Hereinafter, a mobile communication terminal according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It is to be understood that the present invention is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments but includes all changes, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
In describing the present invention, the terms first, second, etc. may be used to describe various components, but the components may not be limited by the terms. The terms may only be used for the purpose of distinguishing one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first component may be referred to as a second component, and similarly, the second component may also be referred to as a first component.
The term " and / or " may include any combination of a plurality of related listed items or any of a plurality of related listed items.
When an element is referred to as being "connected" or "connected" to another element, it may be directly connected or connected to the other element, but other elements may be present in between Can be understood. On the other hand, when it is mentioned that an element is "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another element, it can be understood that no other element exists in between.
The terminology used in this application is used only to describe a specific embodiment and is not intended to limit the invention. The singular expressions may include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
In the present application, the terms "comprises", "having", and the like are used interchangeably to designate one or more of the features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, But do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, parts, or combinations thereof.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, may have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries can be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the relevant art and are, unless expressly defined in the present application, interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense .
In addition, the following embodiments are provided to explain more fully to the average person skilled in the art. The shapes and sizes of the elements in the drawings and the like can be exaggerated for clarity.
The configurations described herein can be applied to various terminals. For example, the present invention can be applied to a mobile phone, a smart phone, a laptop computer, a digital broadcasting terminal, a PDA (personal digital assistant), a portable multimedia player (PMP)
In addition, although the configuration described herein is preferably applied to a mobile communication terminal, it may be applied to a fixed terminal such as a digital TV, a desktop computer, and the like.
1 is a block diagram of a mobile communication terminal according to the present invention.
1, the mobile communication terminal 100 includes a wireless communication unit 110, an audio / video (A / V) input unit 120, a user input unit 130, a sensing unit 140, an output unit 150, An interface unit 170, a control unit 180, a power supply unit 190, and the like. 1 are not essential, it is also possible to implement a mobile communication terminal having more or fewer components than those shown in Fig.
The wireless communication unit 110 may include one or more modules for enabling wireless communication between the mobile communication terminal 100 and the wireless communication system or between the mobile communication terminal 100 and the network in which the mobile communication terminal 100 is located . For example, the wireless communication communication unit 110 may include a broadcast receiving module 111, a mobile communication module 112, a wireless Internet module 113, a short distance communication module 114, a location information module 115, have.
The broadcast receiving module 111 receives broadcast signals and / or broadcast-related information from an external broadcast management server through a broadcast channel.
The broadcast channel may include a satellite channel and a terrestrial channel.
The broadcast management server may be a server for generating and transmitting broadcast signals and / or broadcast-related information, or a server for receiving broadcast signals and / or broadcast-related information generated by the broadcast server and transmitting the generated broadcast signals and / or broadcast-
The broadcast signal may include a TV broadcast signal, a radio broadcast signal, a data broadcast signal, and a broadcast signal in which a data broadcast signal is combined with a TV broadcast signal or a radio broadcast signal.
The broadcast-related information may mean information related to a broadcast channel, a broadcast program, or a broadcast service provider. The broadcast-related information can also be provided through a mobile communication network. In this case, it may be received by the mobile communication module 112.
The broadcast-related information can have various types. For example, the broadcast-related information can be of an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) of a DMB (Digital Multimedia Broadcasting) or an ESG (Electronic Service Guide) of a DVBH (Digital Video BroadcastHandheld).
The broadcast receiving module 111 receives a broadcast signal using various broadcasting systems. For example, the broadcast receiving module 111 may be a DMB (Digital Multimedia Broadcasting Terrestrial), a DMBS (Digital Multimedia Broadcasting Satellite), a MediaFLO (Media Forward Link Only), a DVBH And a digital broadcasting system such as ISDBT (Integrated Services Digital Broadcast Terrestrial). In addition, the broadcast receiving module 111 may be configured to be suitable for the above-described digital broadcasting system as well as other broadcasting systems for providing broadcasting signals.
The broadcast signal and / or broadcast related information received through the broadcast receiving module 111 may be stored in the memory unit 160.
The mobile communication module 112 transmits and receives radio signals to at least one of a base station, an external terminal, and a server on a mobile communication network. The wireless signal may include various types of data depending on a voice call signal, a video call signal or a text / multimedia message transmission / reception.
The wireless Internet module 113 refers to a module for wireless Internet access, and the wireless Internet module 113 can be embedded in the mobile terminal 100 or externally. WLAN (WiFi), Wibro (Wireless broadband), Wimax (World Interoperability for Microwave Access), HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) and the like can be used as wireless Internet technologies.
The short-range communication module 114 refers to a module for short-range communication. Bluetooth, radio frequency identification (RFID), infrared data association (IrDA), ultra wideband (UWB), ZigBee, and the like can be used as the short distance communication technology.
The location information module 115 is a module for confirming or obtaining the location of the mobile terminal. A typical example of the position information module 115 is a Global Position System (GPS) module. According to the present technology, the position information module 115 using the GPS system calculates information on a distance between one or more satellites (an object) and three or more satellites, information on the time when the distance information is measured, By applying the trigonometric method to the distance information, it is possible to calculate the three-dimensional position information according to the latitude, longitude, and altitude of one point (object) in one hour. Further, a method of calculating position and time information using three satellites and correcting an error of position and time information calculated using another satellite is also used.
The position information module 115 may continue to calculate the current position in real time and calculate velocity information using the current position.
The A / V (Audio / Video) input unit 120 is for inputting an audio signal or a video signal and may include a camera 121, a microphone 122, and the like.
The camera 121 can process an image frame such as a still image or a moving image obtained by the image sensor in the video communication mode or the photographing mode. The processed image frame may be displayed on the display unit 151. The image frame processed by the camera 121 may be stored in the memory unit 160 or transmitted to the outside through the wireless communication unit 110. [ More than one camera 121 may be provided depending on the configuration of the terminal.
The microphone 122 can receive an external sound signal and process it as electrical voice data in a communication mode, a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, or the like. The processed voice data can be converted into a form that can be transmitted to the mobile communication base station through the mobile communication module 112 when the voice data is in the call mode, and output.
Various noise reduction algorithms may be applied to the microphone 122 to remove noise generated in receiving an external sound signal.
The user input unit 130 may generate input data for a user to control operation of the terminal. The user input unit 130 may include a key pad dome switch, a touch pad (static / static), a jog wheel, and / or a jog switch.
The sensing unit 140 senses the position of the mobile communication terminal 100 such as the open / close state of the mobile communication terminal 100, the position of the mobile communication terminal 100, the presence or absence of the user, the orientation of the mobile terminal 100, 100 to sense a current state of the mobile communication terminal 100 and generate a sensing signal for controlling the operation of the mobile communication terminal 100. For example, when the mobile communication terminal 100 is in the form of a slide phone, it is possible to sense whether the slide phone is opened or closed. In addition, it may be responsible for a sensing function related to whether the power supply unit 190 is powered on, whether the interface unit 170 is connected to an external device, and the like.
The output unit 150 may include a display module 151, an audio output module 152, an alarm unit 153, a haptic module 154, and the like for generating an output related to visual, auditory, . Hereinafter, the display module 151 may be referred to as a display unit 151.
The display unit 151 can display and output information processed by the mobile communication terminal 100. [ For example, when the mobile communication terminal 100 is in the call mode, a UI (User Interface) or GUI (Graphic User Interface) related to a call can be displayed. When the mobile communication terminal 100 is in the video communication mode or the photographing mode, the photographed and / or received image, UI, and GUI are displayed.
The display unit 151 may be a liquid crystal display, a thin film transistor liquid crystal display, an organic light emitting diode, a flexible display, a 3D display And may include at least one.
Alternatively, the display unit 151 may be a transparent display unit that transmits light. In this case, the user may be able to observe the object located on the opposite side of the user with respect to the mobile communication terminal 100 through the display unit 151.
As described above, when the display unit 151 is a transparent display unit, the rear structure of the display unit 151 may also be of a light transmission type. For this, the display unit 151 may include a transparent liquid crystal display panel (transparent LCD), a transparent organic electroluminescence panel (transparent OLED), or the like.
According to the embodiment of the mobile communication terminal 100, the number of the display units 151 may be two or more. For example, in the mobile communication terminal 100, a plurality of display units may be spaced apart from one another or integrally disposed, or may be disposed on different surfaces.
The display unit 151 may be used as an input device in addition to the output device when the display unit 151 and a sensor (not shown) that senses a touch (hereinafter referred to as a 'touch sensor') are used together. The touch sensor may have the form of, for example, a touch film, a touch sheet, a touch pad, or the like.
The touch sensor can convert a change in a pressure applied to a specific part of the display part 151 or a capacitance generated in a specific part of the display part 151 into an electrical input signal. The touch sensor can be configured to detect not only the position and area to be touched but also the pressure at the time of touch.
When a user touches a predetermined position of the display unit 151 and senses the touch by the touch sensor, a signal corresponding to the touch can be transmitted to the touch controller (not shown) by the touch sensor.
The touch controller processes the received signal, and then transmits the corresponding data to the controller 180. Based on the data received from the controller 180, the touch controller determines which area of the display 151 is touched Information can be obtained.
Meanwhile, the mobile communication terminal 100 may further include a proximity sensor 142. The proximity sensor 142 may be used in place of the touch sensor, or may be a case where the touch sensor and the proximity sensor are used together.
The proximity sensor 142 can detect the presence of an object to be approached or nearby by using the force of an electromagnetic field without mechanical contact.
This proximity sensor 142 may be an electrostatic proximity sensor. Such a proximity sensor 142 can detect the proximity of an object with a change of an electric field along a predetermined object, for example, the proximity of the user's finger.
The proximity sensor 142 may sense a proximity touch and a proximity touch pattern (e.g., a proximity touch distance, a proximity touch direction, a proximity touch speed, a proximity touch time, a proximity touch position, a proximity touch movement state, and the like). Information corresponding to the detected proximity touch operation and the proximity touch pattern can be output to the display unit 151. [
The proximity sensor 142 will be described in more detail below.
The sound output module 152 outputs sound signals related to functions performed in the mobile communication terminal 100. For example, the audio output module 152 outputs audio data received by the wireless communication unit 110 in a call signal reception mode, a call mode or a recording mode, a voice recognition mode, a broadcast reception mode, Can be output.
The audio output module 152 may include a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer, and the like.
The alarm unit 153 may output a signal for notifying the occurrence of an event of the mobile communication terminal 100. Examples of events generated in the mobile communication terminal 100 include a call signal reception, a message reception, a key signal input, a touch input, and the like.
The alarm unit 153 may output a signal for notifying the occurrence of an event in a form other than the video signal or the audio signal, for example, vibration. The video signal or the audio signal can also be output through the display unit 151 or the audio output module 152.
The haptic module 154 may generate various tactile effects that the user may feel. A typical example of the haptic effect generated by the haptic module 154 is vibration. The intensity and pattern of the vibration generated by the hit module 154 can be controlled. For example, different vibrations may be synthesized and output or sequentially output.
In addition to the vibration, the haptic module 154 may be configured to perform various functions such as an effect of stimulation by a pin arrangement vertically moving with respect to a contact skin surface, an effect of stimulation by air spraying force or suction force through a jet opening or a suction opening, A variety of tactile effects such as an effect of stimulation through contact of an electrode, an effect of stimulation by an electrostatic force, and an effect of reproducing a cold sensation using a heat absorbing or exothermic element can be generated.
The haptic module 154 can be implemented not only to transmit the tactile effect through the direct contact but also to feel the tactile effect through the muscles of the user's finger or arm. The haptic module 154 may include two or more haptic modules 154 according to the configuration of the mobile communication terminal 100.
The memory unit 160 may store a program for the operation of the controller 180 and temporarily store input / output data (e.g., a phone book, a message, a still image, a moving picture, etc.). The memory unit 160 may store data on vibration and sound of various patterns output when a touch is input.
The memory unit 160 may be a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type memory (for example, SD or XD memory) At least one of a random access memory (RAM), a static random access memory (SRAM), a read only memory (ROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a programmable read- Lt; / RTI > type of storage medium.
The mobile communication terminal 100 may operate in association with a web storage that performs a storage function of the memory unit 160 on the Internet.
The interface unit 170 may serve as a path for communication with all external devices connected to the mobile communication terminal 100. The interface unit 170 receives data from an external device or receives power from the external device and transmits the data to each component in the mobile terminal 100 or data in the mobile terminal 100 may be transmitted to an external device. For example, a wired / wireless headset port, an external charger port, a wired / wireless data port, a memory card port, a port for connecting a device having an identification module, an audio I / O port, A video input / output (I / O) port, an earphone port, and the like may be included in the interface unit 170.
The mobile communication terminal 100 may further include an identification module (not shown).
The identification module is a chip for storing various information for authenticating the use right of the mobile communication terminal 100 and includes a user identification module (UIM), a subscriber identity module (SIM) (Universal Subscriber Identity Module, USIM), and the like.
An apparatus having an identification module (hereinafter referred to as 'identification device') may be manufactured in the form of a smart card. In this case, the identification device can be connected to the mobile communication terminal 100 through the port.
The interface unit 170 may be used as a path through which power from the cradle is supplied to the mobile communication terminal 100 when the mobile communication terminal 100 is connected to an external cradle Can be used as a path through which various command signals to the mobile communication terminal 100 are transmitted.
The various command signals or power input from the cradle may be operated as a signal for recognizing that the mobile terminal is correctly mounted on the cradle.
The control unit 180 can generally control the overall operation of the mobile communication terminal 100. For example, perform related controls and processing for voice calls, data communications, video calls, and the like.
The control unit 180 may include a multimedia module 181 for multimedia playback. The multimedia module 181 may be implemented in the control unit 180 or may be implemented separately from the control unit 180. [
The control unit 180 can perform a pattern recognition process capable of recognizing the handwriting input or drawing input performed on the display unit 1151 as characters and images, respectively.
The power supply unit 190 receives external power and internal power under the control of the controller 180 and supplies power necessary for operation of the respective components.
The various embodiments described herein may be embodied in a recording medium readable by a computer or similar device using, for example, software, hardware, or a combination thereof.
According to a hardware implementation, the embodiments described herein may be implemented as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays May be implemented using at least one of processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, and electrical units for performing functions. In some cases such embodiments may be implemented using a controller 180 < / RTI >
According to a software implementation, embodiments such as procedures or functions may be implemented with separate software modules that perform at least one function or operation. The software code may be implemented by a software application written in a suitable programming language. Also, the software codes may be stored in the memory unit 160 and executed by the control unit 180. [
2 to 6 are views for explaining a schematic configuration of a mobile communication terminal.
2 and 3, the mobile communication terminal 100 according to the present invention may have a bar shape. The shape of the mobile communication terminal 100 according to the present invention is not limited to the bar type but may be various types such as a slide type, a folder type, a swing type, and a swivel type in which two or more bodies are relatively movably coupled have.
The mobile communication terminal 100 according to the present invention may include a front cover 210, a battery cover 220, and a display unit 151. The front cover 210 and the battery cover 220 may be exposed to the outside when the assembly is completed.
Although not shown, various driving boards and electronic components for operating the mobile communication terminal 100 may be disposed between the display unit 151 and the battery cover 220. [
The display unit 151 may be referred to as a display panel or a display module.
The display unit 151 may display various kinds of information required for the operation of the mobile communication terminal 100. In addition, the display unit 151 may represent a 2D image and / or a 3D image. The display unit 151 may be of various types such as a liquid crystal display panel (LCD) and an organic light emitting display panel (OLED).
The front cover 210 may include a portion located at an edge of the display unit 151. In other words, the front cover 210 may include a portion covering the side surface of the display portion 151.
In addition, the front cover 210 may include a portion positioned on the front surface of the display unit 151.
Further, although not shown, it is possible to arrange a protective material of a film material or a glass material for protecting the display unit 151 in front of the display unit 151. [
The battery cover 220 protects the battery mounted on the mobile communication terminal 100 from impact and restrains the battery.
2 and 3, the mobile communication terminal 100 according to the present invention includes an audio output unit 152, a front camera 280a, user input units 281 and 284, a microphone 122, A camera 280b, and an interface unit 170, as shown in FIG.
The sound output unit 152 may be a speaker for outputting a condensed sound or the like. A plurality of sound output units 152 may be provided. For example, although not shown, the sound output unit 152 may include a first sound output unit for outputting a synthesized sound, a second sound output unit for outputting sounds according to various applications such as a ring tone, It is possible to include a part.
The front camera 280a can photograph a subject such as a user located in front of the mobile communication terminal 100. [ For example, a user located in front of the mobile communication terminal 100 can conduct a video call with another user using his / her own image captured by the front camera 280a.
The user input units 281 and 284 may be means for inputting a command for controlling the operation of the mobile communication terminal 100. [ These user input units 281 and 284 may include various operation units. For example, the user input units 281 and 284 may include a touch input unit 281 and a side button 284. Here, the touch input unit 281 may be used to detect proximity touch and / or touch touched by the user, and may be located on the front side of the mobile communication terminal 100 for the convenience of the user. In addition, the side button 284 may be located on the side of the mobile communication terminal 100.
The touch input unit 281 may include a capacitive touch sensor. In this case, when the user touches the area corresponding to the touch input unit 281, a predetermined command can be executed. In addition, when a command input, that is, a touch is detected by the user, light may be generated in the touch input unit 281, thereby allowing the user to confirm the area touched by the user.
The user input units 281 and 284 may be collectively referred to as a manipulating portion and may be a tactile manner in which the user operates with a tactile impression. For example, the side button 284 of the user input 281 may be a physical button.
The user inputs 281 and 284 can be frequently used or assigned major functions. For example, functions such as start and / or termination of the mobile terminal 100 and / or application, sound conditioning, and the like may be assigned to the user inputs 281 and 284.
The side button 284 can have a function of adjusting the volume of the mobile communication terminal 100 and the like. The user can easily operate the mobile communication terminal 100 using the side button 284 while holding the mobile communication terminal 100. [
The microphone 122 may be a device for acquiring a voice or the like of the user.
As shown in FIG. 3, the battery cover 220 may be exposed on the rear surface of the mobile communication terminal 100 according to the present invention.
The mobile communication terminal 100 may include a rear camera 280b.
The rear camera 280b can photograph a subject such as a user located behind the mobile communication terminal 100. [ For example, the user can photograph a subject located behind the mobile communication terminal 100 while checking the image displayed on the display unit 151 using the rear camera 280b.
At least one of the rear camera 280b and the front camera 280a may be installed in the mobile communication terminal 100 to be able to rotate or pop-up.
In addition, although not shown, a flash and / or a mirror may be disposed around at least one of the rear camera 280b and the front camera 280a. The flash can illuminate the subject toward the subject during shooting to make it easier to identify the subject.
The interface unit 170 can be used to receive data, power, etc. from the outside. The interface unit 170 may be disposed on a side surface of the mobile communication terminal 100.
In addition, although not shown, the mobile communication terminal 100 may further include an antenna. The antenna may be installed to be able to be drawn out from the body of the mobile communication terminal 100.
Further, although not shown, a touch sensor for touch operation may be disposed in front of or behind the display unit 151.
4, the mobile communication terminal 100 according to the present invention includes a front cover 210, a battery cover 220, a housing 240 positioned between the battery cover 220 and the front cover 210, . ≪ / RTI >
In addition, the mobile communication terminal 100 according to the present invention may include a window substrate 500, a window substrate 500, and a display unit 151 disposed in the housing 240.
The window substrate 500 may be positioned on the front surface of the display unit 151 to protect the display unit 151. In addition, the window substrate 500 is substantially transparent, and may include a glass material or a resin material.
In this window substrate 500, an electrode for touch sensing and an electrode for proximity sensing may be formed.
The housing 240 may include various electronic components, for example, a driver for driving the mobile communication terminal 100.
The housing 240 may be connected to the battery cover 220.
The connection form of the battery cover 220 and the housing 240 may be various. For example, the battery cover 220 may be connected to or detached from the housing 240 by a pop-up type, a slide type, a pull type, or the like.
The rear camera 280b may be mounted on the housing 240. [ In this case, a hole (221) corresponding to the rear camera (280b) may be formed on the battery cover (220) to expose the rear camera (280b) to the outside.
In addition, a battery 270 may be disposed in the housing 240. To this end, the housing 240 may include a portion where the battery 270 is mounted, that is, a battery coupling portion 370.
In addition, the housing 240 may include a battery terminal 371. The battery terminal 371 may be electrically connected to the battery 270 so that the energy of the battery 270 may be supplied to the mobile communication terminal 100.
The battery terminal 371 may be disposed in the battery coupling portion 370. When the battery 270 is disposed in the battery coupling portion 370, the battery 270 can be safely restrained and the battery 270 can be stably and electrically connected to the battery terminal 371.
It is possible for the user to exchange the battery 270 after detaching the battery cover 220 from the housing 240. [
Also, a memory coupling unit 380 may be disposed in the housing 240. A memory 390 such as a memory card or a USIM card can be connected to the memory coupling unit 380.
The housing 140 will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 5 attached hereto.
The housing 240 may include a frame 310 and a rear cover 320.
Various electronic components may be disposed in the frame 310. Preferably, the main circuit board 400 for driving the mobile communication terminal 100 may be disposed in the frame 310. In other words, the main circuit board 400 can be disposed between the frame 310 and the rear cover 320. [ Various circuit components 401 may be disposed on the main circuit board 400.
The main circuit board 400 can control the overall operation of the mobile communication terminal 100.
Here, the main circuit board 400 may correspond to the control unit 180 shown in FIG. Alternatively, the main circuit board 400 may include the controller 180 of FIG. In addition, the main circuit board 400 may further include the memory unit 160 of FIG. 1, and may further include the wireless communication unit 110.
A terminal body 372 in which a battery terminal 371 is disposed, a memory coupling unit 380 and a rear camera 280b may be disposed in the frame 310. [
It is also possible that the rear camera 280b and / or the memory coupling portion 380 are disposed on the rear cover 320. [
The terminal body 372 may be located in the region 370a corresponding to the battery 270 in the frame 310. [
The frame 310 may be provided with a fastening portion 340 for fastening with the rear cover 320. A fastening hole 341 for fastening the frame 310 to the rear cover 320 may be formed on the rear cover 320. The frame 310 and the rear cover 320 can be fastened together by fastening means 342 such as a screw through the fastening holes 341 and connected to the fastening portions 340. [
The rear cover 320 may be coupled to the frame 310 to protect various electronic components disposed in the frame 310.
A battery hole 370b for the battery coupling portion 370 may be formed in the rear cover 320. [ The battery hole 370b may correspond to a region 370a corresponding to the battery 270 of the frame 310. [
In addition, a terminal hole 370c for the terminal body 372 may be formed in the battery hole 370b.
The rear cover 320 may include a memory hole 361 corresponding to the memory coupling unit 380 and a camera hole 221 corresponding to the rear camera 280b.
The rear camera 280b disposed in the frame 310 may be exposed to the outside through the first hole 221 formed in the camera hole 221 and the battery cover 220. [
The memory connector 380 disposed in the frame 310 may be exposed to the outside of the rear cover 320 through the memory hole 361. [
Meanwhile, although not shown, the mobile communication terminal 100 according to the present invention may further include an interface for connecting external devices such as an earphone, a headset, and the like.
6 shows an example of the structure of the cross section of the mobile communication terminal 100. As shown in Fig.
6, reference numeral 500 denotes a window substrate.
6 illustrates an example of a cross-sectional structure of the mobile communication terminal 100, and the mobile communication terminal 100 according to the present invention is not limited to FIG.
7 to 21 are views for explaining a case where electrodes for proximity sensing are formed on a window substrate. Hereinafter, the description of the parts described in detail above will be omitted. In addition, in the following, the electrode for proximity sensing may be an electrode included in the proximity sensor of reference numeral 142 of FIG. Hereinafter, an electrode for proximity sensing will be referred to as a proximity electrode. Hereinafter, the window substrate will be referred to as a substrate.
7, the substrate 500 may include a display area DISA on which an image is displayed, a menu area MA on the outskirts of the display area DISA, and a proximity sensing area ASA.
Here, the display area DISA may be a substantially transparent area such that the image of the display part 151 is visible to the user. In addition, the display area DISA can be overlapped with the display unit 151. Here, the display area DISA overlaps with the display unit 151 may be a case where the display area DISA and the display unit 151 are completely overlapped, And the display area DISA are partially overlapped with each other.
The menu area MA and the proximity sensing area ASA can be referred to as a dummy area in which no image is displayed.
A menu pattern 600 corresponding to the touch input unit 281 of FIG. 2 may be formed in the menu area MA. In addition, a hole 610 corresponding to a home key may be formed in the menu area MA.
The proximity sensing area ASA may be formed with a first hole 620 corresponding to the front camera 280a and a second hole 630 corresponding to the acoustic output part 152 which are described above with reference to FIG.
In addition, a touch sensing electrode 710 may be formed in the display area DISA and the menu area MA. Hereinafter, the touch sensing electrode 710 is referred to as a touch electrode. Hereinafter, a region where the touch electrode 710 is formed can be referred to as a first region (first area).
In addition, the proximity electrode 720 may be formed in the proximity sensing area ASA. Hereinafter, a region in which the proximity electrode 720 is formed may be referred to as a second region. Here, the proximity electrode 720 may include a material having excellent electrical conductivity, such as copper (Cu), aluminum (Al), silver (Ag), or the like.
As such, the touch electrode 710 may overlap the display area DISA and the proximity electrode 720 may be formed in the non-display area.
In addition, the touch electrode 710 and the proximity electrode 720 may be spaced a predetermined distance W1 by a vertical direction (DRV). Accordingly, the touch electrode 710 and the adjacent electrode 720 can be electrically separated from each other. The touch electrode 710 may be referred to as a first electrode layer and the proximity electrode 720 may be referred to as a second electrode layer.
Here, although the first area and the second area are disposed adjacent to each other in the vertical direction (DRV), if the first area and the second area are disposed adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction (DRH) May also be possible. Here, the horizontal direction DRH can be referred to as a first direction (DR1), and the vertical direction DRV can be referred to as a second direction (DR2).
Referring to FIG. 8, the touch electrode 710 may include a horizontal electrode layer 711 extending in the horizontal direction DRH and a vertical electrode layer 712 extending in the vertical direction DRV.
9, the horizontal electrode layer 711 of the touch electrode 710 includes a first base 711S and a horizontal electrode 711E formed on the first base 711S in the horizontal direction DRH, And the vertical electrode layer 712 of the touch electrode 710 may include a vertical electrode 712E formed in a direction DRV perpendicular to the second base 712S and the second base 712S. Here, the horizontal electrode 711E may be referred to as a first electrode, and the vertical electrode 712E may be referred to as a second electrode.
The first and second base layers 711S and 712S are substantially transparent and can include a resin material or a glass material. It is preferable that the first and second base layers 711S and 712S include a resin material in consideration of the thickness of the touch electrode 710 and the manufacturing unit cost. In this case, the vertical electrode layer 712 and the horizontal electrode layer 711 May each be a touch film type.
The horizontal electrode 711E and the vertical electrode 712E may preferably have a property of transmitting light in order to maintain the light transmittance of the touch electrode 710 at a sufficiently high level. Accordingly, the horizontal electrode 711E and the vertical electrode 712E can include an ITO (Indium Tin Oxide) material. Alternatively, it is also possible that the horizontal electrode 711E and the vertical electrode 712E have a form in which the ITO material layer with a thickness of several or several tens of micrometers (탆) is alternately stacked with the (Ag) material layer. Even in this case, the horizontal electrode 711E and the vertical electrode 712E can have a transparent property.
The horizontal electrode layer 711 can acquire a touch position along the vertical direction DRH.
The vertical electrode layer 712 can acquire a touch position along the horizontal direction DRH.
In addition, the horizontal electrode 711E of the horizontal electrode layer 711 and the vertical electrode 712E of the vertical electrode layer 712 are connected to each other by a predetermined connector (not shown) and a flexible printed circuit (FPC, not shown) And may be electrically connected to the controller 900.
In addition, a transmission line 910 may be formed on the flexible substrate.
The controller 900 may calculate the position of the touch position in the vertical direction DRH, e.g., the Y-axis position, based on the signal generated in the horizontal electrode 711E of the horizontal electrode layer 711. [ The position of the horizontal direction DRH of the touch position, for example, the X-axis position, can be calculated and obtained based on the signal generated from the vertical electrode 712E of the vertical electrode layer 712. [
Here, the controller 900 may correspond to the control unit of FIG. 1 and / or the main circuit board 400 of FIG.
The touch operation will now be described with reference to FIG.
Assume that the user touches the first position P1 of the first area DISA with a predetermined touching means 800, such as a touch pen or a finger, as in the case of FIG.
In this case, a touch signal can be sensed to the horizontal electrode 711E and the vertical electrode 712E corresponding to the first position P1. The horizontal electrode 711E corresponding to the first position P1 by the electrostatic capacitance of the touch means 800 and the horizontal electrode 711E corresponding to the first position P1 when the touch means 800 touches the first position P1 of the substrate 500, A predetermined current can flow through the vertical electrode 712E.
Then, the controller 900 can obtain the position (Y coordinate, vertical coordinate) of the vertical direction DRV of the touch position by checking the position of the horizontal electrode 711E where the touch signal is sensed, It is possible to acquire the position (X coordinate, horizontal coordinate) of the horizontal direction DRH of the touch position by confirming the position of the vertical electrode 712E which is the horizontal position of the touch position.
Hereinafter, the proximity electrode 720 will be described in more detail.
Referring to FIG. 11, the proximity electrode 720 may have a shape extending in the horizontal direction DRH.
In addition, the proximity electrode 720 may be electrically connected to the main circuit board 400 and / or the control unit 180, as in the case of FIG.
If the predetermined proximity means, for example, the user's finger 1000 is brought into proximity to the substrate 500 within a predetermined distance W2 from the substrate 500 without touching the substrate 500, A predetermined current can be generated by the capacitance. If the finger 1000 of the user touches the substrate 500, a predetermined current may be generated in the proximity electrode 720.
In this case, a current generated in the proximity electrode 720 is transmitted to the main circuit board 400, and in the main circuit board 400, the current generated in the proximity electrode 720 is used to control the object, Can be recognized.
As described above, when the proximity of the object is recognized using the proximity electrode 720, the manufacturing cost can be lowered compared with the case of using the conventional light emitting device and the light receiving device. The proximity of the object can be easily recognized.
It may be desirable to form a shield electrode between the proximity electrode 720 and the touch electrode 710 in order for the proximity electrode 720 to more easily recognize the proximity of the object and to reduce recognition errors have.
For example, as in the case of FIG. 13, the first shield electrode 1000 may be disposed between the touch electrode 710 and the proximity electrode 720 in the vertical direction DRV.
The first shield electrode 1000 may be spaced a predetermined distance from the touch electrode 710 and the adjacent electrode 720 in the vertical direction DRV. Accordingly, the first shield electrode 1000 can be electrically isolated from the touch electrode 710 and the proximity electrode 720. Also, the first shield electrode 1000 may be grounded (GND).
The first shield electrode 1000 can prevent the current generated in the touch electrode 710 from affecting the proximity electrode 720. Thus, errors in proximity recognition of the object of the proximity electrode 720 can be reduced.
The first shield electrode 1000 may be formed to surround the proximity electrode 720, as in the case of FIG. In this case, the first shield electrode 1000 may be positioned on one side of the proximity electrode 720, and the first shield electrode 1000 may be located on the other side of the proximity electrode 720. In other words, one side of the proximity electrode 720 and the first shield electrode 1000 are spaced apart from each other by a first gap W2 in the vertical direction DRV, and the other side of the proximity electrode 720 and the first shield electrode 1000 May be spaced apart by a second gap W3. Here, W2 and W3 can be the same.
On the other hand, it is possible to form another shield electrode in the lower portion of the adjacent electrode 720.
15, a second shield electrode 1100 electrically separated from the touch electrode 710 and the proximity electrode 720 may be formed below the proximity electrode 720. In this case, as shown in FIG. In addition, the second shield electrode 1100 can be grounded.
An insulating layer 1110 may be formed between the second shield electrode 1100 and the adjacent electrode 720 to insulate the second shield electrode 1100 from the adjacent electrode 720.
In this case, the second shield electrode 1100 can be prevented from affecting the high-high proximity electrode 720 generated in various driving elements located behind the proximity electrode 720. [ Thus, errors in proximity recognition of the object of the proximity electrode 720 can be reduced.
It may be preferable to use the first shield electrode 1000 and the second shield electrode 1110 described above together.
Meanwhile, the proximity electrode 720 may have a multi-layer electrode structure.
16, the proximity electrode 720 includes a first electrode line 723, a second electrode line 722, and a third electrode line 721, which are formed on different layers, respectively It is possible.
Specifically, the proximity electrode 720 includes a first base 723P, a first electrode line 723 formed on the first base 723P, a second base 722P formed on the upper portion of the first electrode line 723, A third electrode line 722 formed on the second base 722P, a third base 721P formed on the second electrode line 722, and a third electrode line 722 formed on the third base 721P 721).
The first electrode line 723 and the second electrode line 722 are electrically connected by the first connection electrode 722C and the second electrode line 722 and the third electrode line 721 are electrically connected by the second connection line 722C. It is possible to be electrically connected by the connection electrode 721C.
As such, when the proximity electrode 720 has a plurality of layer structures, the capacitance of the proximity electrode 720 can be increased, and the proximity electrode 720 can more easily recognize the proximity of the object.
Here, the case where the proximity electrode 720 has a three-layer structure is explained, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The proximity electrode 720 can be variously changed, such as a two-layer structure, a four- have.
Alternatively, as in the case of FIG. 17, the proximal electrode 720 may have a zigzag shape.
For example, as in the case of FIG. 18, the proximity electrode 720 may include first-seventh electrode line portions 720L1-720L7 extending in the vertical direction DRV. In addition, adjacent electrode line portions may be spaced a predetermined distance L2 in the horizontal direction DRH.
In order to further improve the electrostatic capacity of the proximity electrode 720, the line width of at least one of the first 1-7 electrode line units 720L1-720L7, for example, the line width L1 of the first electrode line unit 720L1, May be larger than the interval between the adjacent electrode line portions 720L1-720L7, for example, the interval L2 between the first electrode line portion 720L1 and the second electrode line portion 720L2.
Alternatively, as in the case of FIG. 19, the proximity electrode 720 may include the first to fourth electrode line portions 721L1 to 721L4 extending in the horizontal direction DRH. In addition, adjacent electrode line portions may be spaced a predetermined distance L4 in the vertical direction DRH.
In this case, in order to further improve the electrostatic capacity of the proximity electrode 720, at least one line width of the first to fourth electrode line units 721L1 to 721L4, for example, the line width L3 of the first electrode line unit 721L1, May be larger than the interval between the adjacent electrode line portions 721L1-721L4, for example, the interval L4 between the first electrode line portion 721L1 and the second electrode line portion 721L2.
Here, the case where the proximity electrode 720 includes a total of four or seven electrode line portions is described, but the number of the electrode line portions included in the proximity electrode 720 in the present invention may not be limited thereto.
Of course, in the present invention, it is possible that the proximity electrode 720 has a zigzag shape and a plurality of layer structures.
On the other hand, the proximity electrode 720 can be formed entirely in the proximity sensing area ASA. For example, as in the case of FIG. 20, the proximity electrode 720 may be formed to surround the first hole 620 and / or the second hole 630 in the proximity sensing area ASA.
In this case, the area of the proximity electrode 720 can be increased, thereby improving the accuracy of object recognition.
In this case, as in the case of FIG. 21, the first sub-shield electrode 1000S1 surrounding the proximity electrode 720 may be formed around the proximity electrode 720. [ A second sub shield electrode 1000S is formed between the first hole 620 and the adjacent electrode 720 and a third sub shield electrode 1000S3 is formed between the second hole 630 and the adjacent electrode 720. [ Can be formed.
Here, the first, second, and third sub-shield electrodes 1000S1, 1000S2, and 1000S3 may be grounded and electrically separated from the adjacent electrode 720 and the touch electrode 710, respectively.
Even in such a case, it is possible that the proximity electrode 720 has a zigzag shape and a plurality of layer structures.
22 to 30 are views for explaining a case where electrodes for proximity sensing are formed on a flexible substrate. In the following, the description of the contents described above is omitted.
22, the touch electrode 710 formed on the substrate 500 may be electrically connected to the flexible substrate 1200. In addition, the flexible board 1200 may be electrically connected to the main circuit board 400 although not shown.
For example, the flexible substrate 1200 includes a first terminal 1210 including a first terminal electrode 1201, a second terminal 1200 including a second terminal electrode 1202, a first terminal electrode 1201 And a transmission line 910 for electrically connecting the first terminal electrode 1202 and the second terminal electrode 1202. [ In addition, the flexible substrate 1200 may include a proximity electrode 1300 formed between the first terminal 1210 and the second terminal 1220 in the vertical direction DRV.
A portion where the proximity electrode 1300 is located on the flexible substrate 1200 in the horizontal direction DRH is a sectional view in which a plurality of transmission lines 910 and a plurality of transmission lines 910 are formed in the horizontal direction DRH, (1300) may be arranged side by side.
Here, the width R1 of the proximity electrode 1300 in the horizontal direction DRH may be greater than the width R2 of each transmission line 910. [
In addition, the proximity electrode 1300 may be spaced apart from the transmission line 910 by a predetermined distance in the horizontal direction DRH. Accordingly, the proximal electrode 1300 can be electrically separated from the transmission line 910. [ In addition, the proximity electrode 1300 may be electrically isolated from the touch electrode 710.
The flexible substrate 1200 may include a predetermined film.
24, the flexible substrate 1200 includes a first film 1400, a second film 1410, a transmission formed between the first film 1400 and the second film 1410, And may include a line 910 and a proximity electrode 1300.
Although the case where the transmission line 910 and the proximity electrode 1300 are formed on the same layer is described here, the transmission line 910 and the proximity electrode 1300 may be formed in different layers will be. The transmission line 910 of the flexible substrate 1200 may be referred to as a first electrode and the proximity electrode 1300 may be referred to as a second electrode.
The first terminal electrodes 1201 of the first terminal 1210 of the flexible substrate 1200 may be connected to the touch electrodes 710, respectively. The proximity electrode 1300 may not be electrically connected to the first terminal electrode 1201 and the proximity electrode 1300 may be electrically connected to the second terminal electrode 1202.
For example, as in the case of FIG. 25, assume that a total of six first terminal electrodes 1201A to 1201F are formed on the first terminal 1210. FIG.
In this case, although not shown, a total of six first terminal electrodes 1201A to 1201F may be connected to the touch electrode 710, respectively. Here, the case where the number of the first terminal electrodes is six is described as an example, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in the present invention, the number of the first terminal electrodes can be equal to the sum of the number of the horizontal electrodes 711E and the number of the vertical electrodes 712E. Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the number of the first terminal electrodes is six.
The first terminal electrodes 1201A to 1201F may be connected to the second terminal electrodes 1202A to 1202F through transmission lines 910A to 910F, respectively.
For example, the 1-1 terminal electrode 1201A may be connected to the 2-1 terminal electrode 1202A via the 1st transmission line 910A, and the 1-6 terminal electrode 1201F may be connected to the 6th transmission electrode And may be connected to the 2-6 terminal electrode 1202F through the line 910F.
The proximity electrode 1300 may be connected to the second to seventh terminal electrode 1202G of the second terminal electrode 1202 through the seventh transmission line 910G. The proximity electrode 1300 may be connected to the main circuit board 400 via the second 2-7 terminal electrode 1202G. Accordingly, the main circuit board 400 can recognize the proximity of the object adjacent to the proximity electrode 1300. [
As such, another second terminal electrode 1202G connected to the proximity electrode 1300 may be formed on the second terminal 1220 of the flexible substrate 1200. [ Accordingly, the total number of the second terminal electrodes 1202 in the flexible substrate 1200 may be greater than the total number of the first terminal electrodes 1201.
In addition, the flexible substrate 1200 may be asymmetric in its shape by the proximity electrode 1300.
For example, assume that the width of the first terminal 1201 is T1 and the width of the second terminal 1202 is T2 in the horizontal direction DRH.
Here, a left side region is defined as a boundary between a straight line connecting a point having a width T1 / 2 at the first terminal 1201 in the horizontal direction DRH and a point having a width T2 / 2 at the second terminal 1202, The first area AR1 and the second area AR2 may have different shapes and the width of the first area AR1 and the width of the second area AR2 may be different from each other. (AR2) may be different from each other. Preferably, when the proximity electrode 1300 is located in the second area AR2, the width of the second area AR2 may be wider than the width of the first area AR1.
A portion of the flexible substrate 1200 where the proximity electrode 1300 is formed may be attached to the substrate 500.
26, a part of the flexible substrate 1200, that is, the first terminal 1210 overlaps with the touch electrode 710, and at least a part of the remaining part overlaps the substrate 500 .
In detail, a portion where the proximity electrode 1300 is formed on the flexible substrate 1200 can be attached to the substrate 500 by the adhesive layer 1500. In this case, the proximal electrode 1300 can be brought into close contact with the substrate 500, thereby making it easier to recognize the proximity of the object.
In addition, a shield electrode may be formed around the proximity electrode 1300 in the flexible substrate 1200.
For example, as in the case of FIG. 27, the first shield electrode 1600 may be formed around the proximity electrode 1300.
If the first shield electrode 1600 and the seventh transmission line 910G are formed on the same layer, a part of the first shield electrode 1600 is opened to allow the seventh transmission line 910G to pass through, .
28, when the first shield electrode 1600 and the seventh transmission line 910G are formed on different layers, the first shield electrode 1600 may be formed in a shape surrounding the proximity electrode 1300 As shown in FIG.
The first shield electrode 1600 may be electrically isolated from the touch electrode 710, the transmission line 910, and the proximity electrode 1300. In addition, the first shield electrode 1600 may be grounded (GND).
The first shield electrode 1600 can prevent the current generated in the transmission line 910 from affecting the proximity electrode 1300. Thus, errors in proximity recognition of the object of the proximity electrode 1300 can be reduced.
On the other hand, it is possible to form another shield electrode in the lower portion of the proximity electrode 1300 in the flexible substrate 1200.
29, a second shield electrode 1710 electrically separated from the touch electrode 710, the transmission line 910, and the proximity electrode 1300 is formed under the proximity electrode 1300 . In addition, the second shield electrode 1710 may be grounded.
The second shield electrode 1710 and the adjacent electrode 1300 may be formed on different layers in order to insulate the second shield electrode 1710 from the adjacent electrode 1300.
For example, the transmission line 910, the first shield electrode 1600, and the proximity electrode 1300 can be formed on the first film 1400. [ The second film 1410 covering the transmission line 910, the first shield electrode 1600 and the proximity electrode 1300 is covered on the first film 1400 and the second film 1410 is covered with the second film 1410. [ The electrode 1710 can be formed. Here, the first film 1400 may be attached to the substrate 500.
Here, the second film 1410 positioned between the proximity electrode 1300 and the second shield electrode 1710 may serve as an insulating layer.
A reference numeral 1700, which is not described in FIG. 29, is located at the lower portion of the transmission line 910 with the third shield electrode, and can suppress the transmission line 910 from being affected by other driving elements. In addition, the unexplained reference numeral 1420 can cover the second shield electrode 1710 and the third shield electrode 1700 as the third film.
Meanwhile, the proximity electrode 1300 may have a multi-layer electrode structure.
30, the proximity electrode 1300 includes a first electrode line 1310, a second electrode line 1320, and a third electrode line 1330 formed in different layers, respectively, It is possible.
In detail, the proximity electrode 1300 includes a first electrode line 1310 formed in the first base 1400T, a second electrode 1310 formed in the second base 1410T formed on the first electrode line 1310, And a third electrode line 1330 formed in a third base 1420T formed in the first electrode line 1320 and the second electrode line 1320. [
In addition, the third electrode line 1330 may be covered by the fourth base 1430T.
The first electrode line 1310 and the second electrode line 1320 are electrically connected by the first connection electrode 1310C and the second electrode line 1320 and the third electrode line 1330 are electrically connected by the second connection line 1310C. It is possible to be electrically connected by the connection electrode 1320C.
In this way, when the proximity electrode 1300 has a plurality of layer structures, the capacitance of the proximity electrode 1300 can be increased, so that the proximity electrode 1300 can more easily recognize the proximity of the object.
Here, the case where the proximity electrode 1300 has a three-layer structure is described, but the present invention is not limited to this. The proximity electrode 1300 can be variously changed, such as a two-layer structure, a four- have.
Alternatively, the proximity electrode 1300 may have a zigzag shape. This is described in detail with reference to FIG. 17, and a further explanation will be omitted.
Of course, in the present invention, it is possible that the proximity electrode 1300 has a zigzag shape and a plurality of layer structures.
In the above description, the proximity electrode 1300 formed on the flexible substrate 1200 is rectangular. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the shape of the proximal electrode 1300 may be modified in accordance with the shape of the flexible substrate 1200.
As described above, it is to be understood that the technical structure of the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit and essential characteristics of the present invention.
It should be understood, therefore, that the embodiments described above are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, And all changes or modifications derived from equivalents thereof should be construed as being included within the scope of the present invention.
