U.S. patent application number 16/688968 was filed with the patent office on 2020-09-17 for electronic panel.
The applicant listed for this patent is Samsung Display Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to Sunghee Kim, Changho Lee, Hyunsik Park, Sung-Jin YANG, Chungi You.
Application Number | 20200293137 16/688968 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004498647 |
Filed Date | 2020-09-17 |
![](/patent/app/20200293137/US20200293137A1-20200917-D00000.png)
![](/patent/app/20200293137/US20200293137A1-20200917-D00001.png)
![](/patent/app/20200293137/US20200293137A1-20200917-D00002.png)
![](/patent/app/20200293137/US20200293137A1-20200917-D00003.png)
![](/patent/app/20200293137/US20200293137A1-20200917-D00004.png)
![](/patent/app/20200293137/US20200293137A1-20200917-D00005.png)
![](/patent/app/20200293137/US20200293137A1-20200917-D00006.png)
![](/patent/app/20200293137/US20200293137A1-20200917-D00007.png)
![](/patent/app/20200293137/US20200293137A1-20200917-D00008.png)
![](/patent/app/20200293137/US20200293137A1-20200917-D00009.png)
![](/patent/app/20200293137/US20200293137A1-20200917-D00010.png)
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20200293137 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
YANG; Sung-Jin ; et
al. |
September 17, 2020 |
ELECTRONIC PANEL
Abstract
An electronic panel including a base substrate including a
plurality of unit detection areas; a first detection electrode
including a first connection pattern disposed in each of the unit
detection areas and extending along a first direction, and a
plurality of first main patterns connected to one side and the
other side of the first connection pattern, respectively; a second
connection pattern including a second connection pattern disposed
in each of the unit detection areas and extending along a second
direction intersecting the first direction, and a plurality of
second main patterns connected to one side and the other side of
the second connection pattern; respectively, and a plurality of
coordinate patterns arranged in the unit detection areas,
respectively.
Inventors: |
YANG; Sung-Jin; (Cheonan-si,
KR) ; Kim; Sunghee; (Cheonan-si, KR) ; Park;
Hyunsik; (Cheonan-si, KR) ; You; Chungi;
(Asan-si, KR) ; Lee; Changho; (Busan, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Samsung Display Co., Ltd. |
Yongin-si |
|
KR |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004498647 |
Appl. No.: |
16/688968 |
Filed: |
November 19, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 2203/04111
20130101; G06F 3/044 20130101; G06F 3/0412 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/041 20060101
G06F003/041; G06F 3/044 20060101 G06F003/044 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 12, 2019 |
KR |
10-2019-0028408 |
Claims
1. An electronic panel comprising: a base substrate including an
unit detection area; a first detection electrode disposed in the
unit detection area and including a pair of first main patterns
arranged in a first direction and a first connection pattern
extending along the first direction, the pair of first main
patterns are connected to a first end of the first connection
pattern and a second end of the first connection pattern oppositely
located to the first end of the first connection pattern; a second
detection electrode disposed in the unit detection area and
including a pair of second main patterns arranged in a second
direction crossing the first direction and a second connection
pattern extending along the second direction, the pair of second
main patterns are connected to a first end of the second connection
pattern and a second end of the second connection pattern
oppositely located to the first end of the second connection
pattern; and a coordinate pattern disposed in the unit detection
area, wherein the coordinate pattern comprises: a first pattern
having a first size; and a second pattern spaced apart from the
first pattern and having a second size different from the first
size, and wherein the first pattern resembles the second
pattern.
2. The electronic panel of claim 1, wherein a difference between a
maximum diagonal length of the first pattern and a maximum diagonal
length of the second pattern is less than or equal to 2 .mu.m.
3. The electronic panel of claim 1, wherein: the first connection
pattern and the second connection pattern are spaced apart from
each other with an insulating layer therebetween; and the first
pattern and the second pattern comprise a plurality of
through-holes passing through the insulating layer.
4. The electronic panel of claim 3, wherein: the first connection
pattern comprises: a first connection part disposed on a different
layer from the second connection pattern; a second connection part
disposed on a different layer from the second connection pattern
and spaced apart from the first connection part; and an island part
disposed between the first connection part and the second
connection part and disposed on the same layer as the second
connection pattern and spaced apart from the second connection
pattern in a plan view; and each of the first connection part and
the second connection part is connected to the island part through
the insulating layer.
5. The electronic panel of claim 4, wherein the island part is
disposed in an opening part passing through the second connection
pattern or the second main pattern, and is spaced apart from the
second connection pattern or the second main pattern in a plan
view.
6. The electronic panel of claim 4, wherein the coordinate pattern
is disposed on the island part.
7. The electronic panel of claim 5, wherein the first and second
connection parts and the island part comprise different materials
from each other.
8. The electronic panel of claim 1, wherein the first pattern and
the second pattern comprise through-holes passing through any one
of the first connection pattern, the second connection pattern, the
pair of first main patterns, and the pair of second main
patterns.
9. The electronic panel of claim 1, wherein: the coordinate pattern
comprises: a first group of hole patterns including a plurality of
hole patterns spaced apart from each other along one direction; and
a second group of hole patterns spaced apart from each other in a
direction different from the one direction and spaced apart from
the first group of hole patterns, wherein the first pattern is
provided in plurality and one of the first group of hole patterns
comprises the second pattern and the remaining of the first group
of hole patterns comprises the plurality of first patterns.
10. The electronic panel of claim 9, wherein the first group of
hole patterns surrounds the second group of hole patterns.
11. The electronic panel of claim 9, wherein the first group of
hole patterns has different shapes from shapes of the second group
of hole patterns.
12. The electronic panel of claim 9, wherein the first group of
hole patterns has different sizes from sizes of the second group of
hole patterns.
13. The electronic panel of claim 9, wherein the number of the
first group of hole patterns and the number of the second group of
hole patterns are different from each other.
14. The electronic panel of claim 1, wherein the unit detection
area is provided in plurality and the positions of the second
patterns in the plurality of unit detection areas are different
from each other.
15. An electronic panel comprising: a first detection electrode
including a first connection pattern, and a plurality of first main
electrodes spaced apart from each other with the first connection
pattern therebetween and connected to the first connection pattern;
a second detection electrode including a second connection pattern
spaced apart from the first connection pattern with an insulating
layer therebetween, and a plurality of second main patterns spaced
apart from each other with the second connection pattern
therebetween and connected to the second connection pattern; and a
coordinate pattern disposed on the first detection electrode,
wherein: the first connection pattern comprises an island part
spaced apart from the first main patterns, a first connection part
connecting one of the first main patterns and the island part, and
a second connection part connecting another of the first main
patterns and the island part; and the coordinate pattern is
disposed on the island part.
16. The electronic panel of claim 15, wherein the island part is
disposed on the same layer as the second detection electrodes and
spaced apart from the second connection patterns and the second
main patterns in a plan view.
17. The electronic panel of claim 15, wherein: the coordinate
pattern comprises: a plurality of first patterns, each having a
first size; and a second pattern spaced apart from the first
patterns and having a second size different from the first size;
and each of the first patterns resembles the second pattern.
18. The electronic panel of claim 15, wherein: the coordinate
pattern comprises a plurality of through-holes passing through the
insulating layer; and the island part has an upper surface curved
along the through-holes.
19. The electronic panel of claim 15, wherein the coordinate
pattern comprises a plurality of through-holes passing through the
island part.
20. The electronic panel of claim 15, wherein the coordinate
pattern has different numerical shapes from each other.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority from and the benefit of
Korean Patent Application No. 10-2019-0028408, filed on Mar. 12,
2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes as
if fully set forth herein.
BACKGROUND
Field
[0002] Exemplary embodiments of the invention relate generally to
an electronic panel, and more particularly, to an electronic panel
including a detection unit for detecting an external input.
Discussion of the Background
[0003] An electronic device is activated in response to an
electrical signal. An electronic is device is composed of various
electronic components such as an electronic panel and an electronic
module. The electronic panel may include a display unit for
displaying an image or a detection unit for detecting an external
input. The electronic components are electrically interconnected by
variously arranged signal lines.
[0004] The display unit includes a light emitting element for
generating an image. The detection unit may include detection
electrodes for detecting an external input. The detection unit is
designed to provide uniform sensitivity over the entire area where
the detection electrodes are disposed. In the electronic panel
manufacturing process, various inspection operations may be
performed to determine whether defects are generated in each of the
display unit and the detection unit, and for electrical
evaluation.
[0005] The above information disclosed in this Background section
is only for understanding of the background of the inventive
concepts, and, therefore, it may contain information that does not
constitute prior art.
SUMMARY
[0006] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide an
electronic panel capable of reducing the inspection time of a
detection unit and reducing the processing cost.
[0007] Additional features of the inventive concepts will be set
forth in the description which follows, and in part will be
apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the
inventive concepts.
[0008] An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides an
electronic panel including: a base substrate including a plurality
of unit detection areas; a first detection electrode including a
first connection pattern disposed in each of the unit detection
areas and extending along a first direction, and a plurality of
first main patterns connected to one side and the other side of the
first connection pattern, respectively; a second detection
electrode including a second connection pattern disposed in each of
the unit detection areas and extending along a second direction
intersecting the first direction, and a plurality of second main
patterns connected to one side and the other side of the second
connection pattern, respectively; and a plurality of coordinate
patterns arranged in the unit detection areas, respectively. Each
of the coordinate patterns includes: a plurality of first patterns,
each having a first area; and a second pattern spaced apart from
the first patterns and including a second area different from the
first area, and each of the first patterns matches with the second
pattern.
[0009] A difference between a maximum diagonal length of each of
the first patterns and a maximum diagonal length of the second
pattern may be less than or equal to 2 .mu.m.
[0010] The first connection pattern and the second connection
pattern may be spaced apart from each other with an insulating
layer therebetween, and each of the first patterns and the second
pattern may include through-holes passing through the insulating
layer.
[0011] The first connection pattern may include: a first connection
part disposed on a different layer from the second connection
pattern; a second connection part disposed on a different layer
from the second connection pattern and spaced apart from the first
connection part; and an island part disposed between the first
connection part and the second connection part and disposed on the
same layer as the second connection pattern and spaced apart from
the second connection pattern on a plane. Each of the first
connection part and the second connection part may be connected to
the island part through the insulating layer.
[0012] The island part may be disposed in an opening part passing
through the second connection pattern or the second main pattern,
and may be spaced apart from the second connection pattern or the
second main pattern in a plan view.
[0013] The coordinate pattern may be disposed on the island
part.
[0014] The first and second connection parts and the island part
may include different materials from each other.
[0015] The first patterns and the second pattern may include
through-holes passing through any one of the first connection
pattern, the second connection pattern, the first main patterns,
and the second main patterns.
[0016] Each of the coordinate patterns may include: a first group
of hole patterns including a plurality of hole patterns spaced
apart from each other along one direction; and a second group of
hole patterns spaced apart from each other in a direction different
from the one direction and spaced apart from the first group of
hole patterns. One of the first group of hole patterns may include
the second pattern and the remaining of the first group of hole
patterns may include the first patterns.
[0017] The first group of hole patterns may surround an edge of the
second group of hole patterns.
[0018] The first group of hole patterns have different shapes from
shapes of the second group of hole patterns.
[0019] The first group of hole patterns have different sizes from
sizes of the second group of hole patterns.
[0020] The number of the first group of hole patterns and the
number of the second group of hole patterns may be different from
each other.
[0021] The positions of the second patterns of the unit detection
areas may be different from each other.
[0022] Another exemplary embodiment of the present invention
provides an electronic panel including: a first detection electrode
including a first connection pattern, and a plurality of first main
electrodes spaced apart from each other with the first connection
pattern therebetween and each connected to the first connection
pattern; a second detection electrode including a second connection
pattern spaced apart from the first connection pattern with an
insulating layer therebetween, and a plurality of second main
patterns spaced apart from each other with the second connection
pattern therebetween and each connected to the second connection
pattern; and a coordinate pattern disposed on the first detection
electrode. The first connection pattern includes an island part
spaced apart from the first main patterns, a first connection part
connecting one of the first main patterns and the island part, and
a second connection part connecting another of the first main
patterns and the island part, and the coordinate pattern is
disposed on the island part.
[0023] The island part may be disposed on the same layer as the
second detection patterns and spaced apart from the second
connection patterns and the second main patterns on a plane.
[0024] The coordinate pattern may include: a plurality of first
patterns, each having a first area; and a second pattern spaced
apart from the first patterns, each pattern having a second area
different from the first area. Each of the first patterns may match
with the second pattern.
[0025] The coordinate patterns may include a plurality of
through-holes passing through the insulating layer, and the island
part may have an upper surface curved along the through-holes.
[0026] The coordinate patterns may include a plurality of
through-holes passing through the island part.
[0027] The coordinate patterns may have different numerical shapes
from each other.
[0028] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general
description and the following detailed description are exemplary
and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of
the invention as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a
further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate exemplary
embodiments of the invention, and together with the description
serve to explain the inventive concepts.
[0030] FIG. 1A is an assembled perspective view of an electronic
device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0031] FIG. 1B is an exploded perspective view of the electronic
device shown in FIG. 1A.
[0032] FIGS. 2A and 2B are views of respective some configurations
of the electronic device shown in FIG. 1B.
[0033] FIG. 3A is an enlarged plan view showing a portion of an
electronic device according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
[0034] FIG. 3B is an enlarged plan view of the area XX' shown in
FIG. 3A.
[0035] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I'
shown in FIG. 3B.
[0036] FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line
II-II' shown in FIG. 3B.
[0037] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a portion of a
detection unit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0038] FIGS. 6A and 6B are plan views of coordinate patterns
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 6C is a plan view of a coordinate pattern according to
an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0040] FIGS. 7A and 7B are plan views of coordinate patterns
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0041] FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D are plan views of coordinate
patterns according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0042] FIGS. 9A and 9B are plan views showing a portion of unit
detection areas according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0043] FIG. 10A is a plan view showing a partial area of an
electronic panel according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
[0044] FIG. 10B is a plan view showing an enlarged partial area
shown in FIG. 10A.
[0045] FIG. 10C is an enlarged partial plan view of an electronic
panel according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
[0046] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an electronic device
testing method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0047] In the following description, for the purposes of
explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding of various exemplary embodiments
of the invention. As used herein "embodiments" are non-limiting
examples of devices or methods employing one or more of the
inventive concepts disclosed herein. It is apparent, however, that
various exemplary embodiments may be practiced without these
specific details or with one or more equivalent arrangements. In
other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in
block diagram form in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring
various exemplary embodiments. Further, various exemplary
embodiments may be different, but do not have to be exclusive. For
example, specific shapes, configurations, and characteristics of an
exemplary embodiment may be used or implemented in another
exemplary embodiment without departing from the inventive
concepts.
[0048] Unless otherwise specified, the illustrated exemplary
embodiments are to be understood as providing exemplary features of
varying detail of some ways in which the inventive concepts may be
implemented in practice. Therefore, unless otherwise specified, the
features, components, modules, layers, films, panels, regions,
and/or aspects, etc. (hereinafter individually or collectively
referred to as "elements"), of the various embodiments may be
otherwise combined, separated, interchanged, and/or rearranged
without departing from the inventive concepts.
[0049] The use of cross-hatching and/or shading in the accompanying
drawings is generally provided to clarify boundaries between
adjacent elements. As such, neither the presence nor the absence of
cross-hatching or shading conveys or indicates any preference or
requirement for particular materials, material properties,
dimensions, proportions, commonalities between illustrated
elements, and/or any other characteristic, attribute, property,
etc., of the elements, unless specified. Further, in the
accompanying drawings, the size and relative sizes of elements may
be exaggerated for clarity and/or descriptive purposes. When an
exemplary embodiment may be implemented differently, a specific
process order may be performed differently from the described
order. For example, two consecutively described processes may be
performed substantially at the same time or performed in an order
opposite to the described order. Also, like reference numerals
denote like elements.
[0050] When an element, such as a layer, is referred to as being
"on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it
may be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element
or layer or intervening elements or layers may be present. When,
however, an element or layer 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. To
this end, the term "connected" may refer to physical, electrical,
and/or fluid connection, with or without intervening elements.
Further, the D1-axis, the D2-axis, and the D3-axis are not limited
to three axes of a rectangular coordinate system, such as the x, y,
and z-axes, and may be interpreted in a broader sense. For example,
the D1-axis, the D2-axis, and the D3-axis may be perpendicular to
one another, or may represent different directions that are not
perpendicular to one another. For the purposes of this disclosure,
"at least one of X, Y, and Z" and "at least one selected from the
group consisting of X, Y, and Z" may be construed as X only, Y
only, Z only, or any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z,
such as, for instance, XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ. As used herein, the
term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of
the associated listed items.
[0051] Although the terms "first," "second," etc. may be used
herein to describe various types of elements, these elements should
not be limited by these terms. These terms are used to distinguish
one element from another element. Thus, a first element discussed
below could be termed a second element without departing from the
teachings of the disclosure.
[0052] Spatially relative terms, such as "beneath," "below,"
"under," "lower," "above," "upper," "over," "higher," "side" (e.g.,
as in "sidewall"), and the like, may be used herein for descriptive
purposes, and, thereby, to describe one elements relationship to
another element(s) as illustrated in the drawings. Spatially
relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of
an apparatus in use, operation, and/or manufacture in addition to
the orientation depicted in the drawings. For example, if the
apparatus in the drawings 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. Furthermore, the apparatus may be otherwise oriented
(e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and, as such,
the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted
accordingly.
[0053] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. 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. Moreover, the terms "comprises," "comprising,"
"includes," and/or "including," when used in this specification,
specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps,
operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof, but do not
preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features,
integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups
thereof. It is also noted that, as used herein, the terms
"substantially," "about," and other similar terms, are used as
terms of approximation and not as terms of degree, and, as such,
are utilized to account for inherent deviations in measured,
calculated, and/or provided values that would be recognized by one
of ordinary skill in the art.
[0054] Various exemplary embodiments are described herein with
reference to sectional and/or exploded illustrations that are
schematic illustrations of idealized exemplary embodiments and/or
intermediate structures. 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, exemplary embodiments
disclosed herein should not necessarily be construed as limited to
the particular illustrated shapes of regions, but are to include
deviations in shapes that result from, for instance, manufacturing.
In this manner, regions illustrated in the drawings may be
schematic in nature and the shapes of these regions may not reflect
actual shapes of regions of a device and, as such, are not
necessarily intended to be limiting.
[0055] 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
disclosure is a part. 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 should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal
sense, unless expressly so defined herein.
[0056] FIG. 1A is an assembled perspective view of an electronic
device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. FIG. 1B is an exploded perspective view of the
electronic device shown in FIG. 1A. Hereinafter, the inventive
concepts will be described with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B.
[0057] An electronic device EA may be a device that is activated in
response to an electrical signal. The electronic device EA may
include various exemplary embodiments. For example, the electronic
device EA may include a tablet, a notebook, a computer, a smart
television, and the like. In this embodiment, the electronic device
EA is exemplarily shown as a smart phone.
[0058] As shown in FIG. 1, the electronic device EA may display the
image IM on the front surface FS. The front surface FS may be
defined as being parallel to a plane defined by the first direction
DR1 and the second direction DR2.
[0059] The electronic device EA displays an image IM. The image IM
may include at least one of a static image and a dynamic image. In
FIG. 1, a clock and a plurality of icons are shown as an example of
the image IM.
[0060] A direction normal to the front surface FS may correspond to
the thickness direction DR3 (hereinafter referred to as a third
direction) of the electronic device EA. In the present exemplary
embodiment, the front surface (or upper surface) and the back
surface (or lower surface) of each member are defined with
reference to the direction in which the image IM is displayed. The
front surface and the back surface are opposed to each other in the
third direction DR3.
[0061] Moreover, the directions that the first to third directions
DR1, DR2, and DR3 indicate may be converted to other directions as
a relative concept. Hereinafter, first to third directions as
directions that the respective first to third directions DR1, DR2,
and DR3 indicate refer to the same reference numerals.
[0062] The electronic device EA according to the inventive concepts
may detect an input TC of a user applied from the outside. The
user's input TC includes various types of external inputs such as a
part of the user's body, light, heat, or pressure. In addition, the
electronic device EA may detect inputs that contact and also
non-contact inputs that are close to or adjacent to the electronic
device EA.
[0063] In this exemplary embodiment, the user's input TC is shown
with the user's hand applied to the front surface. However, this is
illustrated by way of example, and as described above, the user's
input TC may be provided in various forms. In addition, the
electronic device EA may detect a user's input TC applied to the
side surface or back surface of the electronic device EA according
to the structure of the electronic device EA and is not limited to
any one exemplary embodiment.
[0064] The electronic device EA may include a window 100, an
electronic panel 200, a circuit board 300, and an external case
400, as shown in FIG. 1B. The window 100 and the outer case 400 are
combined to define the appearance of the electronic device EA.
[0065] The window 100 is disposed on the electronic panel 200 to
cover the upper surface IS of the electronic panel 200. The window
100 may include an optically transparent electrically insulating
material. The electronic panel 200 may display the image IM and
detect the external input TC. The electronic panel 200 includes an
upper surface IS including an active area AA and a peripheral area
NAA. The active area AA may be an area activated according to an
electrical signal.
[0066] In the present exemplary embodiment, the active area AA is
an area where the image IM is displayed, and an area where the
external input TC is detected. However, this is merely an example,
and the area where the image IM is displayed in the active area AA
and the area where the external input TC is detected may be
separated from each other, and is not limited to any one exemplary
embodiment.
[0067] The peripheral area NAA may be an area covered by the bezel
area BZA. The peripheral area NAA is adjacent to the active area
AA. The peripheral area NAA may surround the active area AA. A
driving circuit, a driving wiring, and the like for driving the
active area AA may be disposed in the peripheral area NAA.
[0068] In the peripheral area NAA, various signal lines, pads PD,
or electronic devices for providing an electrical signal to the
active area AA may be disposed. The peripheral area NAA may be
covered by the bezel area BZA and not be visible from the
outside.
[0069] In this exemplary embodiment, the electronic panel 200 is
assembled in a flat state in which the active area AA and the
peripheral area NAA face the window 100. However, this is merely an
example, and a portion of the peripheral area NAA or a portion of
the active area AA of the electronic panel 200 may be bent.
[0070] When a portion of the electronic panel 200 is bent, a
portion of the peripheral area NAA is directed to the back surface
of the electronic device EA, so that the bezel area BZA at the
front surface of the display device EA may be reduced.
Alternatively, the electronic panel 200 may be assembled in a state
where a portion of the active area AA is also bent. Alternatively,
in the electronic panel 200 according to the inventive concepts,
the peripheral area NAA may be omitted.
[0071] The circuit board 300 may be connected to the electronic
panel 200. The circuit board 300 may include a flexible substrate
CF and a main substrate MB. The flexible substrate CF may include
an insulating film and conductive wires mounted on the insulating
film. The conductive wires are connected to the pads PD to
electrically connect the circuit board 300 and the electronic panel
200.
[0072] In this exemplary embodiment, the flexible substrate CF may
be assembled in a bent state. Accordingly, the main substrate MB is
disposed on the back surface of the electronic panel 200 so that it
may be received stably in the space provided by the outer case 400.
However, the flexible substrate CF may be omitted, and the main
substrate MB may be directly connected to the electronic panel 200
at this time.
[0073] The main substrate MB may include signal lines and
electronic elements not shown. The electronic elements may be
connected to the signal lines and electrically connected to the
electronic panel 200.
[0074] In an electronic device EA according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention, the driving circuit for
providing an electric signal to the active area AA may be directly
mounted on the electronic panel 200. At this time, the driving
circuit may be mounted in the form of a chip, or may be formed
together with the pixels PX. At this time, the area of the circuit
board 300 may be reduced or omitted. The electronic device EA of
the inventive concepts may include various embodiments and is not
limited to any one specific exemplary embodiment.
[0075] FIGS. 2A and 2B are views of some configurations of the
electronic device shown in FIG. 1B. FIG. 3A is an enlarged plan
view showing a portion of an electronic device according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3B is an
enlarged plan view of the area XX' shown in FIG. 3A. Hereinafter,
the inventive concepts will be described with reference to FIGS. 2A
to 3B.
[0076] FIG. 2A shows a plan view of the display unit 210 which is a
constitution of the electronic panel 200 (see FIG. 1B), and FIG. 2B
shows a plan view of the detection unit 220 which is a constitution
of the electronic panel 200. In this exemplary embodiment, the
detection unit 220 is shown disposed on the display unit 210.
However, this is merely an example, and the detection unit 220 may
be disposed on the lower side of the display unit 210, or may be
built in the display unit 210, and is not limited to any one
specific exemplary embodiment.
[0077] The display unit 210 is configured to substantially generate
the image IM (see FIG. 1A). The user views the image IM generated
by the display unit 210 from the outside through the window
100.
[0078] The display unit 210 includes a base substrate BS, a
plurality of pixels PX, a plurality of signal lines GL, DL and PL,
and a plurality of display pads DPD. The active area AA and the
peripheral area NAA may be areas provided by the base substrate BS.
The base substrate BS may include an insulating substrate. For
example, the base substrate BS may be composed of a glass
substrate, a plastic substrate, or a combination thereof.
[0079] The signal lines GL, DL and PL are connected to the pixels
PX to transmit electrical signals to the pixels PX. A scan line GL,
a data line DL, and a power supply line PL among the signal lines
are included in the display unit 210. However, this is merely an
example. The signal lines GL, DL, and PL may further include at
least one of a power supply line, an initialization voltage line,
and a light emission control line, and is not limited to any one
specific exemplary embodiment.
[0080] The pixel PX may be disposed in the active area AA. In this
exemplary embodiment, a signal circuit diagram of one pixel PX
among a plurality of pixels is enlarged and shown as an example.
The pixel PX may include a first thin film transistor TR1, a
capacitor CP, a second thin film transistor TR2, and a light
emitting element EE.
[0081] The light emitting element EE may generate light or control
the amount of light according to an electrical signal. For example,
the light emitting element EE may include an organic light emitting
element, a quantum dot light emitting element, an electrophoretic
element, or an electrowetting element. However, this is merely an
example, and each of the pixels PX may include electronic
components having various configurations and arrangements, and is
not limited to any one specific exemplary embodiment.
[0082] The power supply pattern VDD is disposed in the peripheral
area NAA. In this exemplary embodiment, the power supply pattern
VDD is connected to a plurality of power supply lines PL. Thus, as
the display unit 210 includes the power supply pattern VDD, it may
provide the same power supply signal to a plurality of pixels.
[0083] The display pads DPD may include a first pad P1 and a second
pad P2. The plurality of first pads P1 may be connected to the data
lines DL, respectively. The second pad P2 may be connected to the
power supply pattern VDD and electrically connected to the power
supply line PL. The display unit 210 may provide electrical signals
to the pixels PX externally provided through the display pads DPD.
The display pads DPD may further include pads for receiving
electrical signals other than the first pads P1 and the second pads
P2, and are not limited to any one exemplary embodiment.
[0084] Referring to FIG. 2B, the detection unit 220 is disposed on
the display unit 210. The detection unit 220 may detect the
external input TC (see FIG. 1A) and obtain the position and
intensity information of the external input TC. The detection unit
220 includes a plurality of first detection electrodes TE1, a
plurality of second detection electrodes TE2, a plurality of lines
TL1, TL2 and TL3, and a plurality of detection pads T1, T2, and
T3.
[0085] The first detection electrodes TE1 and the second detection
electrodes TE2 are disposed in the active area AA. The detection
unit 220 may obtain information on the external input TC through a
change in capacitance between the first detection electrodes TE1
and the second detection electrodes TE2. However, this is merely an
example, and the detection unit 220 may be driven by a resistance
film type to obtain information on the external input TC, and is
not limited to any one specific exemplary embodiment.
[0086] The first detection electrodes TE1 are arranged along the
first direction DR1 and each of them extends along the second
direction DR2. Each of the first detection electrodes TE1 includes
a plurality of first main patterns SP1, and a first connection
pattern BP1 connecting adjacent first main patterns SP1.
[0087] The first main pattern SP1 is disposed in the active area
AA. The first main pattern SP1 has a predetermined shape and has a
first area. In this exemplary embodiment, the first main pattern
SP1 may have a shape substantially similar to a rhombus shape.
However, this is merely an example, and the first main pattern SP1
may have various shapes and is not limited to any one specific
exemplary embodiment.
[0088] The first connection pattern BP1 extends along the second
direction DR2. The first connection pattern BP1 is connected to the
first main pattern SP1. The first connection pattern BP1 may be
disposed between the two first main patterns to connect the two
first main patterns.
[0089] The second detection electrodes TE2 are arranged along the
second direction DR2 and each of them extends along the first
direction DR1. Each of the second detection electrodes TE2 may
include a second main pattern SP2 and a second connection pattern
BP2.
[0090] The second main pattern SP2 is disposed in the active area
AA. The second main pattern SP2 may be physically spaced apart from
the first main pattern SP1. In this exemplary embodiment, the
separation between the first main pattern SP1 and the second main
pattern SP2 may be a separation on the cross section. The first
main pattern SP1 and the second main pattern SP2 are not in contact
with each other and may transmit and receive independent electrical
signals.
[0091] In this exemplary embodiment, the second main pattern SP2
may have the same shape as the first main pattern SP1. For example,
the second main pattern SP2 may have a relatively rhombic shape.
However, this is merely an example, and the second main pattern SP2
may have various shapes and is not limited to any one specific
exemplary embodiment.
[0092] In this exemplary embodiment, the second connection pattern
BP2 extends along the first direction DR1. The second connection
pattern BP2 is connected to the second main pattern SP2. The second
connection pattern BP2 may be disposed between the two second main
patterns to connect the two second main patterns.
[0093] The detection lines TL1, TL2, and TL3 are disposed in the
peripheral area NAA. The detection lines TL1, TL2 and TL3 may
include first detection lines TL1, second detection lines TL2 and
third detection lines TL3.
[0094] The first detection lines TL1 are connected to the first
detection electrodes TE1, respectively. In this exemplary
embodiment, the first detection lines TL1 are connected to the
upper ends of the both ends of the first detection electrodes TE1,
respectively.
[0095] The second detection lines TL2 are connected to one ends of
the second detection electrodes TE2, respectively. In this
exemplary embodiment, the second detection lines TL2 are connected
to the left ends of the both ends of the second detection
electrodes TE2, respectively.
[0096] The third detection lines TL3 are connected to the lower
ends of the both ends of the first detection electrodes TE1,
respectively. According to an exemplary embodiment, the first
detection electrodes TE1 may be connected to the first detection
lines TL1 and the third detection lines TL3, respectively.
Accordingly, for the first detection electrodes TE1 having a
relatively longer length compared to the second detection
electrodes TE2, the sensitivity according to the area may be
maintained uniformly. On the other hand, this is merely an example,
and in the detection unit 220 according to an exemplary embodiment
of the present invention, the third detection lines TL3 may be
omitted and are not limited to any one specific exemplary
embodiment.
[0097] The detection pads TPD are disposed in the peripheral area
NAA. The detection pads T1, T2, and T3 may include first detection
pads T1, second detection pads T2, and third detection pads T3. The
first detection pads T1 are respectively connected to the first
detection lines TL1 to provide an external signal to the first
detection electrodes TE1. The second detection pads T2 are
respectively connected to the second detection lines TL2, and the
third detection pads T3 are respectively connected to the third
detection lines TL3 to electrically connect to the second detection
electrodes TE2.
[0098] In the detection unit 220 according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention, the active area AA may include
a plurality of n unit detection areas SU.sub.1, SU.sub.k,
SU.sub.k+, SU.sub.m, and SU.sub.n. Each of the unit detection areas
SU.sub.1, SU.sub.k, SU.sub.k+1, SU.sub.m, and SU.sub.n may be a
minimum unit area where an external input TC may be detected. For
example, each of the unit detection areas SU.sub.1, SU.sub.k,
SU.sub.k+1, SU.sub.m, and SU.sub.n may be shown as an area
including a half area of the area of the two first main patterns
SP1 around the first and second connection patterns CP1 and CP2 and
a half area of the area of the two second main patterns SP2. The
unit detection areas SU.sub.1, SU.sub.k, SU.sub.k-1, SU.sub.m, and
SU.sub.n are arranged side-by-side on a plane. For ease of
explanation, in FIG. 2B, some unit detection areas SU.sub.1,
SU.sub.k, SU.sub.k+1, SU.sub.m, and SU.sub.n of the detection areas
SU are shown by dotted lines.
[0099] The unit detection areas SU.sub.1, SU.sub.k, SU.sub.k+1,
SU.sub.m, and SU.sub.n may be arranged along a row defined by the
first direction DR1 and a column defined by the second direction
DR2. Accordingly, the first unit detection area SU.sub.1 of the
unit detection areas SU.sub.1, SU.sub.k, SU.sub.k+1, SU.sub.m, and
SU.sub.n may be disposed in the first row and the first column, and
the last n-th unit detection area SU.sub.n may be disposed in the
last row and the last column.
[0100] Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, the first connection pattern
BP1 and the second connection pattern BP2 are disposed to intersect
with each other. In this exemplary embodiment, the first connection
pattern BP1 and the second connection pattern BP2 may be disposed
at the center of one unit detection area SU.
[0101] The second connection pattern BP2 may have an integral shape
connected to the second main pattern SP2. The second connection
pattern BP2 is disposed on the same layer as the second main
pattern SP2 and connects the two adjacent second main patterns
SP2.
[0102] The first connection pattern BP1 connects between two
adjacent first main patterns SP1. In this exemplary embodiment, the
first main patterns SP1 may be disposed apart from each other on a
plane with the second connection pattern BP2 therebetween.
[0103] The first connection pattern BP1 may include a first
connection part B1, a second connection part B2, and an island part
B3. The first connection part B1 connects the island part B3 and
the upper first main pattern SP1. The second connection part B2
connects the island part B3 and the lower first main pattern SP1.
The first connection part B1 and the second connection part B2 may
be disposed on a different layer from the second main pattern SP2
and the second connection pattern BP2.
[0104] The island part B3 may be disposed on the same layer as the
second main pattern SP2 and the second connection pattern BP2 and
may be disposed apart from the second main pattern SP2 and the
second connection pattern BP2. The island part B3 may be disposed
in the opening part formed in the second main pattern SP2 or in the
opening part formed in the second connection pattern BP2.
[0105] In the present exemplary embodiment, the island part B3 may
be disposed in an opening part OP-TE2 defined at a position where
the second main pattern SP2 and the second connection pattern BP2
are connected. A predetermined separation space GP may exist
between the island part B3 and the second connection pattern BP2
and between the island part B3 and the second main pattern SP2.
Accordingly, the island part B3 may be electrically insulated even
if it is disposed on the same layer as the second detection
electrode TE2, so that it may transmit and receive an independent
electrical signal from the second detection electrode TE2.
[0106] In the electronic device according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention, the detection unit 220 further
includes a coordinate pattern CRP. The coordinate pattern CRP may
be disposed in each unit detection area SU. In this embodiment, the
coordinate pattern CRP is exemplarily disposed in the island part
B3.
[0107] The coordinate pattern CRP represents the unique coordinate
information of each unit detection area SU. A coordinate pattern
CRP has a shape distinguished from a coordinate pattern
constituting the coordinate pattern CRP of an adjacent unit
detection area SU. According to the inventive concepts, the
position of the corresponding unit detection area SU may be easily
recognized by confirming the coordinate pattern CRP, so that the
inspection step and the like may be simplified.
[0108] FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I'
shown in FIG. 3B, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along
the line II-If shown in FIG. 3B. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view
illustrating a portion of a detection unit according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention. For ease of
explanation, FIG. 5 shows the area corresponding to FIG. 4A.
Hereinafter, the inventive concepts will be described with
reference to FIGS. 4A to 5. Moreover, the same components as those
described with reference to FIGS. 1A to 3B are given by the same
reference numerals and redundant description will be omitted.
[0109] As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the first main pattern SP1, the
second main pattern SP2, and the second connection pattern BP2 are
disposed on the same layer. It is shown that the first main pattern
SP1, the second main pattern SP2, and the second connection pattern
BP2 are arranged on the detection insulating layer IL, and it is
shown that the second connection pattern BP2 and the second main
pattern SP2 are connected to each other to form an integral
shape.
[0110] The first connection pattern BP1 may be electrically
insulated from the second connection pattern BP2 and the second
main pattern SP1. At least one of the first connection part B1, the
second connection part B2, and the island part B3 constituting the
first connection pattern BP1 may be disposed on a different layer
from the rest of the configuration. In this exemplary embodiment,
it is shown that the first connection part B1 and the second
connection part B2 are arranged on the same layer and the island
part B3 is disposed on a different layer.
[0111] The first connection part B1 and the second connection part
B2 are disposed between the display unit 210 and the detection
insulating layer IL. The first connection part B1 and the second
connection part B2 are disposed on a different layer from the first
main pattern SP1, the second main pattern SP2 and the second
connection part B2. One side and the other side of each of the
first connection part B1 and the second connection part B2 are
respectively connected to the first main pattern SP1 and the island
part B3 through the contact holes CH.
[0112] The island part B3 is disposed on the same layer as the
first main pattern SP1, the second main pattern SP2, and the second
connection pattern BP2. The island part B3 may be spaced apart from
the first main pattern SP1, the second main pattern SP2 and the
second connection pattern BP2 on a plane with a separation space GP
therebetween.
[0113] The coordinate pattern CRP overlaps the island part B3 on a
plane. The coordinate pattern CRP may represent the position value
of the corresponding unit detection area, and may be a pattern with
unique coordinates or address information of the corresponding unit
detection area. The coordinate pattern CRP may include a plurality
of hole patterns HP. The hole patterns HP are disposed apart from
each other on a plane. In this exemplary embodiment, each of the
hole patterns HP may be a through-hole passing through the
insulating layer IL.
[0114] The island part B3 is disposed on the detection insulating
layer IL along the hole patterns HP. The upper surface of the
island part B3 may have a curvature corresponding to the coordinate
pattern CRP. The user may view the coordinate pattern CRP through
the curvature formed on the island part B3.
[0115] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 5, the coordinate
pattern CRP-1 may be defined in the island part B3-1. Each of the
hole patterns HP-1 may be a through-hole passing through the island
part B3-1. The user may view the coordinate pattern CRP-1 through
the through-holes formed in the island part B3-1.
[0116] According to the inventive concepts, if the coordinate
patterns CRP and CRP-1 may be visually recognized by the user, they
may be formed by various configurations. According to the inventive
concepts, by using the curvature formed in the detection electrode
or the through-hole formed in the detection electrode as a
coordinate pattern, each unit detection area may form unique
coordinate patterns, and coordinate patterns that may be easily
seen by the user may be provided.
[0117] FIGS. 6A and 6B are plan views of coordinate patterns
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. FIG.
6C is a plan view of some of coordinate patterns according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention. For ease of
explanation, FIGS. 6A and 6B show coordinate patterns of unit
detection areas at different positions, and FIG. 6C shows hole
patterns.
[0118] Hereinafter, the inventive concepts will be described with
reference to FIGS. 6A to 6C. The same components as those described
with reference to FIGS. 1A to 5 are given by the same reference
numerals, and any redundant description will be omitted.
[0119] As shown in FIG. 6A, the coordinate pattern CRP may include
a first group of hole patterns P10 to P19 and a second group of
hole patterns P00 to P09. For ease of explanation, unique numbers
P00 to P19 according to positions are shown for each hole
pattern.
[0120] The first group of hole patterns P10 to P19 may be arranged
along the circumference of the circle having the first radius A1
from the center CT. Of the first group of hole patterns P10 to P19,
the first hole pattern P10 to the tenth hole pattern P19 may be
sequentially arranged in the clockwise direction. In this exemplary
embodiment, the first group of hole patterns P10 to P19 are
arranged at equal intervals from each other.
[0121] The second group of hole patterns P00 to P09 are spaced
apart from the first group of hole patterns P10 to P19. The second
group of hole patterns P00 to P09 may be arranged along the
circumference of the circle having the second radius A2 from the
center CT. Of the second group of hole patterns P00 to P09, the
first hole pattern P00 to the tenth hole pattern P09 may be
sequentially arranged in the clockwise direction. In this exemplary
embodiment, the second group of hole patterns P00 to P09 are
arranged at equal intervals from each other.
[0122] In this exemplary embodiment, the second radius A2 may be
smaller than the first radius A1. Accordingly, the second group of
hole patterns P00 to P09 may be disposed on the inner side of the
circular shape defined by the first group of hole patterns P10 to
P19.
[0123] As described above, the user may know unique coordinates,
that is, an address, of the corresponding unit detection area
through the coordinate pattern CRP. For example, when the detection
area is an N-th detection area, the first group of hole patterns
P10 to P19 includes the N-tens-digit information, and the second
group of hole patterns P00 to P09 may include N-unit-digit
information.
[0124] The first group of hole patterns P10 to P19 include nine
hole patterns P11 to P19 having the same diameter D1 and one hole
pattern P10 having a relatively large diameter D2. FIG. 6A shows
that the first hole pattern P10 of the first group of hole patterns
P10 to P19 has a diameter D2 larger than a diameter D1 of each of
the remaining hole patterns P11 to P19. Assuming that it means "0"
to "9" sequentially from the first hole pattern P10 to the last
hole pattern P19 in the first group of hole patterns P10 to P19, it
may be seen that the first group of hole patterns P10 to P19 has
information in which the number in "tens place" of N is "0".
[0125] Similarly, the second group of hole patterns P00 to P09
include nine hole patterns P00 to P06, P08 and P09 having the same
diameter D3 and one hole pattern P07 having a relatively large
diameter D4. FIG. 6A shows that the diameter D4 of the eighth hole
pattern P07 among the second group of hole patterns P00 to P09 is
larger than the diameter D3 of each of the remaining hole patterns
P00 to P06, P08, and P09. Assuming that it means "0" to "9"
sequentially from the first hole pattern P00 to the last hole
pattern P09 in the second group of hole patterns P00 to P09, it may
be seen that the second group of hole patterns P00 to P09 has
information in which the number in the unit place of N is "7".
[0126] That is, the coordinate pattern CRP shown in FIG. 6A may be
a coordinate pattern in the seventh unit detection area. Through
the position of the hole pattern having a different size from the
adjacent hole pattern among the hole patterns P00 to P19 included
in the coordinate pattern CRP, the user may easily obtain the
coordinate information of the corresponding unit detection
area.
[0127] The coordinate pattern CRP1 shown in FIG. 6B may be disposed
in a unit detection area at a different position from the unit
detection area shown in FIG. 6A. That is, the coordinate pattern
CRP1 shown in FIG. 6B includes different coordinate information
from the coordinate pattern CRP shown in FIG. 6A.
[0128] Specifically, referring to FIG. 6B, it is shown that the
second hole pattern P11 of the first group of hole patterns P10 to
P19 has a relatively larger diameter than the remaining hole
patterns P10 and P12 to P19. To correspond to that shown in FIG.
6A, the eighth hole pattern P07 of the second group of hole
patterns P00 to P09 has a larger diameter than the remaining hole
patterns P00 to P06, P08, and P09.
[0129] In the coordinate pattern CRP1 shown in FIG. 6B, the first
group of hole patterns P10 to P19 represent information that the
number in tens place of N is "1" and the second group of hole
patterns P00 to P09 represent information that the number in the
unit place of N is "7". That is, the coordinate pattern CRP1 may be
the coordinate pattern of the "17th" unit detection area.
[0130] According to the inventive concepts, coordinate information
of a corresponding unit detection area may be easily obtained
through the position of a pattern having a different size from
adjacent patterns. At this time, the size of the pattern may have a
size difference that may be distinguished from adjacent patterns
through the naked eye.
[0131] For example, as shown in FIG. 6C, the first pattern P1 and
the second pattern P2 may have a circular shape having radii R1 and
R2 different from each other about the same center point CTP. The
first pattern P1 may have a circular shape with the first radius R1
and the second pattern P2 may have the circular shape with the
second radius R2.
[0132] In FIGS. 6A and 6B, for ease of explanation, hole patterns
including coordinate information are shown as a second pattern P2
and adjacent remaining hole patterns are shown as a first pattern
P1. However, these are mere examples, and the hole patterns
including the coordinate information may be shown as the second
pattern P2, and adjacent remaining hole patterns may be shown as
the first pattern P1, but are not limited to any one specific
exemplary embodiment.
[0133] In the present exemplary embodiment, the first pattern P1
and the second pattern P2 may have a similar relationship with each
other. That is, if the first pattern P1 is enlarged at a certain
ratio, it may be a shape that is in congruence with the second
pattern P2. Conversely, when the second pattern P2 is reduced in a
constant ratio, it may be a shape that is in congruence with the
first pattern P1.
[0134] The difference between the first radius R1 and the second
radius R2 is visually distinguishable. If the difference between
the first radius R1 and the second radius R2 is excessively fine, a
separate measuring instrument is required, which may increase the
inspection process time or increase the cost.
[0135] On the other hand, as the difference between the first
radius R1 and the second radius R2 becomes greater, it is easy to
distinguish by the naked eye, but it may be recognized as fault or
defect in optical inspection. Further, the area occupied by the
coordinate pattern CRP or CRP1 may be increased, so that the degree
of freedom of arrangement of the coordinate patterns may be
reduced.
[0136] According to the inventive concepts, the difference between
the first radius R1 and the second radius R2 may be less than about
1 .mu.m. In this case, the difference from the adjacent pattern may
be easily identified and it may not be interpreted as a defect in
an optical inspection using the automatic optical inspection
equipment, so that it is possible to stably function as a
coordinate pattern including coordinate information.
[0137] FIGS. 7A and 7B are plan views of coordinate patterns
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate exemplary embodiments of the coordinate
patterns CRP_1 and CRP_2 in the seventh unit detection area for
ease of illustration, respectively, and may be unit detection areas
corresponding to FIG. 6A. Hereinafter, the inventive concepts will
be described with reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B. The same components
as those described with reference to FIGS. 1A to 6C are given by
the same reference numerals and redundant description will be
omitted.
[0138] As shown in FIG. 7A, in the coordinate pattern CRP_1, the
first group of hole patterns P10 to P19, which mean the "tens"
place in the coordinate information of the unit detection area, may
include nine hole patterns P11 to P19 having the same diameter D11
and one hole pattern P10 having a relatively small diameter D21. In
addition, the second group of hole patterns P00 to P09, which mean
the "unit" place in the coordinate information of the unit
detection area, may include nine hole patterns P00 to P06, P08 and
P09 having the same diameter D31 and one hole pattern P07 having a
relatively small diameter D41.
[0139] The hole patterns P10 and P07 having a relatively small size
may be similar to the remaining hole patterns P11 to P19, P00 to
P06, P08 and P09. The size difference between the hole patterns may
be about 2 .mu.m or less.
[0140] That is, in the coordinate pattern CRP_1, the hole pattern
distinguished from adjacent hole patterns may have a relatively
small size. Through the positions of the hole patterns P10 and P07
having a smaller size than the adjacent hole patterns, the
coordinate pattern CRP_1 may provide coordinate information that
the corresponding unit detection area corresponds to the "seventh
unit detection area".
[0141] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7B, in the coordinate
pattern CRP_2, the first group of hole patterns P11 to P19, which
means the "tens" place of the coordinate information of the
corresponding unit detection area, may be composed of only nine
hole patterns P11 to P19. At this time, the first hole pattern P10
shown in FIG. 7A may be omitted and provided as an empty space VC.
If there is no hole pattern with a different size among the nine
hole patterns P11 to P19, it may be defined that the tens place in
the coordinate information of the corresponding detection area may
mean "0". Through the positions of the hole patterns P07 having a
relatively smaller size than the adjacent hole patterns, the
coordinate pattern CRP_2 may provide coordinate information that
the corresponding unit detection area corresponds to the "seventh
unit detection area".
[0142] According to the inventive concept, various types of
coordinate patterns CRP_1 and CRP_2 may be provided for the same
detection area. Although not shown in the drawing, if the total
number of unit detection areas provided in the electronic panel is
more than 100, the coordinate patterns CRP_1 and CRP_2 may further
include a third group of hole patterns. According to the inventive
concept, if the coordinate information may be visually recognized
through a size difference between a plurality of hole patterns
having a similar relationship with each other, the coordinate
patterns CRP_1 and CRP_2 may be provided in various arrangements
and various shapes, and are not limited to any one specific
exemplary embodiment.
[0143] FIGS. 8A to 8D are plan views of coordinate patterns
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 8A to 8D illustrate exemplary embodiments of the coordinate
patterns CRP_3, CRP_4, CRP_5, and CRP_6 in the seventh unit
detection area for ease of illustration, respectively, and may be
unit detection areas corresponding to FIG. 6A. Hereinafter, the
inventive concept will be described with reference to FIGS. 8A to
8D. Moreover, the same components as those described with reference
to FIGS. 1A to 7B are given by the same reference numerals and any
redundant description will be omitted.
[0144] As shown in FIG. 8A, the first group of hole patterns P10 to
P19 and the second group of hole patterns P00 to P09 may have
different shapes. In this exemplary embodiment, each of the first
group of hole patterns P10 to P19 may have an elliptical shape. The
first group of hole patterns P10 to P19 may include nine hole
patterns P11 to P19 having the same long side D12 and one hole
pattern P10 having a relatively large long side D22. The first hole
pattern P10 and the remaining hole patterns P11 to P19 have a
similar relationship.
[0145] In this exemplary embodiment, each of the second group of
hole patterns P00 to P09 may have a circular shape. The second
group of hole patterns P00 to P09 may include nine hole patterns
P00 to P06, P08 and P09 having the same diameter D32 and one hole
pattern P07 having a relatively large diameter D42. The eighth hole
pattern P07 and the remaining hole patterns P00 to P06, P08 and P09
have a similar relationship. Through the positions of the hole
patterns P10 and P07 having a larger size than the adjacent hole
patterns, the coordinate pattern CRP_3 may provide coordinate
information that the corresponding unit detection area corresponds
to the "seventh unit detection area".
[0146] In the coordinate pattern CRP_3, the hole pattern
distinguished from adjacent hole patterns may have a relatively
large size. On the other hand, the hole patterns belonging to
different groups may have different shapes from each other.
Accordingly, the distinction between the first group of hole
patterns P10 to P19 and the second group of hole patterns P00 to
P09 becomes easier and the discrimination power of the coordinate
pattern CRP_3 may be improved.
[0147] As shown in FIG. 8B, the coordinate pattern CRP_4 may
include hole patterns of polygonal shape. In this exemplary
embodiment, each of the first group of hole patterns P10 to P19 and
the second group of hole patterns P00 to P09 may be shown in a
rectangular shape.
[0148] The first group of hole patterns P10 to P19 may include nine
hole patterns P11 to P19 having the same diagonal line D14 and one
hole pattern P10 having a relatively large diagonal line D24. The
first hole pattern P10 and the remaining hole patterns P11 to P19
have a similar relationship.
[0149] The second group of hole patterns P00 to P09 may include
nine hole patterns P00 to P06, P08 and P09 having the same diagonal
line D34 and one hole pattern P07 having a relatively large
diagonal line D44. The eighth hole pattern P07 and the remaining
hole patterns P00 to P06, P08, and P09 have a similar relationship.
Through the positions of the hole patterns P10 and P07 having a
relatively larger size than the adjacent hole patterns, the
coordinate pattern CRP_3 may provide coordinate information that
the corresponding unit detection area corresponds to the "seventh
unit detection area".
[0150] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8C, the coordinate pattern
CRP_5 may include rhombic hole patterns. The first group of hole
patterns P10 to P19 may include nine hole patterns P11 to P19
having the same diagonal line D15 and one hole pattern P10 having a
relatively large diagonal line D25. The first hole pattern P10 and
the remaining hole patterns P11 to P19 have a similar
relationship.
[0151] The second group of hole patterns P00 to P09 may include
nine hole patterns P00 to P06, P08 and P09 having the same diagonal
line D35 and one hole pattern P07 having a relatively large
diagonal line D45. The eighth hole pattern P07 and the remaining
hole patterns P00 to P06, P08 and P09 have a similar relationship.
Through the positions of the hole patterns P10 and P07 having a
relatively larger size than the adjacent hole patterns, the
coordinate pattern CRP_5 may provide coordinate information that
the corresponding unit detection area corresponds to the "seventh
unit detection area".
[0152] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8D, in the coordinate
pattern CRP_6, the arrangement of the hole patterns may be
variously provided. In this exemplary embodiment, the first group
of hole patterns P10 to P19 may be arranged in an elliptical shape
having long sides extending in the vertical direction. In addition,
the second group of hole patterns P00 to P09 may be arranged in a
rectangular shape extending in the vertical direction. Through the
positions of the hole patterns P10 and P07 having a larger size
than the adjacent hole patterns, the coordinate pattern CRP_6 may
provide coordinate information that the corresponding unit
detection area corresponds to the "seventh unit detection
area".
[0153] According to the inventive concepts, if the coordinate
information of the corresponding unit detection area may be
provided through the arrangement of the patterns having a similar
shape, the coordinate patterns CRP_3, CRP_4, CRP_5, and CRP_6 may
include hole patterns having various shapes, or may include hole
patterns arranged in various shapes, and are not limited to any one
embodiment.
[0154] FIGS. 9A and 9B are plan views showing a portion of unit
detection areas according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention. FIGS. 9A and 9B show areas corresponding to FIG. 3B for
ease of explanation. Hereinafter, the inventive concepts will be
described with reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B. Moreover, the same
components as those described with reference to FIGS. 1A to 8D are
given by the same reference numerals and redundant description will
be omitted.
[0155] As shown in FIG. 9A, in the electronic panel according to
this exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the island part
B3 (see FIG. 3B) may be omitted. The electronic panel includes
first main patterns SP1-21, second main patterns SP2-21, a first
connection pattern BP1-21, a second connection pattern BP2-21, and
a coordinate pattern CRP-1. The first connection pattern BP1-21 is
disposed on a different layer from the first main patterns SP1-21,
the second main patterns SP2-21, and the second connection pattern
BP2-21, and is connected to the first main patterns SP1-21 through
the contact hole CH. In this exemplary embodiment, the first
connection pattern BP1-21 may correspond to the integral shape
formed when the first connection part B1 (see FIG. 3B) and the
second connection part B2 (see FIG. 3B) are connected.
[0156] The coordinate pattern CRP-1 may be disposed to overlap with
the second connection pattern BP2-21. As described above, the
coordinate pattern CRP-1 may be defined through the second
connection pattern BP2-21 or through the detection insulating layer
IL (see FIG. 4A).
[0157] The coordinate pattern CRP-1 includes a first pattern P1 and
a second pattern P2 which is similar to the first pattern P1.
Referring to the coordinate pattern CRP-1, the unit detection area
SU-1 may correspond to the "seventh detection area".
[0158] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9B, the electronic panel
includes first main patterns SP1-22, second main patterns SP2-22, a
first connection pattern BP1-22, a second connection pattern
BP2-22, and a coordinate pattern CRP-2. The first main patterns
SP1-22, the second main patterns SP2-22, the first connection
pattern BP1-22, and the second connection pattern BP2-22 correspond
to the first main patterns SP1-21, the second main patterns SP2-21,
the first connection pattern BP1-21, and the second connection
pattern BP2-21, which are shown in FIG. 9A, respectively.
[0159] The coordinate pattern CRP-2 according to this exemplary
embodiment may be disposed overlapping with any one of the first
main patterns SP1-22. The unit detection area SU-2 includes a
coordinate pattern CRP-2 defined at a position substantially
different from the detection area SU-1 shown in FIG. 9A, but may
include the same coordinate information.
[0160] According to the inventive concepts, the coordinate patterns
CRP-1 and CRP-2 may be provided at various positions within the
unit detection areas SU-1 and SU-2 and are not limited to any one
specific exemplary embodiment. Accordingly, the position of the
unit detection area may be easily grasped within the unit detection
area, so that the inspection process may be simplified and the
process time may be shortened.
[0161] FIG. 10A is a plan view showing a partial area of an
electronic panel according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention. FIG. 10B is a plan view showing an enlarged
partial area shown in FIG. 10A. FIG. 10C is an enlarged partial
plan view of an electronic panel according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10A shows an eleventh
unit detection area SU.sub.11 and a twelfth unit detection area
SU.sub.12 which are adjacent to each other. FIG. 10B shows the XX'
area and the YY' area shown in FIG. 10A together, and FIG. 10C
shows an area corresponding to FIG. 10B. Hereinafter, the inventive
concepts will be described with reference to FIGS. 10A to 10C.
Moreover, the same components as those described with reference to
FIGS. 1A to 9B are given by the same reference numerals and any
redundant description will be omitted.
[0162] As shown in FIG. 10A, based on the first connection pattern
CP1 and the second connection pattern CP2, a portion that is a half
of the areas of the first main patterns SP1 and a half of the areas
of the second main patterns SP2 may be disposed in each of the unit
detection areas SU.sub.11 and SU.sub.12. In FIG. 10A, the boundary
between the unit detection areas SU.sub.11 and SU.sub.12
illustratively shown as passing through the center of one second
main pattern SP2.
[0163] Referring to FIG. 10B, the coordinate patterns CRP-31 and
CRP-32 are disposed in the first unit detection area SU.sub.11 and
the second unit detection area SU.sub.12, respectively, so that
they may provide coordinate information of the first unit detection
area SU.sub.11 and the second unit detection area SU.sub.12,
respectively. At this time, each of the coordinate patterns CRP-31
and CRP-32 may have a numerical shape.
[0164] Specifically, the coordinate pattern CRP-31 of the first
unit detection area has the shape of the number "11". The
coordinate pattern CRP-31 of the first unit detection area may be
disposed on the island part B3 of the first unit detection area
SU.sub.11. Correspondingly, the coordinate pattern CRP-32 of the
second unit detection area has the shape of the number "12". The
coordinate pattern CRP-32 of the second unit detection area may be
disposed on the island part B3 of the first unit detection area
SU.sub.12. According to the inventive concept, through the shape of
the coordinate detection patterns CRP-31 and CRP-32 arranged on the
island part B3, it may be easily recognized whether the
corresponding unit detection area is the first unit detection area
SU.sub.11 or the second unit detection area SU.sub.12.
[0165] Alternatively, referring to FIG. 10C, the coordinate
patterns CRP-41 and CRP-42 may be disposed on the first main
patterns SP1 of the first unit detection area SU.sub.11 and the
second unit detection area SU.sub.12. The coordinate patterns
CRP-41 and CRP-42 may have a numerical shape like the coordinate
patterns CRP-31 and CRP-32 shown in FIG. 10B. According to the
inventive concepts, through the shape of the coordinate detection
patterns CRP-41 and CRP-42 arranged on the first main patterns SP1,
it may be easily recognized whether the corresponding unit
detection area is the first unit detection area SU.sub.11 or the
second unit detection area SU.sub.12.
[0166] As shown in FIGS. 10A to 10C, the coordinate patterns
CRP-31, CRP-32, CRP-41, and CRP-42 may have a numerical shape and
if they are disposed in the unit detection areas SU.sub.11 and
SU.sub.12, they may be disposed at any position in the connection
patterns BP1 and BP2 and the main patterns SP1 and SP2. As the
coordinate patterns CRP-31, CRP-32, CRP-41, and CRP-42 disposed in
each of the unit detection areas SU.sub.11 and SU.sub.12 have a
numerical shape, the visibility of each coordinate information may
be increased. According to the inventive concepts, in a process in
which inspection such as automatic optical inspection (AOI) is not
performed or the previous process thereof, the position of the
corresponding unit detection area may be easily determined. Thus,
the inspection process of the electronic panel may be
simplified.
[0167] FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an electronic device
inspection method according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention. As shown in FIG. 11, the electronic device
inspection method according to the inventive concepts may include a
first inspection operation S10 and a second inspection operation
S20.
[0168] The first inspection operation S10 may be an optical
inspection operation. The first inspection operation S10 may
include Automatic Optical Inspection ("AOI"). In the first
inspection operation S10, the appearance of the electronic panel is
inspected, and it is determined whether there is foreign matter or
whether the patterns constituting the detection electrode are
abnormal.
[0169] The second inspection operation S20 may be an electrical
inspection operation. The second inspection operation S20 may
include an inspection to confirm that normal operation is performed
by applying an electrical signal to the electronic panel. In the
second inspection operation S20, electrical characteristics may be
evaluated for each unit detection area.
[0170] At this time, in the case of unit detection area where
abnormal operation occurs, an operation of inspecting the unit
detection area may be performed to determine whether a defect
occurs and to obtain the cause of the defect. The user enlarges the
unit detection area through a magnifying glass or the like to
determine whether the unit detection area is defective. At this
time, the user may easily obtain the coordinate information of the
corresponding unit detection area through the coordinate pattern
CRP (see FIG. 3A). Accordingly, the time of inspection operation
may be reduced and the inspection operation may be simplified.
[0171] On the other hand, the pattern size difference in the
coordinate pattern CRP may not be identified by the optical
inspection equipment used in the first inspection operation S10.
Thus, even if different coordinate patterns are provided for each
of the unit detection areas, they may not be detected as defective
in the first inspection operation S10. Therefore, the stability of
the inspection operation may be improved.
[0172] According to the inventive concepts, the inspection process
and the like of the electronic panel may be simplified and the
process time may be shortened.
[0173] Further, according to the inventive concept, since
coordinate patterns may not be interpreted as defective in optical
inspection using automatic optical inspection equipment, it is
possible to stably provide the coordinate information of the unit
detection area in various inspection processes.
[0174] Although certain exemplary embodiments have been described
herein, other embodiments and modifications will be apparent from
this description. Accordingly, the inventive concepts are not
limited to such embodiments, but rather to the broader scope of the
appended claims and various obvious modifications and equivalent
arrangements as would be apparent to a person of ordinary skill in
the art.
* * * * *