U.S. patent application number 13/711907 was filed with the patent office on 2014-01-23 for touch screen panel, touch sensing apparatus having the same and driving method thereof.
This patent application is currently assigned to SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Moon-Sung CHOI, Won-Ki HONG, Seung-Ho NAM, Ji-Hong PARK.
Application Number | 20140022186 13/711907 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49946125 |
Filed Date | 2014-01-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140022186 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
HONG; Won-Ki ; et
al. |
January 23, 2014 |
TOUCH SCREEN PANEL, TOUCH SENSING APPARATUS HAVING THE SAME AND
DRIVING METHOD THEREOF
Abstract
A touch screen panel includes a driving line including a
plurality of touch driving units, a sensing line substantially
parallel to the driving line and which includes a plurality of
touch sensing units, a first driving router disposed adjacent to
the driving line and which transmits a first touch pulse to one of
an even-numbered touch driving unit and an odd-numbered touch
driving unit of the touch driving units, a second driving router
disposed adjacent to the driving line and which transmits a second
touch pulse to the other of the even-numbered touch driving unit
and the odd-numbered touch driving unit of the touch driving units
and a plurality of sensing routers connected to each of the touch
sensing units and which receives a sensing signal from the touch
sensing units.
Inventors: |
HONG; Won-Ki; (Suwon-si,
KR) ; NAM; Seung-Ho; (Seongnam-si, KR) ; PARK;
Ji-Hong; (Suwon-si, KR) ; CHOI; Moon-Sung;
(Incheon, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD. |
Yongin-City |
|
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD.
Yongin-City
KR
|
Family ID: |
49946125 |
Appl. No.: |
13/711907 |
Filed: |
December 12, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
345/173 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/0416 20130101;
G06F 3/04166 20190501; G06F 3/0412 20130101; G06F 3/041 20130101;
G06F 3/0443 20190501; G06F 3/044 20130101; G06F 3/04164
20190501 |
Class at
Publication: |
345/173 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/041 20060101
G06F003/041 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 23, 2012 |
KR |
10-2012-0079797 |
Claims
1. A touch screen panel comprising: a driving line comprising a
plurality of touch driving units; a sensing line substantially
parallel to the driving line and which comprises a plurality of
touch sensing units; a first driving router disposed adjacent to
the driving line and which transmits a first touch pulse to one of
an even-numbered touch driving unit and an odd-numbered touch
driving unit of the touch driving units; a second driving router
disposed adjacent to the driving line and which transmits a second
touch pulse to the other of the even-numbered touch driving unit
and the odd-numbered touch driving unit of the touch driving units;
and a plurality of sensing routers connected to each of the touch
sensing units and which receives a sensing signal from the touch
sensing units.
2. The touch screen panel of claim 1, wherein the touch driving
units and the touch sensing units are disposed in a zigzag
pattern.
3. The touch screen panel of claim 1, wherein the touch driving
units adjacent to each other are disposed to correspond with a
center portion of the touch sensing unit.
4. The touch screen panel of claim 1, wherein the touch sensing
units adjacent to each other are disposed to correspond with a
center portion of the touch driving unit.
5. The touch screen panel of claim 1, wherein the touch driving
unit comprises two driving pads electrically connected to each
other.
6. The touch screen panel of claim 5, wherein the driving pads are
connected to each other through a driving bridge.
7. The touch screen panel of claim 6, wherein a width of the
driving bridge is substantially narrower than that of the driving
pad.
8. The touch screen panel of claim 1, wherein the touch sensing
unit comprises two sensing pads electrically connected to each
other.
9. The touch screen panel of claim 8, wherein the sensing pads are
connected to each other through a sensing bridge.
10. The touch screen panel of claim 9, wherein a width of the
sensing bridge is substantially narrower than that of the sensing
pad.
11. The touch screen panel of claim 1, wherein a touch driving unit
in an upper-most portion comprises an outer-most peripheral driving
pad, a touch driving unit in a lower-most portion comprises an
outer-most peripheral driving pad, and each of the remaining touch
driving units comprises two driving pads electrically connected to
each other.
12. The touch screen panel of claim 11, wherein each of the touch
sensing units comprises two sensing pads electrically connected to
each other.
13. The touch screen panel of claim 1, wherein a touch driving unit
in an upper-most portion comprises an outer-most peripheral driving
pad, a touch driving unit in a lower-most portion comprises an
outer-most peripheral driving pad, and each of the remaining touch
driving units comprises a driving pad having a size substantially
greater than a size of the outer-most peripheral driving pad of the
touch driving unit in the upper-most portion or the lower-most
portion.
14. The touch screen panel of claim 13, wherein each of the touch
sensing units comprises a sensing pad having a size substantially
greater than the size of the outer-most peripheral driving pad of
the touch driving unit in the upper-most portion or the lower-most
portion.
15. The touch screen panel of claim 1, wherein a touch sensing unit
in an upper-most portion comprises an outer-most peripheral sensing
pad, a touch sensing unit in a lower-most portion comprises an
outer-most peripheral sensing pad, and each of the remaining touch
sensing units comprises a sensing pad having a size substantially
greater than a size of the outer-most peripheral sensing pad of the
touch sensing unit in the upper-most portion or the lower-most
portion.
16. The touch screen panel of claim 15, wherein each of the touch
driving units comprises a driving pad having a size substantially
greater than the size of the outer-most peripheral sensing pad of
the touch sensing unit in the upper-most portion or the lower-most
portion.
17. The touch screen panel of claim 1, further comprising: a
plurality of touch sensing lines, each of which comprises the
sensing line and the driving line; a ground line disposed between
the sensing line of an n-th touch sensing line and the driving line
of an (n+1)-th touch sensing line, wherein n is a natural
number.
18. The touch screen panel of claim 1, wherein the driving line,
the sensing line, the first and second driving routers and the
sensing routers includes a same material.
19. The touch screen panel of claim 1, wherein the driving line,
the sensing line, the first and second driving routers and the
sensing routers are disposed in a same layer.
20. A touch sensing apparatus comprising: a touch screen panel
comprising: a plurality of touch sensing lines, each of which
comprises: a driving line comprising a plurality of touch driving
units; and a sensing line substantially parallel to the driving
line and which comprises a plurality of touch sensing units; a
first driving router disposed adjacent to the driving line and
which transmits a first touch pulse to one of an even-numbered
touch driving unit and an odd-numbered touch driving unit of the
touch driving units; a second driving router disposed adjacent to
the driving line an which transmits a second touch pulse to the
other of the even-numbered touch driving unit and the odd-numbered
touch driving unit of the touch driving units; and a plurality of
sensing routers connected to each of the touch sensing units and
which receives a sensing signal from the touch sensing units; a
touch pulse generating part which provides each of the first and
second driving routers with the first touch pulse and the second
touch pulse, respectively; a sensing signal collecting part
connected to each of the sensing routers and which receives a
sensing signal provided from the sensing router; and a controller
configured to control an operation of the touch pulse generating
part and the sensing signal collecting part to calculate a touch
coordinate based on the sensing signal transmitted to the sensing
signal collecting part.
21. The touch sensing apparatus of claim 20, wherein the touch
pulse generating part simultaneously applies the first touch pulse
to the even-numbered touch driving unit of the driving line of each
of the touch sensing lines, and the touch pulse generating part
simultaneously applies the second touch pulse to the odd-numbered
touch driving unit of the driving line of each of the touch sensing
lines.
22. The touch sensing apparatus of claim 21, wherein the sensing
signal collecting part collects the sensing signal from all of the
touch sensing units during a period, during which the first touch
pulse and the second touch pulse are applied to the even-numbered
touch driving unit and the odd-numbered touch driving unit of the
driving line of each of the touch sensing lines, respectively.
23. The touch sensing apparatus of claim 20, wherein the touch
pulse generating part sequentially applies the first and second
touch pulses to the first and second driving routers,
respectively.
24. The touch sensing apparatus of claim 23, wherein the sensing
signal collecting part collects the sensing signal from the touch
sensing units of the sensing line adjacent to the driving line, to
which the first and second touch pulses are applied.
25. The touch sensing apparatus of claim 20, wherein the touch
driving units and the touch sensing units are disposed in a zigzag
pattern.
26. A method of driving a touch sensing apparatus, the method
comprising: applying a first touch pulse and a second touch pulse
to an even-numbered touch driving unit and odd-numbered touch
driving unit, respectively, wherein the touch sensing apparatus
includes a plurality of driving lines, each of which comprises the
even-numbered touch driving unit and the odd-numbered touch driving
unit; collecting a plurality of sensing signals from a plurality of
touch sensing units of a sensing line of the touch sensing
apparatus during a period, during which the first and second touch
pulses are applied to the even-numbered touch driving unit and the
odd-numbered touch driving unit of each of the driving lines,
respectively; and calculating a touch coordinate based on the
collected sensing signals.
27. The method of claim 26, wherein the first touch pulse is
simultaneously applied to the even-numbered touch driving unit of
each of the driving lines, and the second touch pulse is
simultaneously applied to the odd-numbered touch driving unit of
each of the driving lines.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein the sensing signals are
collected from all of the touch sensing units during a period,
during which the first touch pulse and the second touch pulse are
applied to the even-numbered touch driving unit and the
odd-numbered touch driving unit of each of the driving lines,
respectively.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority to Korean Patent
Application No. 10-2012-0079797, filed on Jul. 23, 2012, and all
the benefits accruing therefrom under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119, the
content of which in its entirety is herein incorporated by
reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] (1) Field
[0003] Exemplary embodiments of the invention relate to a touch
screen panel, a touch sensing apparatus including the touch screen
panel and a driving method thereof. More particularly, exemplary
embodiments of the invention relate to a touch screen panel with
improved touch response speed, a touch sensing apparatus including
the touch screen panel and a driving method of the touch sensing
apparatus.
[0004] (2) Description of the Related Art
[0005] Various types of input devices are presently available for
performing operations in a computing system, such as buttons or
keys, mice, trackballs, touch sensor panels, joysticks, touch
screens and the like. Touch screens, in particular, are becoming
widely used because of ease and versatility of operation and
declining price thereof. Touch screens may include a touch sensor
panel, which may be a transparent with a touch-sensitive surface.
The touch sensor panel may be positioned in front of a display
screen so that the touch-sensitive surface covers the viewable area
of the display screen.
[0006] Touch screens may allow a user to make selections and move a
cursor by simply touching the display screen via a finger or
stylus. In general, the touch screen may recognize the touch and
position of the touch on the display screen, and the computing
system may interpret the touch and thereafter perform an operation
based on the touch event.
[0007] Touch sensor panels may be implemented as an array of pixels
defined by multiple drive lines (e.g., rows) crossing over multiple
sense lines (e.g., columns), where the drive and sense lines are
separated by a dielectric material. In some touch sensor panels,
the row and column lines may be provided on a single side of a
substrate. In such touch sensor panels, both near and far electric
field lines are coupled between the row and column lines of each
pixel, with some of the far-field lines passing through and
temporarily exiting the cover glass protecting the drive and sense
lines.
[0008] When the driving line or the sensing line is configured by
plural pads, routers are connected to corresponding pads. For
example, a router (e.g., a driving router) connected to a driving
pad transmits a touch pulse provided from an external device to a
corresponding driving pad, and a router (e.g., a sensing router)
connected to a sensing pad transmits a sensing signal sensed
through a corresponding sensing pad to the external device.
[0009] However, as a resolution of a touch panel is increased, the
number of the routers increases such that an interval between
router lines decreases, and a parasitic capacitance is thereby
increased.
[0010] Moreover, as the number of routers is increased,
resistive-capacitive ("RC") delay by router lines occurs such that
a touch response time increases.
SUMMARY
[0011] Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a touch
screen panel with improved touch response by reducing the number of
lines therein.
[0012] Exemplary embodiments of the invention also provide a touch
sensing apparatus having the above-mentioned touch screen
panel.
[0013] Exemplary embodiments of the invention further also provide
a method of driving the above-mentioned touch sensing
apparatus.
[0014] According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a
touch screen panel includes a driving line including a plurality of
touch driving units, a sensing line substantially parallel to the
driving line and which includes a plurality of touch sensing units,
a first driving router disposed adjacent to the driving line and
which transmits a first touch pulse to one of an even-numbered
touch driving unit and an odd-numbered touch driving unit of the
touch driving units, a second driving router disposed adjacent to
the driving line and which transmits a second touch pulse to the
other of the even-numbered touch driving unit and the odd-numbered
touch driving unit of the touch driving units and a plurality of
sensing routers connected to each of the touch sensing units and
which receives a sensing signal from the touch sensing units.
[0015] In an exemplary embodiment, the touch driving units and the
touch sensing units may be are disposed in a zigzag pattern.
[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the touch driving units adjacent
to each other may be disposed to correspond with a center portion
of the touch sensing unit.
[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the touch sensing units adjacent
to each other may be disposed to correspond with a center portion
of the touch driving unit.
[0018] In an exemplary embodiment, the touch driving unit may
include two driving pads electrically connected to each other. In
this case, the driving pads are connected to each other through a
driving bridge. In this case, a width of the driving bridge may be
substantially narrower than that of the driving pad.
[0019] In an exemplary embodiment, the touch sensing unit may
include two sensing pads electrically connected to each other. In
this case, the sensing pads are connected to each other through a
sensing bridge. In this case, a width of the sensing bridge is
substantially narrower than that of the sensing pad.
[0020] In an exemplary embodiment, a touch driving unit in an
upper-most portion may include an outer-most peripheral driving
pad, a touch driving unit in a lower-most portion may include an
outer-most peripheral driving pad, and each of the remaining touch
driving units may include two driving pads electrically connected
to each other.
[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the touch sensing units
may include two sensing pads electrically connected to each
other.
[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, a touch driving unit of an
upper-most portion may include an outer-most peripheral driving
pad, a touch driving unit of a lower-most portion may include an
outer-most peripheral driving pad, and each of the remaining touch
driving units may include a driving pad having a size substantially
greater than a size of the outer-most peripheral driving pad of the
touch driving unit in the upper-most portion or the lower-most
portion.
[0023] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the touch sensing units
may include a sensing pad having a size substantially greater than
the size of the outer-most peripheral driving pad of the touch
driving unit in the upper-most portion or the lower-most
portion.
[0024] In an exemplary embodiment, a touch sensing unit of an
upper-most portion may include an outer-most peripheral sensing
pad, a touch sensing unit of a lower-most portion may include an
outer-most peripheral sensing pad, and each of the remaining touch
sensing units may include a sensing pad having a size substantially
greater than the size of the outer-most peripheral driving pad of
the touch driving unit in the upper-most portion or the lower-most
portion.
[0025] In an exemplary embodiment, each of the touch driving units
may include a driving pad having a size substantially greater than
the size of the outer-most peripheral driving pad of the touch
driving unit in the upper-most portion or the lower-most
portion.
[0026] In an exemplary embodiment, the touch screen panel may
further include a plurality of touch sensing lines, each of which
includes the sensing line and the driving line, and a ground line
disposed between the sensing line of an n-th touch sensing line and
the driving line of an (n+1)-th touch sensing line, where n is a
natural number.
[0027] In an exemplary embodiment, the driving line, the sensing
line, the first and second driving routers and the sensing routers
may include a same material.
[0028] In an exemplary embodiment, the driving line, the sensing
line, the first and second driving routers and the sensing routers
may be disposed in a same layer.
[0029] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention,
a touch sensing apparatus includes a touch screen panel, a touch
pulse generating part, a sensing signal collecting part and a
controller. In such an embodiment, the touch screen panel includes
a plurality of touch sensing lines, each of which includes a
driving line including a plurality of touch driving units, and a
sensing line substantially parallel to the driving line and which
includes a plurality of touch sensing units; a first driving router
disposed adjacent to the driving line and which transmits a first
touch pulse to one of an even-numbered touch driving unit and an
odd-numbered touch driving unit of the touch driving units; a
second driving router disposed adjacent to the driving line an
which transmits a second touch pulse to the other of the
even-numbered touch driving unit and the odd-numbered touch driving
unit of the touch driving units; and a plurality of sensing routers
connected to each of the touch sensing units and which receives a
sensing signal from the touch sensing units. In such an embodiment,
the touch pulse generating part provides each of the first and
second driving routers with the first touch pulse and the second
touch pulse, respectively, the sensing signal collecting part is
connected to each of the sensing routers and receives a sensing
signal provided from the sensing router, and the controller is
configured to control an operation of the touch pulse generating
part and the sensing signal collecting part to calculate a touch
coordinate based on the sensing signal transmitted to the sensing
signal collecting part.
[0030] In an exemplary embodiment, the touch pulse generating part
may simultaneously apply the first touch pulse to the even-numbered
touch driving unit of the driving line of each of the touch sensing
lines, and where the touch pulse generating part may simultaneously
apply the second touch pulse to the odd-numbered touch driving unit
of the driving line of each of the touch sensing lines.
[0031] In an exemplary embodiment, the sensing signal collecting
part may collect the sensing signal from all of the touch sensing
units during a period, during which the first touch pulse and the
second touch pulse are applied to the even-numbered touch driving
unit and the odd-numbered touch driving unit of the driving line of
each of the touch sensing lines, respectively.
[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, the touch pulse generating part
may sequentially apply the first and second touch pulses to the
first and second driving routers, respectively.
[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, the sensing signal collecting
part may collect the sensing signal from the touch sensing units of
the sensing line adjacent to the driving line, to which the first
and second touch pulses are applied.
[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, the touch driving units and the
touch sensing units may be disposed in a zigzag pattern.
[0035] According to another exemplary embodiment of the invention,
a method of driving a touch sensing apparatus includes: applying a
first touch pulse and a second touch pulse to an even-numbered
touch driving unit and odd-numbered touch driving unit,
respectively, where the touch sensing apparatus includes a
plurality of driving lines, each of which includes the
even-numbered touch driving unit and the odd-numbered touch driving
unit; collecting a plurality of sensing signals from a plurality of
touch sensing units of a sensing line of the touch sensing
apparatus during a period, during which the first and second touch
pulses are applied to the even-numbered touch driving unit and the
odd-numbered touch driving unit of each of the driving lines,
respectively; and calculating a touch coordinate based on the
collected sensing signals.
[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, the first touch pulse may be
simultaneously applied to the even-numbered touch driving unit of
each of the driving lines, and the second touch pulse may be
simultaneously applied to the odd-numbered touch driving unit of
each of the driving lines.
[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, the sensing signals may be
collected from all of the touch sensing units during a period,
during which the first touch pulse and the second touch pulse are
applied to the even-numbered touch driving unit and the
odd-numbered touch driving unit of each of the driving lines,
respectively.
[0038] According to one or more exemplary embodiment of a touch
screen panel, a touch sensing apparatus including the touch screen
panel and a driving method thereof, touch driving units of a
driving line is divided into even-numbered touch driving units and
odd-numbered touch driving units, and the touch sensing units of
the driving line and the touch driving units of a sensing line
adjacent to the driving line are disposed in a zigzag pattern.
Accordingly, the number of the sensing routers connected to sensing
lines adjacent to the driving lines is substantially decreased.
[0039] In one or more exemplary embodiment, the
resistive-capacitive ("RC") delay is reduced such that a charging
time is decreased, thereby substantially improving touch response.
When the number of sensing routers is decreased, a parasitic
capacitance and noise may be reduced, thereby enhancing touch
accuracy.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0040] The above and other features of the invention will become
more apparent by describing in detailed exemplary embodiments
thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0041] FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically showing an exemplary
embodiment of a touch screen panel according to an exemplary
embodiment of the invention;
[0042] FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing a comparative
embodiment of a touch screen panel;
[0043] FIG. 3 is a plan view schematically showing an alternative
exemplary embodiment of a touch screen panel according to the
invention;
[0044] FIG. 4 is a plan view schematically showing another
alternative exemplary embodiment of a touch screen panel according
to the invention;
[0045] FIG. 5 is a plan view schematically showing another
alternative exemplary embodiment of a touch screen panel according
to the invention;
[0046] FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically showing an exemplary
embodiment of a touch sensing apparatus according to the
invention;
[0047] FIG. 7 is a signal timing diagram showing an exemplary
embodiment of a driving method of the touch sensing apparatus of
FIG. 6;
[0048] FIG. 8 is a signal timing diagram schematically showing an
alternative exemplary embodiment of a driving method of the touch
sensing apparatus of FIG. 6;
[0049] FIG. 9 is a plan view schematically showing an exemplary
embodiment of a touch position determining method in a touch screen
panel according to the invention;
[0050] FIG. 10 is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a
sensor for a touch operation performed on a touch screen panel
according to the invention;
[0051] FIG. 11A is a graph showing a variation amount of
capacitance when a touch occurs between a second driving pad and a
second sensing pad of FIG. 10;
[0052] FIG. 11B is a graph showing a variation amount of
capacitance when a touch occurs between a first driving pad and a
first sensing pad of FIG. 10;
[0053] FIG. 11C is a graph showing a variation amount of
capacitance when a touch occurs between a second driving pad and a
first sensing pad of FIG. 10;
[0054] FIG. 11D is a graph showing a variation amount of
capacitance when a touch occurs between a first driving pad and a
third sensing pad of FIG. 10;
[0055] FIG. 12A is a plan view of an comparative embodiment of a
unit touch sensor of a touch screen panel; and
[0056] FIG. 12B is a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a unit
touch sensor of a touch screen panel according to the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0057] The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter
with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various
embodiments are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in
many different forms, and should not be construed as limited to the
embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are
provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and
will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in
the art. Like reference numerals refer to like elements
throughout.
[0058] It will be understood that when an element or layer is
referred to as being "on", "connected to" or "coupled to" another
element or layer, it can be directly on, connected or coupled to
the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers may be
present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being
"directly on," "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to"
another element or layer, there are no intervening elements or
layers present. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. As
used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of
one or more of the associated listed items.
[0059] It will be understood that, although the terms first,
second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements,
components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements,
components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited
by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one
element, component, region, layer or section from another region,
layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer
or section discussed below could be termed a second element,
component, region, layer or section without departing from the
teachings of the invention.
[0060] Spatially relative terms, such as "beneath", "below",
"lower", "above", "upper" and the like, may be used herein for ease
of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to
another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It
will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended
to encompass different orientations of the device in use or
operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures.
For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements
described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would
then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the
exemplary term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above
and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees
or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors
used herein interpreted accordingly.
[0061] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of
the invention. As used herein, the singular forms, "a", "an" and
"the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood
that the terms "includes" and/or "including", when used in this
specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude
the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
[0062] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and
scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this
invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such
as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be
interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their
meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be
interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly
so defined herein.
[0063] Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to
cross section illustrations that are schematic illustrations of
idealized embodiments. As such, variations from the shapes of the
illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques
and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, embodiments described
herein should not be construed as limited to the particular shapes
of regions as illustrated herein but are to include deviations in
shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. For example, a
region illustrated or described as flat may, typically, have rough
and/or nonlinear features. Moreover, sharp angles that are
illustrated may be rounded. Thus, the regions illustrated in the
figures are schematic in nature and their shapes are not intended
to illustrate the precise shape of a region and are not intended to
limit the scope of the claims set forth herein.
[0064] All methods described herein can be performed in a suitable
order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly
contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or
exemplary language (e.g., "such as"), is intended merely to better
illustrate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the
scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the
specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed
element as essential to the practice of the invention as used
herein.
[0065] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of a touch screen panel,
a touch sensing apparatus having the touch screen panel and a
driving method thereof will be described in detail with reference
to the accompanying drawings.
[0066] Hereinafter, "touch sensing apparatus" refers to an
electronic device that employs a touch screen panel as an input
means. The touch sensing apparatus may be adapted to a cellular
phone of a touch type, a smart phone, a personal digital assistant
("PDA"), a personal multimedia player ("PMP"), a car navigation, a
kiosk, a home electronic instrument like TV, refrigerator and a
computer like tablet PC, for example.
[0067] FIG. 1 is a plan view schematically showing an exemplary
embodiment of a touch screen panel 100 according to the
invention.
[0068] Referring to FIG. 1, a touch screen panel 100 includes a
plurality of driving lines DL11, DL12, DL13, DL14 and DL15, a
plurality of sensing lines SL11, SL12, SL13, SL14 and SL15, a
plurality of first driving routers DR11, a plurality of second
driving routers DR12 and a plurality of sensing routers SR11, SR12,
SR13 and SR14. In such an embodiment, one driving line and one
sensing lines, which are corresponding to each other, may define a
touch sensing line.
[0069] The driving lines DL11, DL12, DL13, DL14 and DL15, the
sensing lines SL11, SL12, SL13, SL14 and SL15, the first driving
routers DR11, the second driving routers DR12 and the sensing
routers SR11, SR12, SR13 and SR14 may be provided, e.g.,
manufactured, using a single mask.
[0070] In an exemplary embodiment, the driving lines DL11, DL12,
DL13, DL14 and DL15, the sensing lines SL11, SL12, SL13, SL14 and
SL15, the first driving routers DR11, the second driving routers
DR12 and the sensing routers SR11, SR12, SR13 and SR14 may include
a same material. In one exemplary embodiment, for example, the
driving lines
[0071] DL11, DL12, DL13, DL14 and DL15, the sensing lines SL11,
SL12, SL13, SL14 and SL15, the first driving routers DR11, the
second driving routers DR12 and the sensing routers SR11, SR12,
SR13 and SR14 may include an optically transparent and electrically
conductive material such as indium tin oxide ("ITO") and indium
zinc oxide ("IZO"), for example.
[0072] In such an embodiment, the driving lines DL11, DL12, DL13,
DL14 and DL15, the sensing lines SL11, SL12, SL13, SL14 and SL15,
the first driving routers DR11, the second driving routers DR12 and
the sensing routers SR11, SR12, SR13 and SR14 may be disposed on a
same plan surface, e.g., on a same surface of a substrate.
[0073] In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the number
of driving lines may be five, and the number of sensing lines may
be five. In such an embodiment, one driving line is connected to
two driving routers, and one sensing line is connected to four
sensing routers. In this case, an example is illustrated that, the
number of driving lines is five and the number of sensing lines is
five, but the present invention will not be limited to this.
[0074] Hereinafter, each of the driving lines sequentially disposed
from a left portion to right portion of the touch screen 100 will
be referred to as a first driving line DL11, a second driving line
DL12, a third driving line DL13, a fourth driving line DL4 and a
fifth driving line DL15. Each of the sensing lines sequentially
disposed from a left portion to right portion of the touch screen
100 will be referred to as a first sensing line SL11, a second
sensing line SL12, a third sensing line SL13, a fourth sensing line
SL14 and a fifth sensing line SL15. In an exemplary embodiment, the
first to fifth sensing lines SL11, SL12, SL13, SL4 and SL15 are
disposed adjacent to the first to fifth driving lines DL1, DL12,
DL13, DL14 and DL15, respectively.
[0075] Each of the first to fifth driving lines DL11, DL12, DL13,
DL14 and DL15 includes a plurality of touch driving units disposed
in a touch area. In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1,
one driving line is defined by five touch driving units. A touch
driving unit of an upper-most portion includes an outer-most
peripheral driving pad, and a touch driving unit of a lower-most
portion includes an outer-most peripheral driving pad. In one
exemplary embodiment, for example, the touch driving unit of the
upper-most portion may include a single outer-most peripheral
driving pad, and the touch driving unit of the lower-most portion
may include a single outer-most peripheral driving pad. Each of the
remaining touch driving units includes two driving pads
electrically connected to each other.
[0076] One driving line includes eight driving pads DP11, DP12,
DP13, DP14, DP15, DP16, DP17 and DP18. Each size of the driving
pads DP11, DP12, DP13, DP14, DP15, DP16, DP17 and DP18 may be equal
to each other. A touch driving unit of an upper-most portion, e.g.,
a first driving pad DP11 that defines a first touch driving unit
TDU1, is independently disposed thereon. A second driving pad DP12
and a third driving pad DP13, which define a second touch driving
unit TDU2, are electrically connected to each other through a first
driving bridge BRD1, and a fourth driving pad DP14 and a fifth
driving pad DP15, which define a third touch driving unit TDU3, are
electrically connected to each other through a second driving
bridge BRD2. In an exemplary embodiment, a width of the first
driving bridge BRD1 is substantially narrower than a width of the
second driving pad DP12 or the third driving pad DP13, and a width
of the second driving bridge BRD1 is substantially narrower than a
width of the fourth driving pad DP14 or the fifth driving pad DP15.
A sixth driving pad DP16 and a seventh driving pad DP17, which
defines a fourth touch driving unit TDU4, are electrically
connected to each other through a third driving bridge BRD3. In an
exemplary embodiment, a width of the third driving bridge BRD3 is
substantially narrower than a width of the sixth driving pad DP16
or the seventh driving pad DP17. A touch driving unit of a
lower-most portion, that is, an eighth driving pad DP18 that
defines a fifth touch driving unit TDU5 is independently disposed
thereon.
[0077] Each of the first to fifth sensing lines SL11, SL12, SL13,
SL14 and SL15 includes a plurality of touch sensing units TSU1,
TSU2, TSU3 and TSU4 disposed in a direction substantially parallel
to the driving lines. The touch sensing units TSU1, TSU2, TSU3 and
TSU4 and the touch driving units TDU1, TDU2, TDU3, TDU4 and TSU5
are disposed in a zigzag pattern. That is, the touch driving units
adjacent to each other may be disposed to correspond with a center
portion of the touch sensing unit. Alternatively, the touch sensing
units adjacent to each other may be disposed to correspond with a
center portion of the touch driving unit. Each of the touch sensing
units TSU1, TSU2, TSU3 and TSU4 includes two sensing pads
electrically connected to each other.
[0078] In an exemplary embodiment, one sensing line is defined by
four touch sensing units TSU1, TSU2, TSU3 and TSU4. In such an
embodiment, one sensing line is defined by eight sensing pads SP11,
SP12, SP13, SP14, SP15, SP16, SP17 and SP18. Each size of the
sensing pads SP11, SP12, SP13, SP14, SP15, SP16, SP17 and SP18 may
be equal to each other. A first sensing pad SP11 and a second
sensing pad SP12 are electrically connected through a first sensing
bridge BRS1, and a third sensing pad SP13 and a fourth sensing pad
SP14 are electrically connected to each other through a second
sensing bridge BRS2. In an exemplary embodiment, a width of the
first sensing bridge BRS1 is substantially narrower than a width of
the first sensing pad SP11 or the second sensing pad SP12, and a
width of the second sensing bridge BRS2 is substantially narrower
than a width of the third sensing pad SP13 or the fourth sensing
pad SP14. A fifth sensing pad SP15 and a sixth sensing pad SP16 are
electrically connected to each other through a third sensing bridge
BRS3, and a seventh sensing pad SP17 and an eighth sensing pad SP18
are electrically connected to each other through a fourth sensing
bridge BRS4. In an exemplary embodiment, a width of the third
sensing bridge BRS3 is substantially narrower than a width of the
fifth sensing pad SP15 or the sixth sensing pad SP16, and a width
of the fourth sensing bridge BRS4 is substantially narrower than a
width of the seventh sensing pad SP17 or the eighth sensing pad
SP18.
[0079] The first driving router DR11 transmits a first touch pulse
to even-numbered touch driving units, and the second driving router
DR12 transmits a second touch pulse to odd-numbered touch driving
units. In FIG. 1, the even-numbered touch driving units may include
the first touch driving unit TDU1, the third touch driving unit
TDU3 and the fifth touch driving unit TDU5, and the odd-numbered
touch driving units may include the second touch driving unit TDU2
and the fourth touch driving unit TDU4.
[0080] In one exemplary embodiment, for example, the first driving
router DR11 is connected to the first driving pad DP11, the fourth
driving pad DP14 and the eighth driving pad DP18, and the second
driving router DR12 is connected to the second driving pad DP12 and
the sixth driving pad DP16.
[0081] In such an embodiment, the second driving pad DP12 is
connected to the third driving pad DP13, and the third driving pad
DP13 receives the same touch pulse as the second driving pad DP12
from the second driving router DR12. In such an embodiment, the
fourth driving pad DP14 is connected to the fifth driving pad DP15,
and the fifth driving pad
[0082] DP15 receives the same touch pulse as the fourth driving pad
DP14 from the first driving router DR11. In such an embodiment the
sixth driving pad DP16 is connected to the seventh driving pad
DP17, and the seventh driving pad DP17 receives the same touch
pulse as the sixth driving pad DP16 from the second driving router
DR12.
[0083] The sensing routers receive sensing signals from the sensing
pads electrically connected to each other in the same sensing
lines. For convenience of description, only a first sensing router
SR11, a second sensing router SR12, a third sensing router SR13 and
a fourth sensing router SR14 that are disposed to receive a sensing
signal from the sensing pads of the first sensing line SL11 will
hereinafter be described in detail.
[0084] In an exemplary embodiment, the first sensing router SR11 is
connected to the first sensing pad SP11, and the second sensing
router SR12 is connected to the third sensing pad SP13. In such an
embodiment, the third sensing router SR13 is connected to the fifth
sensing pad SP15, and the fourth sensing router SR14 is connected
to the seventh sensing pad SP17.
[0085] The first sensing pad SP11 is connected to the second
sensing pad SP12 through the first sensing bridge BRS1, such that
the first sensing router SR11 may receive a sensing signal from the
first sensing pad SP11 and the second sensing pad SP12. In such an
embodiment, the third sensing pad SP13 is connected to the fourth
sensing pad SP14 through the second sensing bridge BRS2, such that
the second sensing router SR12 may receive a sensing signal from
the third sensing pad SP13 and the fourth sensing pad SP14. In such
an embodiment, the fifth sensing pad SP15 is connected to the sixth
sensing pad SP16 through the third sensing bridge BRS3, such that
the third sensing router SR13 may receive a sensing signal from the
fifth sensing pad SP15 and the sixth sensing pad SP16. In such an
embodiment, the seventh sensing pad SP17 is connected to the eighth
sensing pad SP18 through the fourth sensing bridge BRS4, such that
the fourth sensing router SR14 may receive a sensing signal from
the seventh sensing pad SP17 and the eighth sensing pad SP18.
[0086] According to an exemplary embodiment, two driving pads
adjacent to each other in one driving line are electrically
connected to each other. In such an embodiment, two ends (e.g., an
upper-most portion and lower-most portion) of the driving pads are
independently provided. In such an embodiment, two sensing pads
adjacent to each other in one sensing line are electrically
connected to each other. Thus, driving pads electrically connected
to each other and sensing pads electrically connected to each other
are disposed in a zigzag pattern.
[0087] In an exemplary embodiment, the driving lines in each row
are driven independently in a scan manner. In such an embodiment,
the driving lines may be driven in a time-division manner.
[0088] In such an embodiment, the number of the driving routers is
ten (i.e., 2.times.5), and the number of the sensing routers is
twenty (i.e., 4.times.5). That is, the total number of the routers
is thirty. In this case, an example is illustrated that the number
of the driving routers is ten and the number of the sensing routers
is twenty, but the present invention will not be limited to
this.
[0089] FIG. 2 is a plan view schematically showing a comparative
embodiment of a touch screen panel 10 according to the
invention.
[0090] Referring to FIG. 2, a comparative embodiment of a touch
screen panel 10 includes a plurality of driving lines, a plurality
of sensing lines, a plurality of driving routers and a plurality of
sensing routers. In the comparative embodiment, the number of
driving lines is five, and the number of sensing lines is five. In
the comparative embodiment, one driving lines is connected to one
driving router, and one sensing line is connected to eight sensing
routers.
[0091] Hereinafter, each of the driving lines sequentially disposed
from a left portion to right portion of the touch screen panel 10
will be referred to as a first driving line DL1, a second driving
line DL2, a third driving line DL3, a fourth driving line DL4 and a
fifth driving line DL5. Each of the sensing lines sequentially
disposed from a left portion to right portion of the touch screen
panel 10 will be referred to as a first sensing line SL1, a second
sensing line SL2, a third sensing line SL3, a fourth sensing line
SL4 and a fifth sensing line SL5. In the comparative embodiment,
the first to fifth sensing lines SL1, SL2, SL3, SL4 and SL5 are
disposed adjacent to the first to fifth driving lines DL1, DL2,
DL3, DL4 and DL5, respectively.
[0092] Each of the first to fifth driving lines DL1, DL2, DL3, DL4
and DL5 includes a plurality of driving pads disposed in a touch
area. In the comparative embodiment, each of the driving pads is
independently disposed, e.g., not connected to each other, in the
same driving line.
[0093] Each of the first to fifth sensing lines SL1, SL2, SL3, SL4
and SL5 includes a plurality of sensing pads disposed in a
direction substantially parallel to the driving lines. In the
comparative embodiment, each of the sensing pads is independently
disposed, e.g., not connected to each other, in the same sensing
line.
[0094] The driving router DR1 provides the driving pads with touch
pulses in the same driving lines. In the comparative embodiment,
the driving router DR1 is connected to a first driving pad DP1, a
second driving pad DP2, a third driving pad DP3, a fourth driving
pad DP4, a fifth driving pad DP5, a sixth driving pad DP6, a
seventh driving pad DP7 and an eighth driving pad DP8.
[0095] The sensing routers receive sensing signals from the sensing
pads independently disposed, e.g., not connected to each other, in
the same sensing line.
[0096] In the comparative embodiment, the first sensing router SR1
is connected to the first sensing pad SP1 to receive a sensing
signal, and the second sensing router ST2 is connected to the
second sensing pad SP2 to receive a sensing signal. The third
sensing router SR3 is connected to the third sensing pad SP3 to
receive a sensing signal, and the fourth sensing router ST4 is
connected to the fourth sensing pad SP4 to receive a sensing
signal. The fifth sensing router SR5 is connected to the fifth
sensing pad SP5 to receive a sensing signal, and the sixth sensing
router ST6 is connected to the sixth sensing pad SP6 to receive a
sensing signal. The seventh sensing router SR7 is connected to the
seventh sensing pad SP7 to receive a sensing signal, and the eighth
sensing router ST8 is connected to the eighth sensing pad SP8 to
receive a sensing signal.
[0097] According to the comparative embodiment, the number of the
driving routers is five (i.e., 1.times.5), and the number of the
sensing routers is forty (i.e., 8.times.5). That is, the total
number of the routers is forty-five in the comparative
embodiment.
[0098] Accordingly, the total number of the routers in the
comparative embodiment is greater than the total number of the
routers in an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
[0099] In a touch screen panel 10, when the number of the routers
increases, a line resistance is increased. When the line resistance
is increased, a charging time according to resistive-capacitive
("RC") delay is increased. When the charging time is increased, a
touch response time is increased.
[0100] In a case that a resolution of a touch screen panel is
m.times.n (where, `m` is the number of driving pads (or sensing
pads) arranged in a Y-axis direction, and `n` is the number of
driving lines (or sensing lines) arranged in a X-axis direction),
with the number of routers and the total length of the routers in
the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 and the comparative embodiment
of FIG. 2 are shown in the following Table 1.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Comparative Exemplary Embodiment Embodiment
Ratio The number of routers (m + 1)n ( m 2 + 2 ) n ##EQU00001## ( m
+ 4 ) ( 2 m + 2 ) ##EQU00002## Total length of routers ( m 2 + m -
2 2 ) n ##EQU00003## ( m 2 + 6 m - 16 4 ) n ##EQU00004## ( m 2 + 6
m - 16 ) 2 ( m 2 + m - 2 ) ##EQU00005##
[0101] When `m` is substantially large, as shown in Table 1, the
number and length of routers disposed in a touch screen panel in an
exemplary embodiment of the invention are about 50% of the number
and length of routers disposed in the comparative embodiment of a
touch screen panel.
[0102] In a case that a touch screen panel has a horizontal length
of about 137.5 millimeters (mm) and a vertical length of about 220
mm, a resolution of the touch screen panel is about 54.times.34,
and a size of a touch sensing unit configured by a unit driving pan
and a unit sensing pad is 4.04 mm.times.4.0 mm, with the number of
routers and the total length of router in an exemplary embodiment
of FIG. 1 and Comparative Embodiment of FIG. 2 are shown in the
following Table 2.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Comparative Exemplary Embodiment Embodiment
Ratio The number of 1,870 986 52.7 routers Total length of 50,456
mm 27,404 mm 54.3 routers
[0103] Referring to Table 2, the number of routers in a touch
screen panel in the comparative embodiment is 1,870, and the number
of routers in a touch screen panel in an exemplary embodiment is
986. Thus, the number of routers of a touch screen panel in the
exemplary embodiment is about 52.7% of the number of routers of a
touch screen panel in the comparative embodiment.
[0104] As shown in Table 2, the total length of routers in a touch
screen panel in the comparative embodiment is about 50,456 mm;
however, the total length of routers in a touch screen panel in an
exemplary embodiment is about 27,404 mm. Thus, the total length of
routers of a touch screen panel in an exemplary embodiment is about
54.3% of the total length of routers of a touch screen panel in the
comparative embodiment.
[0105] As described above, in an exemplary embodiment of a touch
screen panel according to the invention, where the number of
routers is decreased about 50% such that a line width may be
increased not less than twice. Thus, a resistance of a router is
decreased, and a RC delay is thereby decreased.
[0106] When the number of routers is decreased, a parasitic
capacitance is decreased. Therefore, a noise is decreased, thereby
substantially enhancing touch accuracy.
[0107] In an exemplary embodiment, when line widths of routers are
substantially equal to each other, a distance between pads is
decreased such that a touch may be sensed substantially precisely.
In such an embodiment, when a touch is performed by a tip having a
small size (for example, a tip of a stylus pen), an area, on which
a touch is not sensed, is decreased.
[0108] In such an embodiment, a touch screen panel may be realized
without decreasing the number of routers, and the number of pads
may be increased two times such that a touch resolution is
increased two times.
[0109] FIG. 3 is a plan view schematically showing an alternative
exemplary embodiment of a touch screen panel according to the
invention.
[0110] Referring to FIG. 3, an alternative exemplary embodiment of
a touch screen panel 200 according to the invention includes a
plurality of driving lines DL21, DL22, DL23, DL24 and DL25, a
plurality of sensing lines SL21, SL22, SL23, SL24 and SL25, a
plurality of first driving routers DR21, a plurality of second
driving routers DR22 and a plurality of sensing routers SR21, SR22,
SR23 and SR24.
[0111] In an exemplary embodiment, the driving lines DL21, DL22,
DL23, DL24 and DL25, the sensing lines SL21, SL22, SL23, SL24 and
SL25, the first driving routers DR21, the second driving routers
DR22 and the sensing routers SR21, SR22, SR23 and SR24 may be
provided, e.g., manufactured, using a same mask In such an
embodiment, the driving lines DL21, DL22, DL23, DL24 and DL25, the
sensing lines SL21, SL22, SL23, SL24 and SL25, the first driving
routers DR21, the second driving routers DR22 and the sensing
routers SR21, SR22, SR23 and SR24 may include a same material. In
one exemplary embodiment, for example, the driving lines DL21,
DL22, DL23, DL24 and DL25, the sensing lines SL21, SL22, SL23, SL24
and SL25, the first driving routers DR21, the second driving
routers DR22 and the sensing routers SR21, SR22, SR23 and SR24 may
include an optically transparent and electrically conductive
material such as ITO and IZO, for example.
[0112] In an exemplary embodiment the driving lines DL21, DL22,
D213, D214 and DL25, the sensing lines SL21, SL22, SL23, SL24 and
SL25, the first driving routers DR21, the second driving routers
DR22 and the sensing routers SR21, SR22, SR23 and SR24 may be
disposed on a same plan surface, e.g., a same surface of a
substrate.
[0113] In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the number
of driving lines may be five, and the number of sensing lines may
be five. In such an embodiment, one driving lines is connected to
two driving routers, and one sensing line is four sensing routers.
In this case, an example is illustrated that, the number of driving
lines is five and the number of sensing lines is five, but the
present invention will not be limited to this.
[0114] Hereinafter, each of the driving lines sequentially disposed
from a left portion to right portion of the touch screen panel 200
will be referred to as a first driving line DL21, a second driving
line DL22, a third driving line DL23, a fourth driving line DL4 and
a fifth driving line DL25. Each of the sensing lines sequentially
disposed from a left portion to right portion of the touch screen
panel 200 will be referred to as a first sensing line SL21, a
second sensing line SL22, a third sensing line SL23, a fourth
sensing line SL24 and a fifth sensing line SL25. In such an
embodiment, the first to fifth sensing lines SL21, SL22, SL23, SL4
and SL25 are disposed adjacent to the first to fifth driving lines
DL2, DL22, DL23, DL24 and DL25, respectively.
[0115] Each of the first to fifth driving lines DL21, DL22, DL23,
DL24 and DL25 includes a plurality of touch driving units disposed
in a touch area. In an exemplary embodiment, one driving line is
defined by five touch driving units. In this case, an example is
illustrated that five touch driving units define one driving line,
but the present invention will not be limited to this.
[0116] A touch driving unit of an upper-most portion includes one
outer-most peripheral driving pad, and a touch driving unit of a
lower-most portion includes one outer-most peripheral driving pad.
Each of the remaining touch driving units includes a driving pad
having a size substantially greater than a size of the driving pad
of the outer-most peripheral.
[0117] In an exemplary embodiment, one touch driving unit
corresponds to one driving pad. One driving line is defined by a
first driving pad DP21, a second driving pad DP22, a third driving
pad DP23, a fourth driving pad DP24 and a fifth driving pad DP25.
In such an embodiment, each size of the first and fifth driving
pads DP21 and DP25 is about half of the size of the second driving
pad DP22. In an exemplary embodiment, horizontal lengths of the
first and fifth driving pads DP21 and DP25 are substantially equal
to a horizontal length of the second driving pad DP22, and vertical
lengths of the first and fifth driving pads DP21 and DP25 are about
half of a vertical length of the second driving pad DP22. Sizes of
the second to fourth driving pads DP22, DP23 and DP24 are
substantially to the same as each other.
[0118] Each of the first to fourth sensing lines SL21, SL22, SL23
and SL24 includes a plurality of touch sensing units disposed in a
direction substantially parallel to the driving lines. The touch
sensing units and the touch driving units are disposed in a zigzag
pattern. In an exemplary embodiment, one sensing line is defined by
four touch sensing units. In such an embodiment, one sensing line
is defined by a first sensing pad SP21, a second sensing pad SP22,
a third sensing pad SP23 and a fourth sensing pad SP24.
[0119] The first driving router DR21 is connected to the first
driving pad DP21, the third driving pad DP23 and the fifth driving
pad DP25, and the second driving router DR22 is connected to the
second driving pad DP22 and the fourth driving pad DP24.
[0120] The sensing routers receive sensing signals from the sensing
pads independently disposed, e.g., not connected to each other, in
the same sensing lines. For convenience of description, only a
first sensing router SR21, a second sensing router SR22, a third
sensing router SR23 and a fourth sensing router SR24 that are
disposed to receive a sensing signal from the sensing pads of the
first sensing line SL21 will hereinafter be described.
[0121] In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the first
sensing router SR21 is connected to the first sensing pad SP21, and
the second sensing router SR22 is connected to the second sensing
pad SP22. In such an embodiment, the third router SR23 is connected
to the third sensing pad SP23, and the fourth sensing router SR24
is connected to the fourth sensing pad SP24.
[0122] FIG. 4 is a plan view schematically showing another
alternative exemplary embodiment of a touch screen panel according
to the invention.
[0123] Referring to FIG. 4, another alternative exemplary
embodiment of a touch screen panel 300 according to the invention
includes a plurality of driving lines DL31, DL32, DL33, DL34 and
DL35, a plurality of sensing lines SL31, SL32, SL33, SL34 and SL35,
a plurality of first driving routers DR31, a plurality of second
driving routers DR32 and a plurality of sensing routers SR31, SR32,
SR33 and SR34.
[0124] The driving lines DL31, DL32, DL33, DL34 and DL35, the
sensing lines SL31, SL32, SL33, SL34 and SL35, the first driving
routers DR31, the second driving routers DR32 and the sensing
routers SR31, SR32, SR33 and SR34 may be provided, e.g.,
manufactured, using a single mask.
[0125] Thus, the driving lines DL31, DL32, DL33, DL34 and DL35, the
sensing lines SL31, SL32, SL33, SL34 and SL35, the first driving
routers DR31, the second driving routers DR32 and the sensing
routers SR31, SR32, SR33 and SR34 may include the same material.
For example, the driving lines DL31, DL32, DL33, DL34 and DL35, the
sensing lines SL31, SL32, SL33, SL34 and SL35, the first driving
routers DR31, the second driving routers DR32 and the sensing
routers SR31, SR32, SR33 and SR34 may include an optically
transparent and electrically conductive material such as ITO and
IZO, for example.
[0126] In such an embodiment, the driving lines DL31, DL32, DL33,
DL34 and DL35, the sensing lines SL31, SL32, SL33, SL34 and SL35,
the first driving routers DR31, the second driving routers DR32 and
the sensing routers SR31, SR32, SR33 and SR34 may be provided on a
same surface, e.g., on a same surface of a substrate.
[0127] In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the number
of driving lines may be five, and the number of sensing lines may
be five. In such an embodiment, one driving lines is connected to
two driving routers, and one sensing line is four sensing routers.
In this case, an example is illustrated that, the number of driving
lines is five and the number of sensing lines is five, but the
present invention will not be limited to this.
[0128] Hereinafter, each of the driving lines sequentially disposed
from a left portion to right portion of the touch screen 300 will
be referred to as a first driving line DL31, a second driving line
DL32, a third driving line DL33, a fourth driving line DL4 and a
fifth driving line DL35. Each of the sensing lines sequentially
disposed from a left portion to right portion of the touch screen
300 will be referred to as a first sensing line SL31, a second
sensing line SL32, a third sensing line SL33, a fourth sensing line
SL34 and a fifth sensing line SL35. In such an embodiment, the
first to fifth sensing lines SL31, SL32, SL33, SL4 and SL35 are
disposed adjacent to the first to fifth driving lines DL3, DL32,
DL33, DL34 and DL35, respectively.
[0129] Each of the first to fifth driving lines DL31, DL32, DL33,
DL34 and DL35 includes a plurality of touch driving units disposed
in a touch area. The driving lines are in one-to-one correspondence
with the driving pads. In an exemplary embodiment, a driving line
includes a first driving pad DP31, a second driving pad DP32, a
third driving pad DP33 and a fourth driving pad DP34. The first
driving pad DP31, the second driving pad DP32, the third driving
pad DP33 and the fourth driving pad DP34 are independently disposed
in the one driving line.
[0130] Each of the first to fifth sensing lines SL31, SL32, SL33,
SL34 and SL35 includes a plurality of touch sensing units to be
disposed in a direction substantially parallel to the driving
lines. The touch sensing units and the touch driving units are
disposed in zigzag pattern. The touch sensing units are in
one-to-one correspondence with the touch pads. A touch sensing unit
of an upper-most portion includes an outer-most peripheral sensing
pad, and a touch sensing unit of a lower-most portion includes an
outer-most peripheral sensing pad. Each of the remaining touch
sensing units includes a sensing pad having a size greater than a
size of the outer-most peripheral sensing pad.
[0131] In an exemplary embodiment, one sensing line includes a
first sensing pad SP31, a second sensing pad SP32, a third sensing
pad SP33, a fourth sensing pad SP34 and a fifth sensing pad SP35.
The first sensing pad SP31, the second sensing pad SP32, the third
sensing pad SP33, the fourth sensing pad SP34 and the fifth sensing
pad SP35 are independently disposed in the one sensing line. In
such an embodiment, a size of each of the first and fifth sensing
pads SP31 and SP35 is half of a size of the second sensing pad
SP32. In an exemplary embodiment, horizontal lengths of the first
and fifth sensing pads SP31 and SP35 are substantially equal to a
horizontal length of the second sensing pad SP32, and vertical
lengths of the first and fifth sensing pads SP31 and SP35 are
substantially half of a vertical length of the second sensing pad
SP32. Sizes of the second to fourth sensing pads SP32, SP33 and
SP34 are substantially equal to each other.
[0132] The first and second driving routers DR31 and DR32 provide
first and second touch pulses to each of the driving pads
independently disposed in the same driving lines. For convenience
of description, only a first driving router DR31 and a second
driving router DR32 that are disposed to provide driving pads of
the first driving line DL31 with a sensing signal will hereinafter
be described.
[0133] The first driving router DR31 is connected to the first
driving pad DP31 and the third driving pad DP33, and the second
driving router DR32 is connected to the second driving pad DP32 and
the fourth driving pad DP34.
[0134] The sensing routers receive sensing signals from the sensing
pads independently disposed in the same sensing lines. For
convenience of description, only a first sensing router SR31, a
second sensing router SR32, a third sensing router SR33, a fourth
sensing router SR34 and a fifth sensing router SR35 that are
disposed to receive a sensing signal from the sensing pads of the
first sensing line SL31 will hereinafter be described.
[0135] The first sensing router SR31 is connected to the first
sensing pad SP31, and the second sensing router SR32 is connected
to the second sensing pad SP32. The third router SR33 is connected
to the third sensing pad SP33, the fourth sensing router SR34 is
connected to the fourth sensing pad SP34, and fifth sensing router
SR35 is connected to the fifth sensing pad SP35.
[0136] In an exemplary embodiment, a size of a first sensing pad
SP31, which is the first sensing pad disposed at each sensing
lines, and a fifth sensing pad SP35, which is the last sensing pad,
are about a half of a size of other sensing pads.
[0137] FIG. 5 is a plan view schematically showing another
alternative exemplary embodiment of a touch screen panel according
to the invention.
[0138] Referring to FIG. 4, a touch screen panel 400 according to a
fourth exemplary embodiment of the invention includes a plurality
of driving lines DL21, DL22, DL23, DL24 and DL25, a plurality of
sensing lines SL21, SL22, SL23, SL24 and SL25, a plurality of first
driving routers DR21, a plurality of second driving routers DR22, a
plurality of sensing routers SR21, SR22, SR23 and SR24 and a
plurality of ground lines GL41, GL42, GL43 and GL44.
[0139] In an exemplary embodiment, the driving lines DL21, DL22,
DL23, DL24 and DL25, the sensing lines SL21, SL22, SL23, SL24 and
SL25, the first driving routers DR21, the second driving routers
DR22, the sensing routers SR21, SR22, SR23 and SR24, and the ground
lines GL41, GL42, GL43 and GL44 may be manufactured using a same
mask. In Such an embodiment, the ground lines GL41, GL42, GL43 and
GL44 and the sensing routers SR21, SR22, SR23 and SR24 may include
a same material. In one exemplary embodiment, for example, the
ground lines GL41, GL42, GL43 and GL44 and the sensing routers
SR21, SR22, SR23 and SR24 may include an optically transparent and
electrically conductive material such as ITO and IZO, for
example.
[0140] In such an embodiment, the ground lines GL41, GL42, GL43 and
GL44 and the sensing routers SR21, SR22, SR23 and SR24 may be
provided on a same plan surface, e.g., a surface of a
substrate.
[0141] The touch screen panel shown in FIG. 5 is substantially the
same as the touch screen panel shown in FIG. 3 except for ground
lines GL41, GL42, GL43 and GL44 disposed between the sensing and
driving lines. The same or like elements shown in FIG. 5 have been
labeled with the same reference characters as used above to
describe the exemplary embodiment of the touch screen panel shown
in FIG. 3, and any repetitive detailed description thereof will
hereinafter be omitted or simplified.
[0142] In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the number
of the ground lines disposed between the sensing line and the
driving line may be four. In such an embodiment, a first ground
line GL41 is disposed between a first sensing line SL21 and a
second driving line DL22, and a touch pulse applied to the second
driving line DL22 is thereby effectively prevented from being
affected to a sensing signal sensed through the first sensing line
SL21.
[0143] In such an embodiment, a second ground line GL42 is disposed
between a second sensing line SL22 and a third driving line DL23,
and a touch pulse applied to the third driving line DL23 is thereby
effectively prevented from being affected to a sensing signal
sensed through the second sensing line SL22.
[0144] In such an embodiment, a third ground line GL43 is disposed
between a third sensing line SL23 and a fourth driving line DL24,
and a touch pulse applied to the fourth driving line DL24 is
thereby effectively prevented from being affected to a sensing
signal sensed through the third sensing line SL23.
[0145] In such an embodiment, a fourth ground line GL44 is disposed
between a fourth sensing line SL24 and a fifth driving line DL25,
and a touch pulse applied to the fifth driving line DL25 is thereby
effectively prevented from being affected to a sensing signal
sensed through the fourth sensing line SL24.
[0146] FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically showing an exemplary
embodiment of a touch sensing apparatus according to the invention.
In an exemplary embodiment, a touch sensing apparatus may include
the touch screen panel shown in FIG. 1.
[0147] Referring to FIG. 6, an exemplary embodiment of a touch
sensing apparatus according to the invention includes a touch
screen panel 510, a touch pulse generating part 520, a sensing
signal collecting part 530, an analog-digital converter ("ADC") 540
and a controller 550.
[0148] The touch screen panel 510 includes a plurality of driving
lines DL11, DL12 and DL13, each of which includes a plurality of
driving pads, a plurality of sensing lines SL11, SL12 and SL13,
each of which includes a plurality of sensing pads, two driving
routers connected to the driving lines DL11, DL12 and DL13,
respectively, and a plurality of sensing routers connected to the
sensing pads. The touch screen panel 510 may be one of the touch
screen panel 100 of FIG. 1, the touch screen panel 200 of FIG. 3
and the touch screen panel 300 of FIG. 4. For convenience of
illustration, three driving lines, three sensing lines, six driving
routers and nine sensing routers are shown in FIG. 6.
[0149] In such an embodiment, a touch pulse (e.g., a driving
voltage or a driving current) is applied to the driving lines for a
touch operation, and a capacitor is provided in a peripheral of the
sensing line adjacent to a corresponding driving line. When a touch
means such as a body of a user or a touch pen, for example,
approaches to the sensing line, charges flow from the capacitor
such that strength of electric field is varied. The variation of
the electric field is transmitted through the sensing line.
[0150] The touch pulse generating part 520 provides a plurality of
touch pulses to the driving pads through the driving routers of the
touch screen panel 510.
[0151] In an exemplary embodiment, the touch pulse generating part
520 may alternatively and sequentially output the touch pulses to
the driving routers of the touch screen panel 510.
[0152] In such an embodiment, the touch pulse generating part 520
may apply a touch pulse to odd-numbered driving pads, and then may
apply a touch pulse to even-numbered driving pads. In one exemplary
embodiment, for example, the touch pulse generating part 520 may
apply a first touch pulse to the odd-numbered driving pads
respectively connected to the first to third driving lines DL11,
DL12 and DL13, and then may apply a second touch pulse to the
even-numbered driving pads respectively connected to the first to
third driving lines DL11, DL12 and DL13. A high level interval of
the first touch pulse does not overlap a high level interval of the
second touch pulse.
[0153] In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the touch pulse
generating part 520 may sequentially output the touch pulses to the
driving routers of the touch screen panel 510.
[0154] In such an embodiment, the touch pulse generating part 520
may sequentially apply a touch pulse to even-numbered driving pads
and odd-numbered driving pads disposed on driving lines. In one
exemplary embodiment, for example, the touch pulse generating part
520 applies the first touch pulse to the even-numbered driving pads
connected to a first driving line DL11, and then applies the second
touch pulse to the odd-numbered driving pads connected to the first
driving line DL11.
[0155] Then, in such an embodiment, the touch pulse generating part
520 may apply the first touch pulse to the even-numbered driving
pads connected to a second driving line DL12, and then the touch
pulse generating part 520 may apply the second touch pulse to the
odd-numbered driving pads connected to the second driving line
DL12.
[0156] Then, in such an embodiment, the touch pulse generating part
520 may apply the first touch pulse to the even-numbered driving
pads connected to a third driving line DL13, and then the touch
pulse generating part 520 may apply the second touch pulse to the
odd-numbered driving pads connected to the third driving line
DL13.
[0157] The sensing signal collecting part 530 simultaneously
receives sensing signals from the sensing routers of the touch
screen panel 510, and provides the ADC 540 with the received
sensing signals.
[0158] In an exemplary embodiment, where the touch pulse generating
part 520 alternatively and sequentially outputs the touch pulses,
the sensing signal collecting part 530 receives a sensing signal
from the sensing pads during a touch pulse interval.
[0159] In such an embodiment, during an interval that an
even-numbered driving pad receives the first touch pulse and an
interval that an odd-numbered driving pad receives the second touch
pulse, the sensing signal collecting part 530 activates a
connection of the sensing router to receive a sensing signal from
all sensing pads. The sensing signal collecting part 530 is
synchronized with the touch pulse generating part 520. The
synchronization may be realized by controlling the controller
550.
[0160] In an exemplary embodiment, where the touch pulse generating
part 520 sequentially outputs the touch pulses, the sensing signal
collecting part 530 receives a sensing signal from sensing pads
adjacent to a corresponding driving line during an interval, during
which a touch pulse is applied to a predetermined driving line.
[0161] In such an embodiment, during the first and second touch
pulses are applied to the first driving line DL11, the sensing
signal collecting part 530 activates a connection of the sensing
routers connected to a first sensing line SL11 to receive a sensing
signal therefrom.
[0162] Then, during the first and second touch pulses are applied
to the second driving line DL12, the sensing signal collecting part
530 activates a connection of the sensing routers connected to the
second sensing line SL12 to receive a sensing signal therefrom.
Then, during the first and second touch pulses are applied to a
third driving line DL13, the sensing signal collecting part 530
activates a connection of the sensing routers connected to the
third sensing line SL13 to receive a sensing signal.
[0163] The sensing signal collecting part 530 may be a switch
(e.g., a multiplexer ("MUX")) which is configured to perform a
time-division multiplexing. The switch may receive the sensing
signals from the sensing routers in parallel, and serializes the
sensing signals to sequentially output the serialized sensing
signals to the ADC 540.
[0164] The ADC 540 converts the sensing signals provided from the
sensing signal collecting part 530 into a digital signal, and
provides the controller 550 with the converted digital signal.
[0165] The controller 550 analyzes the converted digital signal to
detect a position of the touch, e.g., a touch coordinate. A signal
corresponding to the detected touch coordinate may be provided to
an external host system (not shown), for example.
[0166] FIG. 7 is a signal timing diagram schematically showing an
exemplary embodiment of a driving method of the touch sensing
apparatus of FIG. 6.
[0167] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, after the first touch pulse is
applied to the even-numbered driving pads, e.g., a first driving
pad D1, of the first, second and third driving lines DL11, DL12 and
DL13, the second touch pulse is applied to the odd-numbered driving
pads, e.g., a second pad D2, of the first, second and third driving
lines DL11, DL12 and DL13. In such an embodiment, the sensing
signals are collected from the sensing pads 51, S2, S3 and S4 of
the first sensing line SL11 adjacent to the first driving line
DL11. Since each of the sensing pads 51, S2, S3 and S4 is
independently connected to sensing routers, e.g., not being
connected to each other, the sensing signals are simultaneously
collected.
[0168] As described above, in an exemplary embodiment, where the
first and second touch pulses are alternatively applied to the
first driving pad D1 and a second driving pad D2 that are disposed
at each of the first to third driving lines, a sensing signal is
received from all sensing pads 51, S2, . . . , S12 such that a
touch position is detected.
[0169] FIG. 8 is a signal timing diagram schematically showing an
alternative exemplary embodiment of a driving method of the touch
sensing apparatus of FIG. 6.
[0170] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 8, after a touch pulse is applied
to the even-numbered driving pads, e.g., the first driving pad D1,
of the first driving line DL11, a touch pulse is applied to the
odd-numbered driving pads, e.g., the second driving pad D2, of the
first driving line DL11. In such an embodiment, the sensing signals
are collected from each of the sensing pads S1, S2, S3 and S4 of
the first sensing line SL11 adjacent to the first driving line
DL11. Since each of the sensing pads 51, S2, S3 and S4 is
independently connected to the sensing routers, the sensing signals
are simultaneously collected.
[0171] Then, after a touch pulse is applied to the even-numbered
driving pads, e.g., a third driving pad D3, of the second driving
line DL12, a touch pulse is applied to the odd-numbered driving
pads D4 of the second driving line DL12. In such an embodiment, the
sensing signals are collected from each of the sensing pads S5, S6,
S7 and S8 of the second sensing line SL12 adjacent to the second
driving line DL12. Since each of the sensing pads S5, S6, S7 and S8
is independently connected to the sensing routers, the sensing
signals are simultaneously collected.
[0172] Then, after a touch pulse is applied to the even-numbered
driving pads, e.g., a fifth driving pad D5, of the third driving
line DL13, a touch pulse is applied to the odd-numbered driving
pads, e.g., a sixth driving pad D6, of the third driving line DL13.
In such an embodiment, the sensing signals are collected from each
of the sensing pads S9, S10, S11 and S12 of the third sensing line
SL13 adjacent to the third driving line DL13. Since each of the
sensing pads S9, S10, S11 and S12 is independently connected to the
sensing routers, the sensing signals are simultaneously
collected.
[0173] As described above, when a touch pulse is applied to the
first driving pad D1 and the second driving pad D2, a sensing
signal is received from the first to fourth sensing pads S1, S2, S3
and S4 such that a touch position is detected. In such an
embodiment, when a touch pulse is applied to the third driving pad
D3 and the fourth driving pad D4, a sensing signal is received from
the fifth to eighth sensing pads S5, S6, S7 and S8 such that a
touch position is detected. In such an embodiment, when a touch
pulse is applied to the fifth driving pad D5 and the sixth driving
pad D6, a sensing signal is received from the ninth to twelfth
sensing pads S9, S10, S11 and S12 such that a touch position is
detected. In such an embodiment, the first to sixth driving pads
D1, D2, D3, D4, D5 and D6 are sequentially driven in a
time-division manner.
[0174] FIG. 9 is a plan view schematically showing an exemplary
embodiment of a touch position determining method in a touch screen
panel.
[0175] Referring to FIG. 9, a first point 1 between the different
driving pads and a single sensing pad may be touched, or a second
point 2 between a signal driving pad and different sensing pads may
be touched.
[0176] The first point 1 may be detected based on a touch position
by a driving division scanning, and the second point 2 may be
detected based on a touch position by the different sensing
pads.
[0177] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing an exemplary embodiment of a
sensor for a touch operation performed on a touch screen panel.
[0178] Referring to FIG. 10, a first driving pad DP1 and a second
driving pad DP2 are disposed on a driving line. The first driving
pad DP1 is connected to a first driving router DR1 to receive a
first touch pulse, and the second driving pad DP2 is connected to a
second driving router DR2 to receive a second touch pulse.
[0179] A first sensing pad SP1, a second sensing pad SP2, a third
sensing pad SP3 and a fourth sensing pad SP4 are disposed on a
sensing line. The first sensing pad SP1 is connected to a first
sensing router SR1 to provide the first sensing router SR1 with a
sensing signal. The second sensing pad SP2 is connected to a second
sensing router SR2 to provide the second sensing router SR2 with a
sensing signal. The third sensing pad SP3 is connected to a third
sensing router SR3 to provide the third sensing router SR3 with a
sensing signal. The fourth sensing pad SP4 is connected to a fourth
sensing router SR4 to provide the fourth sensing router SR4 with a
sensing signal.
[0180] In an exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, a touch
position may be sensed when a touch that occurs at various
positions. In such an embodiment, when a touch occurs at a first
touch area T1 between the second driving pad DP2 and the second
sensing pad SP2, a touch position may be sensed based in a
capacitance variation amount, which will be described later in
greater detail referring to FIG. 11A.
[0181] In such an embodiment, when a touch occurs at a second touch
area T2 between the first driving pad DP1 and the second sensing
pad SP2, a touch position may be sensed based in a capacitance
variation amount, which will be described later in greater detail
referring to FIG. 11B.
[0182] In such an embodiment, when a touch occurs at a third touch
area T3 between the second driving pad DP2 and the first sensing
pad SP1, a touch position may be sensed based in a capacitance
variation amount, which will be described later in greater detail
referring to FIG. 11C.
[0183] In such an embodiment, when a touch occurs at a fourth touch
T4 area between the first driving pad DP1 and the third sensing pad
SP3, a touch position may be sensed based in a capacitance
variation amount, which will be described later in greater detail
referring to FIG. 11D.
[0184] FIG. 11A is a graph showing a variation amount of
capacitance when a touch occurs between the second driving pad DP2
and the second sensing pad SP2 of FIG. 10.
[0185] Referring to FIG. 11A, a capacitance variation amount of
about -11.93% was sensed between the first driving pad DP1 and the
first sensing pad SP1, and a capacitance variation amount of about
12.91% was sensed between the first driving pad DP1 and the second
sensing pad SP2. A capacitance variation amount of about 7.56% was
sensed between the first driving pad DP1 and the third sensing pad
SP3, and a capacitance variation amount of about 6.23% was sensed
between the first driving pad DP1 and the fourth sensing pad
SP4.
[0186] As shown in FIG. 11A, a capacitance variation amount of
about -1.20% was sensed between the second driving pad DP2 and the
first sensing pad SP1. A capacitance variation amount of about
25.94% was sensed between the second driving pad DP2 and the second
sensing pad SP2. A capacitance variation amount of about -0.90% was
sensed between the second driving pad DP2 and the third sensing pad
SP3. A capacitance variation amount of about 7.19% was sensed
between the second driving pad DP2 and the fourth sensing pad
SP4.
[0187] In such an embodiment, a touch position is determined based
on the capacitance variation amount. As shown in FIG. 11A, a touch
is detected between the second driving pad DP2 and the second
sensing pad SP2, between which the capacitance variation amount
corresponds to about 25.95% that is the greatest of the sensed
capacitance variation amounts between the driving pads.
[0188] Accordingly, a touch coordinate may be detected based on the
capacitance variation amount between the driving pads and the
sensing pads when a touch occurs between the second driving pad DP2
and the second sensing pad SP2.
[0189] FIG. 11B is a graph showing a variation amount of
capacitance when a touch occurs between the first driving pad DP1
and the first sensing pad SP1 of FIG. 10.
[0190] Referring to FIG. 11B, a capacitance variation amount of
about -8.49% was sensed between a first driving pad DP1 and a first
sensing pad SP1, and a capacitance variation amount of about 61.81%
was sensed between the first driving pad DP1 and the second sensing
pad SP2. A capacitance variation amount of about 14.19% was sensed
between the first driving pad DP1 and the third sensing pad SP3. A
capacitance variation amount of about 8.42% was sensed between the
first driving pad DP1 and the fourth sensing pad SP4.
[0191] As shown in FIG. 11B, a capacitance variation amount of
about -1.71% was sensed between the second driving pad DP2 and the
first sensing pad SP1. A capacitance variation amount of about
13.24% was sensed between the second driving pad DP2 and the second
sensing pad SP2. A capacitance variation amount of about 2.21% was
sensed between the second driving pad DP2 and the third sensing pad
SP3. A capacitance variation amount of about 6.27% was sensed
between the second driving pad DP2 and the fourth sensing pad
SP4.
[0192] In such an embodiment, a touch position is determined based
on the capacitance variation amount. As shown in FIG. 11B, a touch
is detected between the first driving pad DP1 and the second
sensing pad SP2, between which the capacitance variation amount
corresponds to the 61.81% that is the greatest of the sensed
capacitance variation amounts.
[0193] Accordingly, a touch coordinate may be detected based on the
capacitance variation amount between the driving pads and the
sensing pads when a touch is generated between the first driving
pad DP1 and the second sensing pad SP2.
[0194] FIG. 11C is a graph showing a variation amount of a
capacitance when a touch occurs between the second driving pad DP2
and the first sensing pad SP1 of FIG. 10.
[0195] Referring to FIG. 11C, a capacitance variation amount of
about 13.54% was sensed between the first driving pad DP1 and the
first sensing pad SP1, and a capacitance variation amount of about
-1.82% was sensed between the first driving pad DP1 and the second
sensing pad SP2. A capacitance variation amount of about 5.01% was
sensed between the first driving pad DP1 and the third sensing pad
SP3. A capacitance variation amount of about 4.31% was sensed
between the first driving pad DP1 and the fourth sensing pad
SP4.
[0196] As shown in FIG. 11C, a capacitance variation amount of
about 23.68% was sensed between the second driving pad DP2 and the
first sensing pad SP1. A capacitance variation amount of about
-2.03% was sensed between the second driving pad DP2 and the second
sensing pad SP2. A capacitance variation amount of about 0.88% was
sensed between the second driving pad DP2 and the third sensing pad
SP3. A capacitance variation amount of about 5.69% was sensed
between the second driving pad DP2 and the fourth sensing pad
SP4.
[0197] In such an embodiment, a touch position is determined based
on the capacitance variation amount. As shown in FIG. 11C, a touch
is detected between the second driving pad DP2 and the first
sensing pad SP1, between which the capacitance variation amount
corresponds to the 23.68% that is the greatest of the sensed
capacitance variation amounts.
[0198] Accordingly, a touch coordinate may be detected based on the
capacitance variation amount between the driving pads and the
sensing pads when a touch occurs between the second driving pad DP2
and the first sensing pad SP1.
[0199] FIG. 11D is a graph showing a variation amount of a
capacitance when a touch occurs between the first driving pad DP1
and the third sensing pad SP3 of FIG. 10.
[0200] Referring to FIG. 11D, a capacitance variation amount of
about 3.33% was sensed between the first driving pad DP1 and the
first sensing pad SP1, and a capacitance variation amount of about
13.55% was sensed between the first driving pad DP1 and the second
sensing pad SP2. A capacitance variation amount of about 43.69% was
sensed between the first driving pad DP1 and the third sensing pad
SP3. A capacitance variation amount of about 4.85% was sensed
between the first driving pad DP1 and the fourth sensing pad
SP4.
[0201] As shown in FIG. 11D, a capacitance variation amount of
about -0.24% was sensed between the second driving pad DP2 and the
first sensing pad SP1. A capacitance variation amount of about
1.74% was sensed between the second driving pad DP2 and the second
sensing pad SP2. A capacitance variation amount of about 17.90% was
sensed between the second driving pad DP2 and the third sensing pad
SP3. A capacitance variation amount of about 4.65% was sensed
between the second driving pad DP2 and the fourth sensing pad
SP4.
[0202] In such an embodiment, a touch position is determined based
on the capacitance variation amount. As shown in FIG. 11D, a touch
is detected between the first driving pad DP1 and the third sensing
pad SP3, between which the capacitance variation amount corresponds
to the 43.69% that is the greatest of the sensed capacitance
variation amounts.
[0203] In such an embodiment, a touch coordinate may be detected
based on the capacitance variation amount between the driving pads
and the sensing pads when a touch is generated between the first
driving pad DP1 and the third sensing pad SP3.
[0204] Hereinafter, RC delay according to a line width of a sensing
router and a line interval of a sensing router in a comparative
embodiment of a touch screen panel and an exemplary embodiment of a
touch screen panel will be described.
[0205] In an exemplary embodiment, RC delay may be calculated using
the following Equation 1.
R=(TxPad+RxPad+TxRouter+RxRouter)
C=(TxPad+RxPad+TxRouter+RxRouter+Cm) [Equation 1]
[0206] In Equation 1, TxPad denotes a driving pad, RxPad denotes a
sensing pad, TxRouter denotes a driving router, RxRouter denotes a
sending router, and Cm denotes a capacitance generated based on a
touch of a user.
[0207] In Equation 1, Cm is a capacitance which is considered when
a touch is generated. However, it is assumed that a capacitance
generated based on a touch in the comparative embodiment is
substantially equal to a capacitance generated based on a touch an
exemplary embodiment, such that Cm will not be considered.
[0208] Generally, capacitance is defined by the following Equation
2.
C = A d [ Equation 2 ] ##EQU00006##
[0209] In Equation 2, `.di-elect cons.` denotes permittivity of a
dielectric layer disposed between two electrodes, `A` denotes a
size of two electrodes, and `d` denotes an interval between two
electrodes. Hereinafter, the permittivity or the interval between
two electrodes of a capacitor in the comparative embodiment is
substantially equal to the permittivity or the interval between two
electrodes of a capacitor in an exemplary embodiment, such that a
size of two electrodes will be considered.
[0210] FIG. 12A is a plan view of a unit touch sensor of the
comparative embodiment of a touch screen panel. FIG. 12B is a plan
view of a unit touch sensor of an exemplary embodiment of a touch
screen panel. As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, embodiments where the
unit pixel includes one driving line and one sensing line will be
described.
[0211] According to the comparative embodiment of FIG. 12A, one
driving pad Tx is disposed at one driving line, and eighty-four
sensing pads Rx1, Rx2, . . . , Rx83 and Rx84 are disposed at one
sensing line. In the comparative embodiment of FIG. 12A, the
driving pad and the sensing pad have a size of about 2 mm.times.4
mm. A sensing router has a line width of about 30 micrometers
(.mu.m).
[0212] According to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 12B, forty-two
driving pads Tx1, Tx2, . . . , Tx41 and Tx42 are disposed at one
driving line, and forty-two sensing pads Rx1, Rx2, . . . , Rx41 and
Rx42 are disposed at one sensing line. In such an embodiment, the
first driving pad Tx1 and the last driving pad Tx42 have a size of
about 2 mm.times.4 mm. The remaining driving pads Tx2, Tx3, . . . ,
Tx40 and Tx41 have a size of 2 mm.times.8 mm. Each driving routers
has a line width of about 30 .mu.m, and each sensing routers has a
line width of about 87.14 .mu.m.
[0213] In such an embodiment, a line width of a router is increased
at least two times, considering a line interval between routers.
Accordingly, the line width may be increased to about 87 .mu.m from
about 30 .mu.m.
[0214] According to the comparative embodiment of FIG. 12A, since
sensing routers are disposed thereon, a line width of routers may
be calculated as [84(30+30)].
[0215] According to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 12B, the
driving routers and sensing routers are disposed thereon. Thus, a
line width of routers in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 12B is a
summation of a line width of driving routers and a line width of
sensing routers. That is, a line width in the exemplary embodiment
of FIG. 12B may be calculated as [2(30+30)]+[42(87+30)].
[0216] Hereinafter, RC delay in the comparative embodiment of FIG.
12A and the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 12B will be described
based on a capacitance ratio of the comparative embodiment of FIG.
12A and the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 12B summarized in the
following Table 3, and a resistance ratio of the comparative
embodiment of FIG. 12A and the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 12B
summarized in the following Table 4.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Calculation of capacitance ratio Ratio
(Exemplary Embodiment/ Summa- Comparative TxPad TxRouter RxPad
RxRouter tion Embodiment) Comparative 672 0 8 9.96 689.96 0.559
Embodiment Exemplary 336 5.04 16 28.58 385.62 Embodiment
TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Calculation of resistance ratio Ratio
(Exemplary Embodiment/ Summa- Comparative TxPad TxRouter RxPad
RxRouter tion Embodiment) Comparative 168 0 2 11066.67 11236.67
0.841 Embodiment Exemplary 84 5600 4 3764.06 9462.06 Embodiment
[0217] Referring to Table 3 and Table 4, the RC delay according to
the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 12B is about 47% (i.e.,
0.559.times.0.841) of the RC delay in the comparative embodiment of
FIG. 12A.
[0218] According to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 12B, each
widths of forty-two sensing routers is decreased to about 60 .mu.m
from about 87.14 .mu.m; however, each widths of two driving routers
is increased to 570 .mu.m from about 30 .mu.m (i.e.,
{(87.14-60)42}/2=570).
[0219] In an alternative exemplary embodiment, a line width of a
sensing router may be about 60 .mu.m and a line width of a driving
router may be about 570 .mu.m, and RC delay in such an embodiment
will be hereinafter described.
[0220] Hereinafter, RC delay in the comparative embodiment and the
alternative exemplary embodiment will be described based on a
capacitance ratio of the comparative embodiment and the alternative
exemplary embodiment summarized in the following Table 5, and a
resistance ratio of the comparative embodiment and the alternative
exemplary embodiment summarized in the following Table 6.
TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Calculation of capacitance ratio Ratio
(Exemplary Embodiment/ Summa- Comparative TxPad TxRouter RxPad
RxRouter tion Embodiment) Comparative 672 0 8 9.96 689.96 0.677
Embodiment Exemplary 336 95.76 16 19.68 467.44 Embodiment 2
TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Calculation of resistance ratio Ratio
(Exemplary Embodiment/ Summa- Comparative TxPad TxRouter RxPad
RxRouter tion Embodiment) Comparative 168 0 2 11066.67 11236.67
0.521 Embodiment Exemplary 84 294.74 4 5466.67 5849.40 Embodiment
2
[0221] Referring to Table 5 and Table 6, the RC delay in the
alternative exemplary embodiment is about 35.26% (i.e.,
0.667.times.0.521) of the RC delay in the comparative
embodiment.
[0222] As described above, according to exemplary embodiments of
the invention, different driving lines are provided for
even-numbered touch driving units and odd-numbered touch driving
units such that the even-numbered touch driving units and the
odd-numbered touch driving units receive different touch pulses. In
exemplary embodiments, the touch sensing units and the touch
driving units, which are disposed at sensing lines and the driving
line, respectively, are disposed in a zigzag pattern such that the
number of sensing routers connected to sensing lines adjacent to
the driving lines is substantially decreased.
[0223] As the number of the sensing routers is decreased, a line
resistance is decreased, thereby substantially reducing the RC
delay. As the RC delay is reduced, a charging time is decreased
such that a touch response is substantially improved. In exemplary
embodiments, as the number of sensing routers is decreased, a
parasitic capacitance and noise are substantially reduced, thereby
enhancing touch accuracy.
[0224] While the invention has been particularly shown and
described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it is
further noted that it is readily apparent to those of reasonable
skill in the art that various modifications may be made without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention which is
defined by the metes and bounds of the appended claims.
* * * * *