WO2009157614A1

WO2009157614A1 - Touch inputting apparatus integral sensors and method for acquiring location and intensity of force

Info

Publication number: WO2009157614A1
Application number: PCT/KR2008/004896
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jong Ho Kim; Yon Kyu Park; Min Seok Kim; Jae Hyuk Choi; Dae Im Kang
Original assignee: Korea Research Institute Of Standards And Science
Priority date: 2008-06-24
Filing date: 2008-08-22
Publication date: 2009-12-30
Also published as: KR20100000358A; KR100969504B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sensor-integrated touch input apparatus, and more particularly, to a sensor- integrated touch input apparatus, in which, in a touch input device (for example, a touch screen or a touch pad) in which a user inputs an operation or location command using a pointing object (for example, a finger or an illustration tip), a sensor unit, including a plurality of force sensors, is integrally included in the touch input device and a protection unit is formed in the touch input device, so that each of the plurality of force sensors has the same sensing performance, thereby minimizing the distortion of a detected signal. Further, the present invention relates to a method of acquiring the location and intensity of an acting force using the sensor-integrated touch input apparatus at the same time.

Description

TOUCH INPUTTING APPARATUS INTEGRAL SENSORS AND METHOD FOR ACQUIRING LOCATION AND INTENSITY OF

FORCE

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to a sensor- integrated touch input apparatus, and more particularly, to a sensor- integrated touch input apparatus, in which, in a touch input device (for example, a touch screen or a touch pad) in which a user inputs an operation or location command using a pointing object (for example, a finger or an illustration tip), a sensor unit, including a plurality of force sensors, is integrally included in the touch input device and a protection unit is formed in the touch input device, so that each of the plurality of force sensors has the same sensing performance, thereby minimizing the distortion of a detected signal. Further, the present invention relates to a method of acquiring the location and intensity of an acting force using the sensor- integrated touch input apparatus at the same time. Background Art

[2] A human being forms an interface with electronic/mechanical devices in a variety of applications. Thus, there is a continued interest in an interface, which is more natural and easy to use and can provide information. Among devices forming an interface with a user, touch input devices for applying an operation or location command in a touch manner include a touch screen, which is used in various electronic/communication devices such as an automated teller machine in the bank, personal digital assistants, and mobile phones, a touch pad used in a notebook computer, and so on.

[3] A conventional touch input device was adapted to detect only a location at which a pointing object was touched. Electronic/communication devices using this touch input device execute a change in the position of a cursor, a program and the like.

[4] This conventional touch input device had a limit in the detection of only the location in terms of acquisition of gradually increasing contact information in various fields of industry, such as electronic/communication devices. Accordingly, there was a need for the development of a device, which was capable of acquiring not only the location of a pointing object, but also information about the intensity of an acting force applied by a pointing object.

[5] What was developed according to the above need includes a touch screen and a touch pad method in which, if a specific acting force is applied to a touch input device by a pointing object, a variety of sensors for detecting the intensity of the acting force are attached to the touch screen or a touch pad or force sensors for detecting the intensity of the acting force are included.

[6] In this case, it is necessary to attach the sensors to a screen display device using a double-sided tape, etc. At this time, there is a problem in that a degree in which the sensors are adhered to the screen display device varies depending on a degree in which the double-sided tape is adhered and a processing degree of the double-sided tape in terms of mass-production. It results in the distortion of a signal in detecting the intensity of an acting force and, therefore, limits the detection of the intensity of the acting force.

Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[7] Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a touch input device, which is capable of making identical the sensing function of each of a plurality of force sensors, included in the touch input device, and minimizing error in acquiring the location and intensity of an acting force.

[8] Further, another object of the present invention is to provide a touch input device, which is capable of detecting not only a location to which an acting force is applied by a pointing object, but also the intensity of the acting force, and a method of acquiring the location and intensity of an acting force.

[9] In addition, still another object of the present invention is to save the manufacturing cost by obviating means for acquiring the contact location of a pointing object in a conventional touch input device (for example, a touch screen). Technical Solution

[10] To achieve the above objects, a sensor-integrated touch input apparatus according to the present invention includes a contact unit with which a pointing object is brought in contact by a user in order to input a location or operation command; a sensor unit disposed on one side of the contact unit and configured to have a plurality of force sensors for outputting detection signals with respect to an acting force applied by the pointing object, the force sensors being provided in a board; and a protection unit provided under the sensor unit and configured to make the plurality of force sensors the same sensing performance.

[11] Also, the plurality of force sensors can be disposed in an outer circumference of the board.

[12] Moreover, the contact unit and the sensor unit can be coupled together using a double-sided tape, a UV hardener or a heat-adhesive tape.

[13] In this case, the sensor unit and the protection unit can be coupled together using a first adhesive layer. [14] In this instance, the first adhesive layer may have the same arrangement state as that of the plurality of force sensors. [15] Also, a plurality of holes can be formed in the first adhesive layer, and bumps can be formed in the holes, respectively.

[16] Moreover, rigidity of the bumps can be greater than that of the first adhesive layer.

[17] In addition, the force sensor can comprise a membrane type force sensor, a contact resistance type force sensor or a capacitive type force sensor. [18] Also, the board can comprise a flexible printed board.

[19] Furthermore, the contact unit can have a circle, an oval or a polygon.

[20] In present invention, the contact unit and the protection unit can be formed from transparent materials. [21] According to the present invention, the protection unit can have the same shape as that of the contact unit or the same arrangement state as that of the force sensors. [22] In addition, the present invention may further comprise a screen display unit configured to display a screen state according to the location or operation command of the user and disposed on the other side of the protection unit. [23] Also, the protection unit and the screen display unit can be connected to each other by a second adhesive layer, and the second adhesive layer can have the same arrangement state as that of the plurality of force sensors. [24] In addition, the touch input apparatus, may comprise a first structure, comprising a contact unit with which a pointing object is brought in contact by a user in order to input a location or operation command, and a plurality of first electrode units formed on one side of the contact unit; a second structure, comprising a protection unit, and a plurality of second electrode units formed on one side of the protection unit and disposed at locations corresponding to the first electrode units; and a first adhesive layer coupling the contact unit and the protection unit so that the first electrode units and the second electrode units face each other. [25] Also, the first electrode units and the second electrode units can be formed in outer circumferences of the contact unit and the protection unit, respectively. [26] Moreover, the contact unit and the protection unit can be formed from transparent materials such as glass or acryl. [27] In addition, a plurality of holes can be formed at locations where the first electrode units and the second electrode units are provided, of the first adhesive layer. [28] Also, an air gap can be formed between the first electrode units and the second electrode units. [29] Moreover, the present invention may further comprise a screen display unit configured to display a screen state according to the location or operation command of the user and disposed on one side of the second structure. [30] Also, the second structure and the screen display unit can be coupled together by a second adhesive layer.

[31] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of acquiring an intensity and location of an acting force using a sensor-integrated touch input apparatus, the method comprising the steps of calculating the intensity of the acting force based on detection signals detected by a plurality of force sensors; calculating a moment of the acting force by calculating a sum of moments of the plurality of force sensors; and calculating the location of the acting force based on the moment of the acting force and the intensity of the acting force.

[32] In this instance, the detection signals may include repulsive powers with respect to the acting force.

Advantageous Effects

[33] According to the sensor integrated type touch inputting apparatus of the present invention, the quality of the touch inputting apparatus may be uniform by forming the sensor portion containing a plurality of force sensors integrally with the touch inputting apparatus and forming the protection portion, and it is possible to minimize errors generated in the acquiring of the position and intensity of the operating force by using the touch inputting apparatus.

[34] In addition, it is possible to detect the intensity and the position of the operating force applied by the pointing object concurrently by installing the sensor portion including a plurality of force sensors integrally with the touch inputting apparatus.

[35] Also, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost because it is not required to add means for acquiring the contacting position of the pointing object in the conventional touch inputting apparatus, since positions applied of the operating force can be treated by using the force sensors. Brief Description of Drawings

[36] Further objects and advantages of the invention can be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

[37] FIG. 1 is a lateral sectional view showing a first embodiment of a sensor-integrated touch input apparatus according to the present invention;

[38] FIG. 2 is an exploded lateral view showing the first embodiment of a sensor- integrated touch input apparatus according to the present invention;

[39] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the first embodiment of a sensor- integrated touch input apparatus according to the present invention;

[40] FIG. 4 is a lateral sectional view showing a second embodiment of a sensor- integrated touch input apparatus according to the present invention; [41] FIG. 5 is an exploded lateral view showing the second embodiment of a sensor- integrated touch input apparatus according to the present invention;

[42] FIGS. 6 to 12 are state diagrams according to the manufacturing process of a sensor unit in the case in which force sensors of a contact resistant type are included;

[43] FIGS. 13 to 16 are state diagrams according to the manufacturing process of a sensor unit in the case in which force sensors of a capacitive type are included;

[44] FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a flow for acquiring the intensity and location of an acting force;

[45] FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a method of acquiring the intensity and location of an acting force using the sensor-integrated touch input apparatus according to the present invention; and

[46] FIGS. 19 and 20 are conceptual views showing reactions of respective sensors when an acting force is applied to the sensor- integrated touch input apparatus of the present invention. Mode for the Invention

[47] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail in connection with preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Prior to describing the present invention, a detailed description of pertinent known functions and constructions will be omitted if they are deemed to make the gist of the present invention unnecessarily vague.

[48] <Construction of sensor-integrated touch input apparatus>

[49] (Embodiment 1)

[50] FIGS. 1 to 3 show the constructions of a first embodiment of a sensor-integrated touch input apparatus according to the present invention. The sensor-integrated touch input apparatus according to the present invention includes a contact unit 110, a sensor unit 120, a protection unit 140, a screen display unit 160, and so on.

[51] The contact unit 110 is a member with which a pointing object is brought in contact in order for a user to input a location or operation command. The touch input apparatus according to the present invention may be used in the form of a touch screen. In this case, the screen display unit 160 for providing a specific screen to a user is added to the touch input apparatus. The contact unit 110 is preferably constructed of transparent materials. The contact unit 110 may be formed from, for example, glass or acryl. Further, the contact unit 110 may also be formed from flexible materials.

[52] Further, in the case of a conventional touch screen having an ITO film, the shape of the contact unit 110 is limited to a square shape. However, the contact unit 110 of the present invention may have a variety of shapes, such as a polygon including a circle, an oval, a triangle, and a quadrangle. [53] The sensor unit 120 is disposed on one side of the contact unit 110 and is coupled to the contact unit 110 using a double-sided tape, a UV hardener or a heat-adhesive tape. FIG. 1 shows that the sensor unit 120 is coupled to a bottom surface of the contact unit 110. The sensor unit 120 includes a board 124, and a plurality of force sensors 122 included in a board 124. The sensor-integrated touch input apparatus according to the present invention may be used as a touch screen. As shown in FIG. 3, it is preferred that the force sensors 122 be included in a plural number in an outer circumference of the board 124. Each of the force sensors 122 detects a signal with respect to an acting force ->

applied by a pointing object. The force sensor 122 may employ a membrane type force sensor, a capacitive type force sensor or a contact resistant type force sensor. [54] The board 124 including the plurality of force sensors 122 may employ a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB).

[55] The protection unit 140 is provided under the sensor unit 120, and is formed to make identical the sensing function of each of the plurality of force sensors 122 for detecting a specific signal with respect to the acting force ->

? t

. If, in the case in which the protection unit 140 is not provided, the sensor unit 120 is directly coupled to the screen display unit 160 using a foam tape, there is a difference in a degree in which the plurality of force sensors included in the sensor unit 120 is coupled because of tolerance upon fabrication. Due to the difference in the degree of coupling, each force sensor does not perform the same sensing function, but experiences the distortion of a signal when the acting force ->

F t is applied. That is, the force sensors 122, coupled together more strongly, may be more sensitive than the force sensors 122 that are coupled together less strongly and may experience the distortion of a detection signal more frequently. The protection unit 140 solves this problem by making identical the coupling degree of the plurality of force sensors 122. Furthermore, the protection unit 140 functions to protect the sensor unit 120 from external materials or stimulus. The touch input apparatus according to the present invention may be used as a touch screen and the like and, therefore, the protection unit 140 is preferably formed from transparent materials. The protection unit 140 may employ, for example, glass or acryl. Further, it is preferred that a bottom surface of the protection unit 140 be flat and have specific rigidity so that, in the case in which a touch input apparatus is coupled to casings of electronic/communication devices thereof or a touch input apparatus is used in a touch screen, the protection unit 140 is easily coupled to the screen display unit 160.

[56] The protection unit 140 may have, as shown in FIG. 3, the same shape as that of the contact unit 110 and the same arrangement state as that of the plurality of force sensors 122.

[57] The sensor unit 120 and the protection unit 140 are coupled together by a first adhesive layer 132. The first adhesive layer 132 basically performs both functions of adhesives and a buffer. The first adhesive layer 132 may be formed from, for example, a double-sided tape (for example, a foam double-sided tape and a polymer tape), silicon, or polymeric adhesives such as polyurethane. The first adhesive layer 132 preferably has the same arrangement state as that of the plurality of force sensors 122 of the sensor unit 120.

[58] Further, a plurality of holes may be formed in the first adhesive layer 132. Bumps

134 may be provided in the plurality of holes, respectively. At this time, the plurality of holes and the plurality of bumps 134 may be formed at location corresponding to the plurality of force sensors 122. It is preferred that the rigidity of each of the bumps 134 be greater than that of the first adhesive layer 132. The bump 134 functions to increase the sensing function of the force sensors 122 for detecting force applied by a user.

[59] The screen display unit 160 is provided on one side of the protection unit 140. FIGS.

1 to 3 show states in which the screen display unit 160 is provided under the protection unit 140. The screen display unit 160 is a member for visually displaying the results of a location or operation command, which is input by a user through the contact unit 110. The screen display unit 160 may employ, for example, a liquid crystal panel. The liquid crystal panel may employ a LCD panel, an electronic ink panel or an OLED panel.

[60] The protection unit 140 and the screen display unit 160 may be coupled together by a second adhesive layer 152. The second adhesive layer 152 may have the same arrangement state as that of the plurality of force sensors 122 in the same manner as the first adhesive layer 132. A double-sided tape (for example, a foam double-sided tape and a polymer tape), silicon, polymeric adhesives such as polyurethane may be used as the second adhesive layer 152.

[61] (Embodiment 2)

[62] Hereinafter, another embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. A sensor- integrated touch input apparatus according to the present invention includes a first structure 210, a second structure 220, a first adhesive layer 232 and the like. The present embodiment uses a capacitive type touch input apparatus.

[63] The first structure 210 includes a contact unit 212, and a plurality of first electrode units 214 formed on one side of the contact unit 212. The contact unit 212 is a member with which a pointing object is brought in contact by a user in order to input location and operation commands. In the case in which the touch input apparatus is used as a touch screen, a screen display unit 250 is further added, so that the contact unit 212 is preferably formed from transparent materials. The transparent materials may include glass or acryl. The first electrode units 214 are formed on one side of the contact unit 212, and are formed in a plural number in the state in which they are spaced apart from each other at a specific interval. The first electrode units 214 may be formed from resistant ink or resistant paste.

[64] The second structure 220 includes a protection unit 222, and a plurality of second electrode units 224 formed on one side of the protection unit 222. The second electrode units 224 are formed on one side of the protection unit 222 in a plural number in the state in which they are spaced apart from each other at a specific interval. The second electrode units 224 may be formed from resistant ink or resistant paste. The first structure 210 and the second structure 220 are adhered together so that the second electrode units 224 and the first electrode units 214 face each other. Accordingly, the second electrode units 224 have to be formed at locations to face the first electrode units 214. The embodiment, characteristics, etc. of the protection unit 222 are identical to those of the above-described first embodiment and, therefore, a reference can be made to the description of the first embodiment.

[65] The first adhesive layer 232 couples the first structure 210 and the second structure

220. In this case, it is preferred that a plurality of holes be formed at locations where the first electrode units 214 and the second electrode units 224 are disposed, of the first adhesive layer 232. That is, in order to detect a signal with respect to an acting force

of a pointing object, it is preferred that the first adhesive layer 232 be not disposed on the first electrode units 214 and the second electrode units 224.

[66] The first adhesive layer 232 has a thickness, which is thicker than the sum of a thickness of the first electrode units 214 and a thickness of the second electrode units 224. Thus, it is preferred that, as shown in FIG. 4, an air gap G be formed between the first electrode units 214 and the second electrode units 224. Characteristics and examples of the first adhesive layer 232 are identical to those of the above-described first embodiment and, therefore, a reference can be made to the description of the first embodiment.

[67] The screen display unit 250 is coupled to one side of the second structure 220. It is preferred that, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the screen display unit 250 be coupled to the second structure 220 by a second adhesive layer 242. The screen display unit 250 and the second adhesive layer 242 may be configured in the same manner as the first embodiment and, therefore, a reference can be made to the description of the first embodiment.

[68] Even in the case of the present embodiment, the touch input apparatus may be used in a touch screen. In this case, it is preferred that the first electrode units 214 and the second electrode units 224 be formed in an outer circumference of the touch screen as in the first embodiment.

[69] fabrication of sensor-integrated touch input apparatus>

[70] In the first embodiment of the sensor-integrated touch input apparatus according to the present invention, as described above regarding the construction described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, the contact unit 110, the sensor unit 120, and the protection unit 140 are adhered together. In the case in which the sensor-integrated touch input apparatus is used in a touch screen, the screen display unit 160 is further coupled to one side of the protection unit 140. To fabricate the sensor-integrated touch input apparatus according to the present invention using the first adhesive layer 132 and the second adhesive layer 152 is identical to that of the first embodiment and, therefore, a reference can be made to the description of the first embodiment.

[71] Hereinafter, in the case in which the force sensor 122 of the sensor unit 120 is a contact resistant type force sensor and a capacitive type force sensor, a detailed construction and a fabrication method of the sensor unit 120 are described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 12 and FIGS. 13 to 16.

[72] (Sensor unit including contact resistant type force sensor)

[73] FIGS. 6 to 12 show states according to fabrication of the sensor unit 120 including a contact resistance type force sensor. The sensor unit 120 is fabricated such that the plurality of force sensors 122 is included in the board 124. Preferably, the sensor unit 120 is fabricated so that the plurality of force sensors 122 is included in an outer circumference of the board 124. As shown in FIG. 7, a metal layer 304 is deposited on one side of a film layer 302. The film layer 302 may be formed from a polymer film such as a polyimide film or a polyester film. The metal layer 304 may be formed from metallic paste. The metallic paste may include, for example, silver paste. As shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of resistant inks is coated on the metal layer 304 at specific intervals, thereby forming resistant layers 306. An upper layer unit is formed in this manner.

[74] In addition, as shown in FIG. 10, a metal layer 304' is deposited on a film layer 302'.

Here, the metal layer 304'may be formed in a plural number and spaced apart from each other at specific intervals. Next, as shown in FIG. 11, resistant ink is coated on the metal layers 304'spaced apart from each other at specific intervals, thus forming resistant layers 306'. In this manner, a lower layer unit is formed. [75] The upper layer unit and the lower layer unit fabricated as above are fabricated to constitute the sensor unit 120 using an adhesive layer 310, as shown in FIG. 12. At this time, the adhesive layer 310 is not formed between the resistant layers 306 of the upper layer unit and the resistant layers 306'of the lower layer unit. Further, signal lines for detecting a change in signals between the resistant layers 306 and 306'are wired in the sensor unit 120. The wiring lines are evident to those skilled in the art, and a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[76] (Sensor unit equipped with capacitive type force sensors)

[77] FIGS. 13 to 16 show detailed constructions of the sensor unit 120 equipped with capacitive type force sensors and states according to its fabrication. The sensor unit 120 equipped with capacitive type force sensors is fabricated by adhering two or more structures together. A process of fabricating the structure is described below.

[78] As shown in FIG. 14, a plurality of electrode layers 404 is formed on one side of a film layer 402. The film layer 402 may be formed from a polymer film such as a polyimide film or a polyester film. The electrode layers 404 are formed in a plural number and spaced apart from each other at specific intervals. In this manner, two or more structures are fabricated.

[79] As shown in FIG. 15, spacers 406 are formed on one structure selected from the structures fabricated as above. The spacers are formed on portions of the film layer 402, in which the electrode layers 404 are not formed. The spacers 406 may be formed from a double-sided tape or a variety of films.

[80] After the spacers 406 are formed, the structure formed as described above is adhered to the remaining structures on which the spacers 406 are not formed, as shown in FIG. 16. Such adhesion is performed using a double-sided tape or adhesives. At this time, in order to detect a change in the capacitance between the electrode layers 404 of the respective structures, adhesive material, such as a double-sided tape or adhesives, are not formed between the electrode layers 404.

[81] Signal lines for detecting a change in signals between the electrode layers 404 are wired in the sensor unit 120. The wiring lines are evident to those skilled in the art, and a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[82] <Method of acquiring intensity and location of acting force using sensor- integrated touch input apparatus>

[83] Hereinafter, a method of acquiring the intensity and location of an acting force using the sensor-integrated touch input apparatus is described.

[84] FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a signal processing flow for acquiring the intensity and location of an acting force. FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a method of acquiring the intensity and location of an acting force using the sensor-integrated touch input apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 19 is a conceptual view showing a reaction of each of force sensors 122 in the case in which an acting force ->

F t is applied to the sensor- integrated touch input apparatus. The method of acquiring the intensity and location of an acting force may be performed by a signal processing unit 500, which is further included in the sensor-integrated touch input apparatus according to the present invention. The signal processing unit 500 includes an acting force calculation unit 510, a moment calculation unit 520, and a location calculation unit 530. In FIG. 19, a point 0 of the coordinate system may be previously set to a specific location in the signal processing unit 500. Hereinafter, n denotes the number of the force sensors.

[85] As shown in FIG. 19, if the acting force

->

F t is applied to a specific location P of the contact unit 110 (SlOO), detection signals regarding the acting force

->

F t are generated from the plurality of force sensors 122, respectively (S200). The detection signals may include, for example, repulsive powers

→

generated from the force sensors 122, respectively, as shown in FIG. 19. That is, the repulsive powers

->

F 1

F

are generated from the force sensors 122, respectively.

[86] The acting force calculation unit 520 calculates an intensity of the acting force

->

F t in accordance with Equation 1 based on the detection signals, that is, the respective repulsive powers

→

F - detected by the force sensors 122, respectively (S300). [87] [Equation 1]

[88] « _→ __→

i= \ [89] Thereafter, the moment calculation unit 520 calculates a location

->

R 2. of each of the force sensors 122, which are spaced apart from each other at specific intervals in the coordinate system as shown in FIG. 19, and then finds the sum of moments

M _± of the force sensors based on the locations and the repulsive powers of the force sensors. The sum of the moments

M _± of the force sensors becomes the moment

M o of the acting force (S400). That is, the total moment — >

M o of the acting force is expressed in Equation 2. [90] [Equation 2]

[91] . . . . . . « .

R₁ X F₁ X R₂ X F₂ + ^{• • •} +R_n X F_n = L M₁ = M₀

[92] Finally, the location calculation unit 530 calculates an applied location

— >

R t of the acting force in accordance with Equation 3 based on the total moment

— >

^M o of the acting force and the intensity of the acting force ->

^F t

(S500). [93] [Equation 3] ^[94] Mo ⁼ ^ ^x ^

[95] As described above, the intensity of the acting force

->

^F t and the applied location

R t of the acting force can be obtained at the same time based on the detection signals of the plurality of force sensors 122. Accordingly, there is no need to further include an ITO film, which is conventionally used in order to obtain the location of an acting force.

[96] Hereinafter, an example in which four force sensors 122 are included is described with reference to FIG. 20. Only the contact unit 110 and the plurality of force sensors 122 of the sensor unit 120 are illustrated for convenience of description. An example in which the acting force ->

F t is applied in a z-axis direction is described. FIG. 20 shows an example in which the contact unit 110 has a rectangle. It is assumed that the contact unit 110 has a length 'a' and a width 'b'. [97] The acting force

->

F t applied by a pointing object is detected as detection signals (for example, repulsive powers) in the four force sensors 122 formed in the sensor unit 120. The acting force calculation unit 510 calculates an intensity ^t of the acting force based on the detection signals. The intensity Ft of the acting force is based on the relationship of Equation 1, resulting in the relationship of Equation 4. [98] [Equation 4]

[991 ^→ — ^{> →}

- (F₁ + F₂ + F₃ + F_A) k = F_t = F_t k

[100] The moment calculation unit 520 calculates the moment

M _± in each of the force sensors 122 in accordance with Equation 2. The sum of the moments of the force sensors may be expressed in Equation 5.

[101] [Equation 5]

[103] Thereafter, the location calculation unit 520 calculates a location of the acting force based on the intensity of the acting force and the moment of the acting force. In the case of FIG. 20, the location of the acting force is > -^ -^

R₁ = x i + yj

Accordingly, the location of the acting force can be found as

(F, - F₁) _α

X

F, 2 in accordance with Equation 3, thus resulting in

(F₂ - F₄) _b y

F,

[104] That is, the location of the acting force is

→ ₌ 0^₃ - F₁) _α ^ _| (F₂ - F₄) & →. ' F_t 2 ¹ F_t 2 ^j

, and the intensity

Ft of an acting force is

[105] <Modified Embodiment

[106] Although, as another embodiment of the present invention, the case in which the sensor-integrated touch input apparatus is used in a touch screen has been described, the sensor-integrated touch input apparatus according to the present invention may be used in various electronic devices in which an operation or location command is input using a touch method. For example, the sensor-integrated touch input apparatus may be used in a touch pad. In this case, in the first and second embodiments, the contact unit and the protection unit may be formed from an opaque member. If the contact unit of the first embodiment or the first and second contact units of the second embodiment has a narrow width, it may be used as the scroll key of a touch pad method.

[107] Further, although, in describing the method of measuring the location and intensity of an acting force using the sensor-integrated touch input apparatus according to the present invention, the sensor-integrated touch input apparatus of the first embodiment has been described as an example, the sensor- integrated touch input apparatus of the second embodiment may also be used. In this case, the sensor-integrated touch input apparatus of the second embodiment may also be equipped with the signal processing unit 500. Industrial Applicability

[108] Although the specific embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.

Claims

[I] A sensor-integrated touch input apparatus, comprising: a contact unit with which a pointing object is brought in contact by a user in order to input a location or operation command; a sensor unit disposed on one side of the contact unit and configured to have a plurality of force sensors for outputting detection signals with respect to an acting force applied by the pointing object, the force sensors being provided in a board; and a protection unit provided under the sensor unit and configured to make the plurality of force sensors have the same sensing performance. [2] The sensor- integrated touch input apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of force sensors is disposed in an outer circumference of the board. [3] The sensor- integrated touch input apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the contact unit and the sensor unit are coupled together using a double-sided tape, a

UV hardener or a heat-adhesive tape. [4] The sensor- integrated touch input apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor unit and the protection unit are coupled together using a first adhesive layer. [5] The sensor-integrated touch input apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the first adhesive layer has the same arrangement state as that of the plurality of force sensors. [6] The sensor-integrated touch input apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein: a plurality of holes is formed in the first adhesive layer, and bumps are formed in the holes, respectively. [7] The sensor-integrated touch input apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein rigidity of the bumps is greater than that of the first adhesive layer. [8] The sensor- integrated touch input apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the force sensor comprises a membrane type force sensor, a contact resistance type force sensor or a capacitive type force sensor. [9] The sensor- integrated touch input apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the board comprises a flexible printed board. [10] The sensor- integrated touch input apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the contact unit has a circle, an oval or a polygon.

[I I] The sensor- integrated touch input apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the contact unit and the protection unit are formed from transparent materials.

[12] The sensor- integrated touch input apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the protection unit has the same shape as that of the contact unit or the same ar- rangement state as that of the force sensors.

[13] The sensor- integrated touch input apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a screen display unit configured to display a screen state according to the location or operation command of the user and disposed on the other side of the protection unit.

[14] The sensor-integrated touch input apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein: the protection unit and the screen display unit are connected to each other by a second adhesive layer, and the second adhesive layer has the same arrangement state as that of the plurality of force sensors.

[15] A sensor-integrated touch input apparatus, comprising: a first structure, comprising a contact unit with which a pointing object is brought in contact by a user in order to input a location or operation command, and a plurality of first electrode units formed on one side of the contact unit; a second structure, comprising a protection unit, and a plurality of second electrode units formed on one side of the protection unit and disposed at locations corresponding to the first electrode units; and a first adhesive layer coupling the contact unit and the protection unit so that the first electrode units and the second electrode units face each other.

[16] The sensor- integrated touch input apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein the first electrode units and the second electrode units are formed in outer circumferences of the contact unit and the protection unit, respectively.

[17] The sensor-integrated touch input apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein the contact unit and the protection unit are formed from transparent materials such as glass or acryl.

[18] The sensor-integrated touch input apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein a plurality of holes is formed at locations where the first electrode units and the second electrode units are provided, of the first adhesive layer.

[19] The sensor- integrated touch input apparatus as claimed in claim 15, wherein an air gap is formed between the first electrode units and the second electrode units.

[20] The sensor- integrated touch input apparatus as claimed in claim 15, further comprising a screen display unit configured to display a screen state according to the location or operation command of the user and disposed on one side of the second structure.

[21] The sensor- integrated touch input apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein the second structure and the screen display unit are coupled together by a second adhesive layer.

[22] A method of acquiring an intensity and location of an acting force using a sensor- integrated touch input apparatus, the method comprising the steps of: calculating the intensity of the acting force based on detection signals detected by a plurality of force sensors; calculating a moment of the acting force by calculating a sum of moments of the plurality of force sensors; and calculating the location of the acting force based on the moment of the acting force and the intensity of the acting force.

[23] The method as claimed in claim 22, wherein the detection signals include repulsive powers with respect to the acting force.