WO2015105329A1

WO2015105329A1 - Electronic device having touch screen

Info

Publication number: WO2015105329A1
Application number: PCT/KR2015/000153
Authority: WO
Inventors: 이헌석; 박재욱; 박재형; 박종대; 박주영; 허훈도
Original assignee: 삼성전자 주식회사
Priority date: 2014-01-07
Filing date: 2015-01-07
Publication date: 2015-07-16

Abstract

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure comprises: a housing; a display module which is placed on one surface of the housing and comprises a display area and a non-display area; and at least one touch sensor located in at least a partial area of the housing, which comprises the non-display area, at least a part of the at least one touch sensor being formed to be parallel to the display module, wherein the at least one touch sensor is configured to detect input from the side surface of the housing.

Description

Electronic devices including touch screens

Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an electronic device including a touch screen.

Recently, electronic devices have been used in a very wide field because they support a call function based on mobility, and because of convenience of use and ease of portability. Such electronic devices provide various input methods in order to provide a user function. For example, the electronic device includes a touch screen to widen the display area while reducing weight and thickness. The touch screen may be implemented using various methods. For example, the touch screen may be implemented using a resistive method, a pressure method, an infrared sensing method, an ultrasonic sensing method, or a capacitive method. Among the touch screen implementation methods, the touch screen implemented by the capacitive method is excellent in durability, touch accuracy, and optical characteristics, and thus the demand for the capacitive touch screen is increasing.

The capacitive touch screen uses a proximity touch (or hovering input or indirect input) input within a certain distance in addition to the touch touch (or direct touch) input by a touch by an object such as a user's finger. Support.

According to the related art, the electronic device may receive a user input through a touch screen on the front of the electronic device or through a hardware key located on the side of the electronic device. In addition, the electronic device may provide an application or a function of the electronic device based on a user input. However, the electronic device according to the related art is difficult to detect a user input input through the side of the electronic device through the touch screen located in front of the electronic device. In addition, the volume of the electronic device is increased due to the hardware key disposed on the side of the electronic device, and the size of the touch screen may be restricted in order to secure an area inside the electronic device for mounting the hardware key.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide an electronic device including a touch screen capable of receiving input from an electronic device side by designing a sensor (eg, a sub touch sensor) in a portion of an area associated with the touch screen of the electronic device.

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include a housing; A display module disposed on one surface of the housing and including a display area and a non-display area; And at least one touch sensor disposed in at least a portion of the housing including the non-display area, the at least one touch sensor being at least partially parallel to the display module, wherein the at least one touch sensor is disposed on a side surface of the housing. Is set to detect the input.

An electronic device including a touch screen according to various embodiments of the present disclosure designs a sub-touch sensor in at least a portion of a housing of the electronic device and receives an input from an electronic device side, thereby reducing the size of the electronic device and improving the design. Can be improved. In addition, various operations may be provided by combining an input received through the sub touch sensor and an input received from the main touch screen sensor.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

2 is a plan view of a touch screen according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

3 is an enlarged view of area A of the touch screen of FIG. 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

4 illustrates a side view of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

5 is a diagram illustrating a signal input of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

6 is a plan view of a touch screen according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

7 is a plan view illustrating a touch screen according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

8 is a side view illustrating an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

9 is a side view illustrating an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

10 is a perspective view of an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

11 illustrates an electronic device protective cover according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

12 illustrates an electronic device protective cover according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

13 is a hardware block diagram according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

The following shows description of a code | symbol.

100, 102, 104: electronic device 110: bus

120: processor 130: memory

131, 310: Kernel 132, 330: middleware

133, 360: Application Programming Interface (API)

134, 370: application 140: user input module

150: touch screen 160: communication module

162: network 164: server

210:

touch controller

220, 440, 540: main touch sensor

231 to 238, 450: sub touch sensor 240: signal wiring

250: second signal wiring 410, 510: glass

420, 520: adhesive layer 460, 560: display module

480, 580: housing

1300: Hardware 1310: Processor

1311: Application Processor (AP)

1313: communication processor (CP)

1314_1 ~ N: SIM card 1315_1 ~ N: Slot

1380 memory 1322 internal memory

1324: external memory 1330: communication module

1331: wireless communication module 1333: Wi-Fi

1334: RF Module 1335: BT

1337: GPS 1339: NFC

1340: sensor module

Gesture Sensor 1340B Gyro Sensor

1340C: Barometric Pressure Sensor 1340D: Magnetic Sensor

1340E: Acceleration Sensor 1340F: Grip Sensor

1340G: Proximity Sensor 1340H: RGB Sensor

1340I: Biometric Sensor 1340J: Temperature / Humidity Sensor

1340K: Ambient Light Sensor 1340M: UV Sensor

1350: User Module 1354: Pen Sensor

1356: key 1358: ultrasonic

1360: touch screen 1362: touch panel

1364: display module 1366: hologram

1370: interface 1378: HDMI

1374: USB 1376: projector

1378: D-SUB 1380: Audio Codec

1388: Speaker 1384: Receiver

1386: Earphone 1388: Microphone

1391: Camera Module 1395: Power Management Module

1396: battery 1397: indicator

1398: motor

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In this case, it should be noted that like elements are denoted by like reference numerals as much as possible. In addition, detailed descriptions of well-known functions and configurations that may blur the gist of the present disclosure will be omitted. It should be noted that in the following description, only portions necessary for understanding the operation according to various embodiments of the present disclosure are described, and descriptions of other portions will be omitted so as not to distract from the gist of the present disclosure.

Expressions such as "comprises", "comprises", and the like, which can be used in various embodiments of the present disclosure, indicate the presence of a corresponding function, operation, component, or the like, and additional one or more functions, operations, or the like. It does not restrict the components. In addition, in various embodiments of the present disclosure, the terms "comprise" or "have" are intended to indicate that there is a feature, number, step, action, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, It should be understood that it does not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features or numbers, steps, operations, components, parts or combinations thereof.

In addition, in various embodiments of the present disclosure, the expression “and / or” includes any and all combinations of words listed together. For example, "A and / or B" may include A, may include B, or may include both A and B.

Also, expressions such as “first,” “second,” “first,” or “second,” used in various embodiments of the present disclosure may modify various elements of the various embodiments of the present disclosure. It does not limit the elements. For example, the above expressions do not limit the order and / or importance of the corresponding elements. The above expressions may be used to distinguish one component from another. For example, both a first user device and a second user device are user devices and represent different user devices. For example, without departing from the scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure, the first component may be named a second component, and similarly, the second component may also be named the first component.

When a component is said to be "connected" or "connected" to another component, the component may be directly connected to or connected to another component, but another component may be It should be understood that it may exist. On the other hand, when a component is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly connected" to another component, it will be understood that there is no new other component between the component and the other component. Should be able. The terminology used in the various embodiments of the present disclosure is merely used to describe particular embodiments, and is not intended to limit the various embodiments of the present disclosure. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Unless defined otherwise, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which various embodiments of the present disclosure belong. Terms such as those defined in the commonly used dictionaries should be construed as having meanings consistent with the meanings in the context of the related art, and are ideally or excessively formal, unless expressly defined in the various embodiments of the present disclosure. It is not interpreted in the sense.

An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be a device including a communication function. For example, the electronic device may be a smart phone, a tablet personal computer, a mobile phone, a video phone, an e-book reader, a desktop personal computer, a laptop. Laptop personal computer (PC), netbook computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), portable multimedia player (PMP), MP3 player, mobile medical device, camera, or wearable device (e.g., It may include at least one of a head-mounted-device (HMD) such as electronic glasses, an electronic garment, an electronic bracelet, an electronic necklace, an electronic accessory, an electronic tattoo, or a smart watch.

According to some embodiments, the electronic device may be a smart home appliance having a communication function. Smart home appliances are, for example, electronic devices such as televisions, digital video disk (DVD) players, audio, refrigerators, air conditioners, cleaners, ovens, microwave ovens, washing machines, air purifiers, set-top boxes, TVs. It may include at least one of a box (eg, Samsung HomeSync ^™ Apple TV ^™ or Google TV ^™) , game consoles, electronic dictionary, electronic key, camcorder, or electronic photo frame.

According to some embodiments, the electronic device may include a variety of medical devices (eg, magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), imaging device, ultrasound, etc.), navigation device, and GPS receiver. (global positioning system receiver), event data recorder (EDR), flight data recorder (FDR), automotive infotainment devices, marine electronic equipment (e.g. marine navigation systems and gyro compasses), avionics, It may include at least one of a security device, a vehicle head unit, an industrial or household robot, an automatic teller s machine (ATM) of a financial institution, or a point of sales (POS) of a store.

According to some embodiments, an electronic device may be part of a furniture or building / structure that includes a communication function, an electronic board, an electronic signature receiving device, a projector, or various It may include at least one of the measuring device (for example, water, electricity, gas, or radio wave measuring device). An electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be a combination of one or more of the aforementioned various devices. Also, an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be a flexible device. In addition, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described devices.

Hereinafter, an electronic device according to various embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The term “user” used in various embodiments may refer to a person who uses an electronic device or a device (eg, an artificial intelligence electronic device) that uses an electronic device.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 1, the electronic device 100 may include a bus 110, a processor 120, a memory 130, a user input module 140, a touch screen 150, or a communication module 160.

The bus 110 may be a circuit that connects the aforementioned components to each other and transfers communication (eg, a control message) between the aforementioned components.

The processor 120 may receive a command from the above-described other components (eg, the memory 130, the user input module 140, the touch screen 150, the communication module 160, etc.) through the bus 110, for example. The received command can be decrypted, and an operation or data processing according to the decrypted command can be executed.

The memory 130 may be a command received from or generated by the processor 120 or other components (eg, the user input module 140, the touch screen 150, the communication module 160, or the like). Data can be saved. The memory 130 may include, for example, programming modules such as a kernel 131, middleware 132, an application programming interface (API) 133, or an application 134. Each of the aforementioned programming modules may be composed of software, firmware, hardware, or a combination of two or more thereof.

The kernel 131 is a system resource used to execute an operation or a function implemented in other other programming modules, for example, the middleware 132, the API 133, or the application 134 (eg, the bus 110, the processor 120). Or the memory 130). In addition, the kernel 131 may provide an interface that allows the middleware 132, the API 133, or the application 134 to access and control or manage individual components of the electronic device 100.

The middleware 132 may serve as an intermediary to allow the API 133 or the application 134 to communicate with the kernel 131 to exchange data. Further, the middleware 132 may, for example, be associated with work requests received from the (multiple) applications 134, for example, at least one of the (multiple) applications 134. For example, control (eg, scheduling or load balancing) of a work request may be performed using a method such as assigning a priority to use the bus 110, the processor 120, or the memory 130.

The API 133 is an interface for controlling a function provided by the application 134 provided by the kernel 131 or the middleware 132. For example, at least one interface or function for file control, window control, image processing, or character control, etc. (Eg, commands).

According to various embodiments, the application 134 may be an SMS / MMS application, an email application, a calendar application, an alarm application, a health care application (eg, an exercise or blood glucose measurement), or an environmental information application (eg, air pressure). , An application for providing humidity or temperature information, and the like. Additionally or alternatively, the application 134 may be an application related to information exchange between the electronic device 100 and an external electronic device (eg, the electronic device 104). An application related to information exchange may include, for example, a notification relay application for delivering specific information to the external electronic device, or a device management application for managing the external electronic device. .

For example, the notification delivery application may transmit notification information generated by another application of the electronic device 100 (eg, an SMS / MMS application, an email application, a health care application, or an environmental information application) to an external electronic device (eg, the electronic device 104). It may include the ability to deliver. Additionally or alternatively, the notification delivery application may receive notification information from an external electronic device (eg, the electronic device 104) and provide it to the user. The device management application may, for example, turn on / off the function of at least a portion of an external electronic device (eg, the electronic device 104) in communication with the electronic device 100 (eg, the external electronic device itself (or some component part). Alternatively, the user may manage (eg, install, delete, or update) the brightness (or resolution) of the display, an application running on the external electronic device, or a service (eg, a call service or a message service) provided by the external electronic device. .

According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the application 134 may include an application designated according to an attribute (eg, a type of electronic device) of an external electronic device (eg, the electronic device 104). For example, when the external electronic device is an MP3 player, the application 134 may include an application related to music playback. Similarly, when the external electronic device is a mobile medical device, the application 134 may include an application related to health care. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the application 134 may include at least one of an application specified in the electronic device 100 or an application received from an external electronic device (for example, the server 106 or the electronic device 104).

For example, the user input module 140 may receive a command or data from a user and transfer the command or data to the processor 120 or the memory 130 through the bus 110.

The communication module 160 may connect communication between another electronic device 102 and the electronic device 100. The communication module 160 may include a predetermined short range communication protocol (eg, Wifi (wireless fidelity), BT (Bluetooth), near field communication (NFC), or predetermined network communication (eg, Internet, local area network (LAN), or WAN (wire) area network, telecommunication network, cellular network, satellite network, or plain old telephone service (POTS), etc.) 162. Each of the

electronic devices

102 and 104 is the same (eg, the same type) as the electronic device 100. Or other (eg, another type) device.

The touch screen 150 may receive various inputs from a user. For example, the touch screen 150 may receive a contact touch or a proximity touch from the front direction of the touch screen, and a proximity touch from the side surface of the electronic device 100. The touch screen 150 may support various screens such as a standby screen, a menu screen, and an application execution screen required for operating the electronic device 100 based on an input from the front or side of the touch screen 150. Additional information is provided for these touch screens through FIGS. 2 to 13.

2, the touch screen 150 may include, for example, a touch controller 210 (eg, a touch integrated circuit (IC)), a main touch sensor 220 (eg, a touch panel), and at least one sub-touch sensor (eg, or , A sub touch sensor) 231 to 238, and a signal wire (or trace, hereinafter, “first signal wire” for convenience of description) 240. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the touch screen 150 may further include other signal wires (hereinafter, referred to as “second signal wires”) for connecting the display module and the touch controller 210 to the display module. .

The touch controller 210 supplies a current to the main touch sensor 220 or the at least one sub touch sensors 231 to 238, and to an object such as a user's finger from the main touch sensor 220 or at least one sub touch sensor 231 to 238. It is possible to receive a signal by the touch input. For example, the touch controller 210 may be connected to the main touch sensor 220 through the second signal wire. The touch controller 210 may be a touch touch (or a direct touch) in which an object (for example, a user's body part or an electronic pen) is in direct contact with the main touch sensor 220 or a proximity touch (or indirect touch) away from the main touch sensor 220. When a hovering input is input, a signal corresponding to a touch touch or a proximity touch may be received from the main touch sensor 220 through the second signal wire.

According to an embodiment, the touch controller 210 may be connected to at least one sub touch sensor 231 through 238 through the first signal wire 240. When the proximity touch is input to the at least one sub touch sensors 231 to 238, the touch controller 210 may receive a signal corresponding to the proximity touch through the first signal wire 240 connected to the at least one sub touch sensors 231 to 238.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the touch controller 210 may calculate data about coordinates at which a touch is input by an object based on a signal received from the main touch sensor 220 or at least one sub touch sensor 231 to 238. To this end, the touch controller 210 may further include an analog to digital converter (ADC) and a digital signal processor (DSP). The ADC may convert the received analog signal into a digital signal and output the signal to the DSP. The DSP may calculate touch input coordinates (eg, x, y coordinates, etc. of the touched point) based on the digital signal output from the ADC.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the touch controller 210 may support a capacitive method. For example, the touch controller 210 may have a self capacitance (capacitance between a sensor pattern (or electrode) and a ground) method or a mutual capacitance (capacitance between a driving line and a receiving line) method. It can support at least one of. To this end, the touch controller 210 may further include a switching element for providing a switching function between the self capacitance method and the mutual capacitance method. In other words, when an object touches the touch screen 150 while a proximity touch is input to the touch screen 150 according to an input by an object such as a user's finger, the touch controller 210 may receive a touch touch input. The switching element may be controlled to switch from the capacitive method to the mutual capacitance method. Meanwhile, the touch controller 210 may support various methods such as resistive overlay type, pressure type, infrared beam type, surface acoustic wave type, etc. in addition to the capacitive type. have. When the function of the touch controller 210 is performed through another module, for example, the processor 120, the touch controller 210 may be omitted. In addition, in FIG. 2, the touch screen 150 is illustrated as including only one touch controller 210, but the touch screen 150 may include two or more touch controllers 210.

The main touch sensor 220 is a component included in the touch panel, for example, and may detect a proximity touch or a touch touch input from an object such as a user's finger. In other words, the main touch sensor 220 may support at least one of a self capacitance method and a mutual capacitance method. To this end, the main touch sensor 220 may include at least one electrode for detecting a touch input from an object.

In one embodiment, when the main touch sensor 220 supports a self capacitance method, the electrodes cross (or intersect) the grid with the x, y axes on a plurality of stripe shapes or Cartesian coordinate systems arranged in parallel. It may be formed by patterning in the form of). However, the pattern form of such an electrode is an example, and the electrode pattern form may be formed in various shapes such as square, circle, oval, triangle, polygon, etc., including a rhombus shape. Then, when a current is supplied to the main touch sensor 220 through the second signal wire, the main touch sensor 220 changes the amount of capacitance formed between the object, for example, the amount of change in capacitance and the time when the capacitance changes. Etc. can be detected. The main touch sensor 220 may transmit a signal including the detected capacitance change amount to the touch controller 210. Through this, the touch controller 210 may calculate the coordinate position of the proximity touch or the touch touch.

In another embodiment, when the main touch sensor 220 supports the mutual capacitance method, the main touch sensor 220 may include two or more electrodes. For example, each of the two or more electrodes may form a driving electrode (or referred to as a 'drive line') on the x-axis and a receiving electrode (or 'sensing electrode') on the y-axis on a Cartesian coordinate system. have. When a current is supplied to the driving electrode included in the main touch sensor 220, the receiving electrode may receive electric force lines generated from the driving electrode (or form capacitance between the driving electrode and the receiving electrode). When the object contacts the touch screen, the main touch sensor 220 may detect a change in the electric force line (for example, a change in the number of electric force lines or a change in parasitic capacitance between the object and the receiving electrode) received at the receiving electrode. The main touch sensor 220 may transmit a signal including the detected amount of change in the electric force line to the touch controller 210, and based on this, the touch controller 210 may calculate the proximity touch or the touch touched coordinate position.

According to an embodiment, the at least one sub touch sensors 231 to 238 may be implemented in a capacitive manner, and the at least one sub touch sensors 231 to 238 may each include an electrode. For example, the at least one sub touch sensor 231 to 238 may be implemented in at least one of a self-capacitance method or a mutual capacitance method. The sub-touch sensors 231 to 238 may receive a signal for a proximity touch input from a side of the electronic device 100, for example, a side of the housing of the electronic device 100. The signals received by the sub-touch sensors 231 to 238 according to an embodiment are not limited to the signals for the proximity touch, and may also receive a signal by the touch touch. At least one sub touch sensor 231 to 238 may be connected to the touch controller 210 through the first signal wire 240, and may transmit a signal received by the sub touch sensors 231 to 238 to the touch controller 210.

In FIG. 2, the sub touch sensors 231 to 233 disposed on the left side of the electronic device 100, the sub touch sensors 234 to 236 disposed on the right side, and the sub touch sensors 237 to 238 disposed on the lower side thereof are not limited thereto. Do not. In other words, the arrangement and number of sub-touch sensors 231 to 238 may be variously changed. For example, the number of sub-touch sensors 231 to 238 may be 8 or less depending on the number or position of the touch controller 210 and the arrangement form of the second signal wires connecting the electrode patterns included in the touch controller 210 and the main touch sensor 220. Or eight or more may be provided. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the sub-touch sensors 231 to 238 may be disposed only on the left side of the electronic device 100 or only on the right side. Although not illustrated in FIG. 2, the sub-touch sensors 231 to 238 may be disposed on the upper side of the electronic device 100 or the upper surface of the electronic device 100 housing or the electronic device 100 housing. It can also be placed on the back of the.

2 through 9, the sub touch sensors 231 through 238 and the main touch sensor 220 are shown as separate components, but according to an embodiment, the sub sensors 231 through 238 and the main touch sensor 220 may be formed of one piece of hardware. It can be implemented as a module.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the sub-touch sensors 231 to 238 are portions in which the second signal wires connecting the main touch sensor 220 (or an electrode included in the main touch sensor 220) and the touch controller 210 are formed (ratio of the display module). Display area or black mask area). This will be described later in detail with reference to FIG. 3, which illustrates an enlarged area A of FIG. 2.

In one embodiment, the main touch sensor 220 and at least one sub-touch sensor 231 through 238 are indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), Al doped ZnO (AZO), carbon It may be formed of a transparent conductive medium such as nanotubes (CNT), conductive polymers (PEDOT), silver (Ag), copper (Cu).

2 and 3, the sub touch sensor may be connected to the touch controller 210 through a plurality of signal wires 240 (shown in solid lines). The main touch sensor 220 may be connected to the touch controller 210 through the plurality of second signal wires 250 (shown by broken lines).

At least one sub touch sensor 231 to 238 according to an exemplary embodiment may be disposed at a location (eg, a screen non-display area or a black mask area) where the second signal wire 250 is disposed. For example, a plurality of electrodes included in the main touch sensor 220 are connected to each of the second signal wires 250, and each of the second signal wires 250 is an electronic device (or an electronic housing) 100 side portion (or a black mask area). The electronic device may be disposed in, and connected to the touch controller 210.

According to an embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the size of the space formed between the main touch sensor 220 and the electronic device 100 housing may vary according to the position and shape of each of the second signal wires 250. For example, the length of each of the second signal wires 250 may be formed differently according to the distance between the plurality of connected electrodes and the touch controller 210. Accordingly, as the distance from the touch controller 210 increases, the housing of the second signal wire 250 and the electronic device 100 may be formed. The size of the space formed in the liver can be small.

For example, as shown in FIG. 3, since the number of the second signal wires 250 increases toward the lower side of the electronic device 100 among the sub touch sensors 231 to 238, between the second signal wire 250 and the housing of the electronic device 100. The size of the space formed can be reduced. Accordingly, the size (or area) of each of the plurality of sub touch sensors 231 to 238 may be formed in inverse proportion to the size of the space formed between the second signal wire and the outside of the electronic device 100. For example, the width of the first sub touch sensor 234 may be different from the width of the second sub touch sensor 235, and the width of the first sub touch sensor 234 and the width of the second sub touch sensor 235 may be the first sub touch sensor. It may be differently formed according to an area corresponding to a space (or area) corresponding to the second signal wire 250 disposed on one side of the 234 or the second sub touch sensor 235.

In FIG. 3, the second signal wire 250 is formed on the right side of the main touch sensor 220, but is not limited thereto. For example, when the electrode included in the main touch sensor 220 is formed in the y-axis direction on the Cartesian coordinate system, the plurality of sub touch sensors 231 to 238 may be formed on the upper side or the lower side of the main touch screen 220 in the same manner.

Referring to FIG. 4, the electronic device 401 or 403 (eg, the electronic device 100) may include a glass 410, an adhesive layer 420, a main touch sensor 440, a sub touch sensor 450, a display module 460, and a housing 480. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the main touch sensor 440 and the sub touch sensor 450 (eg, a touch sensor included in the touch panel) may be integrally formed together with the display module 460 in the electronic device 401. For example, the main touch sensor 440 and the sub touch sensor 450 may be included in the display module 460 and may be directly formed on at least one surface of the display module 460. The main touch sensor 440 may extend to at least a portion of the display area B of the display module 460.

The glass 410 may prevent damage to the electronic device 401 due to pressure or an external stimulus. The glass 410 may be formed of a transparent material, for example, polycarbonate (PC) made of glass or plastic.

The adhesive layer 420 may provide an adhesive function. The adhesive layer 420 may be formed of a medium having excellent visibility, for example, an optically clear adhesive (OCA) or a super view resin (SVR). However, the adhesive layer 420 may be omitted according to the embodiment.

The display module 460 may include, for example, a display panel, a polarizer, or an adhesive layer for bonding between the plurality of layers. The polarizer may pass light in a specific direction among the light emitted from the display panel. The display module 460 may be configured as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AM-OLED), a flexible display, a transparent display, or the like.

According to an embodiment, the display module 460 may be disposed on one surface of the housing 480 and include a display area and a non-display area. For example, in the electronic device 401, the display module 460 may be stacked on one side of the housing 480, and may include a display area B in which screen data is displayed and a non-display area in which screen data is not displayed.

The housing 480 (or the side portion) may be disposed under or on the electronic device 401, for example, to support the glass 410, the main touch sensor 440, the display module 460, and the like. In an embodiment, the side surface of the housing 480 may be disposed to have a predetermined angle with the sub touch sensor 450.

For example, the sub touch sensor 450 may be disposed in parallel with the main touch sensor 440 in the screen non-display area D, which forms a boundary between the screen display area B and the vertical surface of the side portion of the housing 480. Although not illustrated in the electronic device 401, the first signal wire 240 and the second signal wire 250 are disposed in an area where the sub touch sensor 450 is disposed in the screen non-display area D and an area between the sub touch sensor 450 and the main touch sensor 440. Can be. As such, at least a portion of the sub touch sensor 450 may be disposed in the non-display area D. FIG.

The electronic device 403 illustrates an electronic device (eg, the electronic device 100) in which the sub touch sensor 450 and the main touch sensor 440 are formed separately from the display module 460. Descriptions of the same or similar components and drawings as those of the electronic device 401 will be omitted. In the electronic device 403, the sub touch sensor 450 and the main touch sensor 440 may be stacked in close contact with one surface (eg, an inner surface not exposed to the outside) of the glass 410. For example, at least a portion of the sub touch sensor 450 may be formed in a portion of the glass 410.

The sub-touch sensor 450 according to an embodiment may be disposed to be horizontal to the main touch sensor 440 in the screen non-display area C 'formed in the area between the screen display area B' and the side surface of the housing 480. Although not shown like 401, the first and second signal wires (eg, the first signal) may be disposed in an area where the sub touch sensor 450 is disposed within the screen non-display area C ′ and an area between the sub touch sensor 450 and the main touch sensor 440. The wiring 240 and the second signal wiring 250 may be disposed. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the non-display area C or the non-display area C ′ of the electronic device 401 or the electronic device 403 may be at least a partial area of the housing 480 including at least a portion of the non-display area of the display module 460.

5 is a diagram illustrating a signal input of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. In other words, FIG. 5 is a diagram for describing a signal generated by the touch screen 150 in relation to an object contacting or approaching a side of a housing of the electronic device 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For the sake of clarity, the electronic device 100 of FIG. 5 will be described as having the same electronic device 100 configuration as the electronic device 100 of 401 of FIG. 4.

Referring to FIG. 5, the touch screen 150 may receive a signal from an object such as a finger through the sub touch sensor 550 or the main touch sensor 540. For example, when the finger 590 or the like is in contact with the side of the housing 580, the sub touch sensor 550 may include a first signal (eg 591 may be received. When the object such as the finger 590 contacts the horizontal surface of the side surface of the housing 580 of the electronic device 100 (for example, when the finger 590 touches the upper surface of the housing 580), the sub touch sensor 550 may serve as the sub touch sensor 550. The second signal 592 may be received from a finger part at a predetermined distance about a side surface of the housing 580 forming a predetermined angle with the touch sensor 550 and the main touch sensor 540. Similarly, the main touch sensor 540 may receive the third signal 593 from a portion of the finger 590 at a predetermined distance about the upper surface point of the housing 580 forming a predetermined angle with the sub touch sensor 550 and the main touch sensor 540. . In an embodiment, the sub-touch sensor may transmit the first signal 591 and the second signal 592 to the touch controller 210. The touch controller 210 may calculate accurate coordinates based on the first signal 591 and the second signal 592. Further, in another embodiment, the main touch sensor 540 transmits the received third signal 593 to the touch controller 210, and the touch controller 210 coordinates more accurately based on the third signal 593 in addition to the first signal 591 and the second signal 592. May be calculated. In other words, when the size of an input signal generated by an object such as a finger is small from the side of the housing 580, the third signal 593 including the first signal 591 and the second signal 592 may be combined with the third signal 593. The coordinates can be calculated accurately. However, this is only an example and does not limit the technical spirit of the present disclosure. For example, in another embodiment, when the size of the first signal 591 is small, it may be amplified and output. To this end, an additional amplification circuit may be configured in hardware or a weighting method of the first signal may be employed in software.

In addition, the sub-touch sensor 550 may receive a fourth signal (eg, proximity touch) 594 or a fifth signal (eg, touch touch) 596 input in a direction perpendicular to the sub-touch sensor 550. The main touch sensor 540 may also receive a sixth signal (eg, proximity touch) 596 or a seventh signal (eg, touch touch) 597 input in a direction perpendicular to the main touch sensor 540. The sub touch sensor 550 and the main touch sensor 540 may transmit the fourth signal 594 to the seventh signal 597 to the touch controller 210. In one embodiment, the touch controller 210 is the difference in the amount of capacitance change in the received input, for example, the difference in the electric field lines formed in the relationship between the object and the sub touch sensor 550 or the main touch sensor 540 (eg, the direction or strength of the electric field lines) The first signal 591 to the seventh signal 597 may be distinguished based on the like. For example, the second signal 592 and the direction perpendicular to the sub-touch sensor 550 are input from a finger part at a distance from a side of the housing 580 which forms an angle with the sub-touch sensor 550 and the main touch sensor 540. The fourth signal 594 has a difference in the direction of the electric force line formed between the sub-touch sensor 550 and the finger, thereby distinguishing the second signal 592 and the fourth signal 594.

In addition, according to an embodiment, at least one of the at least one sub touch sensor may additionally include a pressure sensor (for example, a piezoelectric pressure sensor or a piezo sensor) or may be generally implemented as a pressure sensor.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor 120 may set four operation modes according to whether the sub touch sensor 550 and the main touch sensor 540 are activated or deactivated. Table 1 below shows four operation modes.

Table 1

	First mode	Second mode	Third mode	4th mode (lock mode)
Sub touch sensor	Activation	Activation	Disabled	Disabled
Main touch sensor	Activation	Disabled	Activation	Disabled

Here, the activation of the sub-touch sensor 550 means that the sub-touch sensor 550 receives only the first signal 591 and the second signal 592 generated by the proximity touch on the electronic device 100 side portion 580 (that is, the sub-touch sensor 550 is received. The fourth and fifth signals may be excluded or filtered). In other words, the fourth signal 594 and the fifth signal 595 of the first signal 591, the second signal 592, the fourth signal 594, and the fifth signal 595 received by the sub-touch sensor 550 are filtered out by the touch controller 210 or the processor 120. Can be set to In addition, activation of the main touch sensor 540 may be configured to receive only the sixth signal 596 by the proximity touch or the seventh signal 597 by the touch touch, which are input based on a direction perpendicular to the main touch sensor 540. For example, the third signal 593 of the third signal 593, the sixth signal 596, and the seventh signal 597 received by the main touch sensor 540 may be set to be filtered and deleted by the touch controller 210 or the processor 120. These four operation modes can be set by the user. In addition, four operation modes can be set according to an application to be executed. For example, when the MP3 application is set to operate in the second mode, the main touch sensor 540 may be deactivated or the input received by the main touch sensor 540 may be invalidated while the MP3 application is executed. On the other hand, the input received by the sub-touch sensor 550 from the electronic device 100 side portion 580 may be effectively processed.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor 120 may be divided into six operation modes according to whether the sub touch sensor 550 and the main touch sensor 540 are activated / deactivated and the proximity touch / contact touch when the main touch sensor 540 is activated. have. Table 2 below shows six operation modes.

TABLE 2

	First mode	Second mode	Third mode	4th mode	Fifth mode	Sixth mode (lock mode)
Sub touch sensor	Activation	Activation	Activation	Disabled	Disabled	Disabled
Main touch sensor	Activation (Proximity Touch)	Activation (contact touch)	Disabled	Activation (Proximity Touch)	Activation (contact touch)	Disabled

In detail, when the main touch sensor 540 is implemented to support both the self capacitance method and the mutual capacitance method, the touch controller 210 switches the self capacitance method and the mutual capacitance method to operate the touch screen 150. Can be. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the case where the main touch sensor 540 is activated may be classified into a case of receiving a signal by a proximity touch by a self capacitance method or a touch by a mutual capacitance method. For example, if pre-set by the processor 120 to operate in a second mode for a video playback application, the input and main touch sensor 540 received from the sub touch sensor 550 from the electronic device 100 side portion 580 during playback of the video. While the input by the touch on the touch is effectively processed, the input by the proximity touch on the main touch sensor 540 may be invalidated.

As described above, the four operation modes and six operation modes are merely examples, and the technical spirit of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, various operation modes may be set according to a combination of valid / invalid processing of the first signal 591 to seventh signal 597 based on the first signal 591 to seventh signal 597. In addition, in FIG. 5, the side end portion of the housing 580 of the electronic device 100 (that is, the portion where the vertical and horizontal surfaces of the housing side contact each other) may not only be formed at right angles, but may also be formed in a curved shape.

6 is a plan view illustrating a touch screen 150 included in the electronic device 100 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The touch screen 150 of FIG. 6 may include a touch controller 610, a signal wire 650, and a plurality of sub touch sensors 631 to 644.

2 and 6, compared to the touch screen 150 of FIG. 2, the touch screen 150 of FIG. 6 may include a greater number of sub touch sensors 631 to 644. For example, the touch screen 150 of FIG. 2 includes three sub touch sensors in the left and right portions, respectively, but may include five sub touch sensors in the left and right portions of the touch screen 150 of FIG. 6. Similarly, four sub-touch sensors 614 to 644 may also be included in the lower portion of the electronic device 100. However, the number of sub touch sensors 631 to 644 included in the touch screen 150 is not limited thereto, and a greater number of sub touch sensors 631 to 644 may be included in the touch screen 150.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, when the touch screen 150 includes a plurality of sub touch sensors 631 to 644, the touch screen 150 may receive a continuous touch input such as a drag or flick. In detail, if the number of the sub touch sensors 631 to 644 is increased, and the interval between the sub touch sensors 631 to 644 and the sub touch sensors 631 to 644 is narrowly arranged, the y-axis (or vertical axis) on the touch screen 150 Cartesian coordinate system is arranged. It may be the same as arranging one electrode. In addition, when the number of the sub touch sensors 631 to 644 disposed on the lower portion of the touch screen 150 is increased, and the spacing between the sub touch sensors 631 to 644 is narrowly arranged, one of the sub touch sensors 631 to 644 is disposed on the x-axis (or horizontal axis) on the Cartesian coordinate system. It may be the same as the electrode disposed. Accordingly, when the user inputs a continuous touch such as dragging the left / right or lower side of the housing of the electronic device 100, the sub-touch sensor detects the continuous touch input and transmits the same to the touch controller 210. The 210 (or the processor) may calculate a coordinate at which the drag is input.

Referring to FIG. 7, the touch screen 150 of FIG. 7 may include one sub touch sensor 731 to 733 at left / right and bottom sides, respectively. In detail, the sub-touch sensors 731 to 733 disposed at the left / right side and the lower side of the touch screen 150 may include electrodes (or electrode patterns). For example, the sub touch sensors 731 to 733 disposed on the left / right side on the Cartesian coordinate system may include electrodes formed in the y-axis direction. In addition, the sub-touch sensors 731 to 733 disposed on the lower side may include electrodes formed in the x-axis direction. The electrodes formed on the sub touch sensors 731 to 733 may be formed in various forms. For example, the electrode may be formed in the shape of a square, a circle, an ellipse, a triangle, a polygon, or the like as well as a rhombus shape.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the touch screen 150 may receive a continuous touch input such as a drag or flick through the sub-touch sensors 731 to 733. In other words, when the user inputs a touch by a gesture such as drag or flick in addition to the touch input, the sub touch sensors 731 to 733 may receive and transmit the touch to the touch controller. The touch controller 710 may calculate coordinates corresponding to consecutive touches based on this.

The sub-touch sensors 731 to 733 may have the same horizontal length (or width) as shown in 701. For example, when the second signal wire 740 is disposed between the main touch sensor 720 and the sub touch sensors 731 to 733, the rectangular sub touch sensors 731 to the outside of the second signal wire 740 are disposed so as not to overlap with the second signal wire. 733 can be deployed.

Alternatively, the shapes of the sub touch sensors 731 to 733 may be formed in a form in which the widths of the sub touch sensors 731 to 733 increase as the distance from the touch controller 710 increases, such as 703. For example, a portion G of the sub touch sensor 732 may have a longer horizontal length (or width) than a portion F of the sub touch sensor 732. Accordingly, in 703, the size of the electrodes (or electrode patterns) formed in the sub touch sensors 731 to 733 may vary depending on the portion where the electrodes are formed. For example, when the electrodes formed on the sub touch sensors 731 to 733 have a rhombus shape, the size of the electrodes formed on the partial G of the sub touch sensor may be larger than the size of the electrodes formed on the partial F of the sub touch sensors 731 to 733. . Meanwhile, the forms in which the sub touch sensors 731 to 733 of 701 and 703 are formed are exemplary, and may be formed in various forms.

Referring to FIG. 8, the electronic device 100 may include a glass 810, a main touch sensor 840, a display module 860, a housing 880, and the like. In operation 801, the main touch sensor 840 included in the touch panel may be integrally formed in the display module 860. Alternatively, the touch panel including the main touch sensor 840 may extend to at least a portion of the display area B of the display module 860.

In an embodiment, the electrode pattern formed on the main touch sensor 840 may be extended to at least a portion of the non-display area D in which screen data is not displayed through the display module. 801 illustrates an electrode pattern in which the driving line 841 and the receiving line 842 are formed in a lattice form. For example, when the main touch sensor 840 is implemented to support the mutual capacitance method, the driving line 841 and the receiving line 842 included in the main touch sensor may be formed in a lattice form. However, this is only an example, and the electrode pattern may be formed in various forms. In addition, the main touch sensor 840 may be implemented to support mutual capacitance as well as self capacitance. In addition, a part of the main touch sensor 840 disposed in the non-display area D may sense an input to the side of the housing 880. For example, when a touch or drag is input to the side surface of the housing 880, it may be detected and transferred to the touch controller. In this way, the touch controller may determine a user gesture corresponding to an input to the side of the housing 880.

The glass 810 may prevent damage to the electronic device 100 due to pressure or an external stimulus. The glass 810 may be formed of a transparent material, for example, polycarbonate (PC) made of glass or plastic.

The adhesive layer 820 may provide an adhesive function. The adhesive layer 820 may be formed of a medium having excellent visibility, for example, an optically clear adhesive (OCA) or a super view resin (SVR). However, the adhesive layer 820 may be omitted according to the embodiment.

The display module 860 may be configured as a liquid crystal display (LCD), an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AM-OLED), a flexible display, a transparent display, or the like. In addition, the display module 860 may be disposed on one surface of the housing 880 and include a display area and a non-display area. In other words, at 801, the display module 860 may be stacked on the lower surface of the housing 880 and include a display area B in which screen data is displayed and a non-display area in which screen data is not displayed.

The housing 880 (or the side portion) may be disposed below or to the side of the electronic device 100 to support the glass 810, the touch panel, the display module 860, and the like. In an embodiment, the side surface of the housing 880 may be disposed to have a predetermined angle with the main touch sensor 840.

In operation 801, the electronic device 100 may be divided into a screen display area B for displaying data on a screen based on a horizontal axis and a screen non-display area C (or a set black mask area for not displaying data on a screen). . According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the main touch sensor 840 or the like may be included in the display module 860 to be integrally formed with the display module 860.

803 illustrates the touch panel including the main touch sensor 840 and the electronic device 100 that are separately formed in the

display modules

860 and 860. In addition, at 803, the electronic device 100 may include a screen display area B ′ for displaying data on the screen based on the horizontal axis and a screen non-display area C ′ (or set black mask area) for not displaying data on the screen. Can be distinguished. Since the detailed description of the glass 810, the adhesive layer 820, and the like at 803 overlaps with 801, the detailed description is omitted. In operation 803, the main touch sensor 840 may be stacked in close contact with the bottom surface of the glass 810. In other words, at least some regions of the main touch sensor 840 may be formed in some regions of the glass 810.

The main touch sensor 840 according to an embodiment includes an electrode pattern formed on the main touch sensor 840 such that a part of the main touch sensor 840 is formed in the screen non-display area D 'formed in an area between the screen display area B' and the side surface of the housing 880. Can be extended.

9 is a side view illustrating an electronic device according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. 901 illustrates an electronic device in which the first sub touch sensor 950 and the main touch sensor 940 included in the touch panel are integrally formed on the display module 960. FIG. 903 illustrates the first sub touch sensor 950 and the main touch sensor 940 as the display module 960. An electronic device formed separately therein is shown.

When the electronic device 100 of FIG. 9 is compared with the electronic device 100 of FIG. 4, since the second sub touch sensor is further included as an additional configuration, a description of the overlapping configuration will be omitted and will be described below with reference to the second touch. .

4 and 9, the electronic device 100 may include a glass 910, a main touch sensor 940, a first sub touch sensor 950, a display module 960, a housing 980, a second sub touch sensor 990, and the like. .

The second sub-touch sensor 990 is disposed at the rear of the electronic device 100 and may sense an input to the rear (or rear) of the housing 980 of the electronic device 100. The second sub touch sensor 990 may be implemented by a capacitive method, and the second sub touch sensor 990 may include electrodes. For example, the second sub touch sensor 990 may be implemented in at least one of a self-capacitance method and a mutual capacitance method. In addition, the second sub-touch sensor 990 may receive a signal for a proximity touch input from a lower surface of the electronic device 100 housing 980. However, the signal received by the second sub-touch sensor 990 according to an embodiment is not limited to a signal for a proximity touch, and may also receive a signal by a touch touch. The second sub-touch sensor 990 is connected to the touch controller 210 through signal wires, and transmits a signal received by the second sub-touch sensor 990 to the touch controller 210. In FIG. 9, the second sub-touch sensor is illustrated below the electronic device 100, but is not limited thereto. In other words, the arrangement and number of the second sub-touch sensors 990 may be variously changed. In addition, although FIG. 9 illustrates that the electronic device 100 includes both the first sub-touch sensor 950 and the second sub-touch sensor 990, the electronic device according to an embodiment omits the first sub-touch sensor 950 and the second. Only the sub touch sensor may be included.

Referring to FIG. 10, 1001 illustrates a perspective view of an electronic device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. And, 1003 shows a perspective view of the electronic device 1000 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in 1003, the electronic device 1000 may be implemented in an elliptical form (for example, wrap-around). For example, at 1003, the electronic device 1000 may include an elliptic housing, and thus may have a wider screen than the electronic device 1000 of 1001. The electronic device 1000 may have a side surface of the electronic device 1000 housing 1010 of 1001 having a right angle, whereas the electronic device 1000 may have a curved surface of the electronic device 1000 housing 1010 of 1003.

Wrap-around displays are, for example, the front and rear ends of the electronic device 200 in which the display is formed, with the ends directly connected to each other (eg, the front and rear edges abut each other, The back may be composed of one surface that is completely integral). For example, at least one of the front and rear surfaces of the electronic device may be bent to remove at least one side surface of the electronic device positioned between the front and rear surfaces of the electronic device. For example, the electronic device may have various three-dimensional shapes such as a ball shape, a cylindrical shape, or a dodecahedron having at least one surface. In addition, at least one surface constituting the three-dimensional shape may include, for example, a display.

Also, the electronic device 1000 may be implemented to detect a touch input to the side housing 1010 of the electronic device 1000. Detailed description thereof will be omitted since it will overlap with the description of FIGS. 1 to 9.

Referring to FIG. 11, the protective cover 1110 may be implemented in a form having at least one opening in a side surface of the protective cover 1110. In more detail, the protective cover 1110 may be implemented in a form having an opening at a position corresponding to a position where at least one sub touch sensor is disposed in the electronic device 1100. For example, when the electronic device includes three sub-touch sensors on the left side or the right side of the electronic device, as shown in FIG. 11, the protective cover 1110 is the sub-touch sensor while the protective cover 1110 is mounted on the electronic device 1100. In other words, the position corresponding to the position where it is disposed, that is, the side surface 1130 of the housing extending in parallel from the position of the sub-touch sensor may be implemented in the form having openings formed to be exposed to the outside. Accordingly, even when the protective cover 1110 is mounted on the electronic device 1100, when an object such as a user's finger contacts or approaches the side of the electronic housing side 1130, the strength of the signal input to the sub-touch sensor is reduced. It can prevent. In addition, the remaining portion of the protective cover 1110 except for the opening portion is formed by maintaining the thickness of the protective cover 1110, it is possible to prevent the protective cover 1110 from being easily deformed, through which the protective cover 1110 may be mounted on the electronic device 1100 The clamping force can be maintained so that it does not come off easily. In FIG. 11, when the protective cover 1110 is mounted on the electronic device 1100, a portion including a display is referred to as a first surface and an opposite surface of the first surface is referred to as a second surface. Although illustrated as being formed in a form that the length of the opening is shortened, it is not limited thereto. In other words, the shape of the opening may be any shape that is implemented such that the position of the housing side 1130 corresponding to the position where the sub touch sensor is disposed while the protective cover 1110 is mounted on the electronic device 1100 is exposed to the outside. The protective cover 1110 may be implemented to surround a portion or the entire portion of the electronic device 1100.

Referring to FIG. 12, the protective cover 1210 may be embodied in a shape of which a portion of the side surface of the protective cover 1210 is fine. In detail, the protective cover 1210 may be implemented in a form in which a portion is recessed at a position corresponding to a position where at least one sub touch sensor is disposed in the electronic device 1200. For example, when the sub touch sensors in the electronic device 1200 each include three on the left side or the right side of the electronic device 1200, as shown in FIG. 12, the protective cover 1210 may serve as the protective cover 1210 mounted on the electronic device 1200. In other words, the position corresponding to the position where the touch sensor is disposed, that is, the portion in contact with the side of the housing that extends in parallel from the position of the sub-touch sensor may be implemented in a fine form so as to be formed thinner than other portions of the protective cover 1210. Accordingly, when an object such as a user's finger contacts or approaches the protective cover 1210 even when the protective cover 1210 is mounted on the electronic device 1200, the strength of the signal input to the sub-touch sensor may be reduced. Can be. In addition, the remaining portions other than the fine portion can maintain the thickness of the other portions of the protective cover 1210, thereby preventing the protective cover 1210 from being easily deformed, thereby preventing the protective cover 1210 from being easily peeled off when the electronic device 1200 is mounted on the electronic device 1200. The clamping force can be maintained as it is. In FIG. 12, the shape of the fine part is illustrated as including a cross section 1230 formed in a semicircle shape on the left and right and a cross section 1220 formed horizontally with the other side of the protective cover 1210, but is not limited thereto. In other words, in the state where the protective cover 1210 is mounted on the electronic device 1200, any shape may be implemented so as to form a narrow distance from the position of the side surface of the housing corresponding to the position where the sub touch sensor is disposed. As shown in FIG. 11, the protective cover 1210 may be implemented to cover a portion or the entire portion of the electronic device 1200.

According to one embodiment, the electronic device is located in a housing, a surface of the housing, the display module including a display area and a non-display area, and an electronic device located in at least a portion of the housing including the non-display area. And at least one touch sensor formed at least partially parallel to the display module, wherein the at least one touch sensor is set to sense an input to a side of the housing.

In example embodiments, the touch panel may further include a touch panel formed separately from the at least one touch sensor in at least a portion of the display area.

According to an embodiment, the at least one touch sensor may form a touch panel extended to at least a portion of the display area.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the display module may constitute one surface of the electronic device, and the at least one touch sensor may be disposed to have a predetermined angle with a side surface of the housing extending from one surface of the electronic device.

According to an embodiment, at least some areas of the at least one touch sensor may be disposed in the non-display area.

According to an embodiment, at least some areas of the at least one touch sensor may be formed in some areas of the display module.

In example embodiments, the display module may further include a glass for protecting the display module, and at least a portion of the at least one touch sensor may be formed in a portion of the glass.

According to one embodiment, the at least one touch sensor includes at least a first touch sensor and a second touch sensor, wherein the first touch sensor and the second touch sensor are disposed along at least one side of the display module. Can be.

According to an embodiment, the width of the first touch sensor and the width of the second touch sensor may be different from each other.

According to an embodiment, the width of the first touch sensor and the width of the second touch sensor are different from each other depending on regions corresponding to signal wires positioned on one side of the first touch sensor or the second touch sensor. It can be formed to be.

According to one embodiment, the at least one touch sensor may be implemented in at least one of a self-capacitance method or a mutual-capacitance method.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor may further include a processor configured to determine a gesture of the user with respect to the electronic device based on the input detected by the at least one touch sensor.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the touch panel may further include a touch panel that is formed separately from the at least one touch sensor or that the at least one touch sensor extends to at least a portion of the display area. It may include.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor may be disposed along at least one side of the display module and connected to the at least one touch sensor or the touch panel through at least one wire.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor may be configured to detect a first input signal through the at least one touch sensor and to detect a second input signal through the touch panel.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor may determine a gesture of the user based on the first input signal and the second input signal.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor may set an operation mode of the electronic device based on the first input signal and the second input signal.

According to an embodiment, at least one of the at least one touch sensor and the touch panel may be implemented in at least one of a self-capacitance method or a mutual-capacitance method.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor may include at least one of at least one of the at least one touch sensor and the touch panel implemented in a self-capacitance method or a mutual-capacitance method. Accordingly, the operation mode of the electronic device can be set.

According to one embodiment, the at least one touch sensor may be set to detect a continuous input to the side of the housing. 13 is a hardware block diagram according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

13 illustrates a block diagram of hardware 1300 in accordance with various embodiments. The hardware 1300 may be, for example, the electronic device 100 illustrated in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 13, the hardware 1300 may include one or more processors 1310, a subscriber identification module (SIM) card 1314, a memory 1320, a communication module 1330, a sensor module 1340, a user input module 1350, a display module 1360, an interface 1370, and an audio codec 1380. , Camera module 1391, power management module 1395, battery 1396, indicator 1397, or motor 1398.

The processor 1310 (eg, the processor 120) may include at least one application processor (AP) 1311 or at least one communication processor (CP) 1313. The processor 1310 may be, for example, the processor 1310 illustrated in FIG. 1. In FIG. 13, although the AP 1311 and the CP 1313 are included in the processor 1310, the AP 1311 and the CP 1313 may be included in different IC packages, respectively. In an embodiment, the AP 1311 and the CP 1313 may be included in one IC package.

The AP 1311 may drive an operating system or an application program to control a plurality of hardware or software components connected to the AP 1311 and perform various data processing and operations including multimedia data. The AP 1311 may be implemented by, for example, a system on chip (SoC). According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the processor 1310 may further include a graphic processing unit (GPU).

The CP 1313 may perform a function of managing a data link and converting a communication protocol in communication between an electronic device (eg, the electronic device 100) including the hardware 1300 and other electronic devices connected through a network. The CP 1313 may be implemented with, for example, an SoC. According to an embodiment, the CP 1313 may perform at least a part of a multimedia control function. For example, the CP 1313 may perform identification and authentication of an electronic device in a communication network by using a subscriber identification module (for example, a SIM card 1314). In addition, the CP 1313 may provide services such as a voice call, a video call, a text message, or packet data.

In addition, the CP 1313 may control data transmission and reception of the communication module 1330. In FIG. 13, components such as the CP 1313, the power management module 1395, and the memory 1320 are illustrated as separate components from the AP 1311. According to an embodiment, the AP 1311 may be configured as the components described above. It may be implemented to include at least a portion (for example, the CP 1313).

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the AP 1311 or the CP 1313 may load and process commands or data received from at least one of the nonvolatile memory or other components connected to the volatile memory. In addition, the AP 1311 or the CP 1313 may store data received from at least one of the other components or generated by at least one of the other components in a nonvolatile memory.

The SIM card 1314 may be a card implementing the subscriber identification module and may be inserted into a slot formed at a specific position of the electronic device. The SIM card 1314 may include unique identification information (eg, an integrated circuit card identifier (ICCID)) or subscriber information (eg, an international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI)).

The memory 1320 may include an internal memory 1322 or an external memory 1324. The memory 1320 may be, for example, the memory 130 illustrated in FIG. 1. The internal memory 1322 may be, for example, a volatile memory (for example, a dynamic RAM (DRAM), a static RAM (SRAM), a synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), etc.) or a non-volatile memory (for example). , At least one of one time programmable ROM (OTPROM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable and programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable and programmable ROM (EEPROM), mask ROM, flash ROM, NAND flash memory, NOR flash memory, etc. It may include. According to an embodiment, the internal memory 1322 may take the form of a solid state drive (SSD). The external memory 1324 may be a flash drive, for example, compact flash (CF), secure digital (SD), micro secure digital (Micro-SD), mini secure digital (mini-SD), extreme digital (XD), or Memory Stick. And the like may be further included.

The communication module 1330 may include a wireless communication module 1331 or an RF module 1334. The communication module 1330 may be, for example, the communication module 160 illustrated in FIG. 1. The wireless communication module 1331 may include, for example, WiFi 1333, BT (bluetooth) 1335, GPS 1337, or near field communication (NFC) 1339. For example, the wireless communication module 1331 may provide a wireless communication function using a radio frequency. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless communication module 1331 may connect the hardware 1300 to a network (eg, the Internet, a local area network (LAN), a wire area network (WAN), a telecommunication network, a cellular network, a satellite network, or a plain old telephone service). Network interface (e.g., LAN card) or modem for connecting to the network.

The RF module 1334 may be responsible for transmitting and receiving data, for example, an RF signal or a called electronic signal. Although not shown, the RF module 1334 may include, for example, a transceiver, a power amplifier module (PAM), a frequency filter, a low noise amplifier (LNA), or the like. In addition, the RF module 1334 may further include a component for transmitting / receiving electromagnetic waves in free space in wireless communication, for example, a conductor or a conductive wire.

The sensor module 1340 may include, for example, a gesture sensor 1340A, a gyro sensor 1340B, an air pressure sensor 1340C, a magnetic sensor 1340D, an acceleration sensor 1340E, a grip sensor 1340F, a proximity sensor 1340G, an RGB (red, green, blue) sensor 1340H, a living body. At least one of the sensor 1340I, the temperature / humidity sensor 1340J, the illuminance sensor 1340K, or the ultraviolet (ultra violet) sensor 1340M may be included. The sensor module 1340 may measure a physical quantity or detect an operation state of the electronic device to convert the measured or detected information into an electrical signal. Additionally / alternatively, the sensor module 1340 may include, for example, an olfactory sensor (E-nose sensor, not shown), an EMG sensor (electromyography sensor, not shown), an EEG sensor (electroencephalogram sensor, not shown), an ECG sensor (not shown). electrocardiogram sensor, not shown), or a fingerprint sensor. The sensor module 1340 may further include a control circuit for controlling at least one or more sensors belonging therein.

The user input module 1350 may include a (digital) pen sensor 1354, a key 1356, or an ultrasonic input device 1358. The user input module 1350 may be, for example, the user input module 140 illustrated in FIG. 1. The (digital) pen sensor 1354 may be implemented, for example, using a method identical or similar to a method of receiving a user's touch input or using a separate recognition sheet. As the key 1356, for example, a keypad or a touch key can be used. The ultrasonic input device 1358 is a device that detects sound waves with a microphone (for example, a microphone 1388) in the electronic device and checks data through a pen that generates an ultrasonic signal, and may wirelessly recognize the data. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the hardware 1300 may receive a user input from an external device (eg, a network, a computer, or a server) connected thereto using the communication module 1330.

The touch screen 1360 may include a touch panel 1362 or a display module 1364 or a hologram 1366. The touch panel 1362 may receive various inputs from a user. For example, the touch panel 1362 may recognize a touch input by at least one of capacitive, resistive, infrared, or ultrasonic methods. In addition, the touch panel 1362 may further include a control circuit. In the capacitive type, physical contact or proximity recognition may be performed. The touch panel 1362 may further include a tactile layer. In this case, the touch panel 1362 may provide a tactile response to the user.

The display module 1364 may be, for example, a liquid-crystal display (LCD) or an active-matrix organic light-emitting diode (AM-OLED). The display module 1364 may be implemented to be, for example, flexible, transparent, or wearable. The display module 1364 may be configured as one module together with the touch panel 1362. The hologram 1366 may show a stereoscopic image in the air by using interference of light. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the display module 1364 may further include a control circuit for controlling the hologram 1366.

The interface 1370 may include, for example, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) 1372, a universal serial bus (USB) 1374, a projector 1376, or a D-subminiature (D-sub) 1378. Additionally or alternatively, the interface 1370 may include, for example, a secure digital (SD) / multi-media card (MMC) (not shown) or an infrared data association (IrDA).

The audio codec 1380 may bidirectionally convert a voice and an electric signal. The audio codec 1380 may convert voice information input or output through, for example, a speaker 1382, a receiver 1384, an earphone 1386 or a microphone 1388.

The camera module 1391 is a device capable of capturing images and videos. According to an embodiment, the camera module 1391 may include at least one image sensor (eg, a front lens or a rear lens), an ISP (image signal processor, not shown), or a flash LED. , Not shown).

The power management module 1395 may manage power of the hardware 1300. Although not shown, the power management module 1395 may include, for example, a power management integrated circuit (PMIC), a charger integrated circuit (IC), or a battery fuel gauge.

The PMIC may be mounted in, for example, an integrated circuit or an SoC semiconductor. Charging methods may be divided into wired and wireless. The charger IC may charge a battery and prevent overvoltage or overcurrent from flowing from a charger. According to an embodiment, the charger IC may include a charger IC for at least one of the wired charging method and the wireless charging method. Examples of the wireless charging method include a magnetic resonance method, a magnetic induction method, an electromagnetic wave method, and the like, and additional circuits for wireless charging may be added, such as a coil loop, a resonance circuit, a rectifier, and the like. have.

The battery gauge may measure, for example, the remaining amount of the battery 1396, a voltage, a current, or a temperature during charging. The battery 1396 may generate electricity and supply power. For example, the battery 1396 may be a rechargeable battery.

The indicator 1397 may display a specific state of the hardware 1300 or a part thereof (for example, the AP 1311), for example, a booting state, a message state, or a charging state. The motor 1398 may convert an electrical signal into mechanical vibration. The MCU 1399 may control the sensor module 1340.

Although not shown, the hardware 1300 may include a processing device (eg, a GPU) for supporting mobile TV. The processing apparatus for supporting mobile TV may process media data according to a standard such as digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB), digital video broadcasting (DVB), or media flow.

Each of the above-described components of the hardware according to the present disclosure may be composed of one or more components, and the name of the corresponding component may vary according to the type of electronic device. Hardware according to the present disclosure may be configured to include at least one of the above-described components, some components may be omitted or may further include additional other components. In addition, since some of the components of the hardware according to the present disclosure are combined into one entity, the functions of the corresponding components before being combined may be performed in the same manner.

As used herein, the term “module” may refer to a unit that includes one or a combination of two or more of hardware, software, or firmware. A "module" may be interchangeably used with terms such as, for example, unit, logic, logical block, component, or circuit. The module may be a minimum unit or part of an integrally constructed part. The module may be a minimum unit or part of performing one or more functions. The "module" can be implemented mechanically or electronically. For example, a “module” in accordance with the present disclosure may be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) chip, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or programmable logic devices that perform certain operations, known or developed in the future. logic device).

As such, the touch screen and the electronic device including the same according to various embodiments of the present disclosure design a separate sub-touch sensor in a black mask area of the electronic device, and receive an input from an electronic device side. It can reduce the size of the electronics and improve the design. In addition, various operations may be provided by combining an input received through the sub touch sensor and an input received from the main touch screen sensor.

In addition, the embodiments disclosed in the specification and the drawings merely present specific examples to easily explain the contents of the present disclosure and assist in understanding, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure should be construed that all changes or modifications derived based on the technical spirit of the present disclosure are included in the scope of the present disclosure in addition to the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

A housing;

A display module disposed on one surface of the housing and including a display area and a non-display area; And

And at least one touch sensor positioned in at least a portion of the housing including the non-display area, the at least one touch sensor being parallel to the display module, wherein the at least one touch sensor is input to a side of the housing. An electronic device configured to detect the presence of a device.
The method of claim 1,

And a touch panel formed on at least a portion of the display area separately from the at least one touch sensor.
The method of claim 1,

And the at least one touch sensor forms a touch panel extended to at least a portion of the display area.
The method of claim 1,

The display module constitutes one surface of the electronic device, and the at least one touch sensor is disposed to have a predetermined angle with a side surface of the housing extending from one surface of the electronic device.
The method of claim 1,

At least a portion of the at least one touch sensor is disposed in the non-display area.
The method of claim 1,

At least a portion of the at least one touch sensor is formed in a portion of the display module.
The method of claim 1,

Further comprising a glass (glass) for protecting the display module,

At least a portion of the at least one touch sensor is formed in a portion of the glass.
The method of claim 1,

The at least one touch sensor includes at least a first touch sensor and a second touch sensor, wherein the first touch sensor and the second touch sensor are disposed along at least one side of the display module.
The method of claim 8,

An electronic device having a width different from that of the first touch sensor.
The method of claim 8,

The width of the first touch sensor and the width of the second touch sensor is formed so as to be different from each other depending on the area corresponding to the signal lines located on one side of the first touch sensor or the second touch sensor.
The method of claim 1,

The at least one touch sensor is implemented in at least one of a self-capacitance method or a mutual-capacitance method.
The method of claim 1,

And a processor configured to determine a gesture of a user with respect to the electronic device based on the input sensed by the at least one touch sensor.
The method of claim 1,

And a touch panel formed on at least a portion of the display area separately from the at least one touch sensor or the at least one touch sensor extended to at least a portion of the display area.
The method of claim 12,

The processor is disposed along at least one side of the display module and connected to the at least one touch sensor or the touch panel through at least one wire.
The method of claim 12,

And the processor is configured to sense a first input signal through the at least one touch sensor and to sense a second input signal through the touch panel.
The method of claim 15,

And the processor determines a gesture of a user based on the first input signal and the second input signal.
The method of claim 16,

The processor is configured to set an operation mode of the electronic device based on the first input signal and the second input signal.
The method of claim 12,

At least one of the at least one touch sensor and the touch panel is implemented in at least one of a self-capacitance method and a mutual-capacitance method.
The method of claim 18,

An operation mode of the electronic device according to at least one method in which the processor implements at least one of the at least one touch sensor and the touch panel in a self-capacitance method or a mutual-capacitance method; Electronic device for setting the.
The method of claim 1,

And the at least one touch sensor is configured to sense a continuous input to the side of the housing.