KR20170119002A - Touch circuit, sensing circuit, touch display device, and touch force sensing method - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a touch technology, and more particularly, to a touch sensor that senses a touch force by driving at least one first electrode built in a display panel and a second electrode located outside the display panel , The same touch force sensing result can be output only when force touch is performed with the same force even if force touch occurs at different positions in performing touch force sensing processing based on a detection signal detected through the first electrode A touch display device, and a touch force sensing method. According to these embodiments, due to the structural feature for sensing the touch force, the touch force can be accurately sensed even if there is a signal intensity variation of the detection signal according to the touch position.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a touch circuit, a sensing circuit, a touch display device, and a touch force sensing method for a touch sensing device,

The present embodiments relate to a touch circuit, a sensing circuit, a touch display device, and a touch force sensing method.

BACKGROUND ART [0002] As an information-oriented society develops, there have been various demands for display devices for displaying images, and various types of display devices such as a liquid crystal display device, a plasma display device, and an organic light emitting display device have been utilized.

Among display devices, mobile devices such as smart phones and tablets, and medium and large-sized devices such as smart TVs, etc., provide touch-based input processing according to user convenience and device characteristics.

Such a touch-enabled display device is being developed to provide more various functions, and user demands are also becoming more diverse.

However, currently applied touch processing is a method of sensing only the touch position (touch coordinates) of the user and performing related input processing at the sensed touch position, and it provides various functions of various kinds in various forms, There is a limit to the present situation in which it is required to satisfy the above.

In order to provide various functions in various forms, it is an object of the embodiments of the present invention to provide a touch sensor that not only senses touch coordinates (position) when a user touches the touch panel, A sensing circuit, a touch display device, and a touch force sensing method capable of sensing a touch screen.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a touch circuit, a sensing circuit, a touch display device, and a touch force sensing method capable of preventing a touch force sensing error due to a signal intensity variation of a detection signal that may be caused by a touch force sensor structure I have to.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a touch circuit, a sensing circuit, a touch display device, and a touch screen display device which can obtain the same touch force sensing result for different touches on which the display panel is pressed with the same level of force, Device and a touch force sensing method.

In one aspect, the present embodiments provide a method of driving a display device, including driving a plurality of first electrodes embedded in a display panel, at least one second electrode positioned outside the display panel, a first electrode and a second electrode, A touch display device including a touch circuit for performing a touch operation can be provided.

In this touch display device, the touch circuit may perform touch force driving by applying a first electrode driving signal to all or a part of the plurality of first electrodes and applying a second electrode driving signal to the second electrode.

Further, the touch circuit is configured to detect, based on a detection signal detected through at least one signal detecting electrode corresponding to a first electrode that is a signal detection target for the touch force sensing process among a plurality of first electrodes, Size, and level of the touch force, and outputs the touch force sensing result.

In the touch display device, due to the feature of the structure for sensing the touch force, a signal intensity variation of the detection signal may exist depending on the position of the electrode of the signal detection electrode corresponding to the first electrode.

The touch circuit is capable of outputting the same touch force sensing result in the case of different touches on the display panel, that is, even if there is a signal intensity deviation of the detection signal, have.

In another aspect, the present embodiments can provide a touch force sensing method of a touch display device.

The touch force sensing method includes applying a first electrode driving signal to all or a part of a plurality of first electrodes included in a display panel, applying a second electrode driving signal to a second electrode located outside the display panel, A signal detection step of detecting a detection signal through at least one signal detection electrode corresponding to a first electrode to be a signal detection target for a touch force sensing process among a plurality of first electrodes; And a touch force sensing step of determining at least one of presence / absence, size, and level of a touch force with respect to a touch and outputting a touch force sensing result.

In the signal detection step, even if there is a signal intensity variation according to the electrode position of the signal detection electrode, that is, the positions applied to the display panel are different from each other, the detected signals are different touches , It is possible to output the same touch force sensing result.

In another aspect, the present embodiments can provide a touch circuit that performs driving and sensing processing for sensing a touch force.

Such a touch circuit may include a signal generating circuit for generating and outputting the first electrode driving signal.

The touch circuit may include a first electrode driving circuit for outputting a first electrode driving signal to be applied to all or a part of the plurality of first electrodes embedded in the display panel.

The touch circuit may include a second electrode driving circuit for applying a second electrode driving signal to a second electrode located outside the display panel.

Further, the touch circuit is configured to detect, based on a detection signal detected through at least one signal detecting electrode corresponding to a first electrode that is a signal detection target for the touch force sensing process among a plurality of first electrodes, And a sensing circuit for determining at least one of presence / absence, size, and level of the touch force and outputting the touch force sensing result.

A signal intensity variation of the detection signal may exist depending on the electrode position of the signal detection electrode.

The sensing circuit can output the same touch force sensing result when the touch panel is pressed with the same level of force even when the display panel is placed at a different position.

In another aspect, the embodiments can provide a sensing circuit for sensing a touch force.

The sensing circuit may include a detection signal for a detection signal detected through at least one signal detection electrode corresponding to a first electrode to be a signal detection target for a touch force sensing process among a plurality of first electrodes built in the touch display panel, And a processor for determining at least one of the presence, the magnitude and the level of a touch force with respect to the touch based on the detection signal value, and outputting the touch force sensing result.

In the above-mentioned input unit, after a first electrode driving signal is applied to all or a part of a plurality of first electrodes and a second electrode driving signal is applied to a second electrode located outside the display panel, A detection signal value for a detection signal to be detected can be input.

Further, the processing section can output the same touch force sensing result depending on the position of the signal detecting electrode even if the detection signal value is different.

According to the embodiments as described above, in order to provide various functions in various forms, not only the touch coordinate (position) is sensed at the time of user's touch but also the touch force Touch Force.

In addition, according to the embodiments, it is possible to prevent a touch force sensing error due to a signal intensity variation of a detection signal that may be caused by the structure of the touch force sensor.

In addition, according to the embodiments, even if the positions touched by the user are different, the same touch force sensing result can be obtained for different touches on which the display panel is pressed with the same level of force.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a touch display device according to the present embodiments.
FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a force sensor structure of a touch display device according to the present embodiments.
3 is a view illustrating an operation mode of the touch display device according to the present embodiments.
4 is a view for explaining the sensing principle of the touch display device according to the present embodiments.
5 illustrates examples of the first electrode driving signal for driving the first electrode and the second electrode driving signal for driving the second electrode in the touch display device according to the present embodiments.
6A and 6B are diagrams for explaining the case where the first electrode driving signal DS1 and the second electrode driving signal DS2 are both pulse-like signals when the first electrode driving signal DS1 and the second electrode driving signal DS2 are pulse- ). ≪ / RTI >
Fig. 7 is an illustration of a touch circuit of the touch display device according to the present embodiments.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a received signal strength according to the soft touch and a received signal strength according to the force touch in the touch display device according to the present embodiments.
9A and 9B are diagrams showing signal intensity distributions according to a soft touch and a force touch in a touch display device according to the present embodiments.
10 and 11 are views schematically showing a touch display device according to the present embodiments.
12A is a cross-sectional view of the touch display device according to the present embodiments.
FIG. 12B is a view illustrating a situation in which the size of a gap is changed due to the force touch occurring in the touch display device according to the present embodiments.
13 is a view showing two force taps generated at different positions of the display panel in the touch display device according to the present embodiments.
FIG. 14 is a graph showing a relationship between a gap change according to a touch force and a change in a gap corresponding to a signal detection electrode for each of two force taps when two force taps are generated at different positions of the display panel in the touch display device according to the present embodiments. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a signal intensity of a detection signal detected through a first electrode.
15 and 16 are diagrams for explaining a case where two force taps are generated at different positions of the display panel in the touch display device according to the present embodiments, FIG.
17 and 18 are diagrams for explaining a case where two force taps are generated at different positions of the display panel in the touch display device according to the present embodiment, Fig. 8 is a diagram for explaining a method for preventing a force sensing error. Fig.
19 is a graph showing a threshold value defined for each first electrode in order to prevent a touch force sensing error due to a signal intensity variation of a detection signal according to a generation position of each force touch in the touch display device according to the present embodiments. Graph.
20 is a flowchart of a touch force sensing method of the touch display device according to the present embodiments.
21 is a detailed flowchart of the touch force sensing step in the touch force sensing method of the touch display device according to the present embodiments.
22 and 23 are diagrams showing a touch circuit of the touch display device according to the present embodiments.
24 is a diagram showing a sensing circuit of the touch display device according to the present embodiments.

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to exemplary drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals are used to denote like elements throughout the drawings, even if they are shown on different drawings. In the following description of the present invention, a detailed description of known functions and configurations incorporated herein will be omitted when it may make the subject matter of the present invention rather unclear.

In describing the components of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), and (b) may be used. These terms are intended to distinguish the components from other components, and the terms do not limit the nature, order, order, or number of the components. When a component is described as being "connected", "coupled", or "connected" to another component, the component may be directly connected or connected to the other component, Quot; intervening "or that each component may be" connected, "" coupled, "or " connected" through other components.

FIG. 1 is a schematic structural view of a touch display device 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic view illustrating a force sensor structure of a touch display device 100 according to the present embodiments. And FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an operation mode of the touch display device 100 according to the present embodiments.

1 to 3, the touch display device 100 according to the present embodiments may operate in a display mode for displaying an image or may be a touch mode for sensing a touch of a user ). ≪ / RTI >

The touch display device 100 according to the present embodiments drives the data lines and the gate lines disposed on the display panel 110 to display an image when the display device 100 operates in the display mode.

The touch display device 100 according to the present embodiments has a touch position sensing function for sensing whether a touch is generated and touching a touch generated by a pointer such as a finger or a pen when the touch screen device operates in a touch mode And a touch force sensing function of sensing a touch force (also simply referred to as "force") corresponding to a force (pressure) applied to the display panel 110 at the time of touch.

The touch referred to herein means an action in which a user touches the display panel 110 with a pointer.

Such a touch includes a "soft touch" that is a touch having no pressure or a certain level of pressure on the display panel 110, a force (pressure) that presses the display panel 110, Quot; Force Touch ", which is a touch that exceeds a predetermined value.

The touch position (also referred to as "touch coordinates") according to the soft touch or the force touch refers to the position of a point where the user touches the display panel 110. [

In addition, the touch force according to the force touch refers to the force (pressure) that the user presses the display panel 110 when touched.

On the other hand, the pointer to which the user touches the screen may be a conductor pointer such as a part of a human body such as a finger or a pen having a contact portion as a conductor. In some cases, the contact portion may be a nonconductive pointer such as a non-conductive pen or the like.

The pointer that allows you to sense the touch location must be a conductor pointer.

In contrast, the pointer for sensing the touch force may be a conductor pointer as well as a conductor pointer.

1 and 2, the touch display device 100 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of first electrodes E1 embedded in a display panel 110, The second electrode E2 and the plurality of first electrodes E1 are sequentially driven to sense the touch position and at least one of the plurality of first electrodes E1 and the second electrode E2 are driven together A touch circuit 120 for sensing a touch force, and the like.

The plurality of first electrodes E1 is an electrode used for sensing a touch position and is called a "touch sensor" or a "touch electrode ".

The plurality of first electrodes E1 may be disposed in a touch screen panel separate from the display panel 110 or may be embedded in the display panel 110. [

If a plurality of first electrodes E1 are embedded in the display panel 110, the display panel 110 may be referred to as a "touch screen panel integrated display panel" in which a plurality of first electrodes E1 are embedded .

The second electrode E2 may include a second electrode E2 that is used to sense a touch force corresponding to a force (pressure) applied to the display panel 110 when the user touches the display panel 110, to be.

The second electrode E2 may be located outside (e.g., lower, upper, lateral, etc.) of the display panel 110.

In order to sense the touch position, the touch display device 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment sequentially drives the plurality of first electrodes E1 to sequentially receive the signals RS from the first electrodes E1, The touch position can be sensed by sensing the change in capacitance between each first electrode E1 and the pointer.

In contrast, in the touch display device 100 according to the present embodiment, a plurality of first electrodes E1 and a plurality of second electrodes E2 must be driven together to sense a touch force.

In other words, in the touch display device 100 according to the present embodiment, the touch circuit 120 sequentially applies the first electrode driving signal DS1 to the plurality of first electrodes E1 in order to sense the touch position Thereby sequentially driving the plurality of first electrodes E1.

In this specification, in order to sense the touch position, the first electrode driving signal DS1 applied to the first electrode E1 is also referred to as a "touch driving signal TDS ".

In the touch display device 100 according to the present embodiment, the touch circuit 120 applies a first electrode driving signal DS1 to a plurality of first electrodes E1 in order to sense a touch force, At the same time, a plurality of first electrodes E1 and a plurality of second electrodes E2 are driven together by applying a second electrode driving signal DS2 to the second electrode E2.

In this specification, in order to sense the touch force, the first electrode driving signal DS1 applied to the first electrode E1 may be referred to as a "first force driving signal FDS1", and the second electrode driving signal DS1 may be referred to as a " The applied second electrode driving signal DS2 is also referred to as "second force driving signal FDS2 ".

Since the plurality of first electrodes E1 and the plurality of second electrodes E2 are driven together for sensing the touch force in the touch display device 100 according to the present embodiment, A plurality of first electrodes E1 may be combined with a second electrode E2 located outside the display panel 110 to be referred to as a " force sensor ".

Meanwhile, the plurality of first electrodes E1 may operate not only as a touch sensor and a force sensor during a touch mode period, but also as a display driving electrode to which a display driving voltage is applied in a display mode period.

For example, the plurality of first electrodes E1 may be a common electrode to which a common voltage Vcom corresponding to a display driving voltage is applied during a display mode period.

In this way, when a plurality of first electrodes E1 are also used as a display driving electrode, the first electrodes E1 serve as three functions of a touch sensor, a force sensor, and a display driving electrode.

Referring to FIG. 2, in order to enable touch force sensing, the touch display device 100 includes a plurality of first electrodes G1, G2, G3, E1) and the second electrode (E2).

This gap G may be, for example, an air gap or a dielectric gap.

Accordingly, a capacitor whose size varies according to the touch force is formed between the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2, thereby allowing the touch force to be sensed.

On the other hand, in the touch display device 100, the driving for sensing the touch position and the sensing for sensing the touch force may be performed separately or together.

When the driving for sensing the touch position and the driving for sensing the touch force are performed separately, each touch mode section may be a driving section for sensing the touch position or a driving section for sensing the touch force, And may include a driving section for sensing the position and a driving section for sensing the touch force.

The driving for sensing the touch position and the driving for sensing the touch force are performed by driving the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2 together in one or two or more touch mode sections, And senses the touch position and the touch force together via the signal RS received via the touch sensor E1.

4 is a diagram for explaining the sensing principle of the touch display device 100 according to the present embodiments.

4 is a diagram illustrating a sensing operation for three types of touches (Case 1, Case 2, and Case 3) according to the type of the pointer that the user touches the display panel 110 and the presence or absence of the touch force.

Referring to FIG. 4, a touch type includes a case 1 which is a "first touch type" corresponding to a soft touch generated by a pressing force generated by a pointer whose contact is a conductor, Case 2, which is a "second touch type" corresponding to a force touch generated by a pointer whose contact portion is a conductor and which is caused by a force exceeding a predetermined level,

There may be Case 3, which is a "third touch type" corresponding to a force touch generated by a pressing force exceeding a certain level, which is generated by a pointer whose contact portion is nonconductive.

4, the touch circuit 120 sequentially applies a first electrode driving signal DS1 to a plurality of first electrodes E1 in a touch mode period and sequentially applies a first electrode driving signal DS1 to a second electrode E2, And applies drive of the electrode drive signal DS2 to drive the touch position and touch force sensing.

A first capacitance C1 may be formed between the first electrode E1 and a pointer corresponding to the first touch type according to driving in the touch mode section by the touch circuit 120. The first capacitance E1 And a second capacitance C2 may be formed between the second electrode E2 and the second electrode E2.

The first capacitance C1 formed between the first electrode E1 and the pointer may vary depending on whether or not a touch is generated.

The second capacitance C2 formed between the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2 may vary depending on the presence (size) of the touch force.

Therefore, the touch circuit 120 can grasp the change in the size of the first capacitance C1 and the change in the size of each of the second capacitances C2 based on the signal received at each of the first electrodes E1, The touch position can be sensed based on the change in the size of the capacitance C1 and the touch force can be sensed based on the change in the size of the second capacitance C2.

When the force touch occurs at a certain point, the size of the gap G changes. As a result, the size of the second capacitance C2 between the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2 is changed, and the touch force sensing function for sensing the touch force from the change in size of the second capacitance C2 Can be performed.

Here, the touch force sensing result may include presence / absence information of the touch force, and may include the size information of the touch force or the level information of the size of the touch force.

The touch display device 100 according to the present embodiments can sense the touch force in a capacitive manner in the same manner as the touch position (touch coordinates) sensing method.

In other words, in order to sense the touch force (pressing force) of a touch, the touch display device 100 according to the present embodiments uses a dedicated pressure sensor for pressure sensing alone A second electrode E2 located outside the display panel 110 for touch force sensing and a plurality of first electrodes E1 embedded in the display panel 110 for touch coordinate calculation are used together to calculate a capacitance There is a singular point in that it senses the touch force.

As described above, although the touch circuit 120 drives the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2 in the same manner during the touch mode period, information to be sensed according to the touch type may be different.

For example, in Case 1 shown in FIG. 4, when the touch is a first touch type corresponding to a soft touch generated by a pointer having a contact as a conductor and generated by a pressing force less than a predetermined level, The circuit 120 may sense only the touch position with respect to the touch based on a signal received from each first electrode E1 after driving the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2.

This is because if the touch is a first touch type that is generated by a pointer that is a conductor of a conductor and is generated by a pressing force of a certain level or less and corresponds to a soft touch, 1 capacitance C1 is changed in size but no change in the size of the second capacitance C2 between the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2 occurs so that only the touch position can be sensed.

In the case of Case 2 shown in FIG. 4, if the touch is a second touch type corresponding to Forcet Touch generated by a force generated by a pointer whose contact portion is a conductor and exceeds a predetermined level, The circuit 120 can simultaneously sense the touch position and the touch force with respect to the touch based on a signal received from each first electrode E1.

This is because when the touch is a second touch type that is generated by a pointer having a contact as a conductor and is generated by a pressing force exceeding a predetermined level and corresponding to a force touch, Since both the change in the size of the first capacitance C1 and the change in the size of the second capacitance C2 between the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2 occur, Can be detected.

In the case of Case 3 shown in FIG. 4, if the touch is a third touch type corresponding to a force touch generated by a pointer having a non-conductive contact portion and generated by a pressing force exceeding a predetermined level , The touch circuit 120 can sense only the touch force with respect to the touch based on the signal received from each first electrode E1.

This is because when the touch is a third touch type generated by a pointer having a non-conductive contact portion and a force generated by a pressing force exceeding a predetermined level, Since the first capacitance E1 and the second capacitance E2 change in size, although the first capacitance C1 is not generated at all, only the touch force can be sensed with respect to one touch It is.

As described above, the touch display apparatus 100 has a gap structure between the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2, and performs a sensing process based on a signal received via the first electrode E1 Even if the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2 are driven in the same manner during the touch mode interval and the signal detection and sensing process is performed in the same manner regardless of the type of the touch type, The sensing information can be obtained.

Hereinafter, the first electrode driving signal DS1 and the second electrode driving signal DS2 for touch driving during the touch mode section will be described.

During the touch mode period, the first electrode driving signal DS1 applied to the first electrode E1 may be regarded as a touch driving signal in a touch sensing function for sensing the touch position, and a force sensing function On the side, it can be regarded as a force drive signal.

In addition, during the touch mode period, the second electrode driving signal DS2 applied to the second electrode E2 corresponds to the force driving signal in terms of the force sensing function for sensing the touch force.

During the touch mode in which the touch display device 100 according to the present embodiment operates in the touch mode, the touch position and the touch force may be sensed at the same time or may be independently sensed through driving in different sections .

FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram of a touch display apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 5, the first electrode driving signal DS1 for driving the first electrode E1 and the second electrode driving signal DS2 for driving the second electrode E2, Are examples of the driving signal DS2.

Referring to FIG. 5, the first electrode driving signal DS1 may be a pulse-shaped signal having a predetermined frequency, amplitude, and phase, or may be a signal having a DC voltage.

When the first electrode driving signal DS1 is a pulse-like signal, the amplitude of the first electrode driving signal DS1 may be the first voltage V1.

When the first electrode driving signal DS1 is a signal having a DC voltage, the DC voltage of the first electrode driving signal DS1 is not the ground voltage GND or the ground voltage GND but the first reference voltage Vref1 . Here, the first reference voltage Vref1 may be, for example, a common voltage Vcom.

Referring to FIG. 5, the second electrode driving signal DS2 may be a pulse-shaped signal having a predetermined frequency, amplitude, and phase, or may be a signal having a DC voltage.

When the second electrode driving signal DS2 is a pulse-shaped signal, the amplitude of the second electrode driving signal DS2 may be the second voltage V2.

When the second electrode driving signal DS2 is a signal having a DC voltage, the DC voltage of the second electrode driving signal DS2 is not the ground voltage GND or the ground voltage GND but the second reference voltage Vref2 . Here, the second reference voltage Vref2 may be, for example, the common voltage Vcom.

The first reference voltage Vref1 and the second reference voltage Vref2 may be the same or different.

As described above, the first electrode driving signal DS1 and the second electrode driving signal DS2 may be pulse-shaped signals or DC voltage signals, respectively.

In driving for sensing the touch position and sensing for sensing the touch force, examples of the first electrode driving signal DS1 and the second electrode driving signal DS2 illustrated in FIG. 5 may be used in combination.

Accordingly, the touch display device 100 can provide driving suitable for a driving method, a power source environment, and the like.

6A and 6B are diagrams for explaining the case where the first electrode driving signal DS1 and the second electrode driving signal DS2 are both pulse-like signals when the first electrode driving signal DS1 and the second electrode driving signal DS2 are pulse- ). ≪ / RTI >

6A and 6B, when both the first electrode driving signal DS1 and the second electrode driving signal DS2 are pulsed signals, the first electrode driving signal DS1 and the second electrode driving signal DS2) may have the same frequency.

However, the first electrode driving signal DS1 and the second electrode driving signal DS2 may have the same phase as shown in FIG. 6A, or may have different phases as shown in FIG. 6B.

6A, when the first electrode driving signal DS1 and the second electrode driving signal DS2 have the same phase, the first electrode driving signal DS1 and the second electrode driving signal DS2 are set to the positive It is said to be in phase relation.

6B, when the first electrode driving signal DS1 and the second electrode driving signal DS2 have different phases, the first electrode driving signal DS1 and the second electrode driving signal DS2 are 180 It is possible to have a phase difference of FIG.

In this case, it is assumed that the first electrode driving signal DS1 and the second electrode driving signal DS2 are in an inverse phase relationship.

6A, when the first electrode driving signal DS1 and the second electrode driving signal DS2 are in a positive phase relationship, the amplitude V2 of the second electrode driving signal DS2 is set to be May be larger than the amplitude V1 of the one electrode driving signal DS1.

Thus, when the one-electrode driving signal DS1 and the second electrode driving signal DS2 are in a positive phase relationship, the amplitude V2 of the second electrode driving signal DS2 is set equal to the amplitude V2 of the first electrode driving signal DS1. The touch force sensing can be accurately performed based on the signal RS detected through the first electrode E1 by making the amplitude larger than the amplitude V1.

7 is an exemplary diagram of a touch circuit 120 of the touch display device 100 according to the present embodiments.

7, the touch circuit 120 may include a first electrode driving signal supply unit 710, a second electrode driving signal supply unit 720, an integrator 730, and the like.

The first electrode driving signal supply unit 710 supplies the first electrode driving signal DS1 of the signal waveform shown in FIG. 5 or the like to the first electrode driving signal DS1 through on / off control of the two switches SW1 and SW10, (E1).

The second electrode driving signal supply unit 720 supplies the second electrode driving signal DS2 of the signal waveform or the like shown in FIG. 5 to the second electrode (not shown) through on / off control of the two switches SW2 and SW20 E2.

The integrator 730 may include an operational amplifier OP-AMP, a capacitor C and a resistor R. The integrator 730 outputs an integral value to the input of the input terminal electrically connected to the first electrode E2 can do.

The touch circuit 120 includes an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) for converting the output value of the integrator 730 into a digital value and a touch position calculation and touch force recognition based on the digital value output from the analog- And a processor 740 for executing the program.

Here, at least one of the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and the processor 740 may be external to the touch circuit 120.

The circuit configuration of the driving circuit 120 shown in Fig. 7 is merely an example for convenience of explanation, and may be implemented in various forms.

7, the touch circuit 120 applies a first electrode driving signal DS1 to the first electrode E1 and a second electrode driving signal DS2 to the second electrode E2, After the driving signal DS2 is applied, a value Vsen obtained by integrating the signal RS received from the first electrode E1 through the integrator 730 is converted into a digital value.

Based on the digital value of each first electrode E1, it is possible to detect at least one of the touch position and the touch force by grasping a charge amount (or a voltage) depending on the presence or absence of a touch and the presence or absence of a touch force.

7, the signal received from the first electrode E1 (input to the integrator 830) is a sum of the amount of charge Q1 charged in the capacitor between the pointer and the first electrode E1, And the amount of charge Q2 charged in the capacitor between the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2 corresponds to the summed charge amount Q1 + Q2.

The amount of charge Q1 charged in the capacitor between the pointer and the first electrode E1 is increased by the voltage V1 of the first capacitance C1 and the first electrode driving signal DS1 Can be determined. The amount of charge Q2 charged in the capacitor between the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2 is determined by the second capacitance C2, the voltage V1 of the first electrode driving signal DS1, Can be determined by the voltage V2 of the signal DS2.

The amount of charge Q1 charged in the capacitor between the pointer and the first electrode E1 and the amount of charge Q2 charged in the capacitor between the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2 are expressed by the following equations Can be expressed as:

The total charge amount Q1 + Q2 is charged in the capacitor C in the integrator 830 and output from the integrator 830 to the sensing voltage value Vsen.

Accordingly, the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) converts the sensing voltage value Vsen into a digital value.

The processor 740 can sense at least one of the touch position and the touch force based on the digital value (sensing value) output to the analog-to-digital converter (ADC).

On the other hand, when the touch force is detected, a predetermined application or function corresponding to the touch force can be executed.

Alternatively, if a touch force is detected, a predetermined application or function corresponding to the size of the touch force may be executed.

FIG. 8 is a graph showing a received signal strength according to a soft touch and a received signal strength according to a force touch in the touch display device 100 according to the present embodiments.

8A and 8B, it is assumed that both the first electrode driving signal DS1 and the second electrode driving signal DS2 are pulse-shaped signals as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, , And a force touch corresponding to the third touch type.

Referring to FIG. 8, the signal intensity of the received signal RS received at the first electrode E1 can be confirmed by a digital value output from the analog-to-digital converter (ADC).

8, a digital value output from an analog digital converter (ADC) when there is no pressing force or a soft touch of a certain level or less is output from an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) (+) Direction with respect to the digital value (baseline) at which the signal is detected.

Referring to FIG. 8, when the first electrode driving signal DS1 and the second electrode driving signal DS2 are in a positive phase relationship, the contact portion may be a non-conductive pointer, When a force touch occurs, the digital value output from the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) has a value in the negative direction with respect to the baseline.

Referring to FIG. 8, when the first electrode driving signal DS1 and the second electrode driving signal DS2 are in a reverse phase relationship, there is a force that the contact portion is pressed by the non-conductive pointer, When a touch occurs, the digital value output from the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) has a value in the positive direction with respect to the baseline.

9A and 9B are diagrams showing a signal intensity distribution according to a soft touch and a force touch in the touch display device 100 according to the present embodiments.

9A and 9B are diagrams showing a signal intensity distribution according to a soft touch and a force touch in the entire region (XY plane) of the display panel 110 of the touch display device 100 according to the present embodiments to be.

Referring to FIG. 9A, when a soft touch occurs at a certain point in the entire region of the display panel 110, the magnitude (signal intensity) of the digital value output from the analog / digital converter (ADC) The signal intensity increases in the direction of positive (+) direction of the z axis as a whole with respect to the baseline.

In addition, when the soft touch is generated, the signal intensity distribution can be intensively distributed at the point where the soft touch occurs in the entire screen region (the entire region of the display panel 110).

9B, assuming that the second electrode E2 is one plate electrode type, when a force touch occurs, the magnitude of the digital value output from the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) Signal intensity) has a distribution in which the signal intensity increases in the negative direction of the z axis as a whole with respect to the baseline.

Also, when a force touch is generated, the signal intensity at the center of the screen is the largest in the negative (-) direction, but the signal intensity gradually increases from the center of the screen to the center.

On the other hand, as the force touch increases, the magnitude of the gap G between the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2 increases, and thus the digital value output from the analog-to-digital converter ADC , And has a larger value in the negative (-) direction of the z axis with respect to the base line. That is, as the strength of the force touch increases, the intensity of the signal increases.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are views schematically showing the touch display device 100 according to the present embodiments.

10, the touch display device 100 according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of first electrodes E1 embedded in a display panel 110 and a plurality of first electrodes E1 disposed outside the display panel 110 And a second electrode E2 located at a lower portion of the substrate.

In order to enable force sensing, a gap G capable of changing the size according to the force touch must be provided between the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2.

Accordingly, the touch display device 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment may form a gap G between the first and second electrodes E1 and E2, And may also include a gap structure unit 1000 that enables change.

Force sensing can be enabled by this gap structure unit 1000.

The gap structure unit 1000 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the frame of the display panel 110 (e.g., a frame type).

The gap structure unit 1000 may be a new structure, or may utilize an existing structure such as a guide panel.

The touch display device 100 according to the present embodiments may be various types of display devices such as a liquid crystal display device and an organic light emitting display device.

Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the touch display device 100 according to the present embodiments is a liquid crystal display device.

11, in the touch display device 100 according to the present embodiment, the display panel 110 includes a first substrate 1110 on which a thin film transistor (TFT) is disposed, And a second substrate 1120 on which a color filter (CF) and the like are disposed.

The driving chip 1130 may be mounted, bonded, or connected to a rim portion (non-active region) of the first substrate 1110.

Here, the driving chip 1130 may be a chip implementing the data driving circuit, a chip implemented by including the first electrode driving circuit (1310 of FIG. 20 and FIG. 21) in the touch circuit 120, And a one-electrode driving circuit (1310 of FIGS. 20 and 21), and may be a chip including the touch circuit 120, as the case may be.

Referring to FIG. 11, the lower structure 1100 may be positioned below the display panel 110.

Here, the lower structure 1100 may be, for example, a backlight unit, or may be any structure located at a lower portion of the display panel 110.

The gap structure unit 1000 may be located on the bottom, inside, or on the side of such a substructure 1100.

And the second electrode E2 may be positioned below the gap structure unit 1000. [

The second electrode E2 may be located under the lower structure 1100 of the display panel 110 or the like.

As described above, by designing various positions of the second electrode E2 and the like, it is possible to design the force sensor structure suitable for the design structure of the display panel 110 and the touch display device 100. [

FIG. 12A is a cross-sectional view of the touch display device 100 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 12B is a view illustrating a situation where the size of a gap is changed due to a force touch.

12A, the display panel 110 includes a first polarizer 1210, a first substrate 1110, a plurality of first electrodes E1, a second substrate 1120, a second polarizer 1220, .

On the display panel 110, a bonding layer 1230 and an upper cover 1240 are positioned.

The lower structure 1100 is positioned below the display panel 110.

The substructure 1100 may be a structure already present in the display device or a structure separately provided for the second electrode E2.

Such a substructure 1100 may be any structure that allows a capacitor to be formed between the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2.

For example, the substructure 1100 can be, for example, a backlight unit of a liquid crystal display device, a back cover, and the like.

When the substructure 1100 related to the position of the second electrode E2 corresponds to a backlight unit of the liquid crystal display device, the second electrode E2 may be located under or inside the backlight unit.

Therefore, a suitable force sensor structure can be designed when the touch display device 100 is a liquid crystal display device.

12A, the gap structure unit 1000 may have, for example, a frame shape in which all or a part of the rim portion is in contact with the top and bottom (second electrode E) and the central portion is empty .

The gap structure unit 1000 may be positioned between the rim of the back surface of the display panel 110 and the rim of the second electrode E2.

The gap structure unit 1000 allows the lower structure such as the backlight unit to be formed in the space formed between the back surface of the display panel 110 (i.e., the back surface of the first polarizer plate 1210) and the second electrode E2 1100) may be located.

A gap G such as an air gap or a dielectric gap may exist between the back surface of the display panel 110 (i.e., the back surface of the first polarizer plate 1210) and the lower structure 1000. [

Referring to FIG. 12B, when a force touch occurs, the upper cover 1240, the display panel 110, and the like are slightly bent downward.

Accordingly, the size of the gap G such as an air gap or a dielectric gap existing between the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2 can be changed.

The gap G before the generation of the force touch is G1 and the gap G after the generation of the force touch is G2. G2 is smaller than G1 by the touch force.

As described above, since the gap G is reduced from G1 to G2 before and after the force touch, the second capacitance C2 is changed and the force touch can be recognized.

Referring to FIG. 12B, when the user presses the center point and touches the outline point when performing a force touch with force (touch force) to the display panel 110, due to the structural feature, 110 may be different.

When the user presses the center point, the display panel 110 is pressed downward more than when the user presses the center point.

The first electrode E1 embedded in the display panel 110 and the second electrode E2 located outside the display panel 110 are arranged in the vicinity of the center of the display panel 110, The distance between them can be further narrowed.

Therefore, the gap G existing between the first electrode E1 built in the display panel 110 and the second electrode E2 located outside the display panel 110 can be further reduced.

Therefore, even if the user presses the central point and the outermost point of the display panel 110 with the same force, the touch force may not be sensed to the same size or the same level.

Further, even if the user presses the center point and the outline point of the display panel 110 with the same force, the touch to the center point is recognized as the force touch, but the touch to the outer point may not be recognized as the force touch.

The above-described touch force sensing error phenomenon will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 16. FIG.

13 is a view showing two force taps FT1 and FT2 generated at different positions of the display panel 110 in the touch display device 100 according to the present embodiments.

As an example, it is assumed that fifteen first electrodes E1 are separated from each other and disposed inside the display panel 110. [

In the XY plane, fifteen first electrodes E1 are separated from each other to form fifteen positions a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, n, o, p).

In the X axis direction, on the basis of the center point C in the X axis direction and the center point C in the X axis direction on the positions where the fifteen first electrodes E1 are located, It is assumed that there is an ML point and an L point, and there is an MR point and an R point going to the right with respect to the center point (C) in the X axis direction.

When the force touch FT1 is generated at the center point C of the display panel 110 and when the force touch FT2 occurs at the outer point ML other than the center point C of the display panel 110 The touch force sensing error phenomenon will be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 16. FIG.

14 shows a case where two force taps FT1 and FT2 are generated at different positions of the display panel 110 in the touch display device 100 according to the present embodiment and two force taps FT1 and FT2 The gap change according to the two force taps FT1 and FT2 and the signal intensity of the detection signal detected through the first electrode E1 corresponding to the signal detecting electrode. 15 and 16 are diagrams illustrating a case where two force touches FT1 and FT2 are generated at different positions of the display panel 110 in the touch display device 100 according to the present embodiment, FT2 in FIG. 1) according to a signal intensity variation of a detection signal. For the sake of convenience of explanation, the gap (height) between the display panel 110 and the second electrode E2 is set to a gap for the touch force sensing which exists between the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2 (Height) of the reference image G is assumed.

14, the force touch FT1 generated at the center point C of the display panel 110 and the force touch FT2 generated at the outermost point ML, which is not the center point of the display panel 110, The only difference is the touch that occurs when the user presses with the same force.

Referring to FIG. 14, when the display panel 110 is not pressed due to no force touch, the size of the gap G is G0.

14, when the force touch FT1 is generated at the center point C of the display panel 110, the display panel 110 at the center point C where the force touch FT1 is generated, Axis direction) from the reference position Z0 to the Z1 position.

The gap G existing between the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2 located closest to the center point C where the force touch FT1 occurs is reduced from G0 to Ga And the capacitance C2 between the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2 is also changed corresponding to the gap size change amount G0-Ga.

14, when the force touch FT2 is generated at the outer edge point ML of the display panel 110, the display panel 110 at the outer edge point ML where the force touch FT2 occurs, Axis direction) from the reference position Z0 to the Z2 position.

Accordingly, the size of the gap G existing between the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2 located at the outer edge point ML where the force touch FT1 occurs is reduced from G0 to Gb, The capacitance C2 between the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2 also varies corresponding to the gap size variation G0-Gb.

The touch circuit 120 applies the first electrode driving signal DS1 to all or a part of the plurality of first electrodes E1 to sense the capacitance change and senses the touch force and applies the first electrode driving signal DS1 to the second electrode E2 And applies a second electrode driving signal DS2 to perform touch force driving.

The touch circuit 120 detects the detection signal RS through the signal detecting electrode corresponding to the first electrode E1 that is the signal detection target for the touch force sensing process among the plurality of first electrodes E1 And determines at least one of the presence, the magnitude and the level of the touch force with respect to the touch based on the detected detection signal, and outputs the touch force sensing result.

14, the signal detecting electrode corresponding to the first electrode E1 to be the signal detection target for the touch force sensing process is located at the position (h or b) where the force touch FT1 or FT2 occurs May be a first electrode (E1) located at the center.

The first electrode E1 located at the position h or b where the force touch FT1 or FT2 is generated is the first electrode E1 corresponding to the touch position obtained through the touch position sensing before the touch force sensing have.

Here, the extent to which the display panel 110 is pressed when the force touch FT2 is generated at the outer point ML is smaller than the degree that the display panel 110 is pressed when the force touch FT1 occurs at the center point C .

14, the size Gb of the gap G existing between the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2 in the case where the force touch FT2 is generated at the outer edge point ML, Is larger than the gap size Ga of the gap G existing between the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2 when the force touch FT1 is generated at the center point C. [

That is, when the force touch FT2 is generated at the outer edge point ML, the gap size change amount G0-Gb of the gap G existing between the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2 is smaller than the center- The gap size variation G0-Ga of the gap G existing between the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2 in the case where the force touch FT1 is generated in the touch panel C is smaller than the gap size variation G0-Ga of the gap G existing between the first electrode E1 and the second electrode E2.

14, when the force touch FT1 generated at the center point C of the display panel 110 and the force touch FT2 generated at the outer point ML of the display panel 110 are detected by the display panel 110, When the force touch FT2 is generated at the outer edge point ML even if the touch is generated by pressing the first electrode E1 with the same force as the first electrode E1 detected through the signal detection electrode corresponding to the first electrode E1, The signal intensity S2 of the detection signal RS is obtained by subtracting the detection signal S11 detected through the signal detection electrode corresponding to the first electrode E1 that is the signal detection object when the force touch FT1 occurs at the center point C RS) of the signal strength (S1).

15, when the force touch FT2 is generated at the outer point ML compared to when the force touch FT1 is generated at the center point C, And the level of the touch force can be determined to be a low level.

The difference of the touch force sensing results is that the force touch FT1 generated at the center point C of the display panel 110 and the force touch FT2 generated at the outer point ML of the display panel 110 are transmitted to the display panel 110 110, which is generated by pressing with the same force, corresponds to a sensing error.

16, the force touch FT1 generated at the center point C is applied to the touch circuit 120 when the threshold value serving as a reference for dividing whether the generated touch is a force touch is between S1 and S2, The force touch FT2 generated at the outer point ML may not be recognized as a force touch by the touch circuit 120. [

The difference in the touch force sensing result with respect to the presence or absence of the touch force is caused by the force touch FT1 generated at the center point C of the display panel 110 and the force touch generated at the outer point ML of the display panel 110 (FT2) is a touch generated by pressing the display panel 110 with the same force, it corresponds to a sensing error.

Accordingly, in the present embodiments, the first electrode E1 built in the display panel 110 and the second electrode E2 located outside the display panel 110 are driven as a force sensor for sensing the touch force , Even if a force touch occurs at different positions in performing a touch force sensing process based on a detection signal detected through at least one first electrode E1, if the same force force touch is applied to the same touch force sensing A touch circuit 120, a sensing circuit 2230, a touch display device 100, and a touch force sensing method capable of outputting a result can be provided.

According to these embodiments, due to the structural feature for sensing the touch force, the touch force can be accurately sensed even if there is a signal intensity variation of the detection signal according to the touch position.

In order to improve the accuracy of the touch force sensing, a threshold value that is differentiated for each first electrode is set, and the touch force sensing process is performed using the differentiated threshold value, thereby preventing a touch force sensing error, The sensing accuracy can be improved.

Hereinafter, a method for preventing the above-described touch force sensing error will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 17 to 19. FIG.

17 and 18 are diagrams showing a case where two force taps FT1 and FT2 are generated at different positions h and b of the display panel 110 in the touch display device 100 according to the present embodiment, And a method for preventing a touch force sensing error due to a signal intensity variation (S1? S2) of a detection signal according to a generation position of the force touches FT1 and FT2. 19, in order to prevent a touch force sensing error due to a signal intensity variation of a detection signal according to the position where each force touch is generated, in the touch display device 100 according to the present embodiment, each first electrode E1 ). ≪ / RTI >

 As described above, the touch circuit 120 applies the first electrode driving signal DS1 to all or a part of the plurality of first electrodes E1 built in the display panel 110, and applies the first electrode driving signal DS1 to the outside of the display panel 110 And the second electrode driving signal DS2 is applied to the second electrode E2.

Then, the touch circuit 120 detects a detection signal (e.g., a signal) detected through at least one signal detection electrode corresponding to the first electrode E1 as a signal detection target for the touch force sensing process among the plurality of first electrodes E1, Size, and level of the touch force with respect to the touch, and outputs the touch force sensing result.

As described above, the signal intensity of the detection signal detected through the first electrode E1 may vary depending on the position of the first electrode E1.

That is, a signal intensity variation of the detection signal may exist depending on the position of the electrode of the signal detection electrode corresponding to the first electrode E1 that is the signal detection target for the touch force sensing process among the plurality of first electrodes E1.

In the touch display device 100 according to the embodiments of the present invention, the touch panel 120 can display the display panel 110 with the same level of force even if the positions of the touch panel 120 are different from each other. The same touch force sensing result can be output when the touch is different.

Here, the touch force sensing result may include at least one of the presence or absence of the touch force, the size of the touch force, and the level of the touch force.

According to the above description, even if the force force applying force is applied by the user at any position, the force force sensing result corresponding to the force applied by the user can be accurately obtained regardless of the position of the force touch just by applying the same force.

On the other hand, among the plurality of first electrodes E1, each of the signal detecting electrodes corresponding to the first electrode E1 to be a signal detection target for the touch force sensing process is provided with a touch May be a first electrode (E1) positioned corresponding to a position of the first electrode (E1).

17 and 18, when the force touch FT1 occurs at the center point C, the signal detecting electrode is the first electrode E1 positioned at the position h corresponding to the touch position. When the force touch FT2 occurs at the outer edge point ML, the signal detecting electrode is the first electrode E1 located at the position b corresponding to the touch position.

In this manner, instead of detecting the signal through all the first electrodes E1 and performing the touch force sensing process, a signal is detected through only a part of the first electrode E1 corresponding to the touch position, By performing the touch force sensing process based on the signal, the efficiency of the touch force sensing process can be increased and the load can be lowered while maintaining high sensing accuracy.

12A and 12B, the rim portion of the display panel 110 is supported by the gap structure unit 1000, but since the non-rim portion of the display panel 110 is not supported by other structures, When the force touch occurs on the display panel 110, the rim portion of the display panel 110 is hardly pressed, and the non-rim portion of the display panel 110 can be pressed.

Because of this structural feature, the signal intensity of the detection signal can be reduced as the detection signal detected at the first electrode E1 located far from the center point C at the time of the force touch.

Accordingly, as the electrode position of the signal detecting electrode corresponding to the first electrode E1 to be a signal detection target for the touch force sensing process moves away from the center point C of the display panel 110, Becomes smaller.

17 and 18, the signal intensity S2 of the detection signal detected through the signal detection electrode located at the outer edge point ML is the same as the signal intensity S2 detected through the signal detection electrode located at the center point C, Is smaller than the signal intensity S1 of FIG.

In the present specification and the drawings, the center point C is a central position in the X-axis direction, but is a center position in the XY plane for convenience of explanation.

The difference of the signal intensity of the detection signal according to the position of the signal detecting electrode is caused by the structural characteristic that the gap size variation is different according to the position of the force touch and causes a touch force sensing error.

However, the touch display device 100 according to the present embodiments can accurately obtain the touch force sensing result corresponding to the force applied by the user, even if the force touches the force at which position the user applies force, .

A specific method for achieving such a touch-correcting error prevention will be described below.

Referring to FIG. 17, one threshold value TH may be defined as a criterion for determining at least one of presence, magnitude and level of the touch force for each first electrode E1.

Referring to FIG. 18, two or more threshold values TH1, TH2, and TH3 may be defined for determining at least one of the presence, the magnitude, and the level of the touch force for each first electrode E1.

When the detection signal is detected through the signal detection electrode, the touch circuit 120 detects the signal intensity of the detection signal through the signal detection electrode and one or more threshold values predefined for the first electrode E1 corresponding to the signal detection electrode And determine at least one of presence / absence, size, and level of the touch force based on the comparison result.

As shown in FIG. 17, one threshold TH defined for each first electrode E1 may be defined differently among the first electrodes E1.

One threshold value TH defined in the first electrode E1 located at the outer edge point ML may be different from one threshold value TH defined in the first electrode E1 located at the center point C have.

As shown in FIG. 18, two or more threshold values TH1, TH2, and TH3 defined for each first electrode E1 may be defined differently among the first electrodes E1.

The two or more threshold values TH1, TH2 and TH3 defined in the first electrode E1 located at the outer edge point ML are set to the two or more threshold values TH1 , TH2, TH3).

Of the two or more threshold values TH1, TH2, and TH3 defined in the first electrode E1 located at the outer edge point ML, TH1 is at least two of the two or more threshold values TH1, TH2, and TH3 defined in the first electrode E1 positioned at the center point C, TH1 among the threshold values TH1, TH2 and TH3. Of the two or more threshold values TH1, TH2 and TH3 defined in the first electrode E1 located at the outer edge point ML, TH2 is a threshold value of two or more thresholds defined in the first electrode E1 located at the center point C (TH1, TH2, TH3). Of the two or more threshold values TH1, TH2 and TH3 defined in the first electrode E1 located at the outer edge point ML, TH3 is a threshold value of two or more thresholds defined in the first electrode E1 located at the center point C, (TH1, TH2, TH3).

As described above, one or more threshold values having different sizes are defined for each first electrode E1 that can be a signal detecting electrode, so that the threshold value differentiated according to the position of each first electrode E1 is used So that it is possible to prevent a touch force sensing error that may occur due to a signal intensity variation of the detection signal according to the position of each first electrode E1.

In addition, by performing the touch force sensing process using one or more thresholds defined differently for each first electrode E1, the touch force can be accurately sensed without touch force sensing error without changing the detection signal itself have.

More specifically, with respect to the magnitude relation of the thresholds corresponding to each other between the first electrodes E1, a smaller threshold value is defined for the first electrode E1 located far from the center point C of the display panel 110 .

17, one threshold TH defined in the first electrode E1 located at the outer edge point ML is a threshold value TH defined in the first electrode E1 located at the center point C, The threshold value TH of the target value.

Accordingly, when the force touch FT1 at the center point C and the force touch FT2 at the outer edge point ML are generated by the same touch force (pressing force) only with a different touch position, The threshold value TH for each position can be recognized as a force touch with respect to both the force touch FT1 at the center point C and the force touch FT2 at the outer point ML. That is, it can be sensed that the touch force has occurred.

18 and 19, TH1 among two or more threshold values TH1, TH2 and TH3 defined in the first electrode E1 located at the outer edge point ML is the first TH1 among two or more threshold values (TH1, TH2, TH3) defined in the electrode (E1). Of the two or more threshold values TH1, TH2 and TH3 defined in the first electrode E1 located at the outer edge point ML, TH2 is a threshold value of two or more thresholds defined in the first electrode E1 located at the center point C (TH1, TH2, TH3). Of the two or more threshold values TH1, TH2 and TH3 defined in the first electrode E1 located at the outer edge point ML, TH3 is a threshold value of two or more thresholds defined in the first electrode E1 located at the center point C, (TH1, TH2, TH3).

Accordingly, when the force touch FT1 at the center point C and the force touch FT2 at the outer edge point ML are generated by the same touch force (pressing force) only with a different touch position, The signal intensity S1 of the detection signal when the force touch FT1 is generated at the center point C is obtained by the difference of the threshold values TH1, TH2 and TH3 by the force touch FT2 (FT2) at the center point (C) and the force touch (FT2) at the outer point (ML) at the center point (C) Force or a touch force of the same size.

For example, if the signal strength is less than TH1, then the touch force is absent (i.e., it is not recognized as force touch), and if the signal strength is TH1 or more and less than TH2, If the intensity is greater than or equal to TH2 and less than TH3, it can be sensed with a touch force of level 2. If the signal intensity is greater than or equal to TH3, it can be sensed with a touch force of level 3.

As described above, in the case of the first electrode E1 located far from the center point C of the display panel 110, the threshold value is defined to be small by the amount of signal intensity attenuation of the detection signal, The same touch force sensing result can be obtained in the case of different touches which apply the same force.

The calculation method of the threshold value defined for each first electrode E1 is as follows.

the threshold value TH defined in the first electrode E1 positioned at p (x, y) is the maximum signal intensity Sp of the detection signal through the first electrode E1 located at p (x, y) Based on the maximum signal intensity Sc of the first electrode E1 closest to the center point C and the threshold THc of the first electrode E1 located closest to the center point C, Lt; / RTI >

More specifically, the threshold value TH defined in the first electrode E1 located at p (x, y) is calculated by the following equation (2) through the first electrode E1 located at p The maximum signal intensity Sp of the detection signal is divided by the maximum signal intensity Sc of the first electrode E1 located closest to the center point C, May be a value obtained by multiplying the threshold value THc of the reference signal E1.

By calculating the threshold value defined for each first electrode E1 in the above-described manner, it is possible to accurately compensate the intensity of the detection signal intensity according to the position of each first electrode E1, thereby enabling accurate touch force sensing have.

Hereinafter, the touch force sensing method described above will be briefly described again with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21. FIG.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of a touch force sensing method of the touch display device 100 according to the present embodiments. FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating a touch force sensing method of the touch display device 100 according to the present exemplary embodiments. Fig.

Referring to FIG. 20, the touch force sensing method of the touch display device 100 according to the present embodiments includes a touch force driving step S2010, a signal detecting step S2020, and a touch force sensing step S2030 can do.

In the touch force driving step S2010, the touch circuit 120 applies the first electrode driving signal DS1 to all or a part of the plurality of first electrodes E1 built in the display panel 110, And applies the second electrode driving signal DS2 to the second electrode E2 located outside the first electrode 110. [

In the signal detection step S2020, the touch circuit 120 detects the signal through the signal detection electrode corresponding to the first electrode E1, which is the signal detection target for the touch force sensing process among the plurality of first electrodes E1 Signal.

In the touch force sensing step S2030, the touch circuit 120 determines at least one of the presence, the magnitude, and the level of a touch force with respect to the touch based on the detection signal, and outputs the touch force sensing result .

If the display panel 110 is pressed with the same level of force even though the positions are different from each other, the first electrode E1, which is the signal detection target for the touch force sensing process, A signal intensity variation of the detection signal may exist depending on the electrode position of the corresponding signal detection electrode.

If the display panel 110 is pressed with the same level of force, the touch force sensing result should be the same. However, since the positions of the different touches on which the display panel 110 is pressed by the same level of force are different, there is a signal intensity variation of the detection signal depending on the position of the electrode of the signal detection electrode, and thus the touch force sensing error May occur.

However, according to the touch force sensing method of the touch display device 100 according to the present embodiments, even if the positions applied to the display panel 110 are different from each other, The same touch force sensing result can be output.

By using the above-described touch force sensing method, even if a force touch is generated at another position, the same force force sensing result can be obtained even if the detection signal strength is attenuated due to a structural feature, Regardless of the position of the touch point.

Referring to FIG. 21, the touch force sensing step S2030 includes a step S2110 of extracting a threshold value defined for the signal detecting electrode among the threshold values defined for each first electrode E1, (S2120) comparing the strength with the extracted threshold value, and determining at least one of presence / absence, size and level of the touch force (S2030) according to the comparison result.

The thresholds defined for each first electrode may be different.

More specifically, a smaller threshold value may be defined for the first electrode E1 located far from the center point of the display panel 100. [

As described above, one or more thresholds different in size are defined for each first electrode E1 and the touch force sensing process is performed using the threshold value, thereby causing the detection signal intensity to be attenuated due to a structural feature It is possible to prevent a touch force sensing error.

22 and 23 are views showing the touch circuit 120 of the touch display device 100 according to the present embodiments.

22 and 23, the touch circuit 120 of the touch display device 100 according to the present embodiment includes a signal generating circuit 2200, a first electrode driving circuit 2210, A sensing circuit 2220, a sensing circuit 2230, and the like.

The signal generation circuit 2200 can generate and output the first electrode driving signal DS1.

The first electrode driving circuit 2210 may output the first electrode driving signal DS1 to be applied to all or a part of the plurality of first electrodes E1 built in the display panel 110. [

The first electrode driving signal DS1 from the first electrode driving circuit 2210 is supplied to the signal line SL connected to the corresponding first electrode E1 and applied to the corresponding first electrode E1 .

The first electrode driving circuit 2210 may include an integrator 730, an analog converter (ADC), or the like in FIG. 7 and may include a signal line (not shown) connected to each of the plurality of first electrodes E1 An analog front end for detecting a detection signal (analog signal) through a signal line (not shown) connected to each of the plurality of first electrodes E1 (not shown), a multiplexer for selecting a driving electrode AFE: Analog Front End).

Meanwhile, the first electrode driving circuit 2210 may supply the display driving voltage to the plurality of first electrodes E1 during the display mode period. Here, the display driving voltage may be, for example, a common voltage commonly supplied to all of the plurality of first electrodes E1.

The first electrode driving circuit 2210 may further include a data driving circuit for supplying a data voltage to a plurality of data lines arranged in the display panel 110. [

The second electrode driving circuit 2220 is a circuit for applying the second electrode driving signal DS2 to the second electrode E2 located outside the display panel 110. [

The sensing circuit 2230 is based on a detection signal detected through at least one signal detection electrode corresponding to the first electrode E1 that is the signal detection target for the touch force sensing process among the plurality of first electrodes E1 The touch force sensing device may determine at least one of the presence, the size, and the level of the touch force with respect to the touch, thereby sensing the touch force and outputting the touch force sensing result.

A signal intensity variation of the detection signal may exist depending on the electrode position of the signal detection electrode.

Even if the positions applied to the display panel 110 are different from each other, the same touch force sensing result can be output in the case of different touches when the display panel 110 is pressed with the same level of force.

According to the above-described touch circuit 120, even if a force touch is generated at another position, only the force touch with the same force is used. However, due to the structural feature for sensing the touch force, The same touch force sensing result can be obtained so that the touch force can be accurately sensed regardless of the position of the force touch.

Referring to FIG. 22, the signal generation circuit 2200 can generate and output not only the first electrode driving signal DS1 but also the second electrode driving signal DS2.

In this case, the second electrode driving circuit 2220 may be a circuit for transmitting the second electrode driving signal DS2 output from the signal generating circuit 2200 to the second electrode E2. For example, at least one A printed circuit or a signal transfer wiring of the above-described semiconductor device.

Referring to FIG. 23, the signal generation circuit 2200 can generate and output only the first electrode driving signal DS1 without generating the second electrode driving signal DS2.

In this case, the touch circuit 120 further includes a signal converter 2240 for converting the first electrode driving signal DS1 output from the signal generating circuit 2200 to generate the second electrode driving signal DS2 .

For example, the signal converter 2240 may include a level shifter for adjusting a signal voltage level. The signal converter 2240 may convert the first electrode driving signal DS1 output from the signal generating circuit 2200 Or a DA converter for converting a DC signal into an AC signal (a pulse signal), or a DA converter for converting an AC signal (pulse signal) into an AC signal (pulse signal) To an A / D converter, and the like.

The signal generating circuit 2200 does not generate the second electrode driving signal DS2 and the signal converter 2240 converts the first electrode driving signal DS1 generated in the signal generating circuit 2200 The second electrode driving circuit 2220 generates the second electrode driving signal DS2 output from the signal converter 2240 and outputs the second electrode driving signal DS2 output from the signal converter 2240. [ ) To the second electrode (E2). For example, at least one printed circuit, signal transmission wiring, or the like may be formed.

The signal converter 2240 may be viewed as a second electrode driving circuit 1320 or may be included in the second electrode driving circuit 1320.

As described above, when the signal converter 2240 is used to generate the second electrode driving signal DS2, since the signal generating circuit 1300 can generate only the first electrode driving signal DS1, Can be reduced, and effective touch driving can be provided.

On the other hand, when the signal generating circuit 1300 further generates the second electrode driving signal DS2 as well as the first electrode driving signal DS1, the second electrode driving signal DS1, which is different from the first electrode driving signal DS1, The driving in the touch mode section can be facilitated by using the second signal line DS2, and there is no need for additional configuration for signal conversion.

Each of the signal generating circuit 2200, the first electrode driving circuit 2210, and the sensing circuit 2230 included in the touch circuit 120 may be implemented as a separate integrated circuit or a separate component.

In this case, the signal generation circuit 1300 may be implemented as a power IC (Power IC).

The first electrode driving circuit 2210 may be implemented as a driving integrated circuit for driving a plurality of first electrodes E1 during a display mode period and a touch mode period and may further include a data driving circuit May be implemented as a driving integrated circuit.

The sensing circuit 2230 may be implemented as a micro control unit (MCU).

At least two of the signal generation circuit 2200, the first electrode driving circuit 2210, and the sensing circuit 2230 may be implemented as one integrated circuit or one component.

For example, the signal generating circuit 2200 and the first electrode driving circuit 2210 can be implemented as a single integrated circuit. Alternatively, the signal generating circuit 2200, the first electrode driving circuit 2210, and the sensing circuit 2230 may be implemented as one component.

24 is a diagram showing a sensing circuit 2230 of the touch display device 100 according to the present embodiments.

24, the sensing circuit 2230 of the touch display device 100 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a plurality of first electrodes E1 embedded in the display panel 110, a signal for touch- An input unit 2410 receiving a detection signal value (which may be a digital value of signal intensity) for a detection signal detected through at least one signal detection electrode corresponding to the first electrode E1 to be detected; And a processing unit 2420 for determining at least one of presence / absence, size, and level of a touch force with respect to a touch based on the touch force, and outputting the touch force sensing result.

The touch display apparatus 100 may perform a function corresponding to the touch force sensing result output from the processing unit 2420. [

On the other hand, the input unit 2410 applies the first electrode driving signal DS1 to all or a part of the plurality of first electrodes E1 and applies the first electrode driving signal DS2 to the second electrode E2 located outside the display panel 110 After the two-electrode driving signal DS2 is applied, a detection signal value for a detection signal detected through at least one signal detection electrode is received.

Accordingly, the processing section 2420 may output the same touch force sensing result depending on the position of the signal detecting electrode even if the detection signal value is different.

By using the above-described sensing circuit 2230, even if a force touch is generated at another position, only the force touch with the same force can obtain the same touch force sensing result even if the detection signal intensity is attenuated due to the structural characteristic, This allows the touch force to be accurately sensed regardless of the position of the touch.

According to the embodiments as described above, in order to provide various functions in various forms, it is necessary not only to sense the touch coordinates (position) when a user touches the touch panel, It is possible to sense the touch force to be pressed.

In addition, according to the embodiments, it is possible to prevent a touch force sensing error due to a signal intensity variation of a detection signal that may be caused by the structure of the touch force sensor.

In addition, according to the embodiments, even if the positions touched by the user are different from each other, the same touch force sensing results can be obtained for the different touches on the display panel 110 pressed with the same level of force.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the inventions. , Separation, substitution, and alteration of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are intended to illustrate rather than limit the scope of the present invention, and the scope of the technical idea of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention should be construed according to the following claims, and all technical ideas within the scope of equivalents should be construed as falling within the scope of the present invention.

100: Touch display device
110: Display panel
120: driving circuit
E1: first electrode
E2: Second electrode

Claims (20)

A plurality of first electrodes embedded in the display panel;
At least one second electrode located outside the display panel; And
A first electrode driving signal is applied to all or a part of the plurality of first electrodes, a second electrode driving signal is applied to the second electrode to perform touch force driving, and among the plurality of first electrodes, A size and a level of a touch force with respect to a touch based on a detection signal detected through at least one signal detection electrode corresponding to a first electrode serving as a signal detection target for a touch And a touch circuit outputting a force sensing result,
There is a signal intensity variation of the detection signal depending on the electrode position of the signal detection electrode,
The touch circuit includes:
And outputs the same touch force sensing result when different touches are pressed on the display panel with the same level of force even though the positions applied to the display panel are different. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the signal detection electrode is a first electrode positioned corresponding to a touch position of the touch among the plurality of first electrodes. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the signal intensity of the detection signal decreases as the position of the electrode of the signal detection electrode moves away from the central point of the display panel. The method according to claim 1,
The touch circuit includes:
When a detection signal is detected through the signal detection electrode,
Comparing the signal intensity of the detection signal through the signal detection electrode with one or more thresholds defined for the first electrode corresponding to the signal detection electrode,
And determines at least one of presence / absence, size and level of the touch force based on the comparison result. 5. The method of claim 4,
One or more thresholds are defined for each of the first electrodes to determine at least one of presence, size, and level of the touch force,
Wherein at least one threshold value defined for each of the first electrodes is differently defined between the first electrodes. 6. The method of claim 5,
Wherein a threshold value is defined as a smaller value for a first electrode located far from a central point of the display panel in relation to a magnitude relation between thresholds corresponding to each other between the first electrodes. 5. The method of claim 4,
Wherein the threshold value defined for each first electrode is a threshold value,
The maximum signal intensity of the first electrode located closest to the center point, the maximum signal intensity of the detected signal through the first electrode, and the threshold value of the first electrode located closest to the center point. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein each of the first electrode driving signal and the second electrode driving signal is a pulse-shaped signal or a DC voltage signal. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein when the first electrode driving signal and the second electrode driving signal are pulse signals, the first electrode driving signal and the second electrode driving signal have a positive phase or a negative phase relationship,
When the first electrode driving signal and the second electrode driving signal have a positive phase relationship,
Wherein the second electrode driving signal has an amplitude larger than the amplitude of the first electrode driving signal. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein at least one gap varying in size according to a touch force applied to the display panel is present between the plurality of first electrodes and the second electrode. The method according to claim 1,
Wherein the second electrode is located below or inside the lower structure of the display panel. 12. The method of claim 11,
Wherein the lower structure is a backlight unit. A touch force driving step of applying a first electrode driving signal to all or a part of a plurality of first electrodes built in a display panel and applying a second electrode driving signal to a second electrode located outside the display panel;
A signal detection step of detecting a detection signal through at least one signal detection electrode corresponding to a first electrode to be a signal detection target for the touch force sensing process among the plurality of first electrodes; And
And a touch force sensing step of determining at least one of presence / absence, size and level of a touch force with respect to the touch based on the detection signal to output a touch force sensing result,
There is a signal intensity variation of the detection signal depending on the electrode position of the signal detection electrode,
And outputting the same touch force sensing result when the display panel is pressed with the same level of force even if the positions applied to the display panel are different from each other. 14. The method of claim 13,
Wherein the touch force sensing step comprises:
Extracting a threshold value defined for the signal detection electrode from among threshold values defined for each first electrode;
Comparing the signal strength of the detection signal with the extracted threshold value; And
And determining at least one of presence, size, and level of the touch force according to the comparison result. 15. The method of claim 14,
Wherein the threshold values defined for each of the first electrodes are different from each other. 16. The method of claim 15,
Wherein a smaller threshold value is defined for a first electrode located far from a center point of the display panel. A signal generating circuit for generating and outputting a first electrode driving signal;
A first electrode driving circuit for outputting the first electrode driving signal to be applied to all or a part of the plurality of first electrodes built in the display panel;
A second electrode driving circuit for applying a second electrode driving signal to a second electrode located outside the display panel; And
A touch sensor for detecting a touch of a touch based on a detection signal detected through at least one signal detection electrode corresponding to a first electrode serving as a signal detection target for the touch forcing process among the plurality of first electrodes, And a sensing circuit for determining at least one of presence, presence, size, and level of the touch screen and outputting the touch force sensing result,
There is a signal intensity variation of the detection signal depending on the electrode position of the signal detection electrode,
Wherein the same touch force sensing result is output when the display panel is pressed with the same level of force even though the positions of the touch panel are different from each other. 18. The method of claim 17,
And the signal generating circuit generates and outputs the second electrode driving signal. 18. The method of claim 17,
And a signal converter for converting the first electrode driving signal to generate the second electrode driving signal. An input unit for receiving a detection signal value for a detection signal detected through at least one signal detection electrode corresponding to a first electrode to be a signal detection target for a touch force sensing process among a plurality of first electrodes built in a display panel; And
And a processing unit for determining at least one of presence, size, and level of a touch force with respect to a touch based on the detection signal value and outputting a touch force sensing result,
Wherein the input unit comprises:
A first electrode driving signal is applied to all or a part of the plurality of first electrodes and a second electrode driving signal is applied to a second electrode located outside the display panel, Receiving a detection signal value for the signal,
Wherein,
And outputs the same touch force sensing result depending on the position of the signal detection electrode even though the detection signal value is different.

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