阅读说明：本技术 触摸传感器及驱动其的方法 (Touch sensor and method of driving the same ) 是由 高光范 金佳英 林相铉 于 2021-01-27 设计创作，主要内容包括：本申请涉及触摸传感器和驱动触摸传感器的方法。该触摸传感器包括：感测区域,包括位于中央部分中的第一感测区域和从第一感测区域向外位于边缘部分中的第二感测区域；第一传感器电极,设置在第一感测区域中；以及第二传感器电极,设置在第二感测区域中,第二传感器电极配置为与第一传感器电极分开激活。第一传感器电极能够在第一模式中被驱动以检测在第一感测区域中生成的触摸输入,并且第二传感器电极能够在第二模式中被驱动以检测在第二感测区域中生成的触摸输入。(The present application relates to a touch sensor and a method of driving the touch sensor. The touch sensor includes: a sensing region including a first sensing region in the central portion and a second sensing region in the edge portion outward from the first sensing region; a first sensor electrode disposed in the first sensing region; and a second sensor electrode disposed in the second sensing region, the second sensor electrode configured to be activated separately from the first sensor electrode. The first sensor electrodes can be driven in a first mode to detect touch input generated in the first sensing region, and the second sensor electrodes can be driven in a second mode to detect touch input generated in the second sensing region.)

1. A touch sensor, comprising:

a sensing region comprising a first sensing region and a second sensing region, the second sensing region positioned in an edge portion outward from the first sensing region;

A first sensor electrode disposed in the first sensing region; and

a second sensor electrode disposed in the second sensing region, the second sensor electrode configured to be activated separately from the first sensor electrode,

wherein the first sensor electrodes are drivable in a first mode to detect touch inputs generated in the first sensing region and the second sensor electrodes are drivable in a second mode to detect touch inputs generated in the second sensing region.

2. The touch sensor of claim 1, wherein the first sensor electrode comprises a first electrode and a second electrode disposed in the first sensing region, and

the second sensor electrode includes a third electrode and a fourth electrode disposed in the second sensing region.

3. The touch sensor of claim 2, wherein the first and second electrodes in the first sensing region are separate from the third and fourth electrodes of the second sensing region, and wherein:

the first electrode in the first sensing region and the third electrode in the second sensing region are drive electrodes, an

The second electrode in the first sensing region and the fourth electrode in the second sensing region are sensing electrodes.

4. The touch sensor of claim 2, wherein:

the first electrodes are disposed in quadrants of the first sensing region, and the first electrodes in the same quadrant are connected to each other to form a single first electrode, an

The third electrodes are disposed in quadrants of the second sensing region, and the third electrodes in the same quadrant of the second sensing region are connected to each other to form a single third electrode.

5. The touch sensor of claim 1, wherein the sensing region has a substantially circular shape.

6. The touch sensor of claim 5, wherein the first sensing region comprises a concentric region having a radius that is smaller than a radius of the sensing region having the substantially circular shape, an

The second sensing region comprises an annular region surrounding the first sensing region.

7. The touch sensor of claim 6, wherein the first sensor electrode in the first sensing region comprises:

a substantially circular shaped center electrode located at the center of the first sensing region;

A first partial ring-shaped electrode comprising a single electrode pattern or a plurality of electrode patterns dispersed in at least one ring-shaped region disposed at a predetermined distance and/or spacing from the generally circular-shaped center electrode, and each of the plurality of electrode patterns having a partial ring shape; and

a second partial ring-shaped electrode disposed in a ring-shaped region between the substantially circular-shaped center electrode and the first partial ring-shaped electrode and/or a ring-shaped region between the first partial ring-shaped electrodes, the second partial ring-shaped electrode having a radius different from a radius of the first partial ring-shaped electrode.

8. The touch sensor of claim 7, wherein the second partial ring shaped electrode comprises:

a first-first electrode located in a first quadrant of the first sensing region and including a single electrode pattern or a plurality of electrode patterns having a partial ring shape;

first-second electrodes located in a second quadrant of the first sensing region and including a single electrode pattern or a plurality of electrode patterns having a partial ring shape;

first-third electrodes located in a third quadrant of the first sensing region and including a single electrode pattern or a plurality of electrode patterns having a partial ring shape; and

First-fourth electrodes located in a fourth quadrant of the first sensing region and including a single electrode pattern or a plurality of electrode patterns having a partial ring shape.

9. The touch sensor of claim 8, wherein each of the first partial ring shaped electrodes comprises a plurality of electrode patterns dispersed in the first to fourth quadrants of the first sensing area,

the first partial ring shaped electrodes are sequentially arranged in a clockwise direction in the first and third quadrants of the first sensing region, an

The first partial ring shaped electrodes are sequentially arranged in a counterclockwise direction in the second and fourth quadrants of the first sensing region.

10. The touch sensor of claim 7, wherein the second sensor electrode comprises:

a third partial ring-shaped electrode including a single electrode pattern or a plurality of electrode patterns dispersed in a ring-shaped area spaced apart from the first sensing area by a predetermined distance, each of the plurality of electrode patterns having a partial ring shape; and

a fourth partial ring-shaped electrode disposed in a ring-shaped region inside and/or outside the third partial ring-shaped electrode.

11. The touch sensor of claim 10, wherein the fourth partial ring shaped electrode comprises:

a second-first electrode located in a first quadrant of the second sensing region and including a single electrode pattern or a plurality of electrode patterns having a partial ring shape;

a second-second electrode located in a second quadrant of the second sensing region and including a single electrode pattern or a plurality of electrode patterns having a partial ring shape;

second-third electrodes located in a third quadrant of the second sensing region and including a single electrode pattern or a plurality of electrode patterns having a partial ring shape; and

second-fourth electrodes located in a fourth quadrant of the second sensing region and including a single electrode pattern or a plurality of electrode patterns having a partial ring shape.

12. The touch sensor of claim 11, wherein each of the third partial ring shaped electrodes comprises a plurality of electrode patterns dispersed in the first to fourth quadrants of the second sensing region,

the third partial ring shaped electrodes are sequentially arranged in a clockwise direction in the first and third quadrants of the second sensing region, an

The third partial ring shaped electrodes are sequentially arranged in a counterclockwise direction in the second and fourth quadrants of the second sensing region.

13. The touch sensor of claim 10, wherein the second sensor electrode further comprises an outermost electrode of a ring shape or a partial ring shape, the outermost electrode being disposed in an outermost region of the sensing region to surround the fourth partial ring shape electrode.

14. A method of driving a touch sensor having a first sensing region and a second sensing region disposed outwardly from the first sensing region in an edge portion, the method comprising:

in a first mode, driving at least some of first sensor electrodes in the first sensing region in a mutual capacitance sensing method or a self capacitance sensing method to detect whether a touch input is received in the first sensing region; and

in a second mode, at least some of the second sensor electrodes in the second sensing region are driven with the mutual capacitance sensing method or the self-capacitance sensing method to detect whether touch input is received in the second sensing region and a location of the touch input in the second sensing region.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the first sensor electrodes comprise first and second electrodes disposed in the first sensing region, and in the first mode, the mutual capacitance sensing method uses the first and second electrodes to detect whether the touch input is received in the first sensing region.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein the first sensor electrodes comprise first and second electrodes disposed in the first sensing region, and in the first mode, the self-capacitance sensing method uses the first electrodes to detect whether the touch input is received in the first sensing region.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the first sensor electrodes comprise first and second electrodes disposed in the first sensing region, and in the first mode, the self-capacitance sensing method uses the second electrodes to detect whether the touch input is received in the first sensing region.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein the second sensor electrodes comprise third and fourth electrodes disposed in the second sensing region, and in the second mode, the mutual capacitance sensing method uses the third and fourth electrodes to detect whether the touch input is received in the second sensing region.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein in the second mode, the self-capacitance sensing method uses the third and fourth electrodes to detect whether the touch input is received in the second sensing region and a location of the touch input in the second sensing region.

20. The method of claim 14, wherein the first mode is a standby mode and the second mode is an active mode.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the second sensing region is deactivated in the first mode and the first sensing region is deactivated in the second mode.

22. The method of claim 20, further comprising, in a third mode, activating all of the first and second sensor electrodes in the first and second sensing regions.

Technical Field

Exemplary implementations of the present invention relate generally to touch sensors and methods of driving touch sensors, and more particularly, to touch sensors having sensing areas with different shapes.

Background

Touch sensors are widely used as input devices for various electronic devices including display devices. For example, a touch sensor may be disposed in a display device and include sensor electrodes disposed in a sensing region that overlaps a display region. The touch sensor may sense a touch input generated in a sensing region using sensor electrodes.

The above information disclosed in this background section is only for background understanding of the inventive concept and, therefore, it may contain information that does not constitute prior art.

Disclosure of Invention

Applicants have found that when a touch sensor has a circular sensing area, touch sensing sensitivity is reduced at edge nodes due to sensor area loss, which degrades the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the touch sensor. Although touch sensing sensitivity and SNR of the touch sensor can be improved by increasing the sampling rate, the increased sampling rate may disadvantageously increase power consumption of the touch sensor.

Touch sensors constructed according to the principles and some example implementations of the present invention minimize or prevent sensor area loss in the edge nodes of the sensing region, resulting in high touch sensing sensitivity and high SNR, as well as low power consumption. For example, the sensing area of the touch sensor may be circular, and the touch sensor may include sensor electrodes having a pattern shape and arrangement optimized for the circular sensing area. Accordingly, a high SNR can be ensured even in the edge portion of the sensing region, and power consumption of the touch sensor can be reduced by reducing the number of sampling times for touch driving.

Touch sensors constructed according to the principles and some example implementations of the invention may partially or fully drive the sensing region to reduce power consumption. For example, the touch sensor may include a first sensing region and a second sensing region that may be driven independently of each other, wherein the first sensing region and the second sensing region are selectively driven corresponding to a predetermined pattern. The power consumption of the touch sensor can be reduced by this partial driving method.

Additional features of the inventive concept will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the inventive concept.

According to an aspect of the present invention, a touch sensor includes: a sensing region including a first sensing region in the central portion and a second sensing region in the edge portion outward from the first sensing region; a first sensor electrode disposed in the first sensing region; and a second sensor electrode disposed in a second sensing region, the second sensor electrode configured to be activated separately from the first sensor electrode, wherein the first sensor electrode is drivable in a first mode to detect touch input generated in the first sensing region and the second sensor electrode is drivable in a second mode to detect touch input generated in the second sensing region.

The second sensing region may be deactivated in the first mode, and the first sensing region may be deactivated in the second mode.

The first sensor electrode may include first and second electrodes disposed in the first sensing region, and the second sensor electrode may include third and fourth electrodes disposed in the second sensing region.

The first and second electrodes in the first sensing region may be separated from the third and fourth electrodes of the second sensing region, and wherein: the first electrode in the first sensing region and the third electrode in the second sensing region may be driving electrodes, and the second electrode in the first sensing region and the fourth electrode in the second sensing region may be sensing electrodes.

The first electrodes may be disposed in quadrants of the first sensing region, and the first electrodes in the same quadrant may be connected to each other to form a single first electrode, and the third electrodes may be disposed in quadrants of the second sensing region, and the third electrodes in the same quadrant of the second sensing region may be connected to each other to form a single third electrode.

In the first mode, a mutual capacitance sensing method or a self capacitance sensing method using first and second electrodes in the first sensing region may detect whether a touch input is received in the first sensing region.

In the first mode, a self-capacitance sensing method using first electrodes in the first sensing region may detect whether a touch input is received in the first sensing region.

In the first mode, a self-capacitance sensing method using the second electrodes in the first sensing region may detect whether a touch input is received in the first sensing region.

In the second mode, a mutual capacitance sensing method using third and fourth electrodes in the second sensing region may detect whether a touch input is received in the second sensing region.

In the second mode, the self-capacitance sensing method using the third and fourth electrodes in the second sensing region may detect whether and where a touch input is received in the second sensing region.

The sensing region may have a substantially circular shape.

The first sensing region may include a concentric region having a radius smaller than a radius of the sensing region having the substantially circular shape, and the second sensing region may include an annular region surrounding the first sensing region.

The first sensor electrodes in the first sensing region may include: a substantially circular shaped center electrode located at the center of the first sensing region; a first partial ring-shaped electrode comprising a single electrode pattern or a plurality of electrode patterns dispersed in at least one ring-shaped region, the at least one ring-shaped region being disposed at a predetermined distance and/or spacing from a center electrode of the generally circular shape, and each of the plurality of electrode patterns having a partial ring shape; and a second partial ring-shaped electrode disposed in a ring-shaped region between the substantially circular-shaped center electrode and the first partial ring-shaped electrode and/or a ring-shaped region between the first partial ring-shaped electrodes having different radii.

The second partial ring-shaped electrode may include: a first-first electrode located in a first quadrant of the first sensing region and including a single electrode pattern or a plurality of electrode patterns having a partial ring shape; first-second electrodes located in a second quadrant of the first sensing region and including a single electrode pattern or a plurality of electrode patterns having a partial ring shape; first-third electrodes located in a third quadrant of the first sensing region and including a single electrode pattern or a plurality of electrode patterns having a partial ring shape; and first-fourth electrodes located in a fourth quadrant of the first sensing region and including a single electrode pattern or a plurality of electrode patterns having a partial ring shape.

Each of the first partial ring shaped electrodes may include a plurality of electrode patterns dispersed in first to fourth quadrants of the first sensing region, the first partial ring shaped electrodes may be sequentially arranged in a clockwise direction in the first and third quadrants of the first sensing region, and the first partial ring shaped electrodes may be sequentially arranged in a counterclockwise direction in the second and fourth quadrants of the first sensing region.

The second sensor electrode may include: a third partial ring-shaped electrode including a single electrode pattern or a plurality of electrode patterns dispersed in a ring-shaped area spaced apart from the first sensing area by a predetermined distance, each of the plurality of electrode patterns having a partial ring shape; and a fourth partial ring-shaped electrode disposed in a ring-shaped region inside and/or outside the third partial ring-shaped electrode.

The fourth partial ring-shaped electrode may include: a second-first electrode located in a first quadrant of the second sensing region and including a single electrode pattern or a plurality of electrode patterns having a partial ring shape; a second-second electrode located in a second quadrant of the second sensing region and including a single electrode pattern or a plurality of electrode patterns having a partial ring shape; second-third electrodes located in a third quadrant of the second sensing region and including a single electrode pattern or a plurality of electrode patterns having a partial ring shape; and second-fourth electrodes located in a fourth quadrant of the second sensing region and including a single electrode pattern or a plurality of electrode patterns having a partial ring shape.

Each of the third partial ring shaped electrodes may include a plurality of electrode patterns dispersed in first to fourth quadrants of the second sensing region, the third partial ring shaped electrodes being sequentially arranged in a clockwise direction in the first and third quadrants of the second sensing region, and the third partial ring shaped electrodes being sequentially arranged in a counterclockwise direction in the second and fourth quadrants of the second sensing region.

The second sensor electrode may further include an outermost electrode of a ring shape or a partial ring shape, the outermost electrode being disposed in an outermost region of the sensing region to surround the fourth partial ring shape electrode.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of driving a touch sensor having a first sensing region and a second sensing region disposed outward from the first sensing region in an edge portion includes: in a first mode, driving at least some of the first sensor electrodes in a first sensing region in a mutual capacitance sensing method or a self capacitance sensing method to detect whether a touch input is received in the first sensing region; and in a second mode, driving at least some of the second sensor electrodes in the second sensing region in a mutual capacitance sensing method or a self capacitance sensing method to detect whether touch input is received in the second sensing region and a location of the touch input in the second sensing region.

The first sensor electrodes may include first and second electrodes disposed in a first sensing region, and in the first mode, the mutual capacitance sensing method may detect whether a touch input is received in the first sensing region using the first and second electrodes.

The first sensor electrodes may include first and second electrodes disposed in a first sensing region, and in the first mode, the self-capacitance sensing method detects whether a touch input is received in the first sensing region using the first electrodes.

The first sensor electrodes may include first and second electrodes disposed in a first sensing region, and in the first mode, the self-capacitance sensing method may detect whether a touch input is received in the first sensing region using the second electrodes.

The second sensor electrodes may include third and fourth electrodes disposed in a second sensing region, and in the second mode, the mutual capacitance sensing method may detect whether a touch input is received in the second sensing region using the third and fourth electrodes.

In a second mode, the self-capacitance sensing method can use the third and fourth electrodes to detect whether touch input is received in the second sensing region and the location of the touch input in the second sensing region.

The first mode may be a standby mode and the second mode may be an active mode.

The second sensing region may be deactivated in the first mode, and the first sensing region may be deactivated in the second mode.

The method may further comprise: in a third mode, substantially all of the first and second sensor electrodes in the first and second sensing regions are activated.

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.

Drawings

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 concept.

FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a display device constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

Fig. 1B is a sectional view of a panel unit of the display device of fig. 1A.

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the panel unit of fig. 1B.

Fig. 3 is a plan view of a typical example of sensor electrodes disposed in a sensing region of a generally circular shape.

Fig. 4A and 4B are plan views of exemplary embodiments of first and second sensor electrodes of a touch sensor of the panel unit of fig. 1B in a sensing region.

Fig. 5A and 5B are plan views of first and second sensor electrodes of the touch sensor of fig. 4A and 4B, illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method of activating and deactivating a sensing region when the sensing region is driven in a first mode.

Fig. 5C to 5H are timing diagrams illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method of driving the first and second sensor electrodes of the touch sensor of fig. 5A and 5B.

Fig. 6A and 6B are plan views of first and second sensor electrodes of a touch sensor of the panel unit of fig. 4A and 4B, illustrating other exemplary embodiments of a method of activating and deactivating a sensing region when the sensing region is driven in a first mode.

Fig. 6C and 6D are timing diagrams illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method of driving the first and second sensor electrodes of the touch sensor of fig. 6A and 6B.

Fig. 7A and 7B are plan views of first and second sensor electrodes of the touch sensor of fig. 4A and 4B, illustrating other exemplary embodiments of a method of activating and deactivating a sensing region when the sensing region is driven in a first mode.

Fig. 7C and 7D are timing diagrams illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method of driving the first and second sensor electrodes of the touch sensor of fig. 7A and 7B.

Fig. 8A and 8B are plan views of first and second sensor electrodes of the touch sensor of fig. 4A and 4B, illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method of activating and deactivating a sensing region when the sensing region is driven in a second mode.

Fig. 8C to 8H are timing diagrams illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method of driving the first and second sensor electrodes of the touch sensor of fig. 8A and 8B.

Fig. 9A and 9B are plan views of other exemplary embodiments of first and second sensor electrodes of a touch sensor of the panel unit of fig. 1B in a sensing region.

Fig. 10A and 10B are plan views of first and second sensor electrodes of the touch sensor of fig. 9A and 9B, illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method of activating and deactivating a sensing region when the sensing region is driven in a first mode.

Fig. 10C to 10H are timing diagrams illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method of driving the first and second sensor electrodes of the touch sensor of fig. 10A and 10B.

Fig. 11A and 11B are plan views of first and second sensor electrodes of the touch sensor of fig. 9A and 9B, illustrating other exemplary embodiments of a method of activating and deactivating a sensing region when the sensing region is driven in a first mode.

Fig. 12A and 12B are plan views of first and second sensor electrodes of the touch sensor of fig. 9A and 9B, illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method of activating and deactivating a sensing region when the sensing region is driven in a second mode.

Fig. 12C to 12H are timing diagrams illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method of driving the first and second sensor electrodes of the touch sensor of fig. 12A and 12B.

Detailed Description

In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various exemplary embodiments or implementations of the present invention. As used herein, "embodiments" and "implementations" are interchangeable words, which are non-limiting examples of devices or methods that employ one or more of the inventive concepts disclosed herein. It may be evident, however, that the 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 the various exemplary embodiments. Moreover, the various exemplary embodiments may be different, but are not necessarily exclusive. For example, particular shapes, configurations and characteristics of exemplary embodiments may be used or implemented in another exemplary embodiment without departing from the inventive concept.

Unless otherwise indicated, the illustrated exemplary embodiments should be understood as providing exemplary features of varying detail of some ways in which the inventive concepts may be practiced. Thus, unless otherwise specified, features, components, modules, layers, films, panels, regions, and/or aspects and the like (individually or collectively, "elements" hereinafter) of the various embodiments may be otherwise combined, separated, interchanged, and/or rearranged without departing from the inventive concepts.

The use of cross-hatching and/or shading in the figures is generally provided to clarify the boundaries between adjacent elements. Thus, unless specified, the presence or absence of cross-hatching or shading does not convey or indicate any preference or requirement for particular materials, material properties, dimensions, proportions, commonality among the illustrated elements, and/or any other characteristic, attribute, property, etc., of an element. Further, in the drawings, the size and relative sizes of elements may be exaggerated for clarity and/or description. While example embodiments may be practiced differently, the particular process sequence may be performed differently than described. For example, two processes described in succession may be executed substantially concurrently or in the reverse order to that described. In addition, like reference numerals denote like elements.

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. However, when 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 connections with or without intervening elements. Further, the D1, D2, and D3 axes are not limited to three axes of a rectangular coordinate system, such as the x, y, and z axes, and may be construed in a broader sense. For example, the D1, D2, and D3 axes may be perpendicular to each other, or may represent different directions that are not perpendicular to each other. For 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" can be construed as X only, Y only, Z only, or any combination of two or more of X, Y and Z, such as, for example, 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.

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. Thus, a first element discussed below could be termed a second element without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure.

Spatially relative terms, such as "below," "lower," "above," "upper," "above," "higher," "side" (e.g., as in a "sidewall") and the like, may be used herein for descriptive purposes and thereby describe one element's relationship to another element(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use, operation, and/or manufacture in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. Additionally, the device may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

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. Furthermore, the terms "comprises," "comprising," "including," "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 approximate terms and not as degree terms, and thus are used to leave margins for inherent deviations in measured, calculated, and/or provided values that will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art.

Various exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional and/or exploded views as illustrations of idealized exemplary embodiments and/or intermediate structures. Thus, variations from the shapes of the illustrations as a result, for example, of manufacturing techniques and/or tolerances, are to be expected. Thus, example embodiments disclosed herein are not necessarily to be construed as limited to the particular illustrated shapes of regions but are to include deviations in shapes that result, for example, from manufacturing. In this manner, the regions illustrated in the figures may be schematic in nature and the shapes of these regions may not reflect the actual shape of a region of a device and are therefore not necessarily intended to be limiting.

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 belongs. 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.

FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a display device constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Fig. 1B is a sectional view of a panel unit of the display device of fig. 1A. For example, fig. 1A illustrates an overall configuration diagram of the display device DD, and fig. 1B illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a cross section of the panel unit PNL of fig. 1A.

Referring to fig. 1A and 1B, the display device DD includes a panel unit PNL and a driving circuit DRV. The panel unit PNL includes a screen of the display device DD for displaying images and information, and the driving circuit DRV controls the operation of the panel unit PNL.

The panel unit PNL includes a display panel DPL and a touch panel TPL. In an exemplary embodiment, the display panel DPL and the touch panel TPL may be integrally manufactured and/or provided. For example, the touch panel TPL may be formed inside the display panel DPL together with the pixels, or may be directly formed on at least one surface (e.g., an upper surface and/or a lower surface) of the display panel DPL. In another exemplary embodiment, the display panel DPL and the touch panel TPL may be manufactured and/or provided non-integrally. For example, the touch panel TPL may be manufactured separately from the display panel DPL and may be attached to at least one surface of the display panel DPL by a transparent adhesive or the like.

The panel unit PNL may include an active area AA and a peripheral area PA. The active area AA may be an area including a display area DA and a sensing area SA. The display area DA may be an area in which an image is displayed by the display panel DPL, and the sensing area SA may be an area in which a touch input may be sensed by the touch panel TPL. The peripheral area PA may be an area other than the effective area AA. For example, the peripheral area PA may be an outer area surrounding the display area DA and/or the sensing area SA. Lines and/or pads connected to the sensor electrodes of the pixels of the display area DA and/or the sensing area SA may be disposed in the peripheral area PA.

In an exemplary embodiment, the display area DA and the sensing area SA may vertically overlap in a thickness direction of the panel unit PNL. For example, at least one region of the display region DA may be set as the sensing region SA. However, the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, in another exemplary embodiment, the sensing area SA may be located in the non-display area.

The display panel DPL includes a display element layer DSL including pixels. The display element layer DSL may be formed of a plurality of layers of components including pixels (for example, circuit elements and/or light-emitting elements included in pixel circuits). The pixels may be disposed in the display area DA of the display element layer DSL and may be driven by the display driver DDI. Accordingly, an image can be displayed in the display area DA.

The touch panel TPL may include a touch sensor layer TSL having sensor electrodes. The touch sensor layer TSL may be formed as a single layer or a plurality of layers including sensor electrodes and/or lines connected to the sensor electrodes (also referred to herein as "sensor lines"). The sensor electrodes may be disposed in the sensing area SA of the touch sensor layer TSL and may be driven by the touch driver TDI. When the sensor electrodes are driven, a touch input generated in the sensing area SA may be detected. Here, the touch input may comprehensively refer to a touch input generated by an actual contact with the display screen and a touch input generated by hovering without an actual contact with the display screen.

The touch sensor layer TSL may be integrally or non-integrally formed and/or provided with the display element layer DSL. In an exemplary embodiment, the touch sensor layer TSL may be disposed on one surface of the display element layer DSL to overlap the display element layer DSL. For example, the touch sensor layer TSL may be disposed on the upper surface of the display element layer DSL. However, according to an exemplary embodiment, the position of the touch sensor layer TSL may be variously changed. For example, in another exemplary embodiment, the touch sensor layer TSL may be disposed on the lower surface or both surfaces of the display element layer DSL.

The panel unit PNL may include additional components in addition to the display panel DPL and the touch panel TPL. For example, the panel unit PNL may include a protection layer PRL disposed on the uppermost layer. In an exemplary embodiment, the protective layer PRL may be formed of a material for protecting the panel unit PNL from physical and/or electrical impact, and may be a window or other functional film. The protection layer PRL may be provided integrally or non-integrally with the display panel DPL and/or the touch panel TPL. For example, the non-integrated protective layer PRL may be attached on the display element layer DSL of the display panel DPL and/or the touch sensor layer TSL of the touch panel TPL through the transparent adhesive member OCA or the like.

The driving circuit DRV includes a display driver DDI and a touch driver TDI. The display driver DDI and the touch driver TDI may be implemented as integrated circuits including circuit elements for driving the display panel DPL and the touch panel TPL, respectively. According to an exemplary embodiment, the display driver DDI and the touch driver TDI may be manufactured in the form of separate chips, or may be integrated into a single chip.

In fig. 1A, the panel unit PNL and the driving circuit DRV are illustrated as separate components, but exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, according to an exemplary embodiment, at least a portion of the driving circuit DRV may be integrally manufactured with the panel unit PNL. For example, a scan driver generating a scan signal may be formed in the display panel DPL together with the pixels.

The display driver DDI may include a driving circuit for supplying driving signals to the pixels of the display panel DPL. For example, the display driver DDI may include a scan driver and a data driver for supplying scan signals and data signals to the pixels, respectively. The display driver DDI may form a display module DSM together with the display panel DPL.

The touch driver TDI may provide a driving signal to the sensor electrodes of the touch panel TPL and receive a sensing signal output from the sensor electrodes by the driving signal. The touch driver TDI may detect whether a touch input is generated and/or a position of the touch input by analyzing the sensing signal. The touch driver TDI may form a sensor module (e.g., a touch sensor TS) together with the touch panel TPL.

In an exemplary embodiment, the touch sensor TS may be a touch sensor operating according to a capacitance sensing method. For example, the touch sensor TS may be a touch sensor of a mutual capacitance sensing method or a self capacitance sensing method. In another exemplary embodiment, the touch sensor TS may be a capacitive touch sensor of a hybrid sensing method, which is selectively driven in a mutual capacitance sensing method or a self capacitance sensing method according to a driving mode, etc. Further, the touch sensor TS may be various known types of touch sensors in addition to the touch sensor of the capacitive sensing method.

Fig. 2 illustrates a panel unit PNL of a display device according to an exemplary embodiment. According to an exemplary embodiment, fig. 2 illustrates a substantially circular-shaped panel unit PNL applicable to a watch or the like, but the shape of the panel unit PNL is not limited thereto.

Referring to fig. 2, the panel unit PNL includes an effective area AA and a peripheral area PA surrounding the effective area AA. In an exemplary embodiment, the effective area AA may be a substantially circular-shaped area, and the peripheral area PA may be a substantially ring-shaped (annular) area surrounding the substantially circular-shaped effective area AA.

The active area AA may include a display area DA and a sensing area SA. In an exemplary embodiment, substantially the entire active area AA may be set as the display area DA and the sensing area SA, but is not limited thereto.

In an exemplary embodiment, the sensing region SA may be divided into a plurality of sub-regions that may be driven independently of each other, and the Tx channel and/or the Rx channel may be separated for each sub-region to independently drive each sub-region. For example, the sensing region SA may be partially driven by dividing the sensing region SA into a plurality of sub-regions and separating Tx and/or Rx channels corresponding to each sub-region. Here, the Tx channel may be a touch driving channel corresponding to each Tx electrode, and the Rx channel may be a touch sensing channel corresponding to each Rx electrode.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the sensing area SA may be divided into at least a central portion and an edge portion, which are independently driven. For example, the sensing area SA may include a first sensing area SA1 located at a central portion of the active area AA and a second sensing area SA2 located at an edge portion of the active area AA to surround a substantially annular shape of the first sensing area SA 1. Furthermore, according to another exemplary embodiment, the sensing region SA may be divided into at least three sub-regions. In addition, the Tx electrodes (also referred to as "driving electrodes") and/or the Rx electrodes (also referred to as "sensing electrodes") may be separated from each other for each divided sub-region.

In an exemplary embodiment, the sensing region SA may have a substantially circular shape. Further, the radius of the first sensing region SA1 may be smaller than that of the substantially circular-shaped sensing region SA, and may be provided as a concentric circular region having the same center as the sensing region SA, and the second sensing region SA2 may be a substantially ring-shaped region corresponding to an edge portion of the sensing region SA and surrounding the first sensing region SA 1.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the first sensing area SA1 may correspond to a central area of a screen on which main information, a standby screen, etc. are displayed, and the second sensing area SA2 may correspond to a roulette area of the screen on which a plurality of icons are displayed. The first and second sensing regions SA1 and SA2 may be selectively activated according to a driving pattern.

For example, in a first mode (e.g., standby mode), first sensing region SA1 may be activated and second sensing region SA2 may be deactivated. Conversely, in a second mode (e.g., a roulette mode), second sensing region SA2 may be activated and first sensing region SA1 may be deactivated. For example, only a portion of the sensing regions SA (e.g., the first sensing region SA1 or the second sensing region SA2) may be selectively activated to detect a touch input provided to the corresponding region according to a driving mode. As described above, when only a portion of the sensing area SA is selectively activated to be driven, power consumption of the touch sensor TS can be reduced.

In addition, all of the first and second sensing regions SA1 and SA2 may be activated to detect a touch input in the entire sensing region SA. For example, when it is desired to detect a touch input in the entire screen, the touch sensor TS may be driven in the third mode. In the third mode, the entire sensing region SA may be activated to detect a touch input generated in the first sensing region SA1 and/or the second sensing region SA 2.

Fig. 3 is a plan view of a typical example of sensor electrodes in a sensing region of a generally circular shape. Fig. 3 shows an example of a first electrode ET1 and a second electrode ET2 that may be arranged in a substantially circular shaped sensing region SA.

Referring to fig. 3, the sensing region SA includes first and second electrodes ET1 and ET2 extending in different directions. For example, each of the first electrodes ET1 may extend along a first direction DR1 (e.g., Y-axis direction), and each of the second electrodes ET2 may extend along a second direction DR2 (e.g., X-axis direction). In addition, the first electrodes ET1 may be sequentially arranged along the second direction DR2, and the second electrodes ET2 may be sequentially arranged along the first direction DR 1. A capacitance may be formed between the first and second electrodes ET1 and ET2 adjacent to each other, and each cell node (hereinafter, referred to as a "sensing node") of the touch sensor TS may be formed by the first and second electrodes ET1 and ET 2.

Each of the first electrodes ET1 may include first cell electrodes CLE1 arranged along the first direction DR1 and a first connection portion CNP1 connecting the first cell electrodes CLE1 along the first direction DR 1. The first cell electrode CLE1 and the first connection portion CNP1 forming one first electrode ET1 may be integrally or non-integrally connected to each other.

Each of the second electrodes ET2 may include second cell electrodes CLE2 arranged along the second direction DR2 and a second connection portion CNP2 connecting the second cell electrodes CLE2 along the second direction DR 2. The second cell electrode CLE2 and the second connection portion CNP2 forming one second electrode ET2 may be integrally or non-integrally connected to each other.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first electrode ET1 and the second electrode ET2 may be driven in a mutual capacitance sensing method. For example, during a period in which the sensing region SA is activated, the driving signals may be sequentially supplied to the first electrodes ET1 through the touch driver TDI. In addition, a sensing signal output from the second electrode ET2 by a driving signal may be input to the touch driver TDI. Then, the touch driver TDI detects a touch input based on the sensing signal. In this case, the first electrode ET1 may be a driving electrode (hereinafter, referred to as "Tx electrode") of the touch sensor TS, and the second electrode ET2 may be a sensing electrode (hereinafter, referred to as "Rx electrode") of the touch sensor TS. For example, the first electrode ET1 may be a transmitting electrode of the touch sensor TS, and the second electrode ET2 may be a receiving electrode of the touch sensor TS. In another exemplary embodiment, the first electrode ET1 may be an Rx electrode outputting a sensing signal, and the second electrode ET2 may be a Tx electrode receiving a driving signal. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the first electrode ET1 and the second electrode ET2 may be driven in a self-capacitance sensing method. For example, a touch input may be detected by simultaneously or sequentially supplying a driving signal to each of the first and second electrodes ET1 and ET2 and by using a sensing signal output from each of the first and second electrodes ET1 and ET 2.

When the sensing region SA has a substantially circular shape, the first and second cell electrodes CLE1 and CLE2 located at both ends of each of the first and second electrodes ET1 and ET2 may have a size smaller than that of the remaining first and second cell electrodes CLE1 and 2. For example, the two first cell electrodes CLE1 located at the first and last of each first electrode ET1 and the two second cell electrodes CLE2 located at the first and last of each second electrode ET2 may have a size smaller than that of the remaining first and second cell electrodes CLE1 and CLE 2. Therefore, a sensor area loss may occur in a sensing node (e.g., an edge node) located at the outermost region of the sensing region SA. For example, the edge node may be formed of the first and second cell electrodes CLE1 and CLE2 positioned at both ends of each of the first and second electrodes ET1 and ET 2. The sensor area loss in the edge node may reduce a signal-to-noise ratio (hereinafter, referred to as "SNR") of the touch sensor TS, and thus may reduce touch sensing sensitivity.

For example, when the sampling rate of the touch sensor TS (e.g., the number of pulses of the driving signal supplied to each Tx electrode in a unit time) is increased, the SNR of the touch sensor TS may be improved. Therefore, when a good touch sensing sensitivity is required in the edge portion of the sensing region SA (e.g., in the roulette mode), the SNR of the touch sensor TS can be obtained by increasing the sampling rate of the touch sensor TS. However, when the sampling rate of the touch sensor TS increases, the power consumption of the touch sensor TS increases as the charge/discharge rate of the first and second electrodes ET1 and ET2 increases.

Further, in the case of the configuration of fig. 3, in order to detect a touch input generated in the sensing region SA, the first and second electrodes ET1 and ET2 need to be fully driven regardless of the driving mode. Therefore, for example, even in the standby mode in which only a simple touch input such as tapping or clicking of the central portion needs to be detected, it is necessary to wait for the touch input by repeatedly charging/discharging the first and second electrodes ET1 and ET2 throughout the sensing area SA. Accordingly, the power efficiency of the touch sensor TS may be reduced.

Accordingly, hereinafter, various exemplary embodiments will be described which can improve the SNR of the touch sensor TS by preventing or minimizing the sensor area loss even in the sensing region SA of a substantially circular shape and can increase the power efficiency of the touch sensor TS by partially or entirely driving the sensing region SA.

Fig. 4A and 4B are plan views of exemplary embodiments of first and second sensor electrodes of a touch sensor of the panel unit of fig. 1B in a sensing region. Fig. 4A and 4B respectively illustrate a touch sensor TS according to an exemplary embodiment, and particularly illustrate different exemplary embodiments of the structure of a sensor pattern (e.g., a pattern shape and/or arrangement structure of sensor electrodes) provided in a sensing region SA.

Referring to fig. 4A, sensing regions SA may include first sensing regions SA1 at central portions thereof and second sensing regions SA2 at edge portions thereof. According to an exemplary embodiment, the sensing region SA may have a substantially circular shape. Further, first sensing region SA1 may be disposed as an inner concentric region having a radius smaller than that of sensing region SA of a substantially circular shape, and second sensing region SA2 may be disposed as an outer region of a ring shape surrounding first sensing region SA 1.

The first and second sensing regions SA1 and SA2 may be driven independently of each other. To this end, the first and second sensing regions SA1 and SA2 may include separate sensor patterns. For example, first sensing region SA1 and second sensing region SA2 may include first sensor electrode SE1 and second sensor electrode SE2 that are separated from each other. For example, when it is assumed that the first sensor electrode SE1 includes a plurality of first Tx electrodes T1 and first Rx electrodes R1 disposed in the first sensing region SA1 and the second sensor electrode SE2 includes a plurality of second Tx electrodes T2 and second Rx electrodes R2 disposed in the second sensing region SA2, the first Tx electrodes T1 and the first Rx electrodes R1 may be separated from the second Tx electrodes T2 and the second Rx electrodes R2, respectively.

According to an exemplary embodiment, first sensor electrode SE1 and second sensor electrode SE2 may be curved electrodes that include a curved circumference optimized for a generally circular shaped sensing region SA. For example, each of the first sensor electrode SE1 and the second sensor electrode SE2 may include an electrode pattern of a substantially circular shape or a partial ring shape, and the electrode pattern may be formed of a single pattern or a plurality of patterns.

For example, the first and second sensor electrodes SE1 and SE2 may include a center electrode R1[1] of a substantially circular shape disposed at the center of the sensing region SA and a plurality of partial ring-shaped Tx and Rx electrodes alternately disposed in a plurality of ring-shaped regions radially extending from the center electrode R1[1] located at the center of the first sensing region SA 1. Accordingly, a loss of sensor area in an edge portion of the sensing region SA of a substantially circular shape is prevented or minimized, and thus the SNR of the touch sensor TS may be improved.

The cross-sectional structure, material, and the like of the first sensor electrode SE1 and the second sensor electrode SE2 are not particularly limited. For example, each of the first sensor electrode SE1 and the second sensor electrode SE2 may have a single-layer or multi-layer structure, and may be formed as a substantially plate-shaped or mesh-shaped electrode. Further, each of the first sensor electrode SE1 and the second sensor electrode SE2 may have conductivity by including at least one of various known conductive materials, and may be transparent, opaque, or translucent.

The first sensor electrode SE1 may include first Tx electrodes T1 and first Rx electrodes R1 regularly disposed in the first sensing region SA 1. For example, the first Tx electrodes T1 and the first Rx electrodes R1 may be alternately disposed in the radial direction in the first sensing region SA 1.

The first sensing nodes Na and Nb of a substantially circular shape or a partial ring shape may be formed in the first sensing region SA1 by the first Tx electrode T1 and the first Rx electrode R1 adjacent to each other. For example, in the center of the first sensing region SA1, a substantially circular-shaped first sensing node Na may be formed by electrode patterns of a substantially circular-shaped center electrode R1[1] and a first Tx electrode T1 adjacent to the center electrode R1[1], and a plurality of partial ring-shaped first sensing nodes Nb may be formed by electrode patterns of a first Tx electrode T1 and a first Rx electrode R1 adjacent to each other at a radial position centering on the substantially circular-shaped first sensing node Na.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the first Tx electrode T1 may have substantially the same or similar area, and the first Rx electrode R1 may have substantially the same or similar area. Accordingly, the capacitances of the first sensing nodes Na and Nb may be substantially uniform.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first Tx electrode T1 may be divided and disposed in each quadrant of the first sensing region SA1, and each of the first Rx electrodes R1 may include at least one electrode pattern disposed in each of the first to fourth quadrants. Thus, the location of each of the first sensing nodes Na and Nb may be defined. For example, the quadrant in which each of the first sensing nodes Na and Nb is located may be divided by the first Tx electrode T1, and the position (e.g., coordinates) of each of the first sensing nodes Na and Nb may be specifically determined in the corresponding quadrant by the first Rx electrode R1. For example, the position of each of the first sensing nodes Na and Nb may be defined by an orthogonal coordinate system or a polar coordinate system.

The first sensor electrode SE1 may include a center electrode R1[1] of a substantially circular shape located at the center of the first sensing region SA1, first partial ring-shaped Rx electrodes R1[2] to R1[7] dispersed and disposed in a region of at least one ring shape according to a predetermined distance and/or interval from the center electrode R1[1], and first Tx electrodes T1[1] to T1[4] disposed in a ring-shaped region between the center electrode R1[1] and the first partial ring-shaped Rx electrodes R1[2] to R1[7] and/or a ring-shaped region between the first partial ring-shaped Rx electrodes R1[2] to R1[7] whose radii are different.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 4A, center electrode R1[1] can be an Rx electrode, but is not so limited. For example, in another exemplary embodiment, a substantially circular-shaped Tx electrode may be disposed at the center of the first sensing region SA 1.

Each of the first partial ring shape Rx electrodes R1[2] to R1[7] and the first Tx electrodes T1[1] to T1[4] may include a single partial ring shape electrode pattern or a plurality of partial ring shape electrode patterns. Further, each of the first Tx electrodes T1[1] to T1[4] may be divided and disposed in predetermined quadrants, and the first partial ring shape Rx electrodes R1[2] to R1[7] may be divided into a plurality of electrode patterns such that at least one electrode pattern is arranged in each quadrant according to a predetermined rule.

In fig. 4A, among the electrode patterns forming the first Tx electrodes T1[1] to T1[4] and the first partial ring shaped Rx electrodes R1[2] to R1[7], the electrode patterns denoted by the same reference numerals may be connected to each other to form one first Tx electrode T1 or one first Rx electrode R1. Further, when the first sensing area SA1 has a substantially circular shape, each quadrant of the first sensing area SA1 may correspond to a quarter circle.

The first Tx electrodes T1[1] to T1[4] may include a first-first Tx electrode T1[1] located in a first quadrant of the first sensing region SA1, a first-second Tx electrode T1[2] located in a second quadrant of the first sensing region SA1, a first-third Tx electrode T1[3] located in a third quadrant of the first sensing region SA1, and a first-fourth Tx electrode T1[4] located in a fourth quadrant of the first sensing region SA 1. Each of the first-first Tx electrodes T1[1] to T1[4] may include a single partial ring-shaped electrode pattern or a plurality of partial ring-shaped electrode patterns. For example, each of the first-first Tx electrodes T1[1] to T1[4] may be regularly dispersed between first partial ring shaped Rx electrodes R1[2] to R1[7], the first partial ring shaped Rx electrodes R1[2] to R1[7] being divided into a plurality of electrode patterns and disposed in respective quadrants.

The first partial ring shape Rx electrodes R1[2] to R1[7] may include a plurality of electrode patterns, each of which is dispersed in first to fourth quadrants of the first sensing region SA 1. For example, each of the first partial ring shaped Rx electrodes R1[2] to R1[7] may include a first electrode pattern disposed in a first quadrant, a second electrode pattern disposed in a second quadrant, a third electrode pattern disposed in a third quadrant, and a fourth electrode pattern disposed in a fourth quadrant. The first to fourth electrode patterns forming the same first Rx electrode R1 may be connected to each other by an integrated type or non-integrated type line.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the first partial ring shape Rx electrodes R1[2] to R1[7] may be regularly arranged in each ring shape region along a direction defined for each quadrant. For example, the first partial ring shaped Rx electrodes R1[2] to R1[7] may be sequentially arranged in the third direction DR3 in each Rx partial ring region positioned in the first and third quadrants, and may be sequentially arranged in the fourth direction DR4 opposite to the third direction DR3 in each Rx partial ring region positioned in the second and fourth quadrants. In an exemplary embodiment, the third direction DR3 may be a clockwise direction and the fourth direction DR4 may be a counterclockwise direction. In another exemplary embodiment, the third direction DR3 may be a counterclockwise direction and the fourth direction DR4 may be a clockwise direction.

In this case, a line may be arranged between the first sensor electrodes SE1 such that the lines connected to each of the first sensor electrodes SE1 (e.g., each of the first Tx electrode T1 and the first Rx electrode R1) do not intersect with each other. Accordingly, the lines may be integrally formed on the same layer as the first sensor electrodes SE1 to form the touch sensor TS of a single-layer structure.

Further, when the electrode patterns forming the same first Rx electrode R1 are arranged side by side in the boundary region between adjacent quadrants, the electrode patterns may be integrally connected to each other to be formed as substantially one electrode pattern, or formed as two electrode patterns separated from each other. For example, when the lines of the first sensor electrodes SE1 are arranged to pass through the boundary area between the third and fourth quadrants, the Rx electrode patterns forming the same first Rx electrode R1 may be integrally connected to be formed as a single electrode pattern in the boundary area between the first and second quadrants, the boundary area between the second and third quadrants, and the boundary area between the fourth and first quadrants. In addition, two Rx electrode patterns forming the same first Rx electrode R1 may be separated from each other in a boundary area between the third and fourth quadrants.

The second sensor electrode SE2 may include second Tx electrodes T2 and second Rx electrodes R2 regularly disposed in the second sensing region SA 2. For example, the second Tx electrodes T2 and the second Rx electrodes R2 may be alternately or sequentially disposed in the second sensing region SA2 in the radial direction.

The second sensing node Nc of the partial ring shape may be formed in the second sensing region SA2 by the electrode pattern of the second Tx electrode T2 and the electrode pattern of the second Rx electrode R2 adjacent to each other. For example, in a ring-shaped area surrounding the first sensing area SA1, the second sensing nodes Nc of a regular size may be dispersed and arranged.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the second Tx electrode T2 may have substantially the same or similar area, and the second Rx electrode R2 may have substantially the same or similar area. Accordingly, the capacitance of the second sensing node Nc may be substantially uniform.

In addition, the second sensing node Nc may be formed to have substantially the same or similar capacitance as the first sensing nodes Na and Nb. For this reason, as the radius of concentric circles forming the circumferences of the first and second sensing nodes Na and Nb and Nc increases, each ring-shaped region may be divided into a greater number of the first and second sensing nodes Na and Nb or Nc. Accordingly, the first and second sensing nodes Na, Nb and Nc may have substantially the same or similar areas throughout the sensing region SA, and capacitances formed in the first and second sensing nodes Na, Nb and Nc may become substantially uniform.

In an exemplary embodiment, the second Tx electrode T2 may be divided and disposed in each quadrant of the second sensing region SA2, and each of the second Rx electrodes R2 may include at least one electrode pattern disposed in each of the first to fourth quadrants. Thus, the position of each of the second sensing nodes Nc may be defined. For example, the quadrant in which each of the second sensing nodes Nc is positioned may be divided by the second Tx electrodes T2, and the position (e.g., coordinates) of each of the second sensing nodes Nc may be specifically determined in the corresponding quadrant by the second Rx electrodes R2.

The second sensor electrode SE2 may include second partial ring-shaped Rx electrodes R2[1] to R2[6] and second Tx electrodes T2[1] to T2[4], the second partial ring-shaped Rx electrodes R2[1] to R2[6] being dispersed and disposed in a ring-shaped region spaced apart from the first sensing region SA1 by a predetermined distance, the second Tx electrodes T2[1] to T2[4] being disposed in a ring-shaped region inside and/or outside the second partial ring-shaped Rx electrodes R2[1] to R2[6 ].

Each of the second partial ring shape Rx electrodes R2[1] to R2[6] and the second Tx electrodes T2[1] to T2[4] may include a single partial ring shape electrode pattern or a plurality of partial ring shape electrode patterns. Further, each of the second Tx electrodes T2[1] to T2[4] may be divided and disposed in predetermined quadrants, and the second partial ring shape Rx electrodes R2[1] to R2[6] may be divided into a plurality of electrode patterns such that at least one electrode pattern is arranged in each quadrant according to a predetermined rule. In fig. 4A, among the electrode patterns forming the second Tx electrodes T2[1] to T2[4] and the second partial ring shaped Rx electrodes R2[1] to R2[6], the electrode patterns denoted by the same reference numerals may be connected to each other to form one second Tx electrode T2 or one second Rx electrode R2.

The second Tx electrodes T2[1] to T2[4] may include a second-first Tx electrode T2[1] located in a first quadrant of the second sensing region SA2, a second-second Tx electrode T2[2] located in a second quadrant of the second sensing region SA2, a second-third Tx electrode T2[3] located in a third quadrant of the second sensing region SA2, and a second-fourth Tx electrode T2[4] located in a fourth quadrant of the second sensing region SA 2. Each of the second-first Tx electrodes T2[1] to T2[4] may include a single partial ring-shaped electrode pattern or a plurality of partial ring-shaped electrode patterns. For example, each of the second-first Tx electrodes T2[1] to T2[4] may be disposed in each Tx partial ring region positioned inside and outside the second partial ring shape Rx electrodes R2[1] to R2[6], the second partial ring shape Rx electrodes R2[1] to R2[6] being divided into two electrode patterns and disposed in respective quadrants.

The second partial ring shape Rx electrodes R2[1] to R2[6] may include a plurality of electrode patterns, each of which is dispersed in the first to fourth quadrants of the second sensing region SA 2. For example, each of the second partial ring shaped Rx electrodes R2[1] to R2[6] may include a first electrode pattern disposed in a first quadrant, a second electrode pattern disposed in a second quadrant, a third electrode pattern disposed in a third quadrant, and a fourth electrode pattern disposed in a fourth quadrant. The first to fourth electrode patterns forming the same second Rx electrode R2 may be connected to each other by an integrated type or non-integrated type line.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the second partial ring shape Rx electrodes R2[1] to R2[6] may be regularly arranged in each ring shape region along a direction defined for each quadrant. For example, the second partial ring shaped Rx electrodes R2[1] to R2[6] may be sequentially arranged in each Rx partial ring region located in the first and third quadrants in a clockwise direction (referred to as a third direction DR3), and may be sequentially arranged in each Rx partial ring region located in the second and fourth quadrants in a counterclockwise direction (referred to as a fourth direction DR 4). In this case, the lines may be arranged such that the lines connected to each of the second sensor electrodes SE2 (e.g., each of the second Tx electrode T2 and the second Rx electrode R2) do not intersect with each other.

Further, when the electrode patterns forming the same second Rx electrode R2 are arranged side by side in the boundary region between adjacent quadrants, the electrode patterns may be integrally connected to each other to be formed as substantially one electrode pattern, or formed as two electrode patterns separated from each other. For example, when the lines of the second sensor electrode SE2 are arranged to pass through the boundary area between the third and fourth quadrants, the Rx electrode patterns forming the same second Rx electrode R2 may be integrally connected to be formed as a single electrode pattern in the boundary area between the first and second quadrants, the boundary area between the second and third quadrants, and the boundary area between the fourth and first quadrants. In addition, two Rx electrode patterns forming the same second Rx electrode R2 may be separated from each other in a boundary area between the third and fourth quadrants.

For example, in the entire sensing region SA, for the electrode patterns of the first and second Tx electrodes T1 and T2 disposed in each Tx ring region, each line integrally connected to the electrode pattern of the corresponding first or second Tx electrode T1 or T2 may be formed in a separate space secured between the first or second Rx electrodes R1 or R2, the first or second Rx electrodes R1 or R2 are located in the Rx ring region inside and/or outside the corresponding Tx ring region, and the line may extend to the outside of the sensing region SA through a boundary region between the third and fourth quadrants. Further, for the electrode patterns of the first and second Rx electrodes R1 and R2 disposed in each Rx ring region, each line integrally connected to the first or second Rx electrode R1 or R2 may be formed in a separate space secured between the first or second Tx electrodes T1 or T2, the first or second Tx electrode T1 or T2 is located in the Tx ring region inside and/or outside the corresponding Rx ring region, and the line may be drawn out to the outside of the sensing region SA through a boundary region between the third and fourth quadrants. In this case, between the sensor electrodes (e.g., the first Tx electrode T1, the first Rx electrode R1, the second Tx electrode T2, and/or the second Rx electrode R2), the lines may be formed not to intersect with each other. Thus, the lines may be formed integrally with each sensor electrode and/or electrode pattern.

Therefore, according to an exemplary sensor pattern structure, a single layer of the touch sensor TS may be implemented. Therefore, the manufacturing process of the touch sensor TS can be simplified, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced. Further, the thickness of the touch sensor TS may be reduced, and the sensing sensitivity of the touch sensor TS may be improved.

In addition, the touch sensor TS is not limited to have a single-layer structure. For example, in another exemplary embodiment, at least some of the lines may be disposed on a different layer from the first sensor electrode SE1 and/or the second sensor electrode SE2, and may be connected to the corresponding sensor electrodes through contact holes. In this case, the pattern structure and/or the arrangement order of at least some of the sensor electrodes may be variously changed according to the exemplary embodiment. For example, in another exemplary embodiment, the Rx electrode pattern forming one first Rx electrode R1 or second Rx electrode R2 may not be divided into a plurality of patterns even in a boundary region between the third quadrant and the fourth quadrant.

Accordingly, fig. 4A discloses an exemplary embodiment in which the second Tx electrode T2 is disposed in the outermost region of the sensing region SA, but this may be variously changed according to the exemplary embodiment. For example, in another exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4B, additional Rx electrodes R2[7] and R2[8] may also be provided in the outermost region of the sensing region SA. Accordingly, the sensitivity in the edge portion of the touch sensor TS can be enhanced and improved.

Specifically, in the exemplary embodiment of fig. 4B, the second sensor electrode SE2 may further include outermost Rx electrodes R2[7] and R2[8] of a ring shape or a partial ring shape, the outermost Rx electrodes R2[7] and R2[8] being disposed in an outermost region of the sensing region SA to surround the second Tx electrode T2. For example, the second sensor electrode SE2 may include second-seventh Rx electrodes R2[7] and second-eighth Rx electrodes R2[8], the second-seventh Rx electrodes R2[7] and the second-eighth Rx electrodes R2[8] being divided into a plurality of electrode patterns to be uniformly dispersed in each quadrant, and each of the plurality of electrode patterns having a partial ring shape. When the edge reinforcement structure as in the exemplary embodiment of fig. 4B is employed, the performance of the touch sensor TS may be improved in a driving mode (e.g., a roulette mode) in which the sensing sensitivity of the edge portion is important.

According to the exemplary embodiment of fig. 4A and 4B, the first sensor electrode SE1 and the second sensor electrode SE2 are designed as meandering patterns, such as concentric substantially circular-shaped electrode patterns having the same center as the substantially circular-shaped sensing area SA or partial ring-shaped electrode patterns having concentric circular arcs. Therefore, even if touch sensor TS has sensing region SA of a substantially circular shape, it is possible to prevent or minimize a loss of sensor area in an edge portion of touch sensor TS. Further, even if the sensing region SA is changed to have an elliptical shape or the like, it is possible to prevent or minimize a loss of sensor area in the edge portion of the touch sensor TS by applying substantially the same principle. Accordingly, the SNR of touch sensor TS in the entire sensing area SA including the edge portion can be improved. Therefore, even in the roulette mode or the like, sufficient touch sensing sensitivity can be obtained even in the case of a low sampling rate of the touch sensor TS. Accordingly, power consumption of the touch sensor TS may be reduced or minimized.

Further, according to the exemplary embodiments of fig. 4A and 4B, first and second sensing regions SA1 and SA2 may be independently driven by dividing sensing region SA into first and second sensing regions SA1 and SA2 and separating first and second sensor electrodes SE1 and SE2 respectively disposed in first and second sensing regions SA1 and SA2 from each other. Accordingly, in the predetermined driving pattern, power efficiency of the touch sensor TS can be improved by partially or entirely driving the sensing area SA.

For example, in a first mode (e.g., a standby mode), first sensor electrode SE1 may be driven such that only first sensing region SA1 is activated, and in a second mode (e.g., a roulette mode), second sensor electrode SE2 may be driven such that only second sensing region SA2 is activated. For example, the first sensor electrode SE1 or the second sensor electrode SE2 may be selectively driven. Accordingly, power consumption of the touch sensor TS can be reduced by preventing or minimizing unnecessary power consumption.

Further, when a touch input is detected in the entire sensing area SA (e.g., substantially the entire screen), the sensing area SA is substantially fully activated by driving all of the first and second sensor electrodes SE1 and SE 2. Accordingly, the touch input in the entire sensing area SA can be detected.

Fig. 5A and 5B are plan views of first and second sensor electrodes of the touch sensor of fig. 4A and 4B, illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method of activating and deactivating a sensing region when the sensing region is driven in a first mode. Fig. 5A and 5B illustrate examples of sensor electrodes activated when the sensing region SA according to the exemplary embodiment of fig. 4A and 4B is driven in the first mode, respectively. According to an exemplary embodiment, the first mode may be a standby mode.

Referring to fig. 5A and 5B, in the first mode, first sensor electrode SE1 disposed in first sensing region SA1 is activated. For example, in the first mode, at least some of first sensor electrodes SE1 may be driven to detect touch inputs generated in first sensing region SA 1.

In an exemplary embodiment, during a period in which the touch sensor TS is driven in the first mode, all of the first sensor electrodes SE1 (e.g., all of the first Tx electrodes T1 and the first Rx electrodes R1) may be activated to detect a touch input generated in the first sensing area SA 1.

For example, during a period in which the touch sensor TS is driven in the first mode, the second Tx electrode T2 and the second Rx electrode R2 may be deactivated. Accordingly, the second sensing region SA2 may remain deactivated during the period in which the first mode is performed.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the first mode may be a standby mode and may be a partial driving mode for determining whether to start a touch operation by determining whether a touch input is generated in the first sensing area SA 1. For example, in the first mode, the presence or absence of touch input to first sensing region SA1 may be monitored while at least some of first sensor electrodes SE1 are repeatedly charged/discharged.

During the period of driving the first mode, when a touch input is detected through an operation such as tapping or clicking on the first sensing area SA1, a wake-up signal may be generated to drive the touch sensor TS. For example, when the wake-up signal is generated, the driving mode may be switched to a third mode for activating the entire sensing area SA, for example, a normal touch mode.

In devices such as watches, the device may be driven in a standby mode for a considerable time. Therefore, power consumed when charging/discharging the sensor electrodes can be effectively reduced when waiting for a touch input by only partially driving the first sensing area SA1 during a period in which the device is driven in the standby mode, compared to when waiting for a touch input by driving the entire sensing area SA. Therefore, power consumption of the touch sensor TS can be reduced.

Fig. 5C to 5H are timing diagrams illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method of driving the first and second sensor electrodes of the touch sensor of fig. 5A and 5B. Fig. 5C to 5H illustrate various exemplary embodiments of a method of driving the first sensor electrode SE1 activated in the exemplary embodiments of fig. 5A and 5B. For example, fig. 5C to 5H illustrate exemplary embodiments of the driving signal supplied to the sensing region SA in each of the exemplary embodiments.

Referring to fig. 5C to 5H, during a period in which the touch sensor TS is driven in the first mode, a touch input to the first sensing area SA1 may be detected in a mutual capacitance sensing method or a self capacitance sensing method using the first Tx electrode T1 and the first Rx electrode R1. For example, when the touch input is detected using all of the first Tx electrodes T1 and the first Rx electrodes R1, whether the touch input is generated and the position of the touch input may be detected. Each exemplary embodiment will be described in detail below.

Referring to fig. 5A to 5C, during a period in which the touch sensor TS is driven in the first mode, a touch input to the first sensing region SA1 may be detected in a mutual capacitance sensing method using the first Tx electrode T1 and the first Rx electrode R1. For example, when the touch sensor TS is driven in the first mode according to a predetermined frequency, the driving signal may be sequentially supplied to the first Tx electrodes T1 during each unit period P (e.g., one period) of the period in which the first mode is performed, and whether a touch input to the first sensing region SA1 is generated may be monitored based on the sensing signal output from the first Rx electrodes R1 by the driving signal. According to an exemplary embodiment, one or more sampling pulses (e.g., two sampling pulses) may be supplied to each of the first Tx electrodes T1 during each unit period P. The number of sampling pulses may be set differently in consideration of SNR of the touch sensor TS, etc.

In an exemplary embodiment, the waveform of the driving signal shown in fig. 5C may be the same as or different from the waveform (in fig. 6C) of the driving signal supplied to the first Tx electrode T1 for detecting a touch input to the first sensing region SA1 in a self capacitance sensing method using the first Tx electrode T1 during a period in which the touch sensor TS is driven in the first mode. For example, as shown in fig. 5C and 6C, in the first mode, the sampling pulse supplied to the first Tx electrode T1 when the first sensing region SA1 is driven in the mutual capacitance sensing method using the first Tx electrode T1 and the first Rx electrode R1 may be the same as the sampling pulse supplied to the first Tx electrode T1 when the first sensing region SA1 is driven in the self capacitance sensing method using the first Tx electrode T1. Referring to fig. 5C and 6C, labels are added to indicate waveforms of driving signals provided when the first sensing regions SA1 are driven in different methods. However, the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, in another exemplary embodiment, in the first mode, the number of sampling pulses supplied to the first Tx electrode T1 when the first sensing region SA1 is driven in the mutual capacitance sensing method using the first Tx electrode T1 and the first Rx electrode R1 may be different from the number of sampling pulses supplied to the first Tx electrode T1 when the first sensing region SA1 is driven in the self capacitance sensing method using the first Tx electrode T1.

Referring to fig. 5A to 5C, when the first sensor electrode SE1 is driven in the mutual capacitance sensing method in a state where the second sensor electrode SE2 is deactivated in the first mode, the standby mode power consumption of the touch sensor TS may be effectively reduced, as compared to the case where all the sensor electrodes SE1 and SE2 are driven in the mutual capacitance sensing method. For example, in the exemplary embodiment of fig. 5A to 5C, the charge/discharge power consumption ratio of the touch sensor TS in the first mode may be reduced to about half (e.g., about 52%) as compared to the exemplary embodiment of fig. 3 in which the first and second electrodes ET1 and ET2 are required to be fully driven regardless of the driving mode. However, the power consumption reduction effect may vary according to the area ratio of the first and second sensing regions SA1 and SA2, the charge/discharge power consumption of the first and second sensor electrodes SE1 and SE2, and the like.

Referring to fig. 5A, 5B, and 5D to 5H, during a period in which the touch sensor TS is driven in the first mode, a touch input to the first sensing area SA1 may be detected in a self-capacitance sensing method using the first Tx electrode T1 and the first Rx electrode R1. This will be described in detail below.

Referring to fig. 5A, 5B and 5D, during each unit period P of the period in which the first pattern is performed, the driving signal may be simultaneously supplied to the first Tx electrode T1 and the first Rx electrode R1. In addition, whether a touch input to the first sensing region SA1 is generated may be monitored based on a sensing signal output from each of the first Tx electrode T1 and the first Rx electrode R1.

Referring to fig. 5A, 5B and 5E, during each unit period P of the period in which the first pattern is performed, after the driving signals are simultaneously supplied to the first Tx electrodes T1, the driving signals may be simultaneously supplied to the first Rx electrodes R1. In addition, whether a touch input to the first sensing region SA1 is generated may be monitored based on a sensing signal output from each of the first Tx electrode T1 and the first Rx electrode R1.

Referring to fig. 5A, 5B and 5F, during each unit period P of the period in which the first pattern is performed, after the driving signals are simultaneously supplied to the first Rx electrodes R1, the driving signals may be simultaneously supplied to the first Tx electrodes T1. In addition, whether a touch input to the first sensing region SA1 is generated may be monitored based on a sensing signal output from each of the first Tx electrode T1 and the first Rx electrode R1.

Referring to fig. 5A, 5B and 5G, during each unit period P of the period in which the first pattern is performed, after the driving signal is sequentially supplied to the first Tx electrode T1, the driving signal may be sequentially supplied to the first Rx electrode R1. In addition, whether a touch input to the first sensing region SA1 is generated may be monitored based on a sensing signal output from each of the first Tx electrode T1 and the first Rx electrode R1.

Referring to fig. 5H, during each unit period P of the period in which the first pattern is performed, after the driving signal is sequentially supplied to the first Rx electrode R1, the driving signal may be sequentially supplied to the first Tx electrode T1. In addition, whether a touch input to the first sensing region SA1 is generated may be monitored based on a sensing signal output from each of the first Tx electrode T1 and the first Rx electrode R1.

Referring to fig. 5A, 5B, and 5D to 5H, when the first sensor electrode SE1 is driven in the self-capacitance sensing method in a state in which the second sensor electrode SE2 is deactivated in the first mode, the standby power consumption of the touch sensor TS may be effectively reduced, as compared to the case in which all the sensor electrodes SE1 and SE2 are driven in the mutual capacitance sensing method or the self-capacitance sensing method. For example, in the exemplary embodiments of fig. 5A, 5B, and 5D to 5H, the charge/discharge power consumption ratio of the touch sensor TS in the first mode may be reduced, compared to the exemplary embodiment of fig. 3 in which the first and second electrodes ET1 and ET2 are required to be fully driven regardless of the driving mode. The power consumption reduction effect may vary according to the charging/discharging power consumption of the first sensor electrode SE1 driven in each exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 6A and 6B are plan views of first and second sensor electrodes of a touch sensor of the panel unit of fig. 4A and 4B, illustrating other exemplary embodiments of a method of activating and deactivating a sensing region when the sensing region is driven in a first mode. Fig. 6A and 6B illustrate another example of sensor electrodes that are activated when the sensing region SA according to the exemplary embodiment of fig. 4A and 4B is driven in the first mode, respectively. In describing the exemplary embodiment of fig. 6A and 6B, a detailed description of a configuration similar or identical to that of the above-described exemplary embodiment (e.g., the exemplary embodiment of fig. 5A and 5B) will be omitted for convenience of description.

Referring to fig. 6A and 6B, in the first mode, only some of the first sensor electrodes SE1 may be activated to detect touch inputs generated in the first sensing region SA 1. For example, in the first mode, whether a touch input to the first sensing area SA1 is generated may be detected in a self-capacitance sensing method using the first Tx electrode T1.

In the above-described exemplary embodiment, the remaining first sensor electrodes SE1 (e.g., the first Rx electrodes R1) of the first sensing region SA1 and the second sensor electrodes SE2 (e.g., the second Tx electrodes T2 and the second Rx electrodes R2) of the second sensing region SA2 may be deactivated. Accordingly, during a period in which the first mode is performed, the first sensing region SA1 may be activated by the first Tx electrode T1, and the second sensing region SA2 may remain in a deactivated state.

When only the first Tx electrode T1 is driven, since whether a touch input to at least the first sensing region SA1 is generated can be detected, a touch detection operation required in the standby mode can be sufficiently performed. Further, also in the above-described exemplary embodiment, when the touch sensor TS is driven in the first mode, only the first sensing area SA1 of the sensing area SA may be selectively driven, and thus power consumed in charging/discharging the sensor electrode may be reduced. Therefore, power consumption of the touch sensor TS can be reduced.

Fig. 6C and 6D are timing diagrams illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method of driving the first and second sensor electrodes of the touch sensor of fig. 6A and 6B. Fig. 6C and 6D illustrate different exemplary embodiments of a method of driving the first Tx electrode T1 activated in the exemplary embodiments of fig. 6A and 6B. For example, fig. 6C and 6D illustrate exemplary embodiments of the driving signal supplied to the sensing region SA in each of the exemplary embodiments. In describing the exemplary embodiment of fig. 6C and 6D, a detailed description of a configuration similar to that of the above-described exemplary embodiment (e.g., the exemplary embodiment of fig. 5C to 5G) will be omitted for convenience of description.

Referring to fig. 6A to 6D, during each unit period P of the period in which the first mode is performed, the driving signal may be sequentially or simultaneously supplied to the first Tx electrode T1. Also, whether a touch input to the first sensing region SA1 is generated may be monitored based on the sensing signal output from each of the first Tx electrodes T1.

Referring to fig. 6A to 6D, when only the first Tx electrode T1 is driven in the self-capacitance sensing method in the first mode, it is possible to effectively reduce standby mode power consumption of the touch sensor TS, as compared to the case where all the sensor electrodes SE1 and SE2 are driven in the mutual capacitance sensing method or the self-capacitance sensing method. For example, in the exemplary embodiments of fig. 6A to 6D, the charge/discharge power consumption ratio of the touch sensor TS in the first mode may be reduced to about half (e.g., about 52%) as compared to the exemplary embodiment of fig. 3 in which the first and second electrodes ET1 and ET2 are required to be fully driven regardless of the driving mode. However, the power consumption reduction effect may vary according to the charging/discharging power consumption of the first Tx electrode T1 equivalent to the charging/discharging power consumption of the entire sensor electrode, and the like.

Fig. 7A and 7B are plan views of first and second sensor electrodes of the touch sensor of fig. 4A and 4B, illustrating other exemplary embodiments of a method of activating and deactivating a sensing region when the sensing region is driven in a first mode. Fig. 7A and 7B illustrate still another example of sensor electrodes activated when the sensing region SA according to the exemplary embodiment of fig. 4A and 4B is driven in the first mode, respectively. In describing the exemplary embodiment of fig. 7A and 7B, a detailed description of a configuration similar or identical to that of the above-described exemplary embodiment will be omitted for convenience of description.

Referring to fig. 7A and 7B, in the first mode, it may be detected whether a touch input to the first sensing region SA1 is generated in a self-capacitance sensing method using some of the first sensor electrodes SE1 (e.g., the first Rx electrodes R1).

In the above-described exemplary embodiment, the remaining first sensor electrodes SE1 (e.g., the first Tx electrodes T1) of the first sensing region SA1 and the second sensor electrodes SE2 (e.g., the second Tx electrodes T2 and the second Rx electrodes R2) of the second sensing region SA2 may be deactivated. Accordingly, during a period in which the first mode is performed, the first sensing region SA1 may be activated by the first Rx electrode R1, and the second sensing region SA2 may remain in a deactivated state.

When only the first Rx electrode R1 is driven, since whether a touch input to the first sensing region SA1 is generated can be detected, a touch detection operation required in the standby mode can be sufficiently performed. Further, also in the above-described exemplary embodiment, when the touch sensor TS is driven in the first mode, only the first sensing area SA1 of the sensing area SA may be selectively driven, and thus power consumed in charging/discharging the sensor electrode may be reduced. Therefore, power consumption of the touch sensor TS can be reduced.

Fig. 7C and 7D are timing diagrams illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method of driving the first and second sensor electrodes of the touch sensor of fig. 7A and 7B. Fig. 7C and 7D illustrate different exemplary embodiments of a method of driving the first Rx electrode R1 activated in the exemplary embodiment of fig. 7A and 7B. For example, fig. 7C and 7D illustrate exemplary embodiments of the driving signal supplied to the sensing region SA in each of the exemplary embodiments. In describing the exemplary embodiment of fig. 7C and 7D, a detailed description of a configuration substantially similar to that of the above-described exemplary embodiment will be omitted for convenience of description.

Referring to fig. 7A to 7D, a driving signal may be sequentially or simultaneously supplied to the first Rx electrode R1 during each unit period P of a period in which the first mode is performed. Further, whether a touch input to the first sensing region SA1 is generated may be monitored based on a sensing signal output from each of the first Rx electrodes R1.

Referring to fig. 7A to 7D, when only the first Rx electrode R1 is driven in the self capacitance sensing method in the first mode, it is possible to effectively reduce standby mode power consumption of the touch sensor TS, as compared to the case where all the sensor electrodes SE1 and SE2 are driven in the self capacitance sensing method or the mutual capacitance sensing method. For example, in the exemplary embodiment of fig. 7A to 7D, the charge/discharge power consumption ratio of the touch sensor TS in the first mode may be reduced to about 68% as compared to the exemplary embodiment of fig. 3. However, the power consumption reduction effect may vary according to the charge/discharge power consumption of the first Rx electrode R1 with respect to the charge/discharge power consumption of the entire sensor electrode, and the like.

Fig. 8A and 8B are plan views of first and second sensor electrodes of the touch sensor of fig. 4A and 4B, illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method of activating and deactivating a sensing region when the sensing region is driven in a second mode. Fig. 8A and 8B illustrate examples of sensor electrodes that are activated when the sensing region SA according to the exemplary embodiment of fig. 4A and 4B is driven in the second mode, respectively. According to an exemplary embodiment, the second mode may be a roulette mode.

Referring to fig. 8A and 8B, in the second mode, the second sensor electrode SE2 disposed in the second sensing region SA2 is activated. For example, in the second mode, the second sensor electrode SE2 may be driven to detect a touch input generated in the second sensing region SA 2. For this, in the second mode, the second Tx electrode T2 and the second Rx electrode R2 may be activated.

For example, during a period in which the touch sensor TS is driven in the second mode, the first Tx electrode T1 and the first Rx electrode R1 may be deactivated. Accordingly, the first sensing region SA1 may remain deactivated during the period in which the second mode is performed.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the second mode may be a roulette mode (also referred to as a "roulette operation mode"), and may be a partial driving mode for performing a predetermined operation selected in the roulette mode by determining whether there is a touch input generated with respect to the second sensing region SA2 and a position of the touch input. For example, in the second mode, while a touch and move (or drag) operation with respect to the edge portion of the sensing area SA corresponding to the second sensing area SA2 is performed, the operation of the display device such as a watch may be controlled. For this reason, in the second mode, whether or not there is a touch input to the second sensing region SA2 and the position of the touch input may be monitored while the second sensor electrode SE2 is repeatedly charged/discharged.

A display device such as a watch may include a non-quadrilateral sensing area SA that includes a substantially circular shape and may support a roulette mode for rotating a boundary of the display area DA. In the jog mode, by detecting a touch input to an edge portion (e.g., the second sensing area SA2) of the sensing area SA corresponding to the boundary of the display area DA, the device can be controlled to perform an operation selected by a user. For example, in the jog mode, it is necessary to detect a touch input to the second sensing region SA2, and for this reason, it is necessary to ensure sufficient touch sensitivity of the second sensing region SA 2.

For example, when the sensor electrode is formed as in the exemplary embodiment of fig. 4A and 4B, a loss of the sensor area in the edge portion may be prevented or minimized, and thus a high SNR may also be ensured in the edge portion. Therefore, even in the case of a low sampling rate in the second mode, sufficient touch sensing sensitivity required for roulette operation can be obtained. For example, as shown in fig. 8A and 8B, when the roulette operation is performed by driving the sensing region SA of fig. 4A and 4B in the second mode, even if sampling is performed at about 1/4 compared to the exemplary embodiment of fig. 3, the touch sensing sensitivity required for the roulette operation can be obtained. Therefore, power consumption of the touch sensor TS can be reduced.

Further, by driving the second sensing area SA2 only partially during the period in which the touch sensor TS is driven in the second mode, power consumed when charging/discharging the sensor electrodes can be effectively reduced, compared to when waiting for a touch input by driving the entire sensing area SA. Therefore, the power consumption of the touch sensor TS can be more effectively reduced.

Fig. 8C to 8H are timing diagrams illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method of driving the first and second sensor electrodes of the touch sensor of fig. 8A and 8B. Fig. 8C to 8H illustrate various exemplary embodiments of a method of driving the second sensor electrode SE2 activated in the exemplary embodiments of fig. 8A and 8B. For example, fig. 8C to 8H illustrate exemplary embodiments of the driving signal supplied to the sensing region SA in each of the exemplary embodiments.

Referring to fig. 8A to 8H, during a period in which the touch sensor TS is driven in the second mode, a touch input to the second sensing region SA2 may be detected in a mutual capacitance sensing method or a self capacitance sensing method using the second Tx electrode T2 and the second Rx electrode R2. For example, when the second Tx electrode T2 and the second Rx electrode R2 are activated, during a period in which the second mode is performed, whether a touch input to the second sensing region SA2 is generated and the position of the touch input may be detected. Each exemplary embodiment will be described in detail below.

Referring to fig. 8A to 8C, during a period in which the touch sensor TS is driven in the second mode, a touch input to the second sensing region SA2 may be detected in a mutual capacitance sensing method using the second Tx electrode T2 and the second Rx electrode R2. For example, when the touch sensor TS is driven in the second mode according to a predetermined frequency, the driving signal may be sequentially supplied to the second Tx electrodes T2 during each unit period P of the period in which the second mode is performed, and whether the touch input to the second sensing region SA2 is generated and the position of the touch input may be monitored based on the sensing signal output from the second Rx electrodes R2 by the driving signal.

According to an exemplary embodiment, one or more sampling pulses may be supplied to each of the second Tx electrodes T2 during each unit period P, and the number of sampling pulses may be differently set according to an SNR of the touch sensor TS, or the like. For example, in the exemplary embodiment of fig. 3, during each unit period P, four sampling pulses are supplied to each Tx electrode (e.g., each first electrode ET1 dispersed throughout the sensing region SA). However, in the exemplary embodiment of fig. 8A to 8C, even if only one sampling pulse is supplied to each of the second Tx electrodes T2 during each unit period P, touch sensing sensitivity similar to that obtained by four sampling pulses in the exemplary embodiment of fig. 3 may be obtained.

In the exemplary embodiment of fig. 8A to 8C, there is no sensor area loss in the edge portion compared to the exemplary embodiment of fig. 3, and only the second sensor electrode SE2 required for the operation of the wheel disc may be selectively driven in the second mode. Therefore, power consumption of the touch sensor TS can be effectively reduced. For example, according to the exemplary embodiments of fig. 8A to 8C, the charge/discharge power consumption ratio of the touch sensor TS in the second mode may be reduced by about 12% compared to the charge/discharge power consumption ratio of the touch sensor TS in the second mode of the exemplary embodiment of fig. 3.

Further, by driving only the second sensor electrodes SE2 of the second sensing area SA2 during the period in which the touch sensor TS is driven in the second mode, power consumed to charge/discharge the sensor electrodes can be effectively reduced, compared to when a touch input is waited by driving the entire sensing area SA. Therefore, the power consumption of the touch sensor TS can be more effectively reduced. However, the power consumption reduction effect may vary according to the charge/discharge power consumption of the second sensor electrode SE2 with respect to the charge/discharge power consumption of the entire sensor electrode, and the like.

Referring to fig. 8A, 8B, and 8D to 8H, during a period in which the touch sensor TS is driven in the second mode, a touch input to the second sensing area SA2 may be detected in a self-capacitance sensing method using the second Tx electrode T2 and the second Rx electrode R2. For example, in the exemplary embodiment of fig. 8D to 8H, the driving signal is supplied to all of the second sensor electrodes SE2 disposed in the second sensing region SA 2. For example, during a period in which the second mode is performed, in the case of the pattern structure of fig. 8A, the second-first Tx electrodes T2[1] to the second-fourth Tx electrodes T2[4] and the second-first Rx electrodes R2[1] to the second-sixth Rx electrodes R2[6] are driven, and in the case of the pattern structure of fig. 8B, the second-first Tx electrodes T2[1] to the second-fourth Tx electrodes T2[4] and the second-first Rx electrodes R2[1] to the second-eighth Rx electrodes R2[8] are driven. Each exemplary embodiment of fig. 8D to 8H will be described in detail below.

Referring to fig. 8A, 8B and 8D, during each unit period P of the period in which the second pattern is performed, the driving signal may be simultaneously supplied to the second Tx electrode T2 and the second Rx electrode R2. In addition, whether a touch input to the second sensing region SA2 is generated and the position of the touch input may be monitored based on the sensing signal output from each of the second Tx electrode T2 and the second Rx electrode R2.

Referring to fig. 8A, 8B and 8E, during each unit period P of the period in which the second pattern is performed, after the driving signals are simultaneously supplied to the second Tx electrodes T2, the driving signals may be simultaneously supplied to the second Rx electrodes R2. In addition, whether a touch input to the second sensing region SA2 is generated and the position of the touch input may be monitored based on the sensing signal output from each of the second Tx electrode T2 and the second Rx electrode R2.

Referring to fig. 8A, 8B and 8F, during each unit period P of the period in which the second pattern is performed, after the driving signals are simultaneously supplied to the second Rx electrodes R2, the driving signals may be simultaneously supplied to the second Tx electrodes T2. In addition, whether a touch input to the second sensing region SA2 is generated and the position of the touch input may be monitored based on the sensing signal output from each of the second Tx electrode T2 and the second Rx electrode R2.

Referring to fig. 8A, 8B and 8G, during each unit period P of the period in which the second pattern is performed, after the driving signal is sequentially supplied to the second Tx electrode T2, the driving signal may be sequentially supplied to the second Rx electrode R2. In addition, whether a touch input to the second sensing region SA2 is generated and the position of the touch input may be monitored based on the sensing signal output from each of the second Tx electrode T2 and the second Rx electrode R2.

Referring to fig. 8A, 8B and 8H, during each unit period P of the period in which the second pattern is performed, after the driving signal is sequentially supplied to the second Rx electrode R2, the driving signal may be sequentially supplied to the second Tx electrode T2. In addition, whether a touch input to the second sensing region SA2 is generated and the position of the touch input may be monitored based on the sensing signal output from each of the second Tx electrode T2 and the second Rx electrode R2.

Referring to fig. 8A, 8B, and 8D to 8H, when the second sensor electrode SE2 is driven by the self-capacitance sensing method in a state where the first sensor electrode SE1 is deactivated, the roulette mode power consumption may be effectively reduced, in the second mode, as compared to a case where all of the first sensor electrode SE1 and the second sensor electrode SE2 are driven by the mutual capacitance sensing method or the self-capacitance sensing method. Further, since there is substantially no loss of sensor area in the edge portion, the power consumption of the touch sensor TS can be more effectively reduced by reducing the sampling rate.

For example, according to the exemplary embodiments of fig. 8A and 8D to 8H, the charge/discharge power consumption ratio of the touch sensor TS in the second mode may be reduced by about 15% of the charge/discharge power consumption ratio of the exemplary embodiment of fig. 3. Further, according to the exemplary embodiments of fig. 8B and 8D to 8H, the charge/discharge power consumption ratio of the touch sensor TS in the second mode may be reduced by about 18% of the charge/discharge power consumption ratio of the exemplary embodiment of fig. 3. However, the power consumption reduction effect may vary according to the charge/discharge power consumption of the second sensor electrode SE2 with respect to the charge/discharge power consumption of the entire sensor electrode.

Fig. 5A to 8H disclose exemplary embodiments in which the sensing regions SA are partially driven by selectively activating the first sensing regions SA1 or the second sensing regions SA2 corresponding to the first mode or the second mode. However, the operation of the touch sensor TS is not limited to the partial driving mode. For example, the touch sensor TS may also be driven in a third mode (e.g., a full driving mode or a normal mode) in which the entire sensing area SA is activated. In this case, a touch input may be detected in the entire sensing area SA by simultaneously or sequentially driving the first sensor electrode SE1 and the second sensor electrode SE 2.

According to example embodiments, in the third mode, a driving signal may be provided to each of the first and second Tx electrodes T1 and T2, and whether a touch input to the entire sensing area SA is generated and the position of the touch input may be detected in a mutual capacitance sensing method based on sensing signals output from the first and second Rx electrodes R1 and R2. Here, the first and second Tx electrodes T1 and T2 may be driven simultaneously or sequentially for each group. In addition, the first and second Tx electrodes T1 and T2 may be sequentially driven within each group. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the driving signals may be sequentially supplied to the second Tx electrodes T2 while the driving signals are sequentially supplied to the first Tx electrodes T1. In another exemplary embodiment, after the driving signals are sequentially supplied to the first Tx electrodes T1, the driving signals may be sequentially supplied to the second Tx electrodes T2. Alternatively, after the driving signals are sequentially supplied to the second Tx electrodes T2, the driving signals may be sequentially supplied to the first Tx electrodes T1.

However, the driving method of the touch sensor TS in the third mode is not limited to the mutual capacitance sensing method. For example, in another exemplary embodiment, in the third mode, a touch input to the entire sensing area SA may be detected by driving the first and second sensor electrodes SE1 and SE2 in a self-capacitance sensing method. In this case, the first and second Tx electrodes T1 and T2 and the first and second Rx electrodes R1 and R2 may be simultaneously or sequentially driven for each group, and/or the first and second Tx electrodes T1 and T2 and the first and second Rx electrodes R1 and R2 may be simultaneously or sequentially driven within each group. In addition, a touch input may be detected based on a sensing signal output from each of the first and second Tx electrodes T1 and T2 and the first and second Rx electrodes R1 and R2.

In the above-described exemplary embodiments, the numbers assigned to each of the Tx electrodes and the Rx electrodes or the driving order according to the numbers are for convenience of description, and the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, the driving order and/or the arrangement order of the Tx electrodes and the Rx electrodes may be variously changed according to the exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 9A and 9B are plan views of other exemplary embodiments of first and second sensor electrodes of a touch sensor of the panel unit of fig. 1B in a sensing region. Fig. 9A and 9B respectively show a touch sensor TS according to an exemplary embodiment, and particularly show different exemplary embodiments of the structure of a sensor pattern disposed in a sensing region SA. In the exemplary embodiment of fig. 9A and 9B, a detailed description of a configuration similar or identical to that of the above-described exemplary embodiment (e.g., the exemplary embodiment of fig. 4A and 4B) will be omitted for convenience of description.

Referring to fig. 9A and 9B, for each of the first and second sensing regions SA1 and SA2, the Tx electrodes T are not separated and may be designed as a unitary type. For example, in the sensing area SA including the first and second sensing areas SA1 and SA2, Tx electrode patterns located in the same quadrant may be integrally or non-integrally connected to each other to form a single Tx electrode T.

Specifically, the Tx electrode patterns located in the first quadrants of the first and second sensing regions SA1 and SA2 may be connected to each other to form the Tx electrode T [1] of the first channel, and the Tx electrode patterns located in the second quadrants of the first and second sensing regions SA1 and SA2 may be connected to each other to form the Tx electrode T [2] of the second channel. Similarly, the Tx electrode patterns located in the third quadrants of the first and second sensing regions SA1 and SA2 may be connected to each other to form the Tx electrode T [3] of the third channel, and the Tx electrode patterns located in the fourth quadrants of the first and second sensing regions SA1 and SA2 may be connected to each other to form the Tx electrode T [4] of the fourth channel.

The Tx electrode T may form a first sensor electrode SE1 together with the first Rx electrode R1, and may form a second sensor electrode SE2 together with the second Rx electrode R2.

Fig. 10A and 10B are plan views of first and second sensor electrodes of the touch sensor of fig. 9A and 9B, illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method of activating and deactivating a sensing region when the sensing region is driven in a first mode. Fig. 10A and 10B illustrate examples of sensor electrodes activated when the sensing region SA according to the exemplary embodiment of fig. 9A and 9B is driven in the first mode, respectively.

Referring to fig. 10A and 10B, in the first mode, first sensor electrode SE1 disposed in first sensing region SA1 is activated. For example, in the first mode, at least some of first sensor electrodes SE1 may be driven to detect touch inputs generated in first sensing region SA 1.

In an exemplary embodiment, during a period in which the touch sensor TS is driven in the first mode, all of the first sensor electrodes SE1 (e.g., all of the Tx electrodes T and the first Rx electrodes R1) may be activated to detect a touch input generated in the first sensing region SA 1.

Fig. 10C to 10H are timing diagrams illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method of driving the first and second sensor electrodes of the touch sensor of fig. 10A and 10B. Fig. 10C to 10H illustrate various exemplary embodiments of a method of driving the first sensor electrode SE1 activated in the exemplary embodiment of fig. 10A and 10B. For example, fig. 10C to 10H illustrate exemplary embodiments of the driving signal supplied to the sensing region SA in each of the exemplary embodiments.

Referring to fig. 10A to 10H, during a period in which the touch sensor TS is driven in the first mode, a touch input to the first sensing area SA1 may be detected in a mutual capacitance sensing method or a self capacitance sensing method using the Tx electrode T and the first Rx electrode R1. For example, when the touch input is detected using all the Tx electrodes T and the first Rx electrodes R1, whether the touch input is generated and the position of the touch input may be detected. Each exemplary embodiment will be described in detail below.

Referring to fig. 10A to 10C, during a period in which the touch sensor TS is driven in the first mode, a touch input to the first sensing area SA1 may be detected in a mutual capacitance sensing method using the Tx electrode T and the first Rx electrode R1. For example, when the touch sensor TS is driven in the first mode according to a predetermined frequency, the driving signal may be sequentially supplied to the Tx electrodes T during each unit period P of the period in which the first mode is performed, and whether a touch input to the first sensing region SA1 is generated may be monitored based on the sensing signal output from the first Rx electrodes R1 by the driving signal. According to an exemplary embodiment, one or more sampling pulses may be supplied to each Tx electrode T during each unit period P, and the number of sampling pulses may be differently set according to an SNR of the touch sensor TS, or the like.

In an exemplary embodiment, the waveform of the driving signal shown in fig. 10C may be the same as or different from the waveform (in fig. 12C) of the driving signal supplied to the Tx electrode T in order to detect a touch input to the second sensing area SA2 in the mutual capacitance sensing method using the Tx electrode T during the period in which the touch sensor TS is driven in the second mode. For example, referring to fig. 10C and 12C, when the first sensing region SA1 is driven in the mutual capacitance sensing method using the Tx electrode T and the first Rx electrode R1 in the first mode, the sampling pulse supplied to the Tx electrode T may be the same as the sampling pulse supplied to the Tx electrode T when the second sensing region SA2 is driven in the mutual capacitance sensing method using the Tx electrode T and the second Rx electrode R2 in the second mode. Referring to fig. 10C and 12C, labels are added to indicate waveforms of driving signals provided in each of the first and second modes. However, the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, in another exemplary embodiment, the number of sampling pulses supplied to the Tx electrodes T when the first sensing region SA1 is driven in the mutual capacitance sensing method using the Tx electrodes T and the first Rx electrodes R1 in the first mode may be different from the number of sampling pulses supplied to the Tx electrodes T when the second sensing region SA2 is driven in the mutual capacitance sensing method using the Tx electrodes T and the second Rx electrodes R2 in the second mode.

Referring to fig. 10A, 10B, and 10D to 10H, during a period in which the touch sensor TS is driven in the first mode, a touch input to the first sensing area SA1 may be detected in a self-capacitance sensing method using the Tx electrode T and the first Rx electrode R1. This will be described in detail below.

Referring to fig. 10A, 10B and 10D, during each unit period P of the period in which the first mode is performed, the driving signal may be simultaneously supplied to the Tx electrode T and the first Rx electrode R1. In addition, whether a touch input to the first sensing region SA1 is generated may be monitored based on a sensing signal output from each of the Tx electrode T and the first Rx electrode R1.

Referring to fig. 10A, 10B and 10E, during each unit period P of the period in which the first mode is performed, after the driving signals are simultaneously supplied to the Tx electrodes T, the driving signals may be simultaneously supplied to the first Rx electrodes R1. In addition, whether a touch input to the first sensing region SA1 is generated may be monitored based on a sensing signal output from each of the Tx electrode T and the first Rx electrode R1.

Referring to fig. 10A, 10B and 10F, during each unit period P of the period in which the first mode is performed, after the driving signals are simultaneously supplied to the first Rx electrodes R1, the driving signals may be simultaneously supplied to the Tx electrodes T. In addition, whether a touch input to the first sensing region SA1 is generated may be monitored based on a sensing signal output from each of the Tx electrode T and the first Rx electrode R1.

Referring to fig. 10A, 10B and 10G, during each unit period P of the period in which the first mode is performed, after the driving signal is sequentially supplied to the Tx electrodes T, the driving signal may be sequentially supplied to the first Rx electrodes R1. In addition, whether a touch input to the first sensing region SA1 is generated may be monitored based on a sensing signal output from each of the Tx electrode T and the first Rx electrode R1.

Referring to fig. 10A, 10B and 10H, during each unit period P of the period in which the first pattern is performed, after the driving signal is sequentially supplied to the first Rx electrodes R1, the driving signal may be sequentially supplied to the Tx electrodes T. In addition, whether a touch input to the first sensing region SA1 is generated may be monitored based on a sensing signal output from each of the Tx electrode T and the first Rx electrode R1.

Referring to fig. 10A, 10B, and 10D to 10H, when the Tx electrode T and the first Rx electrode R1 are driven in the self-capacitance sensing method in a state where the second Rx electrode R2 is deactivated in the first mode, standby mode power consumption of the touch sensor TS may be reduced, as compared to a case where all the sensor electrodes SE1 and SE2 (e.g., the Tx electrode T and the first Rx electrode R1 and the second Rx electrode R2) are driven in the self-capacitance sensing method. For example, in the exemplary embodiments of fig. 10A, 10B, and 10D to 10H, the charge/discharge power consumption ratio of the touch sensor TS in the first mode may be reduced as compared to the exemplary embodiment of fig. 3.

Fig. 11A and 11B are plan views of first and second sensor electrodes of the touch sensor of fig. 9A and 9B, illustrating other exemplary embodiments of a method of activating and deactivating a sensing region when the sensing region is driven in a first mode. Fig. 11A and 11B illustrate another example of sensor electrodes that are activated when the sensing region SA according to the exemplary embodiment of fig. 9A and 9B is driven in the first mode, respectively.

Referring to fig. 11A and 11B, in the first mode, it may be detected whether a touch input to the first sensing region SA1 is generated in a self-capacitance sensing method using some of the first sensor electrodes SE1 (specifically, the first Rx electrode R1).

In the above exemplary embodiment, the Tx electrode T and the second Rx electrode R2 may be deactivated. Accordingly, during a period in which the first mode is performed, the first sensing region SA1 may be activated by the first Rx electrode R1, and the second sensing region SA2 may remain in a deactivated state.

When only the first Rx electrode R1 is driven, since whether a touch input to the first sensing region SA1 is generated can be detected, a touch detection operation required in the standby mode can be sufficiently performed. Further, when the touch sensor TS is driven in the first mode, only the first sensing area SA1 of the sensing area SA may be selectively driven, and thus power consumed in charging/discharging of the sensor electrodes may be effectively reduced. Therefore, power consumption of the touch sensor TS can be reduced.

In an exemplary embodiment, the activated first Rx electrode R1 may be driven in the same method as the exemplary embodiment of fig. 7C and 7D.

For example, referring to fig. 7C and 7D, the driving signal may be sequentially or simultaneously supplied to the first Rx electrode R1 during each unit period P of the period in which the first mode is performed. Further, whether a touch input to the first sensing region SA1 is generated may be monitored based on a sensing signal output from each of the first Rx electrodes R1. Accordingly, power consumption of the touch sensor TS may be reduced as compared to the exemplary embodiment of fig. 3. For example, in the exemplary embodiment of fig. 11A and 11B, the charge/discharge power consumption in the first mode may be reduced by about 68% of the charge/discharge power consumption of the exemplary embodiment of fig. 3, as compared to the touch sensor TS according to the exemplary embodiment of fig. 3.

Fig. 12A and 12B are plan views of first and second sensor electrodes of the touch sensor of fig. 9A and 9B, illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method of activating and deactivating a sensing region when the sensing region is driven in a second mode. Fig. 12A and 12B illustrate examples of sensor electrodes activated when the sensing region SA according to the exemplary embodiment of fig. 9A and 9B is driven in the second mode, respectively. In the exemplary embodiment of fig. 12A and 12B, a detailed description of a configuration similar or identical to that of the above-described exemplary embodiment (e.g., the exemplary embodiment of fig. 8A and 8B) will be omitted for convenience of description.

Referring to fig. 12A and 12B, in the second mode, the second sensor electrode SE2 disposed in the second sensing region SA2 is activated. For example, in the second mode, the second sensor electrode SE2 may be driven to detect a touch input generated in the second sensing region SA 2. For this, in the second mode, all of the Tx electrodes T and the second Rx electrodes R2 may be activated. For example, the first Rx electrode R1 may be deactivated during a period in which the touch sensor TS is driven in the second mode.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the second mode may be a roulette mode, and may be a partial driving mode for performing a predetermined operation selected in the roulette mode by determining whether there is a touch input generated with respect to the second sensing region SA2 and a position of the touch input. For this reason, in the second mode, whether there is a touch input to the second sensing region SA2 and the position of the touch input may be monitored while repeatedly charging/discharging the second sensor electrode SE 2.

When the sensor electrode is formed as the exemplary embodiment of fig. 9A and 9B, a loss of the sensor area in the edge portion may be prevented or minimized. Therefore, even with a lower sampling rate in the second mode, sufficient touch sensing sensitivity required for roulette operation can be obtained. For example, as shown in fig. 12A and 12B, when the roulette operation is performed by driving the sensing region SA of fig. 9A and 9B in the second mode, even if the sampling rate is about 1/4 of the sampling rate of the exemplary embodiment of fig. 3, the touch sensing sensitivity required for the roulette operation can be obtained. Therefore, power consumption of the touch sensor TS can be reduced.

Fig. 12C to 12H are timing diagrams illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a method of driving the first and second sensor electrodes of the touch sensor of fig. 12A and 12B. Fig. 12C to 12H illustrate various exemplary embodiments of a method of driving the second sensor electrode SE2 activated in the exemplary embodiment of fig. 12A and 12B. For example, fig. 12C to 12H illustrate exemplary embodiments of the driving signal supplied to the sensing region SA in each of the exemplary embodiments. In the exemplary embodiment of fig. 12C to 12H, a detailed description of a configuration similar or identical to that of the above-described exemplary embodiment (e.g., the exemplary embodiment of fig. 8C to 8H) will be omitted for convenience of description.

Referring to fig. 12A to 12H, during a period in which the touch sensor TS is driven in the second mode, a touch input to the second sensing area SA2 may be detected in a mutual capacitance sensing method or a self capacitance sensing method using the Tx electrode T and the second Rx electrode R2 disposed in the second sensing area SA 2. For example, when all of the Tx electrodes T and the second Rx electrodes R2 are activated, during a period in which the second mode is performed, whether a touch input to the second sensing area SA2 is generated and the position of the touch input may be detected. Each exemplary embodiment will be described in detail below.

Referring to fig. 12A to 12C, during a period in which the touch sensor TS is driven in the second mode, a touch input to the second sensing area SA2 may be detected in a mutual capacitance sensing method using the Tx electrode T and the second Rx electrode R2. For example, when the touch sensor TS is driven in the second mode according to a predetermined frequency, the driving signal may be sequentially supplied to the Tx electrodes T during each unit period P of the period in which the second mode is performed, and whether the touch input to the second sensing area SA2 is generated and the position of the touch input may be monitored based on the sensing signal output from the second Rx electrodes R2 by the driving signal.

According to an exemplary embodiment, one or more sampling pulses may be supplied to each Tx electrode T during each unit period P, and the number of sampling pulses may be differently set according to an SNR of the touch sensor TS, or the like. For example, in the exemplary embodiment of fig. 3, four sampling pulses are supplied to each Tx electrode during each unit period P. However, in the exemplary embodiment of fig. 12A to 12C, even if only one sampling pulse is supplied to each Tx electrode T during each unit period P, touch sensing sensitivity similar to that obtained by four sampling pulses in the exemplary embodiment of fig. 3 can be obtained.

In the exemplary embodiment of fig. 12A to 12C, unlike the embodiment of fig. 3, there is no sensor area loss in the edge portion, and thus the power consumption of the touch sensor TS can be reduced by reducing the sampling rate. For example, according to the exemplary embodiment of fig. 12A to 12C, the charge/discharge power consumption ratio of the touch sensor TS in the second mode may be reduced by about 25% of the charge/discharge power consumption ratio of the exemplary embodiment of fig. 3.

Referring to fig. 12A, 12B, and 12D to 12H, during a period in which the touch sensor TS is driven in the second mode, a touch input to the second sensing area SA2 may be detected in a self-capacitance sensing method using the Tx electrode T and the second Rx electrode R2. Specifically, in the exemplary embodiment of fig. 12D to 12H, the driving signal is supplied to all of the second sensor electrodes SE2 provided in the second sensing region SA 2. For example, during a period in which the second mode is performed, in the case of the pattern structure of FIG. 12A, four Tx electrodes T [1] to T [4] and second-first Rx electrodes R2[1] to second-sixth Rx electrodes R2[6] are driven, and in the case of the pattern structure of FIG. 12B, four Tx electrodes T [1] to T [4] and second-first Rx electrodes R2[1] to second-eighth Rx electrodes R2[8] are driven. Each exemplary embodiment of fig. 12D to 12H will be described in detail below.

Referring to fig. 12A, 12B and 12D, during each unit period P of a period in which the second mode is performed, a driving signal may be simultaneously supplied to the Tx electrode T and the second Rx electrode R2. In addition, whether a touch input to the second sensing region SA2 is generated and the position of the touch input may be monitored based on a sensing signal output from each of the Tx electrode T and the second Rx electrode R2.

Referring to fig. 12A, 12B and 12E, during each unit period P of the period in which the second mode is performed, after the driving signals are simultaneously supplied to the Tx electrodes T, the driving signals may be simultaneously supplied to the second Rx electrodes R2. In addition, whether a touch input to the second sensing region SA2 is generated and the position of the touch input may be monitored based on a sensing signal output from each of the Tx electrode T and the second Rx electrode R2.

Referring to fig. 12A, 12B and 12F, during each unit period P of the period in which the second mode is performed, after the driving signals are simultaneously supplied to the second Rx electrodes R2, the driving signals may be simultaneously supplied to the Tx electrodes T. In addition, whether a touch input to the second sensing region SA2 is generated and the position of the touch input may be monitored based on a sensing signal output from each of the Tx electrode T and the second Rx electrode R2.

Referring to fig. 12A, 12B and 12G, during each unit period P of the period in which the second mode is performed, after the driving signal is sequentially supplied to the Tx electrodes T, the driving signal may be sequentially supplied to the second Rx electrodes R2. In addition, whether a touch input to the second sensing region SA2 is generated and the position of the touch input may be monitored based on a sensing signal output from each of the Tx electrode T and the second Rx electrode R2.

Referring to fig. 12A, 12B and 12H, during each unit period P of the period in which the second mode is performed, after the driving signal is sequentially supplied to the second Rx electrodes R2, the driving signal may be sequentially supplied to the Tx electrodes T. In addition, whether a touch input to the second sensing region SA2 is generated and the position of the touch input may be monitored based on a sensing signal output from each of the Tx electrode T and the second Rx electrode R2.

Referring to fig. 12A, 12B, and 12D to 12H, when the second sensor electrode SE2 is driven by the self-capacitance sensing method in a state where the first sensor electrode SE1 is deactivated, the roulette mode power consumption may be effectively reduced, in the second mode, as compared to the case where all the sensor electrodes (e.g., the Tx electrode T and the first and second Rx electrodes R1 and R2) are driven by the self-capacitance sensing method. Further, since there is substantially no loss of sensor area in the edge portion, power consumption of the touch sensor TS can be more effectively reduced by reducing the sampling rate.

For example, according to the exemplary embodiment of fig. 12A and 12C to 12H, the charge/discharge power consumption ratio of the touch sensor TS in the second mode may be reduced by about 21% of the charge/discharge power consumption ratio of the exemplary embodiment of fig. 3. Further, according to the exemplary embodiments of fig. 12B and 12C to 12H, the charge/discharge power consumption ratio of the touch sensor TS in the second mode may be reduced by about 25% of the charge/discharge power consumption ratio of the exemplary embodiment of fig. 3. However, the power consumption reduction effect may vary according to the charging/discharging power consumption of the Tx electrode T and the second Rx electrode R2 with respect to the charging/discharging power consumption of the entire sensor electrode.

Fig. 10A to 12H disclose exemplary embodiments in which the sensing region SA is partially driven corresponding to the first or second pattern. However, the operation of the touch sensor TS is not limited to the partial driving mode. For example, touch sensor TS may also be driven in the third mode in which the entire sensing area SA is activated. In this case, the touch input may be detected in the entire sensing area SA by simultaneously or sequentially driving the Tx electrode T, the first Rx electrode R1, and the second Rx electrode R2.

According to an exemplary embodiment, in the third mode, the driving signal may be supplied to the Tx electrode T, and whether the touch input to the entire sensing region SA is generated and the position of the touch input may be detected in the mutual capacitance sensing method based on the sensing signals output from the first and second Rx electrodes R1 and R2.

However, the driving method of the touch sensor TS in the third mode is not limited to the mutual capacitance sensing method. For example, in another exemplary embodiment, in the third mode, a touch input to the entire sensing area SA may be detected by driving the first and second sensor electrodes SE1 and SE2 in a self-capacitance sensing method. In this case, the Tx electrode T and the first and second Rx electrodes R1 and R2 may be simultaneously or sequentially driven for each group, and/or the Tx electrode T and the first and second Rx electrodes R1 and R2 may be simultaneously or sequentially driven within each group. In addition, a touch input may be detected based on the sensing signals output from the Tx electrode T and each of the first and second Rx electrodes R1 and R2.

According to various exemplary embodiments as described above, only a portion of the sensing region SA may be partially driven according to a predetermined driving pattern. For example, in the first mode, whether a touch input to the first sensing region SA1 is generated may be detected by driving at least some of the first sensor electrodes SE1 (e.g., the first Tx electrodes T1 (or Tx electrodes T) and/or the first Rx electrodes R1) disposed in the first sensing region SA1 of the central portion in a mutual capacitance sensing method or a self capacitance sensing method. Accordingly, an operation such as tapping or clicking provided to the first sensing area SA1 during execution of the first mode may be detected. At this time, at least some of the second sensor electrodes SE2 located at the edge portion (e.g., at least the second Rx electrode R2) may remain in a deactivated state.

Further, in the second mode, whether the touch input to the second sensing area SA2 is generated and the position of the touch input may be detected by driving at least some of the second sensor electrodes SE2 (e.g., the second Tx electrode T2 (or Tx electrode T) and/or the second Rx electrode R2) disposed in the second sensing area SA2 of the edge portion in a mutual capacitance sensing method or a self capacitance sensing method. Accordingly, the roulette operation provided to the second sensing region SA2 during the period in which the second mode is performed may be detected. At this time, at least some of the first sensor electrodes SE1 located at the central portion (e.g., at least the first Rx electrode R1) may remain in a deactivated state.

As described above, in the case where a touch input needs to be detected only for a portion of the sensing area SA, the sensing area SA may be partially driven by activating sensor electrodes in the corresponding area. Therefore, unnecessary power consumption can be prevented or minimized, and power consumption of the touch sensor TS can be reduced.

For example, the first sensor electrode SE1 and the second sensor electrode SE2 may be driven independently, and the entire sensing region SA may be activated by driving all of the first sensor electrode SE1 and the second sensor electrode SE 2. For example, in a third mode, such as the normal mode, touch input functionality may be provided throughout sensing region SA by driving first sensor electrode SE1 and second sensor electrode SE2 simultaneously or sequentially.

Further, according to the principles and various exemplary embodiments of the present invention, by designing the first sensor electrode SE1 and the second sensor electrode SE2 as a meandering pattern that may be optimized for a substantially circular shaped sensing region SA, the loss of sensor area in the edge portion may be prevented or minimized. Accordingly, the sensing sensitivity can be improved by improving the SNR of the touch sensor TS. Further, as the SNR of the touch sensor TS increases, the sampling rate for detecting a touch input may be reduced. In this case, the power consumption of the touch sensor TS can be further reduced.

Although certain exemplary embodiments and implementations have been described herein, other exemplary embodiments and modifications will be apparent from this description. The inventive concept is therefore not limited to such exemplary embodiments, but is to be defined by the appended claims in their broader scope and various modifications and equivalent arrangements as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.