KR20150130883A - Electronic apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

According to one embodiment of the present invention, an electronic apparatus includes: a touch detection unit; an input unit which is disposed on the touch detection unit and includes a cover substrate on which an input pattern is formed. The touch detection unit includes: a substrate including an effective region including multiple unit cells; and a sensing line which is disposed on the effective region of the substrate and performs sensing by a time domain measurement method.

Description

[0001] ELECTRONIC APPARATUS [

An embodiment relates to an electronic device.

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

As the types of electronic devices to be encountered in everyday life are gradually diversified and the function of each electronic device becomes more sophisticated and complicated, there is a need for a user interface that can be easily learned and intuitively operated by users.

Therefore, there is a need for an electronic device that includes a new input device that can meet this need. The input device means an apparatus for sensing the contact position of a user and performing overall control of the electronic device using information about the sensed contact position as input information. In addition, the new input device requires a position detection method for more accurate and simple position recognition.

An embodiment provides an electronic device including a touch sensing unit.

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

An electronic device according to an embodiment includes a touch sensing unit including a sensing line for sensing in a time domain measurement manner. The touch sensing unit is capable of delicate touch recognition as compared with the conventional capacitance sensing method.

In addition, the touch sensing speed can be increased to several microseconds (microseconds). Therefore, the electronic device according to the embodiment can more precisely and quickly perform the overall control by sensing the touch position of the touch user and using the information about the sensed contact position as input information.

Further, the electronic device according to the embodiment may be formed to have flexible characteristics including flexible substrates, curved or bended and formed into a curved electronic device. Further, the electronic device according to the embodiment may be formed of a transparent electronic device or a semitransparent electronic device including transparent substrates. This makes it easy to carry and can be changed into various designs.

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

In the description of the embodiments, it is to be understood that each layer (film), area, pattern or structure may be referred to as being "on" or "under / under" Quot; includes all that is formed directly or through another layer. The criteria for top / bottom or bottom / bottom of each layer are described with reference to the drawings.

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

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

1 and 2, an electronic device according to an embodiment includes a touch sensing unit and an input unit. The input unit may be disposed on the touch sensing unit. The input unit forms an input pattern so that the user can touch a suitable position. The touch sensing unit senses a touch position of the user and can control the electronic device using information about the sensed contact position as input information.

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

In detail, the substrate 10 of the touch sensing unit includes a valid area AA in which a user's touch command can be input. Although the boundary of the effective area AA and the edge of the substrate 10 are shown on the drawing, the boundary between the edge of the substrate 10 and the effective area AA may be the same. That is, if necessary, the entire surface of the substrate 10 may be the effective area AA.

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

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

In addition, the substrate 10 and the cover substrate 15 may include an optically isotropic film. For example, the substrate 10 and the cover substrate 15 may include COC, COP, light polycarbonate (PC), light polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and the like.

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

In addition, the substrate 10 and the cover substrate 15 may be flexible substrates having flexible characteristics. That is, the electronic device according to the embodiment may be a flexible electronic device. In addition, the substrate 10 and the cover substrate 15 may be curved or bended substrates. At this time, the electronic device may also be curved or bended and formed into a curved electronic device. Therefore, it is easy to carry and can be changed into various designs.

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

Thereby, the transparent electronic device or the translucent electronic device can replace the transparent glass. The transparent electronic device or the translucent electronic device replacing the transparent glass can identify an object or an image on the back of the electronic device. Further, an input pattern can be manipulated while checking an object or an image on the back of the electronic device.

For example, the transparent electronic device or the translucent electronic device can be mounted in place of a transparent glass for a window or a vending machine. Further, an input pattern of the electronic device can be selected or operated to select an object on the rear side of the electronic device.

The sensing line 100 may be formed of a metal, a transparent conductive material, or a conductive polymer. When the sensing line 100 is formed of metal, the resistance is small and it is possible to recognize quickly. For example, the sensing line 100 may include Cu, Au, Ag, Al, Ti, Ni, or an alloy thereof. The sensing line 100 may include a nanowire, a photosensitive nanowire film, carbon nanotube (CNT), graphene, or various metals.

When the sensing line 100 is formed of a transparent conductive material, light can be transmitted through the back surface of the touch sensing unit and the input unit, and the transparent electronic device or the translucent electronic device can be formed. For example, the transparent conductive material may be at least one selected from the group consisting of indium tin oxide, indium zinc oxide, copper oxide, tin oxide, zinc oxide, and titanium oxide.

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

In addition, the sensing line 100 may include a conductive pattern. For example, the conductive pattern may be arranged in a mesh shape. The mesh shape may be randomly formed to prevent moire phenomenon. Moire phenomenon is a pattern caused by superimposing periodic stripes. It is a phenomenon in which neighboring stripes are overlapped and the thickness of the stripes becomes thicker than other stripes. Therefore, in order to prevent such a moire phenomenon, the conductive pattern shape may be variously arranged.

Specifically, the conductive pattern may include an opening portion and a front portion. At this time, the line width of the conductive pattern line portion may be 0.1 μm to 10 μm. Conductive pattern line portions having a line width of 0.1 mu m or less may not be possible in the manufacturing process. When the line width is 10 μm or less, the pattern of the sensing line 100 can be made invisible. Preferably, the line width of the conductive pattern line portion may be 1 탆 to 7 탆. More preferably, the line width of the conductive pattern line portion may be 2 [mu] m to 5 [mu] m.

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

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

When the sensing line 100 has a mesh shape, the sensing line 100 can be made invisible even if the sensing line 100 is formed of a metal material. In addition, the resistance of the sensing line 100 can be reduced, and the present invention can be applied to a substrate 10 of a large size and an electronic device. Further, when the substrate 10 and the electronic device are bent, the sensing line 100 can be bent without any physical damage. Therefore, the bending characteristic and the reliability of the electronic device can be improved.

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

Patterns having different orientations may be alternately and repeatedly arranged to fill the entire surface of the effective area AA. That is, the sensing line 100 may have constant symmetry and repeatability. However, the embodiment is not limited to the drawings, and may include various patterns that can fill the entire surface of the effective area AA through repeated placement.

Although not shown in the drawing, a ground electrode may be further disposed adjacent to the sensing line 100. The ground electrode serves to prevent static electricity or ESD introduced from the outside from flowing into the electronic device. Therefore, the occurrence of static electricity in the electronic device can be prevented, and the sensing failure can be prevented. This can prevent signal interference and improve the accuracy and reliability of the touch.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the sensing line 100 is sensed by a time domain reflection (TDR) measurement method and can recognize a touch position. That is, the sensing line 100 senses by the time domain measurement method. In the time domain measurement method, a pulse is applied to one end 100a of the sensing line 100, the pulse progresses to the other end 100b of the sensing line 100, And is output from the one end 100a of the sensing line 100. FIG.

Specifically, a pulse is applied to one end 100a of the sensing line 100. [ The pulse A travels along the pattern of the sensing line 100 and a part of the signal B is transmitted at a point (touch point T) where the impedance is larger than the impedance of the applied pulse A , And some signals (C) are reflected and returned. The magnitude of the impedance can be compared with its absolute value.

At this time, the TDR measurement method is a method of detecting the touch position by analyzing the reflected pulse. For example, the touch position can be detected by measuring the time taken for the reflected pulse to arrive. That is, the touch location can be recognized based on the transmission line theory.

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

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

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

Accordingly, at the touched point T, an impedance greater than the impedance of the pulse passing through the sensing line 100 when non-touching is formed. Accordingly, when the pulse reflected from the touch point is converted into a digital signal and analyzed, data corresponding to a value lower or higher than a threshold value in the time domain can be extracted. Then, x, y (2D) coordinates which are touch coordinates can be recognized based on the address corresponding to the data of the extracted reflected pulse.

The sensing line 100 includes a first end 100a to which a pulse is generated and a second end 100b to which the pulse is transmitted and terminated along the sensing line 100. [ One end (100a) of the sensing line (100) may be connected to the circuit unit (50).

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

The pulse generator applies a pulse to the sensing line (100). The TDR measuring unit may convert reflected pulse data of an analog type into digital data, extract reflected pulse data corresponding to a value lower or higher than a threshold range in the digitally converted data, .

This TDR measurement method can reduce the diameter of the touch tip. For example, the diameter of the touch tip can be reduced to 0.5 to 0.8 as compared with the conventional capacitance method. Therefore, delicate touch recognition is possible. In addition, the touch sensing speed can be improved as compared with the conventional capacitance type. That is, the touch sensing speed can be increased to several microseconds (microseconds).

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

At this time, the input pattern may be printed on the cover substrate 15. That is, the input pattern may be a pattern printed on the cover substrate 15. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is sufficient that the input pattern is formed in a pattern recognizable as a proper position for visually inputting a desired input.

At this time, the electronic device including the input unit and the touch sensing unit is a keyboard. The input pattern is not limited to the drawing, and may be formed in various forms that can constitute a keyboard.

In detail, the input unit may include an input pattern such as a typewriter, such as Hangul, alphabetic characters, numbers, special characters, or function keys. The electronic device can not be used alone, but can be checked, edited, and modified in the form of a set of image display devices.

The conventional keyboard operates by measuring the amount of electric charge or measuring the flow of electric current as the key is pressed, and a metal spring, a rubber dome and a sponge are used to return to the state before the key is pressed. In addition, a conventional plastic keyboard is used to hold a plurality of keys. As a result, the conventional keyboard is difficult to be formed as a flexible electronic device and is difficult to carry.

The electronic device according to the embodiment can be formed in a thin shape as compared with a conventional keyboard, and can be formed in a curved shape by being flexible, curved or bended, and can form a transparent or semitransparent keyboard . That is, it is easy to carry and can be formed into various designs.

Hereinafter, with reference to Figs. 6 to 8, an input unit of an electronic device according to another embodiment will be described. Figs. 6 to 8 are views showing input portions of the electronic device according to the second to fourth embodiments, respectively. The electronic device according to the second to fourth embodiments may be the same as the first embodiment except for the input section. In addition, description of parts similar to those of the electronic device according to the above-described embodiment can be omitted.

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

At this time, the input pattern may be printed on the cover substrate 25. That is, the input pattern may be a pattern printed on the cover substrate 25. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it suffices that the input pattern is formed in a pattern that allows the user to visually recognize a proper position for performing a desired input. At this time, the electronic device including the input unit is a keyboard. The keyboard refers to a board in which a plurality of keys are arranged in parallel as a performance apparatus. The input pattern can produce sounds of different heights by the touch of the user. The input pattern is not limited to the drawings, and may be formed in various forms that can constitute a keyboard.

The cover substrate 25 may include glass or plastic. In one example, the cover substrate 25 may comprise tempered glass, semi-tempered glass, soda lime glass, or reinforced plastic. In addition, the cover substrate 25 may include an optically isotropic film. For example, the cover substrate 25 may include COC, COP, light polycarbonate (PC), light polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and the like.

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

Further, the cover substrate 25 may be a flexible substrate having a flexible property. At this time, the electronic device according to the embodiment may be a flexible electronic device. Also, the cover substrate 25 may be a curved or bent substrate. At this time, the electronic device may also be curved or bent to form a curved electronic device. Further, the cover substrate 25 may be a transparent substrate. The input pattern formed on the cover substrate 25 may be a transparent or translucent pattern. For this reason, the electronic device may be formed of a transparent electronic device or a translucent electronic device. Therefore, it is easy to carry and can be changed into various designs.

Referring to FIG. 7, the input unit includes a cover substrate 35 on which an input pattern is formed. The input pattern of the input unit may be a character or a function input pattern. At this time, the input pattern is a physical pattern that can be visually recognized, and the input pattern may be printed and formed on the cover substrate 35. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is sufficient that the input pattern is formed in a pattern recognizable as a proper position for visually inputting a desired input.

At this time, the electronic device including the input unit is a remote control. The remote control refers to an electronic device used for remote operation of a machine. For example, it can be used to tune television, radio, and audio equipment. The input pattern is not limited to the drawing, and may be formed in various forms that can constitute a remote control.

Referring to FIG. 8, the input unit includes a cover substrate 45 on which an input pattern is formed. The input pattern of the input unit may be a character or a function input pattern. At this time, the input pattern is a physical pattern that can be visually recognized, and the input pattern may be printed and formed on the cover substrate 45. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is sufficient that the input pattern is formed in a pattern recognizable as a proper position for visually inputting a desired input.

At this time, the electronic device including the input unit may be included in the dashboard. In addition, the electronic device may be included in a center fascia in the dashboard. The dashboard is a part of the driver's seat and front passenger's seat with various instruments necessary for driving. The center fascia refers to the portion of the dashboard between the driver's seat and the passenger's seat.

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

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

9 and 10, an electronic device according to an embodiment includes a touch sensing unit and an input unit. The input unit may be disposed on the touch sensing unit. The input unit forms an input pattern so that the user can touch a suitable position. The touch sensing unit senses a touch position of the user and can control the electronic device using information about the sensed contact position as input information.

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

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

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

The sensing line 200 includes a first end 200a to which a pulse is generated and a second end 200b to which the pulse is transmitted and terminated along the sensing line 200. [ One end (200a) of the sensing line (200) may be connected to the circuit unit (50).

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

The pulse generator applies a pulse to the sensing line 200. The TDR measuring unit may convert reflected pulse data of an analog type into digital data, extract reflected pulse data corresponding to a value lower or higher than a threshold range in the digitally converted data, .

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

For example, when the unit cell UC is a quadrangle, the unit cell UC is formed so as to be in contact with the other unit cell UC in the first direction, In a second direction. The first direction and the second direction may be perpendicular to each other.

Also, for example, when the unit cell UC is triangular, the unit cell UC may be formed in contact with another unit cell UC in the first direction to the third direction. At this time, the first direction, the second direction, and the third direction may be a direction forming 120 degrees with respect to each other.

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

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

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

At this time, the second sensing pattern 102 may be connected to the first sensing pattern 101 of another unit cell UC arranged in the first direction of the unit cell UC. The second sensing pattern 102 may be connected to a first sensing pattern 101 of another unit cell UC arranged in a second direction of the unit cell UC. That is, the second sensing pattern 102 connected to one end of the first sensing pattern 101 and the second sensing pattern 102 connected to the other end of the first sensing pattern 101 may extend in different directions have. A second sensing pattern 102 extending in two different directions may be formed in one unit cell UC.

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

At this time, the ratio of the length of the pattern extending in the first direction and the length of the pattern extending in the second direction with respect to one node point may be 1: 5 to 5: 1. Preferably, the ratio of the length of the pattern extending in the first direction to the length of the pattern extending in the second direction with respect to one node point may be 1: 2 to 2: 1. More preferably, the length of the pattern extending in the first direction with respect to one node point and the length of the pattern extending in the second direction may be substantially the same.

When the difference between the length of the pattern extending in the first direction and the length of the pattern extending in the second direction with respect to one node point is large, the distance from the one end 200a to the other end 200b of the sensing line 200 can be rapidly reduced. At this time, when the length of the sensing line 200 is long, there is a problem that data of a pulse reaching the other end 200b can not be extracted, and a reflected pulse and touch are not recognized.

The sensing line 200 may fill the entire surface of the effective area AA while allowing the first sensing pattern 201, which is a unit pattern, to be repeatedly arranged in at least two different directions. Therefore, the length of the pattern extending in the first direction and the length of the pattern extending in the second direction can be reduced with respect to one node point as compared with the case where the pattern is repeatedly arranged in only one direction. In addition, it is possible to prevent a sharp decrease in impedance in the sensing line 200, reduce noise in impedance, and improve touch sensitivity.

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

Preferably, the difference in impedance per unit length of the sensing line 200 may be less than or equal to 20%. More preferably, the difference in impedance per unit length of the sensing line 200 may be less than or equal to 10%. The smaller the difference in impedance per unit length, the more applicable to large touch windows. The difference in impedance per unit length can be controlled by adjusting the difference between the length of the pattern extending in one direction and the length of the pattern extending in another direction with respect to one node point of the sensing line 200.

That is, as the length of the pattern extending in the first direction and the length of the pattern extending in the second direction are reduced in the unit pattern, the sensing line 200 may be formed at one end of the sensing line 200 200a and the other end 200b can be reduced. In addition, the impedance difference between the one end 200a and the other end 200b of the sensing line 200 is reduced, and the present invention can be applied to a large-sized touch window.

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

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

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

The sensing line 300 is sensed by a Time Domain Transmission (TDT) measurement method and can recognize a touch position. That is, the sensing line 300 senses by the time domain measurement method.

The time domain transmission (TDT) measurement method is a method in which a pulse is applied to one end 300a of the sensing line 300, the pulse progresses to the other end 300b of the sensing line 300, And the transmission pulse is recognized at the other end 300b of the sensing line 300 and output.

Specifically, a pulse is applied to one end 300a of the sensing line 300. [ The pulse progresses along the pattern of the sensing line 300, and some of the pulses are reflected at a point (touch point, T) where the impedance is larger than the impedance of the applied pulse, and some of the pulses pass through. The magnitude of the impedance can be compared with its absolute value.

The TDT measurement method is a method of detecting a touch position by analyzing a pulse transmitted through the touch point (hereinafter referred to as a transmission pulse). For example, the touch position can be detected by distinguishing a transmission pulse and a pulse (hereinafter referred to as a progress pulse) that does not pass through the touch point, and measuring the time taken for the transmission pulse to reach.

In detail, an energy pulse is transmitted to an electrically conductive path (e.g., a sensing line) having a constant impedance. At this time, the sensing line has a characteristic impedance, and when the sensing line is terminated with its characteristic impedance, no reflection pulse and transmission pulse are generated. That is, when the sensing line is terminated, it can be determined that there is no touch.

On the other hand, if the electrically conductive path is unterminated, or if there is a change in impedance along the electrically conductive path, some of the pulse will be reflected to the starting point at which the pulse occurred, do. That is, if there is an impedance difference anywhere along the sensing line, reflected and transmitted pulses will be generated and detected.

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

At the touched point T, an impedance greater than the impedance of the pulse passing through the sensing line 300 at non-touch is formed. As a result, the transmission pulse transmitted through the touch point has a different impedance size from the advanced pulse without passing through the touch point. The transmission pulse may be digitally converted, analyzed in a time domain, and data corresponding to a value lower or higher than a threshold value may be extracted.

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

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

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

A pulse generator 60 may be connected to one end 300a of the sensing line 300. [ The pulse generator 60 applies a plurality of pulses to the sensing line 300. At this time, the width of each of the pulses may be the same, and the intervals of the pulses may be different from each other.

A TDT measuring unit 70 may be connected to the other end 300b of the sensing line 300. [ The TDT measuring unit 70 is applied to one end 300a of the sensing line 300 through the pulse generator 60 and proceeds to the sensing line 300. The other end of the sensing line 300 300b. ≪ / RTI >

The TDT measuring unit 70 can distinguish the transmission pulse passing through the touch point and the progressing pulse passing through the touch point. Specifically, the TDT measuring unit 70 converts transmission pulses of an analog type into digital data, extracts transmission pulse data corresponding to a value lower or higher than a critical range in the digital-converted data, And recognizes the touch coordinates based on the touch coordinates.

Generally, when the sensing line 300 is touched, the transmission pulse has a larger impedance than the reflection pulse. As a result, the electronic device according to the embodiment can provide an electronic device with improved reliability.

The features, structures, effects and the like described in the foregoing embodiments are included in at least one embodiment of the present invention and are not necessarily limited to one embodiment. Further, the features, structures, effects, and the like illustrated in the embodiments may be combined or modified in other embodiments by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments belong. Therefore, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to these combinations and modifications.

While the present invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it is clearly understood that the same is by way of illustration and example only and is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It can be seen that various modifications and applications are possible. For example, each component specifically shown in the embodiments may be modified and implemented. It is to be understood that the present invention may be embodied in many other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof.

Claims (14)

A touch sensing unit; And
And an input unit disposed on the touch sensing unit and including a cover substrate on which an input pattern is formed,
The touch-
A substrate including a valid region including a plurality of unit cells; And
And a sensing line disposed on an effective area of the substrate and sensing in a time domain measurement manner. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the time domain measurement method is such that a pulse applied to one end of the sensing line is reflected at a touch point and is output at one end of the sensing line. 3. The method of claim 2,
Wherein the touch sensing unit further comprises a pulse generator and a TDR measurement unit connected to one end of the sensing line. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the time domain measurement method is such that a pulse applied to one end of a sensing line outputs a transmission pulse transmitted from a touch point at the other end of the sensing line. 5. The method of claim 4,
Wherein the touch sensing unit comprises: a pulse generator connected to one end of the sensing line; And
And a time domain transmission (TDT) measuring unit connected to the other end of the sensing line. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the effective area includes a plurality of unit cells,
Wherein the plurality of unit cells are repeatedly arranged to extend in at least two different directions. The method according to claim 6,
Wherein the unit cell includes one unit pattern. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the cover substrate of the input unit and the substrate of the touch sensing unit are flexible substrates. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the cover substrate of the input unit and the substrate of the touch sensing unit are curved or bent,
Wherein the electronic device is a curved electronic device. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the electronic device is a transparent electronic device or a translucent electronic device. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the input pattern of the input unit is a character or a function input pattern,
Wherein the electronic device is a keyboard. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the input pattern of the input unit is a character or a function input pattern,
Wherein the electronic device is a remote control. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the input pattern of the input unit is a character or a function input pattern,
Wherein the electronic device is included in a dashboard. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the input pattern of the input unit is a key input pattern,
Wherein the electronic device is a keyboard.

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