode of the touch screen 110 , each of the at least two row lines RL included in each of the plurality of sensing groups 112 is electrically separated from each other in each sensing group 112 , and each Row lines at the same position in the sensing group 112 are electrically connected to each other to form a plurality of touch driving lines for each sensing group 112 in the row direction (X).

Likewise, in the touch sensing mode of the touch screen 110 , at least two column lines CL included in each of the plurality of sensing groups 112 are electrically connected to each other within each sensing group 112 to form a column direction. One touch sensing electrode is formed for each sensing group 112 of (Y). On the other hand, in the fingerprint sensing mode of the touch screen 110 , each of the at least two column lines CL included in each of the plurality of sensing groups 112 is electrically separated from each other in each sensing group 112 , and each Column lines at the same position in the sensing group 112 are electrically connected to each other to form a plurality of touch sensing electrodes for each sensing group 112 in the column direction (Y).

The driving integrated circuit 120 groups the plurality of touch sensors TS into a plurality of sensing groups 112 along the row direction X and the column direction Y, and responds to changes in capacitance of the touch sensors TS. Accordingly, touch or fingerprint is sensed to generate touch sensing data or fingerprint sensing data, and the generated touch sensing data or fingerprint sensing data is provided to an external host controller (not shown). That is, the driving integrated circuit 120 transmits a touch driving signal to the touch sensors TS included in each of the sensing groups 112 in the row direction (X) in the row direction (X) in the touch sensing mode. ) unit, and sequentially sensing changes in capacitance of the touch sensors TS included in each sensing group 112 in units of the sensing groups 112 in the row direction X to generate touch sensing data. . In addition, the driving integrated circuit 120 simultaneously supplies a touch driving signal to the touch sensors TS included in each of the plurality of sensing groups 112 in the fingerprint sensing mode, and is included in each of the plurality of sensing groups 112 . Simultaneously sense changes in capacitance of the touch sensor TS to generate fingerprint sensing data.

Specifically, in the touch sensing mode, the driving integrated circuit 120 sequentially supplies the touch driving signal to the first to x-th row line groups RLG1 to RLGx in units of the row line groups RLG1 to RLGx. Sensing the change in capacitance of the touch sensors TS included in each column line group CLG1 to CLGy in units of the sensing groups 112 in the row direction (X), and simultaneously receiving touch sensing data for each sensing group 112 create That is, in the touch sensing mode, the driving integrated circuit 120 electrically connects the first to h-th row lines included in each row line group RLG1 to RLGx to each other in the corresponding row line group RLG1 to RLGx. The first to x-th touch driving lines are formed by connecting the first to x-th touch driving lines, and the first to i-th column lines included in each column line group CLG1 to CLGy are electrically connected to each other within the corresponding column line group CLG1 to CLGy. connected to form first to y-th touch sensing lines. Then, the driving integrated circuit 120 generates the first to y-th touch sensing lines in units of the sensing groups 112 in the row direction (X) while sequentially supplying the touch driving signals to the first to x-th touch driving lines. A change in capacitance of the touch sensors TS included in each of the column line groups CLG1 to CLGy is simultaneously sensed through the sensor to generate touch sensing data for each sensing group 112 .

In the fingerprint sensing mode, the driving integrated circuit 120 transmits touch driving signals to the first to x-th row line groups RLG1 to RLGx in units of the row lines RL included in the row line groups RLG1 to RLGx. while simultaneously supplying a change in capacitance of the touch sensors TS included in each column line group CLG1 to CLGy simultaneously, fingerprint sensing data for each sensing group 112 is generated. That is, in the fingerprint sensing mode, the driving integrated circuit 120 electrically interconnects the j-th row lines RLj (where j is a natural number from 1 to h) included in each row line group RLG1 to RLGx. connected to form the first to h-th touch driving lines, and at the same time, the k-th column lines CLk included in each column line group CLG1 to CLGy (where k is a natural number from 1 to i) are electrically connected to each other connected to form first to i-th touch sensing lines. Then, the driving integrated circuit 120 sequentially supplies a touch driving signal to the first to h-th touch driving lines and the touch sensors included in each sensing group 112 through each of the first to i-th touch sensing lines. Simultaneously sense changes in capacitance of the TS to generate fingerprint sensing data for each sensing group 112 .

As such, the driving integrated circuit 120 includes a timing generating unit 121 , a touch driving signal supply unit 123 , a first switching unit 125 , a second switching unit 127 , and a sensing unit 129 . can be configured.

The timing generating unit 121 operates each of the touch driving signal supply unit 123 , the first switching unit 125 , the second switching unit 127 , and the sensing unit 129 in response to a control signal supplied from the host control unit. Control. In particular, the timing generator 121 generates a touch sensing mode signal and a fingerprint sensing mode signal in response to a mode control signal supplied from the host controller to control switching of the first and second switching units 125 and 127, respectively. do.

The touch driving signal supply unit 123 generates a touch driving signal based on the sensing start signal supplied from the timing generator 121 and sequentially supplies the touch driving signal to the first switching unit 125 through an output channel. do. Here, the touch driving signal may be composed of a plurality of pulses having a duty-on period according to pulse width modulation, which increases the amount of charge of the touch sensor TS by the touch driving signal supplied to the touch driving line to increase the sensing sensitivity. in order to elevate

The first switching unit 125 is electrically connected to each of the m row lines RL formed on the touch screen 110 through the m row routing wires RRL1 to RRLm, and through the x driving signal supply lines. It is electrically connected to an output channel of the touch driving signal supply unit 123 . The first switching unit 125 electrically connects the first to h-th row lines included in each of the row line groups RLG1 to RLGx in the corresponding row line group RLG1 to RLGx in the touch sensing mode. to form first to xth touch driving lines, and sequentially supplying the touch driving signals supplied from the touch driving signal supply unit 123 to the first to xth touch driving lines. In addition, in the fingerprint sensing mode, the first switching unit 125 electrically connects the j-th row lines RLj included in each row line group RLG1 to RLGx to each other to electrically connect the first to h-th touch driving lines. and sequentially supplying the touch driving signals supplied from the touch driving signal supply unit 123 to the first to h-th touch driving lines.

The second switching unit 127 is electrically connected to each of the m column lines CL formed on the touch screen 110 through the n column routing wires CRL1 to CRLn, and through the y sensing signal transmission lines. It is electrically connected to the reception channel of the sensing unit 129 . The second switching unit 127 electrically connects the first to i-th column lines included in each of the column line groups CLG1 to CLGy in the corresponding column line group CLG1 to CLGy in the touch sensing mode. to form first to y-th touch sensing lines, and connect each of the first to y-th touch sensing lines to the sensing unit 129 . In addition, in the fingerprint sensing mode, the second switching unit 127 electrically connects the k-th column lines CLk included in each of the column line groups CLG1 to CLGy to each other to form the first to i-th touch sensing lines. and connect each of the first to i-th touch sensing lines to the sensing unit 129 .

The sensing unit 129 is connected to each of the first to y-th touch sensing lines through the second switching unit 127 in the touch sensing mode, and is connected to each of the first to y-th touch sensing lines in the row direction (X). ) by sensing a change in capacitance of the touch sensors TS included in each column line group CLG1 to CLGy in units of sensing groups 112 of ) to generate touch sensing data for each sensing group 112 . In addition, in the fingerprint sensing mode, the sensing unit 129 is connected to each of the first to i-th touch sensing lines through the second switching unit 127, and sensing each of the first through i-th touch sensing lines, respectively. A change in capacitance of the touch sensors TS included in the group 112 is simultaneously sensed to generate fingerprint sensing data for each sensing group 112 . To this end, the sensing unit 129 may include, not shown, first to y-th sensing units and first to y-th analog-to-digital conversion units.

The first to y-th sensing units are connected one-to-one to the first to y-th touch sensing lines, and sense a change in capacitance of the touch sensor TS through the corresponding touch sensing line to generate a sensing signal. In this case, in the touch sensing mode, the first to y-th sensing units sense a change in capacitance of the touch sensor TS through a corresponding touch sensing line to generate a sensing signal. On the other hand, in the fingerprint sensing mode, among the first to y-th sensing units, other sensing units excluding the first to i-th sensing units may not perform a sensing operation.

Each of the first to y-th analog-to-digital conversion units is connected one-to-one with the first to y-th sensing units, and analog-digitally converts the sensing signal output from the corresponding sensing unit to convert touch sensing data or fingerprint sensing data. generated and provided to the host control unit.

Meanwhile, the driving integrated circuit 120 may further include a sensing data processing unit (not shown). The sensing data processing unit receives the touch sensing data or the fingerprint sensing data output from the sensing unit 129 and sequentially stores the data in the memory, and in response to the touch report synchronization signal, stores the sensing data stored in the memory according to a set interface method. sent to the control unit. Accordingly, in the touch sensing mode, the host controller receives the sensing data transmitted from the sensing unit 129 or the sensing data processing unit, and compares the received sensing data with a set sensing threshold to sense data greater than the sensing threshold. is used to calculate touch presence and touch location coordinates. In addition, in the fingerprint sensing mode, the host control unit receives the sensing data transmitted from the sensing unit 129 or the sensing data processing unit, compares the received sensing data with a set sensing threshold, and transmits sensing data greater than the sensing threshold. based on the fingerprint image.

Additionally, the driving integrated circuit 120 may be configured to include a touch control unit that calculates a touch position or a fingerprint image using sensing data and transmits it to the host system. In this case, the host control unit is configured for touch It performs only a role of executing an application program linked to the touch position provided from the control unit, or executes a security program linked to the fingerprint image.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the first switching unit shown in FIG. 1 , FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating an operation of the first switching unit in a touch sensing mode, and FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating an operation of the first switching unit in a fingerprint sensing mode am.

3, 4A and 4B, the first switching unit 125 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes x first row switching units 125a1 to 125ax and x-1 second row switching units ( 125b1, 125b2, 125b3, ~).

Each of the x first row switching units 125a1 to 125ax is formed in each of the first to xth row line groups RLG1 to RLGx, and each row line group RLG1 to RLGx according to the touch sensing mode signal TMS. ) to electrically connect the first to h-th row lines included in the row line group RLG1 to RLGx with each other to form the first to x-th touch driving lines Tx1 to Txx. Each of the x first row switching units 125a1 to 125ax according to an example includes the first to h-1th row switching elements RQ1, RQ2, and ˜.

The first to h-1th row switching elements RQ1, RQ2, to are formed between the first to hth row lines for each row line group RLG1 to RLGx, and according to the touch sensing mode signal TMS The adjacent row lines are electrically connected to each other or electrically isolated. For example, when each of the row line groups RLG1 to RLGx consists of the first to third row lines RL1, RL2, and RL3, each of the x first row switching units 125a1 to 125ax is a first and a third row line. The second row switching elements RQ1 and RQ2 may be formed. In this case, the first row switching element RQ1 is connected between the first and second row lines RL1 and RL2 included in each row line group RLG1 to RLGx, and is a touch sensing mode signal in a first logic state. Turned on according to TMS to electrically connect the first and second row lines RL1 and RL2 to each other to form the touch driving line Tx of the corresponding row line group RLG1 to RLGx, and a second logic state is turned off according to the touch sensing mode signal TMS to electrically separate the first and second row lines RL1 and RL2. The second row switching element RQ2 is connected between the second and third row lines RL2 and RL3 included in each row line group RLG1 to RLGx, and the touch sensing mode signal TMS in the first logic state. is turned on in response to the second and third row lines RL2 and RL3 and electrically connects the second and third row lines RL2 and RL3 to each other, and is turned off according to the touch sensing mode signal TMS of the second logic state to electrically connect the second and third row lines (RL2, RL3) is electrically separated.

Each of the x-1 second row switching units 125b1, 125b2, 125b3, to is formed in each of the first to x-1th row line groups RLG1, RLG2, RLG3, to, and a fingerprint sensing mode signal ( FMS), the j-th row lines RLj included in each row line group RLG1 to RLGx are electrically connected to each other to form first to h-th touch driving lines Tx1, Tx2, Tx3, and . . Each of the x-1 second row switching units 125b1, 125b2, 125b3, ˜) according to an example is configured to include the first to h-1 th row switches RS1, RS2, RS3, ˜).

The first to h-1th row switches RS1, RS2, RS3, ˜) are formed between the first to h th row lines for each row line group RLG1 ˜ RLGx, and are connected to the fingerprint sensing mode signal FMS. Accordingly, the j-th row lines RLj included in each row line group RLG1 to RLGx are electrically connected to each other or electrically separated from each other. For example, when each of the row line groups RLG1 to RLGx includes the first to third row lines RL1, RL2, and RL3, the x-1 second row switching units 125b1, 125b2, 125b3, and ), each of the first to third low switches RS1 , RS2 , RS3 may be configured. In this case, the first row switch RS1 is connected between the first row lines RL1 of the adjacent row line groups RLG1 to RLGx, and is turned according to the fingerprint sensing mode signal TMS in the first logic state. When turned on, the first row lines RL1 of each row line group RLG1 to RLGx are electrically connected to each other, and they are turned off according to the fingerprint sensing mode signal TMS in the second logic state to electrically connect each row line group RLG1 to each row line group RLG1. to RLGx) electrically disconnects the first row lines RL1 from each other. The second row switch RS2 is connected between the second row lines RL2 of the adjacent row line groups RLG1 to RLGx, and is turned on according to the fingerprint sensing mode signal TMS in the first logic state to each The second row lines RL2 of the row line groups RLG1 to RLGx are electrically connected to each other, and are turned off according to the fingerprint sensing mode signal TMS in the second logic state to each row line group RLG1 to RLGx. electrically disconnects the second row lines RL2 from each other. The third row switch RS3 is connected between the third row lines RL3 of the adjacent row line groups RLG1 to RLGx, and is turned on according to the fingerprint sensing mode signal TMS of the first logic state to each The third row lines RL3 of the row line groups RLG1 to RLGx are electrically connected to each other, and are turned off according to the fingerprint sensing mode signal TMS of the second logic state to each row line group RLG1 to RLGx. electrically disconnects the third row lines RL3 from each other.

As shown in FIG. 4A in the touch sensing mode, the first switching unit 125 includes the first to h-1th row switching elements ( RQ1, RQ2, ~) each turn-on and each turn-off of the first to h-1th low switches RS1, RS2, RS3, ~) according to the fingerprint sensing mode signal FMS of the second logic state Accordingly, the first to x-th touch driving lines Tx1 to Txx are formed by grouping the row lines into one touch driving line for each row line group RLG1 to RLGx, and the touch supplied from the touch driving signal supply unit 123 is formed. The driving signals are sequentially supplied to the first to x-th touch driving lines Tx1 to Txx.

In addition, in the fingerprint sensing mode, as shown in FIG. 4B , the first switching unit 125 includes the first to h-1th low switches RS1 according to the fingerprint sensing mode signal FMS in the first logic state. RS2, RS3, to) each turn-on and the first to h-1th row switching elements RQ1, RQ2, to each turn-off according to the touch sensing mode signal TMS of the second logic state Accordingly, the same row lines of each row line group RLG1 to RLGx are grouped together to form first to h-th touch driving lines Tx1, Tx2, Tx3, and, and touch driving supplied from the touch driving signal supply unit 123 is formed. Signals are sequentially supplied to the first to h-th touch driving lines Tx1, Tx2, Tx3, and .

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the second switching unit shown in FIG. 1 , FIG. 6A is a diagram illustrating an operation of the second switching unit in a touch sensing mode, and FIG. 6B is a diagram illustrating an operation of the second switching unit in a fingerprint sensing mode am.

5, 6A and 6B, the second switching unit 127 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes y first column switching units 127a1 to 127ay and y-1 second column switching units ( 127b1, 127b2, 127b3, ~).

Each of the y first column switching units 127a1 to 127ay is formed in each of the first to yth column line groups CLG1 to CLGy, and according to the touch sensing mode signal TMS, each column line group CLG1 to CLGy ) to electrically connect the first to i-th column lines included in the corresponding column line groups CLG1 to CLGy to each other to form the first to y-th touch sensing lines Rx1 to Rxy. Each of the y first column switching units 127a1 to 127ay according to an example includes the first to i-1th column switching elements CQ1, CQ2, and ˜.

The first to i-1th column switching elements CQ1, CQ2, to are formed between the first to i-th column lines for each column line group CLG1 to CLGy, and according to the touch sensing mode signal TMS Electrically interconnect or electrically isolate adjacent column lines. For example, when each column line group CLG1 to CLGy consists of first to third column lines CL1, CL2, and CL3, each of the y first column switching units 127a1 to 127ay is a first and a third column line. The second column switching elements CQ1 and CQ2 may be formed. In this case, the first column switching element CQ1 is connected between the first and second column lines CL1 and CL2 included in each column line group CLG1 to CLGy, and is a touch sensing mode signal in a first logic state. Turned on according to TMS to electrically connect the first and second column lines CL1 and CL2 to each other to form the touch sensing line Rx of the corresponding column line group CLG1 to CLGy, and a second logic state is turned off according to the touch sensing mode signal TMS to electrically separate the first and second column lines CL1 and CL2. The second column switching element CQ2 is connected between the second and third column lines CL2 and CL3 included in each column line group CLG1 to CLGy, and the touch sensing mode signal TMS in the first logic state. The second and third column lines CL2 and CL3 are electrically connected to each other by being turned on according to (CL2, CL3) is electrically separated.

Each of the y-1 second column switching units 127b1, 127b2, 127b3, and FMS), the k-th column lines CLk included in each column line group CLG1 to CLGy are electrically connected to each other to form first to i-th touch sensing lines Rx1, Rx2, Rx3, and . Each of the y-1 second column switching units 127b1, 127b2, 127b3, ˜) according to an example is configured to include the first to i-1 th column switches CS1, CS2, CS3, ˜).

The first to i-1th column switches CS1, CS2, CS3, and . are formed between the first to i-th column lines for each column line group CLG1 to CLGy, and correspond to the fingerprint sensing mode signal FMS. Accordingly, the k-th column lines CLk included in each column line group CLG1 to CLGy are electrically connected to or electrically separated from each other. For example, when each column line group CLG1 to CLGy consists of the first to third column lines CL1, CL2, and CL3, the y-1 second column switching units 127b1, 127b2, 127b3, and ), each of the first to third column switches CS1 , CS2 , and CS3 may be configured. In this case, the first column switch CS1 is connected between the first column lines CL1 of the adjacent column line groups CLG1 to CLGy, and is turned according to the fingerprint sensing mode signal TMS in the first logic state. It is turned on to electrically connect the first column lines CL1 of each column line group CLG1 to CLGy to each other, and is turned off according to the fingerprint sensing mode signal TMS in the second logic state to be turned off for each column line group CLG1 to CLGy) electrically separate the first column lines CL1 from each other. The second column switch CS2 is connected between the second column lines CL2 of the adjacent column line groups CLG1 to CLGy, and is turned on according to the fingerprint sensing mode signal TMS of the first logic state to each The second column lines CL2 of the column line groups CLG1 to CLGy are electrically connected to each other, and are turned off according to the fingerprint sensing mode signal TMS in the second logic state to each column line group CLG1 to CLGy. to electrically separate the second column lines CL2 from each other. The third column switch CS3 is connected between the third column lines CL3 of the adjacent column line groups CLG1 to CLGy, and is turned on according to the fingerprint sensing mode signal TMS of the first logic state to each The third column lines CL3 of the column line groups CLG1 to CLGy are electrically connected to each other, and are turned off according to the fingerprint sensing mode signal TMS in the second logic state to each column line group CLG1 to CLGy. of the third column lines CL3 are electrically separated from each other.

As shown in FIG. 6A in the touch sensing mode, the second switching unit 127 includes the first to i-1th column switching elements ( CQ1, CQ2, ~) each turn-on and each turn-off of the first to i-1th column switches CS1, CS2, CS3, ~) according to the fingerprint sensing mode signal FMS of the second logic state Accordingly, the first to y-th touch sensing lines Rx1 to Rxy are formed by grouping column lines into one touch sensing line for each column line group CLG1 to CLGy, and the first to y-th touch sensing lines Rx1 to Rx1 to Rxy) are connected to a corresponding sensing unit of the sensing unit 129 .

In addition, in the fingerprint sensing mode, as shown in FIG. 4B , the second switching unit 127 performs the first to i-1th column switches CS1 according to the fingerprint sensing mode signal FMS in the first logical state. CS2, CS3, to) each turn-on and the first to i-1st column switching elements CQ1, CQ2, to each turn-off according to the touch sensing mode signal TMS of the second logic state Accordingly, the same column lines of each column line group CLG1 to CLGy are grouped to form first to i-th touch sensing lines Rx1, Rx2, Rx3, and, and the first to i-th touch sensing lines Rx1, Rx2 , Rx3, ~) are connected to a corresponding sensing unit of the sensing unit 129 .

7 is a view for explaining a touch sensing method of the touch/fingerprint sensing device according to the first example of the present invention.

The touch sensing method of the touch/fingerprint sensing device according to the first example of the present invention will be described in connection with FIG. 7 and FIGS. 1 and 6A .

First, according to the switching of the first switching unit 125 according to the touch sensing mode signal TMS of the first logical state and the fingerprint sensing mode signal FMS of the second logical state, the first to xth row line groups ( The first to x-th touch driving lines Tx1 by grouping the row lines RL1 , RL2 and RL3 included in each of RLG1 to RLGx into one touch driving line Tx in units of the row line groups RLG1 to RLGx. ~ Txx). In addition, according to the switching of the second switching unit 127 according to the touch sensing mode signal TMS in the first logical state and the fingerprint sensing mode signal FMS in the second logical state, the first to y-th column line groups ( The first to y-th touch sensing lines Rx1 by grouping the column lines CL1, CL2, and CL3 included in each of CLG1 to CLGy) into one touch sensing line Rx in units of the column line groups CLG1 to CLGy. ~ Rxy).

Then, while sequentially supplying the touch driving signal TDS to the first to x-th touch driving lines Tx1 to Txx, the first to y-th touch sensing lines Rx1 to Rxy are used in the row direction (X) respectively. A change in capacitance of the touch sensors TS included in each of the column line groups CLG1 to CLGy is simultaneously sensed in units of the sensing groups 112 of , and touch sensing data for each sensing group 112 is generated.

As described above, the touch/fingerprint sensing device according to the first example of the present invention forms the size and pitch of each of the row line RL and the column line CL in a fine pattern so as to sense a fingerprint, and in the touch sensing mode By grouping several to tens of row lines (RL) into one touch driving line, and grouping several to tens of column lines (CL) into one touch sensing line, the user's finger touch can be sensed at a faster speed. In addition, power consumption for sensing a user's touch can be reduced.

8 is a view for explaining a fingerprint sensing method of the touch/fingerprint sensing device according to the first example of the present invention.

The fingerprint sensing method of the touch/fingerprint sensing device according to the first example of the present invention will be described in connection with FIG. 8 and FIGS. 1 and 6B .

First, according to the switching of the first switching unit 125 according to the touch sensing mode signal TMS in the second logic state and the fingerprint sensing mode signal FMS in the first logical state, the first to x-th row line groups ( The j-th row lines RLj included in each of RLG1 to RLGx are grouped to form first to h-th touch driving lines Tx1, Tx2, Tx3, and . In addition, according to the switching of the second switching unit 127 according to the touch sensing mode signal TMS in the second logic state and the fingerprint sensing mode signal FMS in the first logical state, the first to y-th column line groups ( The k-th column lines CLk included in each of CLG1 to CLGy are grouped to form first to i-th touch sensing lines Rx1, Rx2, Rx3, and .

Then, while sequentially supplying the touch driving signal TDS to the first to h-th touch driving lines Tx1, Tx2, Tx3, to, the first to i-th touch sensing lines Rx1, Rx2, Rx3, to A change in capacitance of the touch sensors TS included in each sensing group 112 is simultaneously sensed through each of the sensing groups 112 to generate fingerprint sensing data for each sensing group 112 .

As described above, in the touch/fingerprint sensing device according to the first example of the present invention, in the fingerprint sensing mode, the same row lines of each row line group RLG1 to RLGx are grouped together, and at the same time, each column line group CLG1 to CLGy is By grouping the same column lines and simultaneously performing fingerprint sensing for a plurality of sensing groups 112, fingerprint sensing can be performed for all sensing groups 112 with the fingerprint sensing time for one sensing group 112. The sensing time may be reduced, and the size of the memory may be reduced as the amount of fingerprint sensing data is reduced.

As a result, the touch/fingerprint sensing device according to the first example of the present invention can perform touch sensing and fingerprint sensing according to a change in capacitance of the touch sensors included in the plurality of sensing groups 112 , and one driving integration The circuit 120 can be used to perform touch sensing and fingerprint sensing, and according to the touch sensing mode and the fingerprint sensing mode, each of a plurality of row lines and a plurality of column lines is selectively grouped to determine the touch sensing time and the fingerprint sensing time. In particular, since the fingerprint is sensed through each of the plurality of sensing groups 112 defined to correspond to the size of the fingerprint, the fingerprint can be sensed in the entire area, not in a specific area, of the touch screen 110 .

FIG. 9 is a view for explaining a touch/fingerprint recognition apparatus according to a second example of the present invention, FIG. 10 is an enlarged view showing one sensing group shown in FIG. 9, and FIG. 11 is shown in FIG. It is a cross-sectional view for explaining a touch sensor formed on a touch screen.

9 to 11 , the touch/fingerprint recognition apparatus 200 according to the second example of the present invention includes a touch screen 210 and one driving integrated circuit 220 .

The touch screen 210 includes a plurality of touch sensors TS disposed on the substrate 201 along the row direction X and the column direction Y of the substrate 201 . Specifically, the touch screen 210 includes a substrate 201 , m row lines RL, n column lines CL, a plurality of sensing electrodes SE, a plurality of thin film transistors (TFT), and a dielectric layer 203 . ), a cover substrate 205 , and a plurality of touch sensors TS.

The substrate 201 may be made of a transparent plastic material.

Each of the m row lines RL is formed in parallel with a predetermined interval along the column direction Y of the substrate 201 while extending long in the row direction X of the substrate 201 . Each of the m row lines RL is made of a transparent conductive material, and is a fine pattern having a width smaller than the ridge of the user's finger 10 fingerprint, that is, the interval between the peak 12 and the peak 12 of the fingerprint. can be formed. These m row lines RL are first to x-th (where x is m/h) row line groups RLG1 to RLGx (or row direction) consisting of h adjacent units (where h is a natural number equal to or greater than 2). of the sensing group).

Each of the m row lines RL is connected to the driving integrated circuit 220 through the m row routing wires RRL1 to RRLm, and is covered by an insulating film (not shown) formed on the substrate 201 .

Each of the n column lines CL extends in the column direction Y of the substrate 101 and is formed in parallel to have a constant interval along the row direction X of the substrate 101 . That is, each of the n column lines CL is formed on the insulating film to cross each of the m row lines RL, and is connected to the driving integrated circuit 220 through the n column routing wires CRL1 to CRLn. Each of the n column lines CL is made of a transparent conductive material, and is a fine pattern having a width smaller than the ridge of the user's finger 10 fingerprint, that is, the gap between the peak 12 and the peak 12 of the fingerprint. can be formed. These n column lines CL are first to y-th (where y is n/i) column line groups CLG1 to CLGy consisting of i adjacent units (where i is a natural number equal to or different from h). ) (or a sensing group in the column direction).

Each of the plurality of sensing electrodes SE is formed in an island shape to have a constant size in a sensor area defined by intersections of m row lines RL and n column lines CL. Each of the plurality of sensing electrodes SE is made of a transparent conductive material, and is formed in a fine pattern having a width smaller than the ridge of the user's finger 10 fingerprint, that is, the gap between the peak 12 and the peak 12 of the fingerprint. can be Each of the plurality of sensing electrodes SE is formed in a matrix form on the touch screen 210 .

Each of the plurality of thin film transistors TFT is formed for each sensor region and is turned on according to a scan signal of a gate-on voltage supplied to the row line RL to electrically connect the sensor electrode SE to the column line CL. Connect. Each of the plurality of thin film transistors (TFT) according to an example includes a gate electrode protruding from the row line RL, a semiconductor layer overlapping the gate electrode with an insulating layer interposed therebetween, and a sensor electrode SE while connected to one side of the semiconductor layer. and a second electrode connected to the column line CL while being connected to the other side of the semiconductor layer so as to be spaced apart from the first electrode on the semiconductor layer. Here, the gate electrode is formed on the same layer as the row line RL, and the first and second electrodes are formed on the same layer as the column line CL/sensor electrode SE. It can be an electrode or a drain electrode.

The dielectric layer 203 is formed on the substrate 201 to cover the n column lines CL, the plurality of sensing electrodes SE, and the plurality of thin film transistors TFTs. The dielectric layer 203 may be made of a material having a predetermined dielectric constant for forming the touch sensor TS made of self-capacitance. For example, the dielectric layer 203 may be made of a polymer material or a glass material.

The cover substrate 205 is made of a transparent plastic material and covers the dielectric layer 203 to prevent the dielectric layer 203 from being exposed to the outside. Additionally, when the dielectric layer 203 is made of a glass material, the cover substrate 205 may be omitted.

Each of the plurality of touch sensors TS may have a self capacitance formed by the sensor electrode SE and the dielectric layer 203 . The self-capacitance accumulates electric charges by a touch driving signal supplied from the column line CL through the thin film transistor TFT, and the accumulated electric charge (or capacitance) is changed according to a user's touch, thereby causing the touch sensor TS. will play the role of In particular, each of the touch sensors TS changes the accumulated charge according to the distance between each of the peaks and valleys of the user's fingerprint and the sensor electrode SE so that the driving integrated circuit 220 can sense the peaks and valleys of the fingerprint. do.

The plurality of touch sensors TS are grouped into a plurality of sensing groups 212 arranged in a matrix form along the row direction X and the column direction Y on the substrate 101 . Accordingly, the plurality of sensing groups 212 are arranged along the row direction X of the substrate 201 in the row direction X and the column direction along the column direction Y of the substrate 201 . It can be divided into a sensing group of (Y). Each of the plurality of sensing groups 212 has a size corresponding to the size of the fingerprint, for example, a rectangle having a length in the row direction (X) and a length in the column direction (Y) having a range of 10 to 40 mm. form can be defined. In this case, the m number of row lines RL may be formed with a pitch in the range of 50 to 100 μm, and the n number of column lines CL may also be formed with a pitch in the range of 50 to 100 μm. Accordingly, at least two row lines RL and at least two column lines CL are formed to cross each other in the plurality of sensing groups 212 .

In the touch sensing mode of the touch screen 210 , at least two row lines RL included in each of the plurality of sensing groups 212 are electrically connected to each other in each sensing group 212 in the row direction (X). One scan line is formed for each sensing group 212 of . On the other hand, in the fingerprint sensing mode of the touch screen 210 , each of the at least two row lines RL included in each of the plurality of sensing groups 212 is electrically separated from each other in each sensing group 212 , and each Row lines at the same position in the sensing group 212 are electrically connected to each other to form a plurality of scan lines for each sensing group 112 in the row direction (X).

Likewise, in the touch sensing mode of the touch screen 210 , at least two column lines CL included in each of the plurality of sensing groups 212 are electrically connected to each other within each sensing group 212 to form a column direction. One touch sensing line is formed for each sensing group 212 of (Y). On the other hand, in the fingerprint sensing mode of the touch screen 210 , each of the at least two column lines CL included in each of the plurality of sensing groups 212 is electrically separated from each other in each sensing group 212 , and each Column lines at the same position in the sensing group 212 are electrically connected to each other to form a plurality of touch sensing lines for each sensing group 212 in the column direction (Y).

As described above, the touch screen 210 includes a self-capacitance type touch sensor TS formed as the sensor electrode SE is connected to the column line CL by a thin film transistor TFT. Compared to the capacitive touch screen, routing wiring can be reduced. For example, the conventional self-capacitance touch screen has m×n routing wires, whereas the touch screen according to the second example of the present invention has m+n routing wires. Accordingly, the second example of the present invention can improve touch and fingerprint sensing sensitivity because it can sense a touch and a fingerprint in a self-capacitance method while having the same routing wiring as a mutual capacitive touch screen.

The driving integrated circuit 220 groups the plurality of touch sensors TS into a plurality of sensing groups 212 along the row direction X and the column direction Y, and responds to changes in capacitance of the touch sensors TS. Accordingly, touch or fingerprint is sensed to generate touch sensing data or fingerprint sensing data, and the generated touch sensing data or fingerprint sensing data is provided to an external host controller (not shown). That is, the driving integrated circuit 220 transmits a touch driving signal to the touch sensors TS included in each of the sensing groups 212 in the row direction (X) in the row direction (X) in the touch sensing mode. ) unit, and sequentially sensing changes in capacitance of the touch sensors TS included in each sensing group 112 in units of the sensing groups 212 in the row direction X to generate touch sensing data. . In addition, the driving integrated circuit 220 simultaneously supplies a touch driving signal to the touch sensors TS included in each of the plurality of sensing groups 212 in the fingerprint sensing mode, and is included in each of the plurality of sensing groups 212 . Simultaneously sense changes in capacitance of the touch sensor TS to generate fingerprint sensing data.

Specifically, the driving integrated circuit 220 sequentially supplies scan signals to the first to x-th row line groups RLG1 to RLGx in units of the row line groups RLG1 to RLGx in the touch sensing mode, A plurality of sensing groups 112 through each of the plurality of thin film transistors (TFTs) turned on by the scan signal by simultaneously supplying a touch driving signal to the first to y-th column line groups CLG1 to CLGy so as to be synchronized with the scan signal ) supplying a touch driving signal to the sensor electrodes SE included in each, and then sequentially supplying a scan signal to the first to xth row line groups RLG1 to RLGx in units of the row line groups RLG1 to RLGx In synchronization with the scan signal, each of the first to y-th column line groups CLG1 to CLGy and a plurality of thin film transistors (TFTs) turned on by the scan signal in units of the row line group RLG1 to RLGx A change in capacitance of the touch sensors TS included in each of the plurality of sensing groups 212 is simultaneously sensed through each to generate touch sensing data.

That is, in the touch sensing mode, the driving integrated circuit 220 electrically connects the first to h-th row lines included in each row line group RLG1 to RLGx to each other in the corresponding row line group RLG1 to RLGx. The first to x-th scan lines are formed by connecting the first to x-th scan lines, and the first to i-th column lines included in each column line group CLG1 to CLGy are electrically connected to each other within the corresponding column line group CLG1 to CLGy. Thus, first to y-th touch sensing lines Rx1 to Rxy (refer to FIG. 13 ) are formed. Then, the driving integrated circuit 220 sequentially supplies scan signals to the first to x-th scan lines, and simultaneously supplies the touch driving signals to the first to y-th touch sensing lines to be synchronized with the scan signals to scan the scan signals. A touch driving signal is supplied to the sensor electrode SE included in each of the plurality of sensing groups 112 through each of the plurality of thin film transistors (TFTs) turned on by the signal, and then scans the first to xth scan lines A signal is sequentially supplied, and each of the first to y-th touch sensing lines in synchronization with the scan signal in units of the row line groups RLG1 to RLGx and a plurality of thin film transistors (TFTs) turned on by the scan signal, respectively A change in capacitance of the touch sensors TS included in each of the plurality of sensing groups 212 is simultaneously sensed through , and touch sensing data is generated.

In the fingerprint sensing mode, the driving integrated circuit 220 sequentially supplies a scan signal in units of row lines RL included in each row line group RLG1 to RLGx, but first to x-th row line groups. A plurality of thin film transistors (TFTs) which are simultaneously supplied to (RLG1 to RLGx) and turned on by the scan signal by simultaneously supplying a touch driving signal to the first to y-th column line groups (CLG1 to CLGy) to be synchronized with the scan signal ) supplying a touch driving signal to the sensor electrode SE included in each of the plurality of sensing groups 112 through each, and then applying a scan signal to the row line RL included in each of the row line groups RLG1 to RLGx. Sequentially supplied as a unit, the first to x-th row line groups RLG1 to RLGx are simultaneously supplied, and in synchronization with the scan signal, each of the first to y-th column line groups CLG1 to CLGy and the scan signal A change in capacitance of the touch sensor TS included in each of the plurality of sensing groups 212 through each of the plurality of thin film transistors (TFTs) turned on by the first to xth row line groups RLG1 to RLGx Simultaneously, the sensing data is sequentially sensed in units of the row lines RL included in each row line group RLG1 to RLGx to generate fingerprint sensing data.

That is, in the fingerprint sensing mode, the driving integrated circuit 220 electrically interconnects the j-th row lines RLj (where j is a natural number from 1 to h) included in each row line group RLG1 to RLGx. The first to h-th scan lines are formed by connecting them, and the k-th column lines CLk included in each column line group CLG1 to CLGy (where k is a natural number from 1 to i) are electrically connected to each other. Thus, the first to i-th touch sensing lines Rx1, Rx2, Rx3, ˜; see FIG. 14 are formed. Then, the driving integrated circuit 220 sequentially supplies scan signals to the first to h-th scan lines, and simultaneously supplies the touch driving signals to the first to i-th touch sensing lines to be synchronized with the scan signals to scan the scan signals. A touch driving signal is supplied to the sensor electrode SE included in each of the plurality of sensing groups 112 through each of the plurality of thin film transistors (TFTs) turned on by the signal. Then, the driving integrated circuit 220 sequentially supplies scan signals to the first to h-th scan lines, and turns in synchronization with the scan signals to each of the first to i-th touch sensing lines and the scan signals. A change in capacitance of the touch sensors TS included in each of the plurality of sensing groups 212 is simultaneously sensed through each of the plurality of turned-on thin film transistors TFT to generate fingerprint sensing data.

As such, the driving integrated circuit 220 includes a timing generating unit 221 , a scan signal supply unit 223 , a first switching unit 225 , a second switching unit 227 , and a sensing driving unit 229 . can be configured.

The timing generator 221 controls each of the scan signal supply unit 223 , the first switching unit 225 , the second switching unit 227 , and the sensing driver 229 in response to a control signal supplied from the host control unit. do. In particular, the timing generator 221 generates a touch sensing mode signal and a fingerprint sensing mode signal in response to a mode control signal supplied from the host controller to control switching of each of the first and second switching units 225 and 227 . do.

The scan signal supply unit 223 generates a scan signal using the sensing start signal and at least one clock signal supplied from the timing generator 221 , and sends the scan signal to the first switching unit 225 through an output channel. supplied sequentially. The scan signal supply unit 223 according to an example may include a shift register that generates a sequentially shifted scan signal using a sensing start signal and at least one clock signal. The scan signal supply unit 223 according to another example includes a shift register that generates a shift signal that is sequentially shifted using a sensing start signal and at least one clock signal, and a gate-on voltage and a gate-off voltage by level-shifting the shift signal. It may be configured to include a level shifter that generates the scan signal with

The first switching unit 225 is electrically connected to each of the m row lines RL formed on the touch screen 210 through the m row routing wires RRL1 to RRLm, and through the x scan signal supply lines. It is electrically connected to an output channel of the scan signal supply unit 223 . The second switching unit 225 electrically connects the first to h-th row lines included in each of the row line groups RLG1 to RLGx to each other within the corresponding row line groups RLG1 to RLGx in the touch sensing mode. to form first to x-th scan lines, and sequentially supply scan signals supplied from the scan signal supply unit 223 to the first to x-th scan lines. In addition, in the fingerprint sensing mode, the second switching unit 225 electrically connects the j-th row lines RLj included in each row line group RLG1 to RLGx to each other to connect the first to h-th scan lines. and sequentially supplying scan signals supplied from the scan signal supply unit 223 to the first to hth scan lines. As such, the first switching unit 225 has the same configuration as the first switching unit 125 illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4A and 4B . 3, 4A and 4B, the first switching unit 225 includes x first row switching units 125a1 to 125ax and x-1 second row switching units 125b1, 125b2, 125b3. , to), the first to x-th scan lines (SL1 to SLx; see FIGS. 3 and 4A) are formed in the touch sensing mode, and the first to h-th scan lines (SL1, SL2) are formed in the fingerprint sensing mode. , SL3, ˜; refer to FIGS. 3 and 4B ), and thus are the same as the first switching unit 125 , and thus a redundant description thereof will be omitted.

The second switching unit 227 is electrically connected to each of the m column lines CL formed on the touch screen 210 through the n column routing wires CRL1 to CRLn, and through the y sensing signal transmission lines. It is electrically connected to the reception channel of the sensing driver 229 . The second switching unit 227 electrically connects the first to i-th column lines included in each of the column line groups CLG1 to CLGy in the corresponding column line group CLG1 to CLGy in the touch sensing mode. to form first to y-th touch sensing lines, connect each of the first to y-th touch sensing lines to the sensing driver 229, and a touch driving signal supplied from the sensing driver 229 to be synchronized with the scan signal to supply the first to y-th touch sensing lines. In addition, in the fingerprint sensing mode, the second switching unit 227 electrically connects the k-th column lines CLk included in each of the column line groups CLG1 to CLGy to each other to connect the first to i-th touch sensing lines. and connecting each of the first to i-th touch sensing lines to the sensing driving unit 229 and applying a touch driving signal supplied from the sensing driving unit 229 to the first to y-th touch sensing lines so as to be synchronized with the scan signal. to supply As such, the second switching unit 227 has the same configuration as the second switching unit 127 illustrated in FIGS. 5, 6A and 6B . 5, 6A and 6B, the second switching unit 227 includes y first column switching units 127a1 to 127ay and y-1 second column switching units 127b1, 127b2, 127b3. The second switching unit except that the touch driving signal supplied from the sensing driving unit 229 is supplied to each touch sensing line according to the switching of , to) and each touch sensing line is connected to the sensing driving unit 229 . Since it is the same as (127), a redundant description thereof will be omitted.

The sensing driver 229 is connected to each of the first to y-th touch sensing lines Rx1 to Rxy (refer to FIG. 13 ) through the second switching unit 227 in the touch sensing mode, and the timing generator 221 ), a touch driving signal synchronized with the scan signal is generated and simultaneously supplied to the first to y-th touch sensing lines through the second switching unit 227, and is synchronized with the scan signal, and the row line group A plurality of sensing groups through each of the first to y-th touch sensing lines connected through the second switching unit 227 in units of (RLG1 to RLGx) and a plurality of thin film transistors (TFTs) turned on by the scan signal, respectively Touch sensing data is generated by simultaneously sensing changes in capacitance of the touch sensors TS included in 212 .

And, the sensing unit 129 is connected to each of the first to i-th touch sensing lines (Rx1, Rx2, Tx3, ~; see FIG. 14) through the second switching unit 227 in the fingerprint sensing mode, A touch driving signal synchronized with the scan signal is generated under the control of the timing generator 221 and simultaneously supplied to the first to i-th touch sensing lines through the second switching unit 227 and synchronized with the scan signal Thus, each of the first to i-th touch sensing lines connected through the second switching unit 227 in units of the row line groups RLG1 to RLGx and a plurality of thin film transistors (TFTs) turned on by the scan signal, respectively By simultaneously sensing changes in capacitance of the touch sensors TS included in each of the plurality of sensing groups 212 through , fingerprint sensing data is generated. To this end, the sensing driving unit 229 may include a touch driving signal supply unit 229a, a switching unit 229b, and a sensing unit 229c, as shown in FIG. 12 .

The touch driving signal supply unit 229a generates a touch driving signal TDS based on the sensing start signal SSS supplied from the timing generator 221 , and converts the touch driving signal TDS through an output channel. (229b). Here, the touch driving signal may be composed of a plurality of pulses having a duty-on period according to pulse width modulation, which increases the amount of charge of the touch sensor TS by the touch driving signal supplied to the touch driving line to increase the sensing sensitivity. in order to elevate

The switching unit 229b transmits the touch driving signal TDS supplied from the touch driving signal supply unit 229a to the second switching unit 227 in response to the switching control signal CCS supplied from the timing generating unit 221 . supply or connect the second switching unit 227 to the sensing unit 229c. The switching unit 229b according to an example may include a plurality of multiplexers. Each of the plurality of multiplexers includes a first input terminal to which the touch driving signal TDS is supplied, a second input terminal connected to the receiving channel of the sensing unit 229c, an output terminal connected to the second switching unit 227 , and a switching control signal (CCS) may be made including a control terminal to which is supplied. Each of the plurality of multiplexers supplies the touch driving signal TDS to the second switching unit 227 according to the switching control signal CCS of the first logic state, and according to the switching control signal CCS of the second logic state The second switching unit 227 is connected to the sensing unit 229c.

The sensing unit 229c is connected to each of the first to y-th touch sensing lines through the switching unit 229b and the second switching unit 227 in the touch sensing mode, and the first to y-th touch sensing lines, respectively. and a change in capacitance of the touch sensor TS included in each of the plurality of sensing groups 212 through each of the plurality of thin film transistors (TFTs) turned on by the scan signal at the same time to generate touch sensing data (TSdata) create In addition, the sensing unit 229c is connected to each of the first to i-th touch sensing lines through the switching unit 229b and the second switching unit 227 in the fingerprint sensing mode, and sensing the first to i-th touches. A change in capacitance of the touch sensor TS included in each of the plurality of sensing groups 212 is simultaneously sensed through each of the lines and each of the plurality of thin film transistors (TFTs) turned on by the scan signal to obtain fingerprint sensing data (FSdata). ) is created. To this end, the sensing unit 229c may include, not shown, first to y-th sensing units and first to y-th analog-to-digital conversion units. Since the sensing unit 229c having such a configuration is the same as the sensing unit 129 shown in FIG. 1 , a redundant description thereof will be omitted.

Meanwhile, the driving integrated circuit 220 may further include a sensing data processing unit (not shown). The sensing data processing unit receives the touch sensing data (TSdata) or the fingerprint sensing data (FSdata) output from the sensing driver 229 and sequentially stores the data in the memory, and in response to the touch report synchronization signal, the sensing data stored in the memory It is transmitted to the host control unit according to the set interface method. Accordingly, in the touch sensing mode, the host control unit receives the sensing data transmitted from the sensing driver 229 or the sensing data processing unit, and compares the received sensing data with a set sensing threshold to sense data greater than the sensing threshold. is used to calculate touch presence and touch location coordinates. In addition, in the fingerprint sensing mode, the host control unit receives the sensing data transmitted from the sensing driver 229 or the sensing data processing unit, compares the received sensing data with a set sensing threshold, and transmits sensing data greater than the sensing threshold. based on the fingerprint image.

Additionally, the driving integrated circuit 220 may be configured to include a touch control unit that calculates a touch position or a fingerprint image using sensing data and transmits it to the host system. In this case, the host control unit is configured for touch It performs only a role of executing an application program linked to the touch position provided from the control unit, or executes a security program linked to the fingerprint image.

13 is a view for explaining a touch sensing method of a touch/fingerprint sensing device according to a second example of the present invention.

The touch sensing method of the touch/fingerprint sensing device according to the first example of the present invention will be described in connection with FIG. 13 and FIGS. 9 and 6A .

First, according to the switching of the first switching unit 225 according to the touch sensing mode signal TMS in the first logical state and the fingerprint sensing mode signal FMS in the second logical state, the first to xth row line groups ( The first to x-th scan lines SL1 to SLx by grouping the row lines RL1, RL2, and RL3 included in each of RLG1 to RLGx into one scan line SL in units of the row line group RLG1 to RLGx. ) to form In addition, according to the switching of the second switching unit 227 according to the touch sensing mode signal TMS of the first logical state and the fingerprint sensing mode signal FMS of the second logical state, the first to y-th column line groups ( The first to y-th touch sensing lines Rx1 by grouping the column lines CL1, CL2, and CL3 included in each of CLG1 to CLGy) into one touch sensing line Rx in units of the column line groups CLG1 to CLGy. ~ Rxy).

Then, a scan signal SS is sequentially supplied to the first to x-th scan lines SL1 to SLx, and a touch driving signal TDS synchronized with the scan signal SS is applied to the first to y-th touch sensing lines. (Rx1 ~ Rxy) are supplied at the same time. Accordingly, the thin film transistors TFT connected to each of the first to x-th scan lines SL1 to SLx are sequentially turned on in units of each row line group RLG1 to RLGx, so that each touch sensing line Rx1 to Rxy is turned on. The touch driving signal TDS supplied to each of the column line groups CLG1 to CLGy is supplied to the sensor electrode SE of each sensing group 112 through the turned-on thin film transistor TFT.

Then, the scan signal SS is sequentially supplied to the first to x-th scan lines SL1 to SLx, and the first to y-th touches are synchronized with the scan signal in units of the row line groups RLG1 to RLGx. A change in capacitance of the touch sensor TS included in each of the plurality of sensing groups 212 is simultaneously sensed through each of the sensing lines Rx1 to Rxy and each of the plurality of thin film transistors (TFTs) turned on by the scan signal. to generate touch sensing data.

As described above, in the touch/fingerprint sensing device according to the second example of the present invention, in the touch sensing mode, several to tens of row lines RL are grouped into one scan line, and several to tens of column lines CL are formed. By grouping into one touch sensing line, a user's finger touch can be sensed at a faster speed, and power consumption for sensing the user's touch can be reduced. In addition, the touch/fingerprint sensing device according to the second example of the present invention has a self-capacitance through the touch sensor TS formed as the sensor electrode SE is connected to the column line CL by a thin film transistor TFT. By sensing the touch in this way, the sensing sensitivity of the touch may be improved.

14 is a diagram for explaining a fingerprint sensing method of a touch/fingerprint sensing device according to a second example of the present invention.

The fingerprint sensing method of the touch/fingerprint sensing device according to the second example of the present invention will be described in conjunction with FIG. 14 and FIGS. 9 and 6B .

First, according to the switching of the first switching unit 225 according to the touch sensing mode signal TMS in the second logic state and the fingerprint sensing mode signal FMS in the first logical state, the first to x-th row line groups ( The j-th row lines RLj included in each of RLG1 to RLGx are grouped to form first to h-th scan lines SL1, SL2, SL3, and . In addition, according to the switching of the second switching unit 127 according to the touch sensing mode signal TMS in the second logic state and the fingerprint sensing mode signal FMS in the first logical state, the first to y-th column line groups ( The k-th column lines CLk included in each of CLG1 to CLGy are grouped to form first to i-th touch sensing lines Rx1, Rx2, Rx3, and .

Then, the scan signal SS is sequentially supplied to the first to h-th scan lines SL1 , SL2 , SL3 , and the first to h-th scan lines SL1 , SL2 , SL3 , and the touch driving signal TDS synchronized with the scan signal SS are applied. i It is simultaneously supplied to the touch sensing lines (Rx1, Rx2, Rx3,~). Accordingly, the thin film transistor TFT connected to each of the first to hth scan lines SL1, SL2, SL3, and The touch driving signal TDS supplied to each column line group CLG1 to CLGy through Rx1, Rx2, Rx3, ~) is transmitted to the sensor electrode SE of each sensing group 112 through the turned-on thin film transistor TFT. ) is supplied to

Then, the scan signal SS is sequentially supplied to the first to h-th scan lines SL1, SL2, SL3, and, in synchronization with the scan signal in units of the row line groups RLG1 to RLGx. A touch sensor (TS) included in each of the plurality of sensing groups 212 through each of the to i-th touch sensing lines Rx1, Rx2, Rx3, and each of the plurality of thin film transistors (TFTs) turned on by the scan signal ) simultaneously senses changes in capacitance to generate fingerprint sensing data.

As described above, in the touch/fingerprint sensing apparatus according to the second example of the present invention, in the fingerprint sensing mode, the same row lines of each row line group RLG1 to RLGx are grouped together and at the same time, each column line group CLG1 to CLGy is By grouping the same column lines and simultaneously performing fingerprint sensing for a plurality of sensing groups 112, fingerprint sensing can be performed for all sensing groups 112 with the fingerprint sensing time for one sensing group 112. The sensing time may be reduced, and the size of the memory may be reduced as the amount of fingerprint sensing data is reduced. In addition, the touch/fingerprint sensing device according to the second example of the present invention has a self-capacitance through the touch sensor TS formed as the sensor electrode SE is connected to the column line CL by a thin film transistor TFT. By sensing the fingerprint in this way, the sensing sensitivity of the fingerprint may be improved.

As a result, the touch/fingerprint sensing device according to the second example of the present invention can perform touch sensing and fingerprint sensing according to a change in capacitance of the touch sensors included in the plurality of sensing groups 212, and one driving integration The circuit 220 may be used to perform touch sensing and fingerprint sensing, and according to the touch sensing mode and the fingerprint sensing mode, each of a plurality of row lines and a plurality of column lines is selectively grouped to determine the touch sensing time and the fingerprint sensing time. In particular, since the fingerprint is sensed through each of the plurality of sensing groups 212 defined to correspond to the size of the fingerprint, the fingerprint can be sensed in the entire area of the touch screen 210 rather than in a specific area. In particular, in the touch/fingerprint sensing device according to the second example of the present invention, the self-capacitance through the touch sensor TS is formed as the sensor electrode SE is connected to the column line CL by the thin film transistor TFT. By sensing the fingerprint in this way, the sensing sensitivity of the touch and the fingerprint can be improved because the touch and the fingerprint can be sensed in the self-capacitance method while having the same routing wiring as the mutual capacitive touch screen.

The present invention described above is not limited to the above-described embodiments and the accompanying drawings, and it is common in the technical field to which the present invention pertains that various substitutions, modifications and changes are possible without departing from the technical matters of the present invention. It will be clear to those who have the knowledge of Therefore, the scope of the present invention is indicated by the following claims, and all changes or modifications derived from the meaning and scope of the claims and their equivalent concepts should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention.

100, 200: touch/fingerprint recognition device 110, 210: touch screen
112, 212: sensing group 120, 220: driving integrated circuit
121, 221: timing generating unit 123, 229a: touch driving signal supply unit
125, 225: first switching unit 127, 227: second switching unit
129, 229c: sensing unit 223: scan signal supply unit
229b: switch

Claims (11)

a touch screen having a plurality of touch sensors formed between a plurality of row lines and a plurality of column lines disposed to cross each other along a row direction and a column direction of the substrate; and
a driving integrated circuit for grouping the plurality of touch sensors into a plurality of sensing groups along the row direction and the column direction, and sensing a change in capacitance of the touch sensor;
The driving integrated circuit comprises:
In the touch sensing mode, at least two row lines included in each of the sensing groups in the row direction are electrically connected to each other in each sensing group, and a touch driving signal is sequentially supplied in units of the sensing groups in the row direction, and each Sequentially sensing the change in capacitance of the touch sensor included in the sensing group in units of sensing groups in the row direction,
In the fingerprint sensing mode, at least two row lines included in each of the plurality of sensing groups are electrically separated from each other in each sensing group, and row lines located at the same position in each sensing group are electrically connected to each other, and the touch driving signal is supplied to the plurality of sensing groups at the same time, and a change in capacitance of a touch sensor included in each of the plurality of sensing groups is simultaneously sensed, a touch/fingerprint recognition device. The method of claim 1,
The plurality of row lines includes m (where m is a natural number) row lines formed at regular intervals,
The plurality of column lines includes n (where n is a natural number) column lines formed at regular intervals to intersect the m row lines with a dielectric layer interposed therebetween,
The touch sensor is made of a capacitance formed between the row line and the column line crossing each other,
The m row lines are grouped into first to x-th (where x is m/h) row line groups consisting of h adjacent units (where h is a natural number equal to or greater than 2),
The n column lines are grouped into 1st to yth (where y is n/i) column line group consisting of adjacent i units (where i is a natural number equal to or different from h) recognition device. 3. The method of claim 2,
The driving integrated circuit comprises:
a touch driving signal supply unit for generating and outputting the touch driving signal;
a first switching unit selectively supplying the touch driving signal to each row line group according to a touch sensing mode signal and a fingerprint sensing mode signal;
In the touch sensing mode, a change in capacitance of the touch sensor is sequentially sensed in units of a sensing group in the row direction through each column line group to generate touch sensing data, and in the fingerprint sensing mode, each column line group a sensing unit that simultaneously senses a change in capacitance of the touch sensor through a sensing unit to generate fingerprint sensing data; and
and a second switching unit selectively connecting each of the column line groups to the sensing unit according to the touch sensing mode signal and the fingerprint sensing mode signal. 4. The method of claim 3,
The first switching unit,
In the touch sensing mode, the first to h-th row lines included in each row line group are electrically connected to each other within the group according to the touch sensing mode signal and the fingerprint sensing mode signal to form the first to x-th touch driving lines. and sequentially supplying the touch driving signal to the first to x-th touch driving lines,
In the fingerprint sensing mode, j-th (where j is a natural number from 1 to h) row lines included in each row line group are electrically connected to each other according to the touch sensing mode signal and the fingerprint sensing mode signal to electrically connect the first to second row lines. A touch/fingerprint recognition device that forms an h touch driving line and sequentially supplies the touch driving signal to the first to hth touch driving lines. 4. The method of claim 3,
The second switching unit,
In the touch sensing mode, the first to i-th column lines included in each column line group are electrically connected to each other in the group according to the touch sensing mode signal and the fingerprint sensing mode signal to form the first to y-th touch sensing lines. and connecting the first to y-th touch sensing lines to the sensing unit,
In the fingerprint sensing mode, the k-th (where k is a natural number from 1 to i) column lines included in each column line group are electrically connected to each other according to the touch sensing mode signal and the fingerprint sensing mode signal to electrically connect the first to first column lines. A touch/fingerprint recognition device that forms an i touch sensing line and connects the first to i-th touch sensing lines to the sensing unit. The method of claim 1,
The plurality of row lines includes m row lines formed at regular intervals,
The plurality of column lines includes n column lines formed at regular intervals to intersect the m row lines,
The touch screen is
a plurality of sensor electrodes formed for each sensor area defined by the row line and the column line crossing each other;
a plurality of thin film transistors formed in each sensor area and turned on according to a scan signal supplied to the row line to electrically connect the sensor electrode to the column line; and
a dielectric layer formed on the plurality of sensor electrodes;
The touch sensor is made of a capacitance formed by a dielectric layer on the sensor electrode,
The m row lines are grouped into first to x-th row line groups consisting of h adjacent units,
The n column lines are grouped into first to y-th column line groups formed of adjacent i units, the touch/fingerprint recognition device. 7. The method of claim 6,
The driving integrated circuit comprises:
a scan signal supply unit for generating and outputting the scan signal;
a first switching unit selectively supplying the scan signal to each row line group according to a touch sensing mode signal and a fingerprint sensing mode signal;
In the touch sensing mode, a touch driving signal is supplied to each column line group, and then, a change in capacitance of the touch sensor is sequentially sensed in units of the row direction sensing group through each column line group to generate touch sensing data. and a sensing driver for supplying a touch driving signal to each column line group in the fingerprint sensing mode and simultaneously sensing a change in capacitance of the touch sensor through each column line group to generate fingerprint sensing data; and
and a second switching unit selectively connecting each of the column line groups to the sensing driver according to the touch sensing mode signal and the fingerprint sensing mode signal. 8. The method of claim 7,
The first switching unit,
In the touch sensing mode, the first to h-th row lines included in each row line group are electrically connected to each other within the group according to the touch sensing mode signal and the fingerprint sensing mode signal to form first to x-th scan lines and sequentially supplying the scan signals to the first to x-th scan lines,
In the fingerprint sensing mode, j-th row lines included in each row line group are electrically connected to each other according to the touch sensing mode signal and the fingerprint sensing mode signal to form first to h-th scan lines, and the scan signal A touch/fingerprint recognition device that sequentially supplies the first to h-th scan lines. 8. The method of claim 7,
The second switching unit,
In the touch sensing mode, the first to i-th column lines included in each column line group are electrically connected to each other in the group according to the touch sensing mode signal and the fingerprint sensing mode signal to form the first to y-th touch sensing lines. and connecting the first to y-th touch sensing lines to the sensing driver,
In the fingerprint sensing mode, k-th column lines included in each column line group are electrically connected to each other according to the touch sensing mode signal and the fingerprint sensing mode signal to form first to i-th touch sensing lines, and first to i-th touch sensing lines are formed. A touch/fingerprint recognition device for connecting the i-th touch sensing line to the sensing driving unit. 9. The method according to claim 4 or 8,
The first switching unit,
a plurality of first row switching units electrically connecting the first to h-th row lines included in each row line group to each other in the group according to the touch sensing mode signal; and
and a plurality of second row switching units electrically connecting the j-th row lines included in each row line group to each other according to the fingerprint sensing mode signal. 10. The method according to claim 5 or 9,
The second switching unit,
a plurality of first column switching units electrically connecting the first to i-th column lines included in each column line group to each other in the group according to the touch sensing mode signal; and
and a plurality of second column switching units electrically connecting the k-th column lines included in each column line group to each other according to the fingerprint sensing mode signal.

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