U.S. patent application number 17/329729 was filed with the patent office on 2022-02-03 for coordinate correcting method and electronic device using the same.
The applicant listed for this patent is Samsung Display Co., Ltd.. Invention is credited to SUHYUN JEONG, SOOWON KIM, JASEUNG KU, DONG-HWAN LEE, SUYUL SEO.
Application Number | 20220035469 17/329729 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005651529 |
Filed Date | 2022-02-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220035469 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
KU; JASEUNG ; et
al. |
February 3, 2022 |
COORDINATE CORRECTING METHOD AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE USING THE
SAME
Abstract
An electronic device includes an input sensor that senses an
input from an outside source to obtain a sensing coordinate. The
input sensor has a plurality of sensing units defined therein. A
memory stores a first modeling data obtained from first and second
sensing units and a second modeling data obtained from first and
third sensing units. A controller corrects the sensing coordinate
to obtain a calculated coordinate. The controller comprises a first
reference point moving unit that converts the sensing coordinate
into a first middle coordinate based on a coordinate system having
a plurality of coordinate units. A coordinate correction unit
obtains a second middle coordinate by correcting the first middle
coordinate based on the first and second modeling data. A second
reference point moving unit obtains the calculated coordinate based
on the second middle coordinate.
Inventors: |
KU; JASEUNG; (Seoul, KR)
; KIM; SOOWON; (Cheonan-si, KR) ; SEO; SUYUL;
(Incheon, KR) ; JEONG; SUHYUN; (Asan-si, KR)
; LEE; DONG-HWAN; (Yongin-si, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Samsung Display Co., Ltd. |
Yongin-si |
|
KR |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005651529 |
Appl. No.: |
17/329729 |
Filed: |
May 25, 2021 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/0418 20130101;
G06F 3/044 20130101; G06F 2203/04105 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/044 20060101
G06F003/044; G06F 3/041 20060101 G06F003/041 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 30, 2020 |
KR |
10-2020-0095479 |
Claims
1. An electronic device comprising: an input sensor configured to
sense an input from an outside source to obtain a sensing
coordinate, the input sensor having a plurality of sensing units
defined therein; a memory storing a first modeling data and a
second modeling data, wherein: the first modeling data is obtained
from a first sensing unit and a second sensing unit of the
plurality of sensing units, the second sensing unit is positioned
adjacent to the first sensing unit in a first direction, and the
second modeling data is obtained from the first sensing unit and a
third sensing unit of the plurality of sensing units, the third
sensing unit is positioned adjacent to the first sensing unit in a
second direction that crosses the first direction; and a controller
configured to correct the sensing coordinate to obtain a calculated
coordinate, wherein the controller comprises: a first reference
point moving unit configured to convert the sensing coordinate into
a first middle coordinate based on a coordinate system having a
plurality of coordinate units, each coordinate unit of the
plurality of coordinate units is defined by a width of each of the
plurality of sensing units; a coordinate correction unit configured
to obtain a second middle coordinate by correcting the first middle
coordinate based on the first modeling data and the second modeling
data; and a second reference point moving unit configured to obtain
the calculated coordinate based on the second middle
coordinate.
2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the first modeling
data includes sensing values for input values continuously input
along the first direction from a first point of the first sensing
unit to a second point of the second sensing unit.
3. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein the second modeling
data includes sensing values for input values continuously input
along the second direction from the first point of the first
sensing unit to a third point of the third sensing unit.
4. The electronic device of claim 3, wherein: the first modeling
data is stored in the memory in a form of a first function; and the
second modeling data is stored in the memory in a form of a second
function.
5. The electronic device of claim 4, wherein the first function and
the second function have a substantially same shape.
6. The electronic device of claim 4, wherein: the first middle
coordinate includes a first x-coordinate and a first y-coordinate
and the second middle coordinate includes a second x-coordinate and
a second y-coordinate; and the coordinate correction unit is
configured to obtain the second x-coordinate by substituting the
first x-coordinate in a first inverse function of the first
function, and the coordinate correction unit is configured to
obtain the second y-coordinate by substituting the first
y-coordinate in a second inverse function of the second
function.
7. The electronic device of claim 3, wherein each of the first
modeling data and the second modeling data is stored in the memory
in a form of a lookup table.
8. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the memory further
stores a reference coordinate that is a reference point of the
sensing coordinate in the coordinate system.
9. The electronic device of claim 8, wherein the first middle
coordinate is a remainder of a value obtained by subtracting the
reference coordinate from the sensing coordinate to obtain a
subtraction result value and then dividing the subtraction result
value by the width of each of the plurality of sensing units.
10. The electronic device of claim 8, wherein the memory further
comprises an integer value obtained by dividing the sensing
coordinate by the width of each of the plurality of sensing
units.
11. The electronic device of claim 10, wherein the second reference
point moving unit is configured to obtain the calculated coordinate
by adding the second middle coordinate, a multiplication result
value obtained by multiplying the integer value by the width of
each of the plurality of sensing units, and the reference
coordinate.
12. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality
of sensing units comprises an electrode extending in the first
direction and a cross electrode extending in the second direction,
the cross electrode is insulated from the electrode and crosses the
electrode.
13. The electronic device of claim 12, wherein: the input sensor is
configured to sense an input by a touch through a change in mutual
capacitance formed between the electrode and the cross electrode;
and the input sensor is configured to sense an input by an input
device through a change in capacitance of each of the electrode and
the cross electrode.
14. A method for correcting coordinates, the method comprising:
obtaining a sensing coordinate from an input sensor having a
plurality of sensing units defined therein; obtaining a first
modeling data from a first sensing unit and a second sensing unit
of the plurality of sensing units, the second sensing unit is
positioned adjacent to the first sensing unit in a first direction;
obtaining a second modeling data from the first sensing unit and a
third sensing unit of the plurality of sensing units, the third
sensing unit is positioned adjacent to the first sensing unit in a
second direction crossing the first direction; converting the
sensing coordinate into a first middle coordinate based on a
coordinate system having a plurality of coordinate units, each
coordinate unit of the plurality of coordinate units is defined by
a width of each of the plurality of sensing units; obtaining a
second middle coordinate by correcting the first middle coordinate
based on the first modeling data and the second modeling data; and
obtaining a calculated coordinate based on the second middle
coordinates.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the obtaining of the first
modeling data includes obtaining a first function having sensing
values for input values continuously input along the first
direction from a first point of the first sensing unit to a second
point of the second sensing unit.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the obtaining of the second
modeling data includes obtaining a second function having sensing
values for input values continuously input along the second
direction from the first point of the first sensing unit to a third
point of the third sensing unit.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein: the first middle coordinate
includes a first x-coordinate and a first y-coordinate and the
second middle coordinate includes a second x-coordinate and a
second y-coordinate; and the second middle coordinate is obtained
by substituting the first x-coordinate in a first inverse function
of the first function to obtain a second x-coordinate and by
substituting the first y-coordinate in a second inverse function of
the second function to obtain a second y-coordinate.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein the first function and the
second function have substantially the same shape.
19. The method of claim 14, wherein the converting of the sensing
coordinate into the first middle coordinates includes: subtracting
a reference coordinate that is a reference point of the sensing
coordinates in the coordinate system from the sensing coordinates
to obtain a subtraction result value; and calculating a remainder
of a value obtained by dividing the subtraction result value by the
width of each of the plurality of sensing units.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein: the obtaining of the
calculated coordinate comprises adding the second middle
coordinate, a multiplication value obtained by multiplying an
integer value by the width of each of the plurality of sensing
units, and the reference coordinate, wherein the integer value is
obtained by dividing the sensing coordinate by the width of each of
the plurality of sensing units.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119
to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0095479, filed on Jul. 30,
2020 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of
which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present inventive concepts herein relate to an
electronic device and a coordinate correcting method with increased
coordinate accuracy.
DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART
[0003] An electronic device may include a display panel for
displaying images and an input sensor for sensing external inputs.
The input sensor may be formed integrally with the display panel
through a continuous process. The input sensor may also be formed
through a separate process from the process for forming the display
panel and may then be coupled to the display panel.
SUMMARY
[0004] The present inventive concepts provide an electronic device
and a coordinate correcting method with increased coordinate
accuracy.
[0005] According to an embodiment of the present inventive
concepts, an electronic device includes an input sensor that senses
an input from an outside source to obtain a sensing coordinate. The
input sensor has a plurality of sensing units defined therein. A
memory stores a first modeling data and a second modeling data. The
first modeling data is obtained from a first sensing unit and a
second sensing unit of the plurality of sensing units. The second
sensing unit is positioned adjacent to the first sensing unit in a
first direction. The second modeling data is obtained from the
first sensing unit and a third sensing unit of the plurality of
sensing units. The third sensing unit is positioned adjacent to the
first sensing unit in a second direction that crosses the first
direction. A controller is configured to correct the sensing
coordinate to obtain a calculated coordinate. The controller
comprises a first reference point moving unit configured to convert
the sensing coordinate into a first middle coordinate based on a
coordinate system having a plurality of coordinate units. Each
coordinate unit of the plurality of coordinate units is defined by
a width of each of the plurality of sensing units. A coordinate
correction unit is configured to obtain a second middle coordinate
by correcting the first middle coordinate based on the first
modeling data and the second modeling data. A second reference
point moving unit is configured to obtain the calculated coordinate
based on the second middle coordinate.
[0006] In an embodiment, the first modeling data may have sensing
values for input values continuously input along the first
direction from an intermediate point of the first sensing unit to
an intermediate point of the second sensing unit.
[0007] In an embodiment, the second modeling data may have sensing
values for input values continuously input along the second
direction from the intermediate point of the first sensing unit to
an intermediate point of the third sensing unit.
[0008] In an embodiment, the first modeling data may be stored in
the memory in the form of a first function and the second modeling
data may be stored in the memory in the form of a second
function.
[0009] In an embodiment, the first function and the second function
may have the same shape.
[0010] In an embodiment, the first middle coordinate may include a
first x-coordinate and a first y-coordinate, and the second middle
coordinate may include a second x-coordinate and a second
y-coordinate, and the coordinate correction unit may obtain the
second x-coordinate by substituting the first x-coordinate in a
first inverse function of the first function, and the second
y-coordinate by substituting the first y-coordinate in a second
inverse function of the second function.
[0011] In an embodiment, each of the first modeling data and the
second modeling data may be stored in the memory in the form of a
lookup table.
[0012] In an embodiment, the memory may further include a reference
coordinate which is a reference point of the sensing coordinate in
the coordinate system.
[0013] In an embodiment, the first middle coordinate may be a
remainder of a value obtained by subtracting the reference
coordinate from the sensing coordinate and then dividing a result
value of the subtraction by the width.
[0014] In an embodiment, the memory may further include an integer
value obtained by dividing the sensing coordinate by the width.
[0015] In an embodiment, the calculated coordinate may be a value
obtained by adding the second middle coordinate, a value obtained
by multiplying the integer value by the width, and the reference
coordinate.
[0016] In an embodiment, each of the plurality of sensing units may
include an electrode extending in the first direction and a cross
electrode extending in the second direction and insulated from and
crossing the electrode.
[0017] In an embodiment, the input sensor may sense an input by a
touch through a change in mutual capacitance between the electrode
and the cross electrode and the input sensor may also sense an
input by an input device through a change in capacitance of each of
the electrode and the cross electrode.
[0018] According to an embodiment of the present inventive
concepts, a method for correcting coordinates includes obtaining a
sensing coordinate from an input sensor having a plurality of
sensing units defined therein. A first modeling data is obtained
from a first sensing unit and a second sensing unit of the
plurality of sensing units. The second sensing unit is positioned
adjacent to the first sensing unit in a first direction. A second
modeling data is obtained from the first sensing unit and a third
sensing unit of the plurality of sensing units. The third sensing
unit is positioned adjacent to the first sensing unit in a second
direction crossing the first direction. The sensing coordinate is
converted into a first middle coordinate based on a coordinate
system having a plurality of coordinate units. Each coordinate unit
of the plurality of coordinate units is defined by a width of each
of the plurality of sensing units. A second middle coordinate is
obtained by correcting the first middle coordinate based on the
first modeling data and the second modeling data. A calculated
coordinate is obtained based on the second middle coordinates.
[0019] In an embodiment, the obtaining of the first modeling data
may include obtaining a first function having sensing values for
input values continuously input along the first direction from an
intermediate point of the first sensing unit to an intermediate
point of the second sensing unit.
[0020] In an embodiment, the first middle coordinate may include a
first x-coordinate and a first y-coordinate, and the second middle
coordinate may include a second x-coordinate and a second
y-coordinate, and the obtaining the second middle coordinates may
be performed by obtaining a second x-coordinate by substituting the
first x-coordinate in a first inverse function of the first
function and a second y-coordinate by substituting the first
y-coordinate in a second inverse function of the second
function.
[0021] In an embodiment, the first function and the second function
may have the same shape.
[0022] In an embodiment, the converting of the sensing coordinate
into the first middle coordinate may include subtracting a
reference coordinate, which is a reference point of the sensing
coordinate, from the sensing coordinate in the coordinate system,
and calculating a remainder of a value obtained by dividing a
result value of the subtraction by the width.
[0023] In an embodiment, the obtaining of the calculated coordinate
may include adding the second middle coordinate, a value obtained
by multiplying an integer value, which is obtained by dividing the
sensing coordinate by the width, by the width, and the reference
coordinate.
[0024] In an embodiment, an electronic device includes an input
sensor configured to sense an input from an outside source to
obtain a sensing coordinate. The input sensor has a plurality of
sensing units defined therein. A memory stores a first modeling
data and a second modeling data obtained from the plurality of
sensing units. A controller is configured to correct the sensing
coordinate to obtain a calculated coordinate based on the first
modeling data and the second modeling data.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0025] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further
understanding of the present inventive concepts, and are
incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The
drawings illustrate embodiments of the present inventive concepts
and, together with the description, serve to explain principles of
the present inventive concepts. In the drawings:
[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic device
according to an embodiment of the present inventive concepts;
[0027] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device
and an input device according to an embodiment of the present
inventive concepts;
[0028] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device
according to an embodiment of the present inventive concepts;
[0029] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device
according to an embodiment of the present inventive concepts;
[0030] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a display panel according to an
embodiment of the present inventive concepts;
[0031] FIG. 5A illustrates an input sensor, a controller, and a
memory according to an embodiment of the present inventive
concepts;
[0032] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line I-I'
of FIG. 5A according to an embodiment of the present inventive
concepts;
[0033] FIG. 6 is a enlarged plan view showing area AA' of FIG. 5A
according to an embodiment of the present inventive concepts;
[0034] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device
taken along line II-II'of FIG. 6 according to an embodiment of the
present inventive concepts;
[0035] FIG. 8 illustrates a signal of an input sensor which
receives a first signal according to an embodiment of the present
inventive concepts;
[0036] FIG. 9 illustrates signal strength in accordance with input
positions of a plurality of bridge patterns according to an
embodiment of the present inventive concepts;
[0037] FIG. 10 illustrates an input value provided to an input
sensor and a sensing value for the input value according to an
embodiment of the present inventive concepts;
[0038] FIG. 11A illustrates a first function according to an
embodiment of the present inventive concepts;
[0039] FIG. 11B illustrates a second function according to an
embodiment of the present inventive concepts;
[0040] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a coordinate correcting
method according to an embodiment of the present inventive
concepts;
[0041] FIG. 13A illustrates obtaining a sensing coordinate
according to an embodiment of the present inventive concepts;
[0042] FIG. 13B illustrates obtaining a second middle coordinate
according to an embodiment of the present inventive concepts;
and
[0043] FIG. 13C illustrates obtaining a calculated coordinate
according to an embodiment of the present inventive concepts.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0044] In this specification, 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. When an element or layer is
referred to as being "directly on", "directly connected to" or
"directly coupled to" another element or layer, no intervening
elements or layers may be present.
[0045] Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout
this specification. In addition, the thicknesses, ratios and
dimensions of elements in the figures may be exaggerated for
effective description of the technical contents. As used herein,
the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more
of the associated listed items.
[0046] 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. For example, 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
present inventive concepts. Likewise, a second element, component,
region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a first
element, component, region, layer or section. 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.
[0047] Spatially relative terms, such as "beneath", "below",
"lower", "above", "upper" and the like, may be used herein for ease
of description to describe the relationship of one element or
feature 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.
[0048] 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 the present
inventive concepts belong. 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.
[0049] It will be further understood that the term "include" or
"have", when used in this specification, specifies the presence of
stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or
components, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one
or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements,
components, and/or groups thereof.
[0050] Hereinafter, the present inventive concepts will be
explained in detail with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
[0051] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electronic device
according to an embodiment of the present inventive concepts.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 1, an electronic device DD may be a device
activated according to an electrical signal. For example, in an
embodiment, the electronic device DD may be a mobile phone, a
tablet, a car navigation device, a game console, or a wearable
device. However, embodiments of the present inventive concepts are
not limited thereto and the electronic device DD may be various
small, medium or large devices. As an example, FIG. 1 illustrates
that the electronic device DD is a mobile phone.
[0053] In the electronic device DD, an active area DD-AA and a
peripheral area DD-NA adjacent to the active area DD-AA may be
defined. The electronic device DD may display an image through the
active area DD-AA. The active area DD-AA may include a plane
defined by a first direction DR1 and a second direction DR2. The
second direction DR2 may cross the first direction DR1. For
example, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the second direction
DR2 may be perpendicular to the first direction DR1. However,
embodiments of the present inventive concepts are not limited
thereto. The thickness direction of the electronic device DD may be
parallel to the third direction DR3 crossing the first direction
DR1 and the second direction DR2. For example, the third direction
DR3 may be perpendicular to the first and second directions DR1,
DR2. Accordingly, a front surface (e.g., an upper surface) and a
rear surface (e.g., a lower surface) of a member constituting the
electronic device DD may be defined on the basis of the third
direction DR3.
[0054] The electronic device DD may sense external inputs applied
from an outside source with respect to the electronic device DD.
The external inputs may be user inputs. In an embodiment, the user
inputs may include various types of external inputs such as a part
of a user's body, light, heat, pressure or the like. However,
embodiments of the present inventive concepts are not limited
thereto.
[0055] As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the electronic device
DD may sense an input by a user's touch and an input by an input
device ID. The input device ID may mean a device other than a
user's body. For example, the input device ID may be an active pen,
a stylus pen, a touch pen, an electronic pen, or various other
devices. Hereinafter, the active pen will be described as an
example of the input device ID for convenience of explanation.
However, embodiments of the present inventive concepts are not
limited thereto.
[0056] The electronic device DD and the input device ID may perform
bidirectional communication. The electronic device DD may provide
an uplink signal to the input device ID. For example, in an
embodiment, the uplink signal may include a synchronization signal
or information on the electronic device DD. However, embodiments of
the present inventive concepts are not limited thereto. The input
device ID may provide a downlink signal to the electronic device
DD. In an embodiment, the downlink signal may include a
synchronization signal or state information on the input device ID.
For example, the downlink signal may include coordinate information
of the input device ID, battery information of the input device ID,
tilt information of the input device ID, and/or various information
stored in the input device ID. However, embodiments of the present
inventive concepts are not limited thereto.
[0057] FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an
electronic device and an input device according to an embodiment of
the present inventive concepts.
[0058] Referring to FIG. 2, an electronic device DD may include a
display panel DP and an input sensor IS.
[0059] The display panel DP may be a component that generates an
image. The display panel DP may be a light emitting display panel.
For example, the display panel DP may include an organic light
emitting display panel, a quantum dot display panel, a micro LED
display panel, or a nano-LED display panel. However, embodiments of
the present inventive concepts are not limited thereto.
[0060] The input sensor IS may be disposed on the display panel DP.
For example, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2, a lower surface
of the input sensor IS may directly contact an upper surface of the
display panel DP. The input sensor IS may detect an external input
applied from an outside source. For example, the input sensor IS
may sense both an input by a user's body OI and an input by an
input device ID which may be the outside source. For example, as
shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the input by the user's body OI
may be a touch from the user's finger. However, embodiments of the
present inventive concepts are not limited thereto.
[0061] In an embodiment, the input sensor IS may be driven in a
time-division driving method. For example, the input sensor IS may
be repeatedly driven alternately in a first mode and in a second
mode. The first mode may be a mode for detecting an input by a
user's body OI, and the second mode may be a mode for detecting an
input by an input device ID.
[0062] In the second mode, the input sensor IS may provide an
uplink signal ULS to the input device ID. When the input device ID
receives the uplink signal ULS and is synchronized with the
electronic device DD, the input device ID may provide a downlink
signal DLS toward the input sensor IS.
[0063] As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the input device ID
may include a power supply ID-1, a memory ID-2, a controller ID-3,
a transmitter ID-4, a receiver ID-5, and a pen electrode ID-6.
However, components constituting the input device ID are not
limited to the components listed above and the numbers of the
components are not limited to those shown in the embodiment of FIG.
2. For example, the input device ID may further include an
electrode switch configured to switch the operation mode of the pen
electrode ID-6 to a signal transmission mode or a signal reception
mode, a pressure sensor configured to sense pressure, a rotation
sensor configured to sense rotation, or the like.
[0064] In an embodiment, the power supply ID-1 may include a
battery, a high-capacity capacitor, or the like, which supplies
power to the input device ID. The memory ID-2 may store function
information on the input device ID. The controller ID-3 may control
operation of the input device ID. Each of the transmitter ID-4 and
the receiver ID-5 may communicate with the electronic device DD
through the pen electrode ID-6. The transmitter ID-4 may be
referred to as a signal generator or a transmission circuit, and
the receiver ID-5 may be referred to as a signal receiver or a
reception circuit. The input sensor IS may obtain a coordinate or
inclination of the input device ID through the pen electrode
ID-6.
[0065] FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device
according to an embodiment of the present inventive concepts.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 3A, the electronic device may include a
display panel DP and an input sensor IS.
[0067] The display panel DP may include a base layer BS1, a circuit
layer ML-D, a light emitting device layer EML, and an encapsulation
layer ECL.
[0068] The base layer BS1 may be a member that provides a base
surface on which the circuit layer ML-D is disposed. In an
embodiment, the base layer BS1 may be a glass substrate, a metal
substrate, a polymer substrate, or the like. However, the
composition of the base layer BS1 according to an embodiment of the
present inventive concepts is not limited thereto. For example, the
base layer BS1 may be an inorganic layer, an organic layer, or a
composite material layer.
[0069] The base layer BS1 may have a multilayered structure. For
example, in an embodiment, the base layer BS1 may include a first
synthetic resin layer, a silicon oxide layer disposed on the first
synthetic resin layer, an amorphous silicon layer disposed on the
silicon oxide layer, and a second synthetic resin layer disposed on
the amorphous silicon layer. The silicon oxide layer and the
amorphous silicon layer may be referred to as a base barrier
layer.
[0070] In an embodiment, each of the first and second synthetic
resin layers may include a polyimide-based resin. In addition, each
of the first and second synthetic resin layers may include at least
one of an acrylate-based resin, a methacrylate-based resin, a
polyisoprene-based resin, a vinyl-based resin, an epoxy-based
resin, an urethane-based resin, a cellulose-based resin, a
siloxane-based resin, a polyamide-based resin, or a perylene-based
resin. In this specification, a specific compound-based resin means
to include a functional group of the specific compound. For
example, an acrylate-based resin means to include a functional
group of acrylate.
[0071] The circuit layer ML-D may be disposed on the base layer
BS1. In an embodiment, the circuit layer ML-D may include an
insulating layer, a semiconductor pattern, a conductive layer, a
signal line, and the like. In an embodiment, the insulating layer,
the semiconductor layer, and the conductive layer may be formed on
the base layer BS1 by a coating method, vapor deposition or the
like and thereafter, the insulating layer, the semiconductor layer,
and the conductive layer may be selectively patterned through a
plurality of photolithography processes to form a semiconductor
pattern, a conductive pattern, and a signal line included in the
circuit layer ML-D.
[0072] The light emitting device layer EML may be disposed on the
circuit layer ML-D. The light emitting device layer EML may include
a light emitting device. For example, the light emitting device
layer EML may include an organic light emitting material, a quantum
dot, a quantum rod, a micro-LED, or a nano-LED. However,
embodiments of the present inventive concepts are not limited
thereto.
[0073] The encapsulation layer ECL may be disposed on the light
emitting device layer EML. The encapsulation layer ECL may include
an inorganic layer, an organic layer, and an inorganic layer which
are sequentially laminated. However, the layers constituting the
encapsulation layer ECL are not limited thereto and the
encapsulation layer ECL may include at least one inorganic layer
and at least one organic layer having various different
arrangements.
[0074] The inorganic layers may protect the light emitting device
layer EML from moisture and oxygen, and the organic layer may
protect the light emitting device layer EML from a foreign
substance such as a dust particle. In an embodiment, the inorganic
layers may include a silicon nitride layer, a silicon oxynitride
layer, a silicon oxide layer, a titanium oxide layer, an aluminum
oxide layer, or the like. The organic layer may include an
acrylic-based organic layer. However, embodiments of the present
inventive concepts are not limited thereto.
[0075] In an embodiment, the input sensor IS may be formed on the
display panel DP through a continuous process. In this embodiment,
the input sensor IS may be described as being directly disposed on
the display panel DP. Being directly disposed may mean that a third
component is not disposed between the input sensor IS and the
display panel DP (e.g., in the third direction DR3). For example, a
separate adhesive member may not be disposed between the input
sensor IS and the display panel DP. In this embodiment, the
thickness of the electronic device DD may be reduced as compared to
embodiments in which a third component is disposed between the
input sensor IS and the display panel DP.
[0076] As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 3A, the input sensor IS
may include a base insulating layer BS2 and a sensing circuit layer
ML-T.
[0077] In an embodiment, the base insulating layer BS2 may be an
inorganic layer that includes at least one compound selected from
silicon nitride, silicon oxynitride, and silicon oxide.
Alternatively, the base insulating layer BS2 may be an organic
layer including at least one material selected from an epoxy resin,
an acrylic resin, or an imide-based resin. The base insulating
layer BS2 may have a single-layer structure or a multilayer
structure stacked along a third direction DR3.
[0078] The sensing circuit layer ML-T may be disposed on the base
insulating layer BS2. The sensing circuit layer ML-T may include a
plurality of insulating layers and a plurality of conductive
layers. In an embodiment, the plurality of conductive layers may
include a sensing electrode for sensing an external input, a
sensing line electrically connected to the sensing electrode, and a
sensing pad electrically connected to the sensing line. Those
mentioned above will be described later.
[0079] FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of an electronic device
according to an embodiment of the present inventive concepts. In
describing FIG. 3B, the same components used for FIG. 3A will have
the same reference numerals as in FIG. 3A and the descriptions
thereof will be omitted for convenience of explanation.
[0080] Referring to the embodiment of FIG. 3B, the electronic
device DD-1 may include a display panel DP-1 and an input sensor
IS-1.
[0081] The display panel DP-1 may include a base layer BS1, a
circuit layer ML-D, and a light emitting device layer EML. The
input sensor IS-1 may include a base insulating layer BS2-1 and a
sensing circuit layer ML-T.
[0082] The base insulating layer BS2-1 may be disposed on the light
emitting device layer EML. A predetermined space may be defined
between the base insulating layer BS2-1 and the light emitting
device layer EML (e.g., in the third direction DR3). The space may
be filled with air or an inert gas. Alternatively, in an embodiment
of the present inventive concepts, the space may be filled with a
filler such as a silicone-based polymer, an epoxy-based resin, an
acrylic-based resin, or the like. The display device DD-1 of the
embodiment of FIG. 3B may not include an encapsulation layer ECL in
comparison to the embodiment of FIG. 3A.
[0083] A coupling member SLM may be disposed between the base layer
BS1 and the base insulating layer BS2-1 (e.g., in the third
direction DR3). The coupling member SLM may couple the base layer
BS1 and the base insulating layer BS2-1. In an embodiment, the
coupling member SLM may include an organic material such as a
photocurable resin or a photoplastic resin, or may include an
inorganic material such as a frit seal. However, embodiments of the
present inventive concepts are not limited thereto and the coupling
member SLM may include various different materials.
[0084] FIG. 4 is a plan view of a display panel according to an
embodiment of the present inventive concepts.
[0085] Referring to FIG. 4, an active area DP-AA and a peripheral
area DP-NAA adjacent to the active area DP-AA may be defined in the
display panel DP. The active area DP-AA may be an area in which an
image is displayed. While FIG. 4 shows only a single pixel PX for
convenience of illustration, a plurality of pixels PX may be
disposed in the active area DP-AA. The active area DP-AA of the
display panel may overlap the active area DD-AA (see FIG. 1) of the
electronic device DD (see FIG. 1). The peripheral area DP-NAA may
be an area in which an image is not displayed and a drive circuit,
a drive line, or the like may be disposed thereon.
[0086] Each of the plurality of pixels PX may display one among
primary colors or one among mixed colors. The primary colors may
include red, green or blue. The mixed colors may include various
colors such as white, yellow, cyan, or magenta. However,
embodiments of the present inventive concepts are not limited
thereto and the plurality of pixels PX may display various
different colors.
[0087] The display panel DP may include a base layer BS1, a
plurality of pixels PX, a plurality of signal lines such as a
plurality of scan lines GL, a plurality of data lines DL, a
plurality of power lines PL, and a plurality of emission control
lines EL. The display panel DP may also include a plurality of
display pads PDD, and a plurality of sensing pads PDT.
[0088] The plurality of signal lines, such as the plurality of scan
lines GL, the plurality of data lines DL, the plurality of power
lines PL, and the plurality of emission control lines EL, may be
disposed on the base layer BS1. The base layer BS1 may be the base
layer BS1 of the embodiment of FIG. 3A. The plurality of signal
lines, such as the plurality of scan lines GL, the plurality of
data lines DL, the plurality of power lines PL, and the plurality
of emission control lines EL, are connected to the plurality of
pixels PX to transmit electrical signals thereto. While the
embodiment of FIG. 4 shows the plurality of signal lines including
a plurality of scan lines GL, a plurality of data lines DL, a
plurality of power lines PL, and a plurality of light emission
control lines EL, embodiments of the present inventive concepts are
not limited thereto and the configuration of the plurality of
signal lines may be variously modified. For example, the plurality
of signal lines according to an embodiment of the present inventive
concepts may further include initialization voltage lines.
[0089] A power pattern VDD may be disposed in the peripheral area
DP-NAA. The power pattern VDD may be connected to a plurality of
power lines PL. The power pattern VDD may permit the display panel
DP to provide the same power signal to each of the plurality of
pixels via the power lines PL.
[0090] The plurality of display pads PDD may be disposed in the
peripheral area DP-NAA. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 4, the
plurality of display pads PDD may include a first pad PD1 and a
second pad PD2. In an embodiment, the first pad PD1 may be provided
in plurality. The plurality of first pads PD1 may be electrically
connected to the plurality of data lines DL, respectively. The
second pad PD2 may be connected to the power pattern VDD to be
electrically connected to the plurality of power lines PL. The
display panel DP may provide the plurality of pixels PX with
electrical signals provided from an outside device through the
plurality of display pads PDD. However, embodiments of the present
inventive concepts are not limited thereto and the plurality of
display pads PDD may further include pads for receiving other
electrical signals in addition to the first pad PD1 and the second
pad PD2.
[0091] A drive chip IC may be mounted in the peripheral area
DP-NAA. In an embodiment, the drive chip IC may be a chip-type
timing control circuit. The plurality of data lines DL may be
electrically connected to the plurality of first pads PD1 through
the drive chip IC, respectively. However, embodiments of the
present inventive concepts are not limited thereto, and the drive
chip IC may be variously arranged. For example, in an embodiment of
the present inventive concepts, the drive chip IC may be mounted on
a film that is separate from the display panel DP. In this
embodiment, the drive chip IC may be electrically connected to the
plurality of display pads PDD through the film.
[0092] The plurality of sensing pads PDT may be disposed in the
peripheral area DP-NAA and may be spaced apart from the plurality
of display pads PDD. The plurality of sensing pads PDT may be
electrically connected to the plurality of sensing pads of the
input sensor IS (see FIG. 3A), respectively, which will be
described later. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 4, the
plurality of sensing pads PDT may include a plurality of first
sensing pads TD1 and a plurality of second sensing pads TD2.
However, embodiments of the present inventive concepts are not
limited thereto.
[0093] FIG. 5A illustrates an input sensor, a controller, and a
memory according to an embodiment of the present inventive
concepts. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view taken along line I-I'
of FIG. 5A according to an embodiment of the present inventive
concepts. FIG. 6 is an enlarged plan view showing area AA' of FIG.
5A according to an embodiment of the present inventive
concepts.
[0094] Referring to FIG. 5A to FIG. 6, an active area IS-AA and a
peripheral area IS-NAA may be defined in the input sensor IS. The
active area IS-AA may be an area which is activated by an
electrical signal. The active area IS-AA of the input sensor IS may
overlap (e.g., in the third direction DR3) the active area DP-AA
(see FIG. 4) of the display panel DP (see FIG. 4).
[0095] A plurality of sensing units SU may be defined in the active
area IS-AA. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 5A, the plurality of
sensing units SU may be arranged along the first direction DR1 and
the second direction DR2 and each of the plurality of sensing units
SU may be spaced apart from each other (e.g., in the first and/or
second directions DR1, DR2). For example, the area AA' of FIG. 5A
shown in FIG. 6 includes four sensing units which include a first
sensing unit SU1, a second sensing unit SU2 and a third sensing
unit SU3. Each of the plurality of sensing units SU may have the
substantially same dimensions (e.g., in a plane defined in the
first and second directions DR1, DR2).
[0096] The peripheral area IS-NAA may surround the active area
IS-AA. For example, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 5A, the
peripheral area IS-NAA may surround each side of the active area
IS-AA (e.g., in the first and second directions DR1, DR2) to fully
surround the active area IS-AA. However, embodiments of the present
inventive concepts are not limited thereto. The peripheral area
IS-NAA of the input sensor IS may overlap (e.g., in the third
direction DR3) the peripheral area DP-NAA (see FIG. 4) of the
display panel DP (see FIG. 4).
[0097] The input sensor IS may include a base insulating layer
IS-IL0, a plurality of sensing electrodes, such as a plurality of
electrodes TE1 and a plurality of cross electrodes TE2, and a
plurality of sensing lines, such as a plurality of first sensing
lines TL1 and a plurality of second sensing lines TL2.
[0098] The base insulating layer IS-IL0 may be the base insulating
layer BS2 (see FIG. 3A) of FIG. 3A.
[0099] The plurality of sensing electrodes, such as the plurality
of electrodes TE1 and the plurality of cross electrodes TE2, may be
disposed in the active area IS-AA. Each of the plurality of sensing
electrodes, such as the plurality of electrodes TE1 and the
plurality of cross electrodes TE2, may have a single-layer
structure or a multilayer structure stacked along the third
direction DR3.
[0100] The plurality of sensing electrodes, such as the plurality
of electrodes TE1 and the plurality of cross electrodes TE2, having
a single-layer structure may include a metal layer or a transparent
conductive layer. In an embodiment, the metal layer may include
molybdenum, silver, titanium, copper, aluminum, or an alloy
thereof. The transparent conductive layer may include a transparent
conductive oxide such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide
(IZO), zinc oxide (ZnO), indium zinc tin oxide (IZTO), or the like.
In addition, the transparent conductive layer may include a
conductive polymer such as PEDOT, a metal nanowire, graphene, or
the like. However, embodiments of the present inventive concepts
are not limited thereto.
[0101] The plurality of sensing electrodes, such as the plurality
of electrodes TE1 and the plurality of cross electrodes TE2, having
a multi-layer structure may include metal layers. For example, the
metal layers may have a three-layer structure of
titanium/aluminum/titanium. The multilayered conductive layer may
include at least one metal layer and at least one transparent
conductive layer. However, embodiments of the present inventive
concepts are not limited thereto.
[0102] As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 5A, each of the plurality
of electrodes TE1 may extend longitudinally substantially in the
first direction DR1 and may be arranged in the second direction
DR2. Each of the plurality of electrodes TE1 may include a
plurality of first portions SP1 and a plurality of second portions
BP1. The plurality of first portions SP1 may be referred to as a
plurality of first sensing patterns SP1.
[0103] As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 5A, each of the plurality
of cross electrodes TE2 may extend longitudinally in the second
direction DR2 and may be arranged along a first direction DR1. Each
of the plurality of cross electrodes TE2 may include a plurality of
second sensing patterns SP2 and a plurality of bridge patterns
BP2.
[0104] Although FIG. 5A illustrates that two bridge patterns BP2
are connected to two adjacent sensing patterns SP2, the arrangement
of the plurality of bridge patterns BP2 and the plurality of second
sensing patterns SP2 according to an embodiment of the present
inventive concepts are not limited thereto. For example, two
adjacent second sensing patterns SP2 may be connected by one bridge
pattern BP2.
[0105] The plurality of second portions BP1 may be disposed in a
layer that is different from the layer of the plurality of bridge
patterns BP2. The plurality of bridge patterns BP2 may be insulated
from and cross the plurality of electrodes TE1. For example, the
plurality of second portions BP1 may be insulated from and cross
the plurality of bridge patterns BP2, respectively.
[0106] In an embodiment, the plurality of bridge patterns BP2 may
be disposed on the base insulating layer IS-IL0. For example, the
plurality of bridge patterns BP2 may be disposed directly on the
base insulating layer IS-IL0. A first insulating layer IS-IL1 may
be disposed on the base insulating layer IS-IL0 and cover the
plurality of bridge patterns BP2. The first insulating layer IS-IL1
may have a single-layer structure or a multi-layer structure. In an
embodiment, the first insulating layer IS-IL1 may include an
inorganic material, an organic material, or a composite
material.
[0107] The plurality of second sensing patterns SP2, the plurality
of first portions SP1, and the plurality of second portions BP1 may
be disposed on the first insulating layer IS-IL1. For example, the
plurality of second sensing patterns SP2, the plurality of first
portions SP1, and the plurality of second portions BP1 may be
disposed directly on the first insulating layer IS-IL1.
[0108] As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 5B, a plurality of
contact holes CNT may be formed by penetrating the first insulating
layer IS-IL1 in the third direction DR3. Two adjacent second
sensing patterns SP2 (e.g., adjacent in the second direction DR2)
among the plurality of second sensing patterns may be electrically
connected to a bridge pattern BP2 through the plurality of contact
holes CNT.
[0109] A second insulating layer IS-IL2 may be disposed on the
plurality of sensing patterns SP2, the plurality of first portions
SP1, and the plurality of second portions BP1. For example, the
second insulating layer IS-IL2 may be disposed directly on the
plurality of sensing patterns SP2, the plurality of first portions
SP1, and the plurality of second portions BP1. The second
insulating layer IS-IL2 may cover the plurality of second sensing
patterns SP2, the plurality of first portions SP1, and the
plurality of second portions BP1. For example, as shown in the
embodiment of FIG. 5B, the second insulating layer IS-IL2 may cover
an upper surface and lateral side surfaces of the second sensing
patterns SP2, the plurality of first portions SP1, and the
plurality of second portions BP1. The second insulating layer
IS-IL2 may include a single-layer structure or a multi-layer
structure. In an embodiment, the second insulating layer IS-IL2 may
include an inorganic material, an organic material, or a composite
material.
[0110] Although FIG. 5B illustrates a bottom bridge structure in
which the plurality of bridge patterns BP2 are disposed under the
plurality of sensing patterns SP2, embodiments of the present
inventive concepts are not limited thereto. For example, the input
sensor IS according to an embodiment of the present inventive
concepts may have a top bridge structure in which the plurality of
bridge patterns BP2 are disposed on an upper surface of the
plurality of sensing patterns SP2, the plurality of first portions
SP1, and the plurality of second portions BP1.
[0111] The plurality of first sensing lines TL1 may be electrically
connected to the plurality of electrodes TE1, respectively. The
plurality of second sensing lines TL2 may be electrically connected
to the plurality of cross electrodes TE2, respectively.
[0112] The plurality of first sensing pads TD1 (see FIG. 4) may be
electrically connected to the plurality of first sensing lines TL1
through contact holes, respectively. The plurality of second
sensing pads TD2 (see FIG. 4) may be electrically connected to
second sensing lines TL2 through contact holes, respectively.
[0113] As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 5A, the electronic device
DD may further include a controller CT and a memory MM. The
controller may correct a sensing coordinate SC (see FIG. 13A)
sensed by the input sensor IS concerning the input source, such as
the input from the user's body OI or the input device ID. The
controller CT may include a first reference point moving unit CT1,
a coordinate correction unit CT2, and a second reference point
moving unit CT3. The first reference point moving unit CT1, the
coordinate correction unit CT2, and the second reference point
moving unit CT3 will be described later.
[0114] The memory MM may store variables for correcting the sensing
coordinate SC (see FIG. 13A). The memory MM may include a first
modeling data MD1 and a second modeling data MD2 stored therein.
The first modeling data MD1 and the second modeling data MD2 will
be described later.
[0115] The input sensor IS may be operated in time division. The
input sensor IS may be repeatedly driven alternately in a first
mode and in a second mode. The first mode may be a touch mode which
recognizes an input OI (FIG. 2) by a part of a user's body. In the
first mode, the plurality of electrodes TE1 may output a sensing
signal and the plurality of cross electrodes TE2 may receive a
driving signal. At this time, the electronic device DD (see FIG. 2)
may scan an active area IS-AA by applying a driving signal to the
plurality of cross electrodes TE2 and sense an area to which a
touch is applied through the sensing signal output from the
plurality of electrodes TE1. For example, information on an
external input may be obtained by sensing a change in capacitance
formed between the plurality of electrodes TE1 and the plurality of
cross electrodes TE2.
[0116] However, embodiments of the present inventive concepts are
not limited thereto. For example, in an embodiment, the plurality
of electrodes TE1 may receive a driving signal and the plurality of
cross electrodes TE2 may output a sensing signal. Additional
electrical signals may be received or output by the plurality of
electrodes TE1 and/or the plurality of cross electrodes TE2.
[0117] The second mode may be different from the first mode. The
second mode may be illustratively described as a pen mode which
recognizes the input device ID (see FIG. 2). In the second mode, an
identical sensing signal may be provided to the plurality of
electrodes TE1 and the plurality of cross electrodes TE2.
[0118] The input sensor IS may detect an amount of change in
voltage and current of the sensing signal provided to the plurality
of electrodes TE1 and the plurality of cross electrodes TE2. For
example, the input sensor IS may be driven in a way of sensing a
driving signal input from an outside source, such as the input
device ID (e.g., an active electrostatic pen, AES pen) in the
second mode.
[0119] According to an embodiment of the present inventive
concepts, the input sensor IS may obtain a sensing coordinate SC
(see FIG. 13A) when a user's body OI (see FIG. 2) comes into
contact with or is in proximity to the input sensor IS in the first
mode, or when the input device ID (see FIG. 2) comes into contact
with or is in proximity to the input sensor IS in the second mode.
The controller CT may obtain a calculated coordinate CC (see FIG.
13C) on the basis of the sensing coordinate SC (see FIG. 13A).
[0120] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a part of an electronic
device taken along line II-II' of FIG. 6 according to an embodiment
of the present inventive concepts. FIG. 8 illustrates a signal of
an input sensor which receives a first signal according to an
embodiment of the present inventive concepts.
[0121] Referring to the embodiments of FIGS. 6 to 8, the electronic
device may further include an anti-reflection layer POL and a
window WP.
[0122] The anti-reflection layer POL may be disposed on the input
sensor IS. For example, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 7, a
lower surface of the anti-reflection layer POL may directly contact
an upper surface of the input sensor IS, such as an upper surface
of the second insulating layer IS-IL2. In an embodiment, the
anti-reflection layer may include a polarizing layer. For example,
the anti-reflection layer may include a polarizer and a phase
retarder. The polarizer and the phase retarder may include an
expandable synthetic resin film or a coating-type synthetic resin
film. For example, the anti-reflection layer may be provided by
dyeing a polyvinyl alcohol film with an iodine compound. However,
embodiments of the present inventive concepts are not limited
thereto. The anti-reflection layer may reduce the reflectivity of
external light.
[0123] The window WP may be disposed on the anti-reflection layer
POL. For example, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 7, a lower
surface of the window WP may directly contact an upper surface of
the anti-reflection layer POL. In an embodiment, the window WP may
include an optically transparent insulating material. For example,
the window WP may include glass or plastic. The window WP may have
a single-layer structure or a multi-layered structure. For example,
the window WP may include a plurality of plastic films bonded with
an adhesive, or may include a glass substrate and a plastic film
bonded with an adhesive. However, embodiments of the present
inventive concepts are not limited thereto.
[0124] The input device ID may be disposed on, or in proximity to,
the window WP and may transmit a first signal SG1.
[0125] As shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 6-7, the bridge pattern
BP2 disposed adjacent to a first position P1 may be referred to as
a first bridge pattern BP2-1, and the bridge pattern BP2 disposed
adjacent to a third position P3 may be referred to as a second
bridge pattern BP2-2.
[0126] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, for purposes of
explanation, the input device ID may be disposed at a place which
overlaps a second position P2 which is positioned between the first
position P1 and the third position P3 (e.g., in the first direction
DR1). However, embodiments of the present inventive concepts are
not limited thereto. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 7, the pen
electrode ID-6 may include a first electrode DT1 and a second
electrode DT2. The first electrode DT1 may be disposed at an end of
the input device ID, such as the at the tip portion of the input
device ID that is disposed adjacent to the window WP. The second
electrode DT2 may be disposed at a side of a body BD. For example,
as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 7, the second electrode DT2 may
be spaced apart in the third direction DR3 from the first electrode
DT1 disposed on the tip portion of the input device ID. The input
sensor IS may obtain a coordinate of the input device ID through
the first electrode DT1 and an inclination of the input device ID
through the second electrode DT2.
[0127] The first electrode DT1 may transmit the first signal SG1.
The first signal SG1 may have a first frequency. In an embodiment,
the first frequency may be in a range of about 100 kHz to about 140
kHz. For example, the first frequency may be about 120 kHz.
However, embodiments of the present inventive concepts are not
limited thereto and the first frequency may have various different
frequency ranges. For example, the first frequency may be in a
range of about 210 kHz to about 250 kHz. The first signal SG1 may
form an electric field. The input sensor IS may obtain a sensing
signal IS-SG1 having a shape of Gaussian distribution from the
plurality of sensing electrodes, such as the electrodes TE1 and the
cross electrodes TE2 sensing the electric field.
[0128] As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 7, the first signal SG1
may include a first sub-signal SG1a, a second sub-signal SG1b, and
a third sub-signal SG1c. The first sub-signal SG1a, the second
sub-signal SG1b, and the third sub-signal SG1c are classified
according to an angle at which the first signal is emitted. The
first sub-signal SG1a may be emitted toward the first position P1.
The second sub-signal SG1b may be emitted toward the second
position P2. The third sub-signal SG1c may be emitted toward the
third position P3. However, embodiments of the present inventive
concepts are not limited thereto.
[0129] As shown in FIG. 8, by sensing the first sub-signal SG1a in
the first bridge pattern BP2-1, the input sensor IS may obtain a
first sensing signal IS-SG1a of a first strength S1 at the first
position P1 of the first bridge pattern BP2-1. By sensing the
second sub-signal SG1b in the first portion SP1, the input sensor
IS may obtain a second sensing signal IS-SG1b of a second strength
S2 at the second position P2 of the first portion SP1. By sensing
the third sub-signal SG1c in the second bridge pattern BP2-2, the
input sensor IS may obtain a third sensing signal IS-SG1c of a
third strength S3 at the third position P3 of the second bridge
pattern BP2-2.
[0130] The input sensor IS may generate the sensing signal IS-SG1
by combining the first sensing signal IS-SG1a, the second sensing
signal IS-SG1b, and the third sensing signal IS-SG1c. The input
sensor IS may obtain a sensing coordinate SC (see FIG. 13A) by
sensing an input from an outside source through the sensing signal
IS-SG1. Although FIG. 8 exemplarily illustrates that the first
strength S1 and the third strength S3 are the same, the first
strength S1 and the third strength S3 according to an embodiment of
the present inventive concepts may be recognized as being different
from each other depending on the position where the input device ID
is disposed.
[0131] For example, if the first strength S1 of the first sensing
signal IS-SG1a and the third strength S3 of the third sensing
signal IS-SG1c are different from each other, the sensing
coordinate SC (see FIG. 13A) may be obtained by comparing the first
strength S1 and the third strength S3. For example, if the first
strength S1 is greater than the third strength S3, the input sensor
IS may recognize the sensing coordinate SC (see FIG. 13A) as a
coordinate moved in the direction towards the first position P1
from the second position P2. If the first strength S1 is smaller
than the third strength S3, the input sensor IS may recognize the
sensing coordinate SC (see FIG. 13A) as a coordinate moved in the
direction towards the third position P3 from the second position
P2.
[0132] The window WP according to an embodiment of the present
inventive concepts may be a relatively thin window. For example,
the thickness HT-WP of the window WP (e.g., length in the third
direction DR3) may be about 0.5 mm (millimeter) or less. Therefore,
the thickness of the electronic device DD (see FIG. 1) may be
relatively thin. The distance HT1-1 (e.g., length in the third
direction DR3) between the first electrode DT1 and the plurality of
sensing electrodes, such as the plurality of electrodes and cross
electrodes TE1, TE2 may decrease.
[0133] Accordingly, the width of the electric field of the first
signal SG1 emitted from the first electrode DT1 may decrease. The
first strength S1 of the first sensing signal IS-SG1 for the first
position P1 and the third strength S3 of the first sensing signal
IS-SG1 for the third position P3 strength recognized by the input
sensor IS may decrease. Therefore, the difference between the
second strength S2 and each of the first strength S1 and the third
strength S3 may increase. In this case, the input sensor IS may
sense the sensing coordinate SC (see FIG. 13A) as a coordinate
leaning toward the first position P1 or the third position P3.
Therefore, a straight line input by the input device ID may be
sensed as a zigzag shape and the linearity of inputs input by the
input device ID may decrease. The linearity of the input may be
increased by increasing the number of sensing electrodes to obtain
an exact coordinate. However, according to an embodiment of the
present inventive concepts, the controller CT (see FIG. 5A) may
correct the sensing coordinate SC (see FIG. 13A). The controller CT
(see FIG. 5A) may obtain the calculated coordinate CC (see FIG.
13C) by correcting the sensing coordinate SC (see FIG. 13A). The
calculated coordinate CC (see FIG. 13C) may be the same as a
coordinate input by the input sensor IS. Therefore, though the
number of sensing electrodes increases, the number of sensing lines
may not increase. In this way, an increase in an area of the
peripheral area IS-NAA may be prevented.
[0134] As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 6, the first portion SP1
may have a first width WD1 (e.g., length in the second direction
DR2). The bridge pattern BP2 may have a second width WD2. The
maximum value of the first width WD1 may be greater than the
maximum value of the second width WD2. For example, as shown in the
embodiment of FIG. 6, the first portion SP1 may have a maximum
first width WD1 at a central portion (e.g., in the first direction
DR1) of the first portion SP1. However, embodiments of the present
inventive concepts are not limited thereto.
[0135] Accordingly, the area of the first portion SP1 (e.g., in a
plane defined in the first and second directions DR1, DR2) may be
larger than the area of the second portion BP1. Therefore, a change
in capacitance measured in the first portion SP1 may be different
from a change in capacitance measured in the second portion BP1.
The difference in the change of capacitance may increase the
difference between the second strength S2 and each of the first
strength S1 and the third strength S3. In this case, the sensing
coordinate SC (see FIG. 13A) sensed by the input sensor IS may be
sensed as a coordinate leaning toward the first position P1 or the
third position P3. Therefore, a straight line input by the input
device ID may be sensed as a zigzag shape. However, according to an
embodiment of the present inventive concepts, the controller CT
(see FIG. 5A) may correct the sensing coordinate SC (see FIG. 13A).
The controller CT (see FIG. 5A) may obtain the calculated
coordinate CC (see FIG. 13C) by correcting the sensing coordinate
SC (see FIG. 13A). The calculated coordinate CC (see FIG. 13C) may
be the same as a coordinate input by the input sensor IS.
Therefore, the coordinate accuracy of the input sensor IS may be
increased and the linearity of inputs from the input device ID may
be increased.
[0136] FIG. 9 illustrates signal strengths in accordance with input
positions of a plurality of bridge patterns according to an
embodiment of the present inventive concepts. FIG. 10 illustrates
input values provided to an input sensor and sensing values for the
input values according to an embodiment of the present inventive
concepts.
[0137] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 10, a first graph IS-BP21 in FIG. 9
shows signal strengths measured in the first bridge pattern BP2-1
and input from the first position P1 to the third position P3. As
shown in the embodiment of FIG. 9, the first graph IS-BP21 may have
a curve. As the first graph IS-BP21 moves from the first position
P1 to the second position P2, an angle of inclination (or
declination) of the curve thereof may increase. As the first graph
IS-BP21 moves from the second position P2 to the third position P3,
an angle of inclination (or declination) of the curve may
decrease.
[0138] The second graph IS-BP22 shows signal strengths measured in
the second bridge pattern BP2-2 and input from the first position
P1 to the third position P3. The second graph IS-BP22 may have a
curve. As the second graph IS-BP22 moves from the first position P1
to the second position P2, an angle of inclination of the curve may
decrease. As the second graph IS-BP22 moves from the second
position P2 to the third position P3, an angle of inclination of
the curve may increase.
[0139] As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 10, an input value IV may
be input into the input sensor IS uniformly at a first interval PC1
along the first position P1, the second position P2, and the third
position P3. The input value IV may be a coordinate of a position
where the input value IV is input from an outside source. For
example, the input value IV may be a coordinate of a position of
each of a user's body OI (see FIG. 2) and the input device ID (see
FIG. 2).
[0140] The input sensor IS may obtain a sensing value SV on the
basis of the input value IV. The sensing value SV may be a
coordinate sensed by the input sensor IS as an input value IV.
While the input value IV and the sensing value SV should be the
same, the input value IV and the sensing value SV may be sensed as
being different from each other, depending on each shape of the
first graph IS-BP21 and the second graph IS-BP22. As shown in the
embodiment of FIG. 10, first and second intervals PC2-1, PC2-2
between sensing values SV may be different. For example, the
sensing values SV between the first position P1 and the second
position P2 may be sensed as leaning toward the first position P1.
The sensing values SV between the second position P2 and the third
position P3 may be sensed as leaning toward the third position P3.
An input value IV input by the input sensor IS and a sensing value
SV actually sensed may be different. According to an embodiment of
the present inventive concepts, however, the controller CT may
correct a sensing value SV. The controller CT may obtain a
calculated coordinate CC (see FIG. 13C) identical to the input
value IV by correcting the sensing value SV. The coordinate
accuracy of the electronic device DD may be increased and the
electronic device DD with increased sensing reliability may be
provided.
[0141] According to an embodiment of the present inventive
concepts, FIG. 11A illustrates a first function and FIG. 11B
illustrates a second function.
[0142] Referring to the embodiments of FIGS. 5A, 6, 11A, and 11B,
the memory MM may include a first modeling data MD1 and a second
modeling data MD2 stored therein.
[0143] In an embodiment, the first modeling data MD1 may be
obtained from a first sensing unit SU1 and a second sensing unit
SU2 adjacent to the first sensing unit SU1 (e.g., adjacent in the
first direction DR1). For example, as shown in the embodiment of
FIG. 6, the first sensing unit SU1 may be immediately adjacent to
the second sensing unit SU2 (e.g., in the first direction DR1). The
first sensing unit SU1 may be one among the plurality of sensing
units SU.
[0144] The first modeling data may have sensing values for input
values continuously input from the outside source along the first
direction DR1 from the first position P1 to the third position P3.
The input values may be x values of coordinates at the locations of
inputs from the outside source, such as an input by a user's body
OI or an input by an input device ID. The sensing values may be x
values of coordinates where the input values are sensed by the
input sensor IS. The first position P1 may be referred to as an
intermediate point P1 of the first sensing unit SU1, and the third
position P3 may be referred to as an intermediate point P3 of the
second sensing unit SU2. For example, the first position P1 and the
third positions P3 may be disposed at central portions (e.g., in
the first and second directions DR1, DR2) of the first and second
sensing units SU1, SU2, respectively. However, embodiments of the
present inventive concepts are not limited thereto and the first
position P1 and the third position P3 may be located at other
portions of the first and second sensing units SU1, SU2,
respectively in other embodiments.
[0145] In an embodiment, the first modeling data MD1 may be stored
in the memory MM in the form of the first function F1. As shown in
FIG. 11A, input values IV-X continuously input along the first
direction DR1 from the first position P1 to the third position P3
may be defined as an x-axis of the first function F1. For example,
an x value of the first function F1 corresponding to the first
position P1 may be a first input value IV-X1. An x value of the
first function F1 corresponding to the second position P2 may be a
second input value IV-X2. An x value of the first function F1
corresponding to the third position P3 may be a third input value
IV-X3. Sensing values SV-X for input values IV-X may be defined as
a y-axis of the first function F1.
[0146] The second modeling data MD2 may be obtained from the first
sensing unit SU1 and the third sensing unit SU3 adjacent to the
first sensing unit SU1 in the second direction DR2. For example, as
shown in the embodiment of FIG. 6, the third sensing unit SU3 may
be immediately adjacent to the first sensing unit SU1 (e.g., in the
second direction DR2).
[0147] The second modeling data MD2 may have sensing values for
input values continuously input along the second direction DR2 from
the first position P1 to the fourth position P4. The input values
may be y values of coordinates at the locations of inputs from the
outside source. The sensing values may be y values of coordinates
where the input values are sensed by the input sensor IS. The
fourth position P4 may be referred to as an intermediate point P4
of the third sensing unit SU3. For example, the fourth position P4
may be disposed at central portions (e.g., in the first and second
directions DR1, DR2) of the third sensing units SU3. However, the
location of the fourth position P4 is not limited to an
intermediate point of the third sensing unit SU3.
[0148] The second modeling data MD2 may be stored in the memory MM
in the form of the second function F2. Input values IV-Y
continuously input along the second direction DR2 from the first
position P1 to the fourth portion P4 may be defined as an x-axis of
the second function F2. For example, an x value of the second
function F2 corresponding to the first position P1 may be a first
input value IV-Y1. An x value of the second function F2
corresponding to the fourth position P4 may be a second input value
IV-Y2. Sensing values SV-Y for input values IV-Y may be defined as
a y-axis of the second function F2.
[0149] Although the embodiments of FIG. 11A and 11B illustrate a
first function F1 and a second function F2, the shapes of which are
different from each other, the shapes of the first function F1 and
the second function F2 according to an embodiment of the present
inventive concepts are not limited thereto. For example, in an
embodiment, the first function F1 and the second function F2 may
have substantially the same shape. Furthermore, the first and
second modeling data MD1, MD2 are not limited to the embodiments
shown in FIGS. 11A-11B. For example, each of the first modeling
data MD1 and the second modeling data MD2 may be stored in the
memory MM in the form of a lookup table, etc. Furthermore, in some
embodiments, the first modeling data MD1 may be obtained by input
values continuously input from three or more adjacent sensing units
in the first direction DR1 and the second modeling data MD2 may be
obtained by input values continuously input from three or more
adjacent sensing units in the second direction DR2.
[0150] FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a coordinate correcting
method according to an embodiment of the present inventive
concepts. FIG. 13A illustrates obtaining a sensing coordinate
according to an embodiment of the present inventive concepts. FIG.
13B illustrates obtaining a second middle coordinate according to
an embodiment of the present inventive concepts. FIG. 13C
illustrates obtaining a calculated coordinate according to an
embodiment of the present inventive concepts.
[0151] Referring to the embodiments of FIGS. 5A and 11A to 13C, in
block S100 shown in FIG. 12, the input sensor IS may obtain a
sensing coordinate SC by sensing an input from an outside source.
An x value of the sensing coordinate SC may be x.sub.in, and an y
value of the sensing coordinate SC may be y.sub.in. The controller
CT may obtain a calculated coordinate CC by correcting the sensing
coordinate SC obtained by the input sensor IS.
[0152] As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 5A, the controller CT may
include a first reference point moving unit CT1, a coordinate
correction unit CT2, and a second reference point moving unit CT3.
While the first reference point moving unit CT1, the coordinate
correction unit CT2 and the second reference point moving unit CT3
are shown as three separate units in the embodiment of FIG. 5A for
convenience of explanation, embodiments of the present inventive
concepts are not limited thereto and one or more of the first
reference point moving unit CT1, the coordinate correction unit CT2
and the second reference point moving unit CT3 may be integrated in
a same unit.
[0153] In block S200, the first reference point moving unit CT1 may
convert the sensing coordinate SC into a first middle coordinate
MC1 on the basis of a coordinate system CS (FIG. 13A).
[0154] As shown in FIG. 13A, the coordinate system CS may cover an
active area IS-AA of the input sensor IS. An x-axis of the
coordinate system may be parallel to the first direction DR1. A
y-axis of the coordinate system CS may be parallel to the second
direction DR2.
[0155] The coordinate system CS may include a plurality of
coordinate units CU. The plurality of coordinate units CU may be
arranged in the first direction DR1 and in the second direction
DR2. Each of the plurality of coordinate units CU may have a width
WD-X in the first direction DR1 and a width WD-Y in the second
direction DR2. The width WD-X in the first direction DR1 may be
defined from a width WD-SU1 in the first direction DR1 of each of
the plurality of sensing units SU. For example, in an embodiment,
the width WD-X in the first direction DR1 of each coordinate unit
CU may be the same as the width WD-SU1 in the first direction DR1
of each of the plurality of sensing units SU. The width WD-Y of the
coordinate unit CU in the second direction DR2 may be defined from
the width WD-SU2 in the second direction DR2 of each of the
plurality of sensing units SU. For example, in an embodiment, the
width WD-X in the first direction DR1 may be the same as the width
WD-Y in the second direction DR2.
[0156] The memory MM may further include a reference coordinate RC.
The reference coordinate RC may be a reference point of a sensing
coordinate in the coordinate system. The reference coordinate RC
may be a coordinate which defines the active area IS-AA of the
input sensor IS. The memory MM may store x.sub.off which is an x
value of the reference coordinate RC and y.sub.off which is a y
value of the reference coordinate RC.
[0157] The first reference point moving unit CT1 may convert the
coordinate system CS into a middle coordinate system CS-1. The
middle coordinate system CS-1 may correspond to one of the
plurality of coordinate units CU.
[0158] The first reference point moving unit CT1 may convert the
sensing coordinate SC into a first middle coordinate MC1 on the
basis of Equation 1. An x value of the first middle coordinate MC1
may be x.sub.1, and a y value of the first middle coordinate MC1
may be y.sub.1. The x.sub.1 may be referred to as a first x
coordinate and y.sub.1 may be referred to as a first y
coordinate.
x.sub.1=(x.sub.in-x.sub.off)mod(WD-X)
y.sub.1=(y.sub.in-y.sub.off)mod(WD-Y) [Equation 1]
[0159] In Equation 1, x.sub.1 may be a remainder of a value
obtained by dividing the difference between x.sub.in and x.sub.off
by the width WD-X in the first direction DR1 of each of the
plurality of coordinate units CU.
[0160] In block S300, the coordinate correction unit CT2 may obtain
a second middle coordinate MC2 by correcting the first middle
coordinate MC1 based on the first modeling data MD1 and the second
modeling data MD2.
[0161] As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 13B, an x value of the
second middle coordinate MC2 may be x.sub.2, and a y value of the
second middle coordinate MC2 may be y.sub.2. The x.sub.2 may be
referred to as a second x coordinate and y.sub.2 may be referred to
as a second y coordinate.
[0162] In an embodiment in which the first modeling data MD1 is the
first function F1 and the second modeling data MD2 is the second
function F2 as shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 11A-11B, the
coordinate correction unit may obtain x.sub.2 by substituting
x.sub.1 into an inverse function of the first function F1 and
obtain y.sub.2 by substituting y.sub.1 into an inverse function of
the second function F2.
[0163] In an embodiment in which each of the first modeling data
MD1 and the second modeling data MD2 is a lookup table, the
coordinate correction unit CT2 may obtain x.sub.2 by substituting
x.sub.1 into the lookup table and obtain y.sub.2 by substituting
y.sub.1 into the lookup table.
[0164] Each of the first modeling data MD1 and the second modeling
data MD2 according to an embodiment of the present inventive
concepts may be applied to each of the plurality of coordinate
units CU by repeated sensing units SU. For example, the controller
CT may apply the first modeling data and the second modeling data,
obtained from some of the sensing units SU, to each of the
plurality of coordinate units CU of the coordinate system CS.
[0165] In block S400, the second reference point moving unit CT3
may obtain a calculated coordinate CC based on the second middle
coordinate MC2.
[0166] The memory MM may include an integer value obtained by
dividing the sensing coordinate SC by the widths in the first
direction DR1 and second direction DR2 WD-X, WD-Y of each of the
plurality of coordinate units CU. The integer value may include a
first integer value and a second integer value. The first integer
value may be an integer part of a value obtained by dividing
x.sub.in by the width WD-X in the first direction DR1. The second
integer value may be an integer part of a value obtained by
dividing x.sub.in by the width WD-Y of the second direction DR2.
The first integer value and the second integer value may be stored
in the memory MM. In an embodiment, the controller CT may obtain
the integer value from the sensing coordinate SC.
[0167] The second reference point moving unit CT3 may convert the
second middle coordinate MC2 into the calculated coordinate CC on
the basis of Equation 2. The x value of the calculated coordinate
CC may be x.sub.c, and the y value of the calculated coordinate CC
may be y.sub.c
x.sub.c=x.sub.2+(first integer value*(WD-X))+x.sub.off
y.sub.c=y.sub.2+(second integer value*(WD-Y))+y.sub.off [Equation
2]
[0168] The calculated coordinate CC may be a value obtained by
adding the second middle coordinate MC2, a value obtained by
multiplying the integer value by the width in the first direction
DR1 and the second direction DR2 WD-X, WD-Y of each of the
plurality of coordinate units CU, and the reference coordinate RC.
In Equation 2, x.sub.c may be a value obtained by adding x.sub.2, a
value obtained by multiplying the first integer value by the width
WD-X of the first direction DR1, and x.sub.off. In Equation 2,
y.sub.c may be a value obtained by adding y.sub.2, a value obtained
by multiplying the second integer value by the width WD-Y of the
second direction DR2, and y.sub.off.
[0169] According to an embodiment of the present inventive
concepts, the electronic device DD may include an input sensor IS,
a controller CT, and a memory MM. A first modeling data MD1 and a
second modeling data MD2 may be stored in the memory MM. The
controller CT may obtain a calculated coordinate CC identical to an
input value IV received from an outside source by correcting a
sensing value sensed by the input sensor IS based on the first
modeling data MD1 and the second modeling data MD2. Therefore, the
coordinate accuracy of the input sensor IS may be increased and the
electronic device DD with increased reliability may be
provided.
[0170] According to the present inventive concepts, an electronic
device may include an input sensor, a controller, and a memory. A
first modeling data and a second modeling data may be stored in a
memory. The controller may obtain same calculated coordinates as
actually inputted input values by correcting sensing values sensed
by the input sensor on the basis of the first modeling data and the
second modeling data. Accordingly, the accuracy of coordinates of
the electronic device may be increased.
[0171] Although the embodiments of the present inventive concepts
have been described, it is understood that the present inventive
concepts should not be limited to these embodiments but various
changes and modifications may be made by a person having ordinary
skill in the art within the spirit and scope of the present
inventive concepts as hereinafter claimed. Accordingly, the
technical scope of the present inventive concepts is not restricted
to the embodiments described in the detailed description.
* * * * *