Method of detecting touch input, apparatus for sensing touch input, and apparatus for inputting touch input

A method of detecting an input of an input marking apparatus includes generating and outputting a number signal to be written to the input marking apparatus, detecting the input marking apparatus in which the number signal is written, by detecting a response signal output from the input marking apparatus, and detecting a position of the input of the input marking apparatus of which the response signal is detected.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2014-0052982, filed on Apr. 30, 2014, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

BACKGROUND

Methods and apparatuses consistent with exemplary embodiments relate to a method for detecting a touch input, an apparatus for sensing a touch input, and an apparatus for inputting a touch input.

2. Description of the Related Art

Electronic apparatuses providing various functions like tablet personal computers (PCs), smartphones, or personal digital assistants (PDAs) are becoming increasingly popular in the consumer market. Since electronic apparatuses provide various functions such as a wireless internet function, an electronic organizer function, a multimedia content reproduction function, a photographing function, or a game function, more data input devices are required. Additionally, a touch screen incorporating an input device and a display device in one body is widely employed in various electronic apparatuses. A touch screen may include a capacitive overlay type, a resistive overlay type, a surface acoustic wave type, a transmitter type, and an infrared beam type. With the spread of touch screens, an electronic apparatus capable of various touch inputs is required.

SUMMARY

One or more exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept include an apparatus for sensing a touch input and a method of detecting a touch input, by which touch inputs from a plurality of apparatuses for inputting a touch input may be received.

One or more exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept include an apparatus for inputting a touch input which may receive a touch input with another apparatus for inputting a touch input.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept, a method of detecting an input of an input marking apparatus includes generating and outputting a number signal to be written to the input marking apparatus, detecting the input marking apparatus in which the number signal is written, by detecting a response signal output from the input marking apparatus, and detecting a position of the input of the input marking apparatus of which the response signal is detected.

The position of the input may be detected by using an antenna that detects a resonance signal. The method may further include changing a drive axis of an antenna drive signal when a distance between a plurality of input marking apparatuses is less than a reference value.

The position of the input may be detected by using an antenna that detects a resonance signal. The method may further include changing a drive sequence of an antenna drive signal when a distance between a plurality of input marking apparatuses is less than a reference value.

In the detecting of the input marking apparatus, after the number signal is output, the input marking apparatus may be detected by detecting a number acceptance signal with respect to the number signal.

The detecting of the touch-input marking apparatus may include generating and outputting a response request signal with respect to the number signal after the number signal is output, and detecting the input marking apparatus by detecting a response signal with respect to the response request signal.

The method may further include generating and outputting a pen pressure request signal that requests information about a pen pressure with respect to an input marking apparatus associated with a particular number, and acquiring the information related to a pen pressure of the input marking apparatus associated with the particular number by receiving a pen pressure signal output by the input marking apparatus corresponding to the particular number.

The method may further include generating and outputting additional information request signal that requests additional information with respect to an input marking apparatus associated with a particular number, and acquiring the additional information of the input marking apparatus related to the particular sequential number by receiving an additional information signal output by the input marking apparatus corresponding to the particular number.

The additional information may include information about a state of a button provided in the input marking apparatus.

The method may further include determining a delay between a response request signal and a response signal according to the number signal written to the touch-input marking apparatus.

The detecting of a position of a touch-input of the input marking apparatus may include detecting a response signal from at least two input marking apparatuses respectively associated with at least two numbers; and if paths of touch inputs of the at least two input marking apparatuses cross each other, detecting positions of the touch inputs of the at least two input marking apparatuses of which paths cross each other.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept, an apparatus for sensing an input of an input marking apparatus includes an antenna which is configured to receive a signal from the input marking apparatus and detect the position of an input of the input marking apparatus, and an input sensing apparatus controller which is configured to generate and output a number signal to be written to the input marking apparatus, detect the input marking apparatus where the number signal is written, by receiving a response signal output from the input marking apparatus, and acquire information about a position of a touch input of the input marking apparatus of which the response signal is detected, by using the antenna.

The input sensing apparatus controller may change a drive axis of an antenna drive signal when a distance between a plurality of input marking apparatuses is less than a reference value.

The input sensing apparatus controller may change a drive sequence of an antenna drive signal when a distance between a plurality of input marking apparatuses is less than a reference value.

After the number signal is output, the input sensing apparatus controller may detect the input marking apparatus by detecting a number acceptance signal with respect to the number signal.

The input sensing apparatus controller may acquire the information about a position of the input marking apparatus by generating and outputting a response request signal with respect to the number signal after the number signal is output, and detecting a response signal with respect to the response request signal.

The touch-input sensing apparatus controller may generate and output a pen pressure request signal that requests information about a pen pressure with respect to an input marking apparatus associated with a particular sequential number, and acquire the information about a pen pressure of the touch-input marking apparatus associated with the particular number by receiving a pen pressure signal output by the input marking apparatus corresponding to the particular number.

The input marking apparatus may change a state function of the input marking apparatus according to the sequential number signal transmitted by the input sensing apparatus controller and determine the response signal according to a combination of the state function and the response request signal transmitted by the input sensing apparatus.

The input sensing apparatus controller may generate and output an additional information request signal that requests additional information with respect to an input marking apparatus associated with a particular number, and acquire the additional information of the input marking apparatus associated with the particular number by receiving an additional information signal output by the input marking apparatus corresponding to the particular number.

The additional information may include information about a state of a button provided in the input marking apparatus.

A delay between a response request signal and a response signal may be determined according to the number signal written to the input marking apparatus.

The input sensing apparatus controller may detect positions of at least two inputs by tracking positions of the at least two inputs of at least two input marking apparatuses of which response signals are detected when paths of the at least two inputs of the at least two input marking apparatuses cross each other.

According to one or more exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept, an apparatus for marking an input includes a storage which is configured to store a number signal output by an input sensing apparatus, an input marking apparatus controller which is configured to generate and output a response signal according to a response request signal and the number signal output by the input sensing apparatus, and a resonance signal outputter which is configured to generate and output a resonance signal.

The input sensing apparatus controller may determine a delay between the response request signal and the response signal according to the number signal.

When the response request signal is detected and a reference time passes, the input marking apparatus controller may erase the number signal stored in the storage.

When the number signal is input, the input marking apparatus control unit generates and outputs a number acceptance signal.

The apparatus may further include a pen pressure detector which is configured to detect a pen pressure of the input marking apparatus, in which, when a pen pressure request signal that requests information about a pen pressure corresponding to a number of the input marking apparatus is received, the input marking apparatus controller outputs a pen pressure signal including information about a pen pressure.

The storage may store additional information about the input marking apparatus, and when the additional information request signal that requests additional information corresponding to a number of the input marking apparatus is received, the input sensing apparatus control unit may output an additional information signal including the additional information.

The input marking apparatus may include a button for setting a state of the input marking apparatus, and the additional information may include information about a state of the button.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The touch-input sensing apparatus110is an electronic apparatus that may detect a touch input. The touch-input sensing apparatus110may include a display unit that is embodied in the form of, for example, a touch screen. The touch-input sensing apparatus110may be embodied in various forms, for example, a tablet personal computer (PC), a smartphone, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a camera, a touch monitor, etc.

The touch-input marking apparatus120provides a touch input to the touch-input sensing apparatus110through a contact with a touch screen of the touch-input sensing apparatus110. The touch-input marking apparatus120may be embodied in the form of, for example, a touch pen, an instrument having a predetermined shape, etc. The touch-input marking apparatus120may include a resonance circuit that outputs a resonance signal.

FIG. 2is a block diagram illustrating a structure of a touch-input sensing apparatus110aaccording to an exemplary embodiment. The touch-input sensing apparatus110aaccording to the present exemplary embodiment may include an antenna unit210(“antenna”) and a touch-input sensing apparatus control unit220(“touch-input sensing apparatus controller”).

The antenna unit210detects a touch input from the touch-input marking apparatus120and a position thereof. The antenna unit210may detect a touch input and a position thereof by transceiving a resonance signal with the touch-input marking apparatus120.

The touch-input sensing apparatus control unit220controls an overall operation of the touch-input sensing apparatus110a.

The touch-input sensing apparatus control unit220generates and outputs a sequential number signal to allot a sequential number to the touch-input marking apparatus120. According to an exemplary embodiment, a sequential number signal may be transmitted to the touch-input marking apparatus120through the antenna unit210or by using a communication module separately provided in the touch-input sensing apparatus110a. The touch-input sensing apparatus control unit220outputs the sequential number signal including sequential number information, to the touch-input marking apparatus120to write the sequential number to the touch-input marking apparatus120.

Also, the touch-input sensing apparatus control unit220detects the touch-input marking apparatus120corresponding to each of the sequential numbers. For example, the touch-input sensing apparatus control unit220may request a response signal from the touch-input marking apparatus120and receive the response signal from the touch-input marking apparatus120, thereby detecting the touch-input marking apparatus120of each sequential number.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the touch-input sensing apparatus control unit220outputs a resonance signal to the touch-input marking apparatus120through the antenna unit210, receives a response signal from the touch-input marking apparatus120, and exchanges a signal with the touch-input marking apparatus120by using the received response signal, thereby detecting the touch-input marking apparatus120.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, the touch-input sensing apparatus control unit220generates a response request signal including sequential number information and outputs a generated response request signal to the touch-input marking apparatus120. The response request signal is a signal requesting a response signal from the touch-input marking apparatus120to which a sequential number is allotted. The touch-input sensing apparatus control unit220may generate and output response request signals corresponding to the sequential numbers to which sequential number signals are output. For example, when the touch-input sensing apparatus control unit220outputs sequential number signals of sequential numbers1,2, and3the touch-input sensing apparatus control unit220may generate and output response request signals associated with sequential numbers1,2, and3. Also, the touch-input sensing apparatus control unit220detects a response signal that is generated and output by the touch-input marking apparatus120in response to the response request signal. The touch-input sensing apparatus control unit220may transmit a response request signal or receive a response signal through the antenna unit210. Also, the touch-input sensing apparatus control unit220may include a comparison circuit to determine a value of the response request signal.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the touch-input sensing apparatus control unit220may determine a response signal detected within a predetermined time from when the response request signal is output, as a response signal corresponding to the sequential number of the response request signal.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the response signal includes sequential number information and the touch-input sensing apparatus control unit220may determine the sequential number of the touch-input marking apparatus120that outputs the response signal by using the sequential number information included in the response signal.

For the sequential number of a finally output sequential number signal, when the touch-input sensing apparatus control unit220detects the touch-input marking apparatus120of the corresponding sequential number, the touch-input sensing apparatus control unit220generates and output a sequential number signal of the next sequential number. According to an exemplary embodiment, the touch-input sensing apparatus control unit220may control a position of a touch input to be detected only when a response signal is detected from the antenna unit210.

FIG. 3is a block diagram illustrating a structure of a touch-input marking apparatus120aaccording to an exemplary embodiment. According to the present exemplary embodiment, the touch-input marking apparatus120amay include a storage unit310(“storage”), a touch-input marking apparatus control unit320(“touch-input marking apparatus controller”), and a resonance signal output unit330(“resonance signal outputter”).

The storage unit310stores sequential numbers. The storage unit310may be embodied by a predetermined storage medium that may store data.

The touch-input marking apparatus control unit320controls an overall operation of the touch-input marking apparatus120a.

The resonance signal output unit330outputs a resonance signal. The touch-input marking apparatus120amay notify a position thereof by outputting a resonance signal. The touch-input sensing apparatus110amay detect a position of the touch-input marking apparatus120aby detecting the resonance signal output from the resonance signal output unit330.

When receiving a sequential number, the touch-input marking apparatus control unit320stores the received sequential number in the storage unit310. According to an exemplary embodiment, even when a sequential number is received, if the received sequential number is already allotted to the storage unit310, the touch-input marking apparatus control unit320may not store the received sequential number in the storage unit310.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the sequential number may be received by using a predetermined antenna or a communication module provided in the touch-input marking apparatus120a. The antenna may be separately provided or provided in the resonance signal output unit330.

According to an exemplary embodiment, when a predetermined time passes after a sequential number signal is stored in the storage unit310, the touch-input marking apparatus control unit320may erase the sequential number signal from the storage unit310or invalidate the sequential number signal. According to the present exemplary embodiment, while a sequential number is allotted to the touch-input marking apparatus120aand the touch-input marking apparatus120agenerates a touch input, if the touch-input marking apparatus120ais not used for a predetermined time, the allot sequential number is invalided or erased and thus the touch-input marking apparatus120amay be used in another touch-input sensing apparatus110aor may be used by allotting a new sequential number.

Also, the touch-input marking apparatus control unit320outputs a response signal in response to the response request signal output from the touch-input sensing apparatus110a. The response request signal may be received by using a communication module provided in the touch-input marking apparatus120aor an antenna provided in the resonance signal output unit330. The touch-input marking apparatus control unit320may output or may not output a response signal according to a combination of the sequential number signal stored in the storage unit310and the received response request signal. For example, when the storage unit310stores a sequential number signal of a sequential number1, the touch-input marking apparatus control unit320may output a response signal when a response request signal corresponding to the sequential number1is received, or may not output a response signal when a response request signal other than the sequential number1, for example, a response request signal other than a sequential number2, is received.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the touch-input marking apparatus control unit320may adjust a delay between the response request signal and the response signal according to the sequential number.

The resonance signal output unit330may generate or output a resonance signal. The touch-input sensing apparatus110amay detect a touch position of the touch-input marking apparatus120aby detecting the resonance signal. The resonance signal output unit330may receive the resonance signal from the antenna unit210or output the resonance signal through the antenna unit.

FIGS. 4A and 4Billustrate a process of allotting a sequential number to the touch-input marking apparatus120a.

The touch-input marking apparatus120ain a state of not being allotted with a sequential number may access the touch-input sensing apparatus110a. The touch-input sensing apparatus110amay generate a sequential number signal corresponding to the sequential number1, as illustrated inFIG. 4A, and allot the sequential number1to the touch-input marking apparatus120a, as illustrated inFIG. 4B.

FIGS. 5A and 5Billustrate a process of detecting the touch-input marking apparatus120a.

The touch-input sensing apparatus110amay detect the touch-input marking apparatus120aby using a response request signal. For example, the touch-input sensing apparatus110aoutputs a response request signal corresponding to the sequential number1as illustrated inFIG. 5A. When detecting a response signal, the touch-input sensing apparatus110amay recognize that the touch-input marking apparatus120acorresponding to the sequential number1is in use.

FIGS. 6A and 6Billustrate a process of detecting the touch-input marking apparatus120a.

As illustrated inFIG. 6A, when the touch-input sensing apparatus110aoutputs a response request signal corresponding to a sequential number2, the touch-input marking apparatus120acorresponding to the sequential number1does not output a response signal to the response request signal.

The touch-input sensing apparatus110amay recognize the touch-input sensing apparatus110a, to which the sequential number is allotted, by detecting the response signal. For example, even when the touch-input sensing apparatus110agenerates and outputs a sequential number signal corresponding to the sequential number1, the touch-input sensing apparatus110amay not recognize the touch-input marking apparatus120ato which the sequential number1is allotted, until a response signal corresponding to the sequential number1is detected. However, when the touch-input sensing apparatus110adetects a response signal corresponding to the sequential number1, the touch-input sensing apparatus110amay recognize the touch-input marking apparatus120ato which the sequential number1is allotted. When the touch-input sensing apparatus control unit220of the touch-input sensing apparatus110adetects a response signal corresponding to the sequential number1, the touch-input sensing apparatus control unit220generates and outputs a sequential number signal corresponding to the sequential number2that is a next sequential number.

The touch-input sensing apparatus110amay sense the touch-input marking apparatus120acorresponding to the sequential number by outputting a response request signal and detecting a response signal. For example, in order to receive a touch input from the touch-input marking apparatus120acorresponding to the sequential number1, the touch-input sensing apparatus110aoutputs a response request signal corresponding to the sequential number1and receives a response signal from the touch-input marking apparatus120aassociated with the sequential number1, thereby sensing the touch-input marking apparatus120aassociated with the sequential number1. The touch-input sensing apparatus110amay sequentially and repeatedly sense a plurality of the touch-input marking apparatuses120aby using the response request signal and the response signal.

FIGS. 7A and 7Billustrates a method of distinguishing a plurality of touch-input marking apparatuses120a1and120a2when the touch-input marking apparatuses120a1and120a2provide touch inputs to the touch-input sensing apparatus110a, according to an exemplary embodiment.

When a plurality of the touch-input marking apparatuses120a1and120a2are in use, the touch-input sensing apparatus110amay output a response request signal corresponding to a sequential number of the touch-input marking apparatus120a2of which touch input is to be detected and receive a touch input from the touch-input marking apparatus120a2of the corresponding sequential number. As illustrated inFIGS. 7A and 7B, when the touch-input sensing apparatus110aoutputs a response request signal corresponding to the sequential number2, only the touch-input marking apparatus120a2corresponding to the sequential number2outputs a response signal, and the touch-input marking apparatus120a1corresponding to the sequential number1does not output a response signal.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the response signal provides the sequential number information of the touch-input marking apparatuses120a1and120a2and simultaneously provides information about a position of a touch input through the antenna unit210of the touch-input sensing apparatus110a. In this case, the response signal may be a resonance signal output from the resonance signal output unit330of the touch-input marking apparatus120a. For example, a method of detecting a position of the touch-input marking apparatus120aof the corresponding sequential number may be used by using the relative amplitude of a response signal received through a plurality of antennas installed in the antenna unit210.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the resonance signal output unit330of the touch-input marking apparatuses120a1and120a2may output a resonance signal only when a response request signal of the corresponding sequential number is detected. For example, when the touch-input sensing apparatus110aoutputs the response request signal of the sequential number1, the touch-input marking apparatus120a1associated with the sequential number1outputs a response signal and a resonance signal. The touch-input sensing apparatus control unit220of the touch-input sensing apparatus110amay detect a position of a touch input of the touch-input marking apparatus120a1having the sequential number1by outputting the response request signal of the sequential number1and by using a resonance signal detected within a predetermined time.

FIG. 8illustrates structure of the resonance signal output unit330and the touch-input marking apparatus control unit320according to an exemplary embodiment.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, the resonance signal output unit330may include a resonance circuit having an inductor L, a capacitor C, and a switch S which are connected in parallel with respect to an antenna. The switch S is controlled by a control signal output from the touch-input marking apparatus control unit320. When the switch S is closed, opposite ends of the inductor L and the capacitor C are short-circuited and thus no resonance is generated. The touch-input marking apparatus control unit320may control a pattern of the resonance signal by controlling the switch S of the resonance signal output unit330. For example, the touch-input marking apparatus control unit320may control the resonance signal output unit330such that the switch S is open to output a response signal and the switch S is closed to prevent the output of a response signal.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, the touch-input marking apparatus120may be configured by using passive components. According to the present exemplary embodiment, since the touch-input marking apparatus120is configured by using passive components, a structure without a battery is available and thus the weight of an apparatus may be reduced. In this case, the touch-input marking apparatus120may generate and output a resonance signal by using the resonance signal transmitted by the touch-input sensing apparatus110as an energy source. After transmitting the resonance signal to the touch-input marking apparatus120, the touch-input sensing apparatus110may determine the existence of a response signal by determining whether a resonance signal is generated by the touch-input marking apparatus120.

FIG. 9illustrates an example in which the touch-input sensing apparatus110and the touch-input marking apparatus120exchange a response request signal and a response signal when a response request signal that does not correspond to a sequential number signal of the touch-input marking apparatus120is output, according to an exemplary embodiment. InFIG. 9, the touch-input sensing apparatus110transmits a response request signal, the resonance signal output unit330of the touch-input marking apparatus120generates and outputs a response signal, and the touch-input sensing apparatus110receives the response signal.

FIG. 9illustrates an example in which the touch-input sensing apparatus110outputs a response request signal corresponding to a binary number 1001 in sections 1 to 4 and the touch-input marking apparatus120has a sequential number1. The response request signal corresponding to a binary number 1001 is a response request signal corresponding to a sequential number9. In this case, the touch-input marking apparatus120having the sequential number1is not a suitable touch-input marking apparatus, and the switch S is closed thereby terminating the resonance signal. After a signal is generated in a transmission operation Tx of the touch-input sensing apparatus110, in a receiving operation Rx of the touch-input sensing apparatus110in which the touch-input marking apparatus120generates a resonance signal, the touch-input marking apparatus120closes the switch S of the resonance circuit thereby preventing generation of a resonance signal.

FIG. 10illustrates an example in which the touch-input sensing apparatus110and the touch-input marking apparatus120exchange a response request signal and a response signal when a response request signal that corresponds to a sequential number signal of the touch-input marking apparatus120is output, according to an exemplary embodiment. InFIG. 10, the touch-input sensing apparatus110transmits a response request signal, the resonance signal output unit330of the touch-input marking apparatus120generates and outputs a response signal, and the touch-input sensing apparatus110receives the response signal.

FIG. 10illustrates an example in which the touch-input sensing apparatus110outputs a response request signal corresponding to a binary number 1001 in sections 1 to 4 and the touch-input marking apparatus120has a sequential number1. The response request signal corresponding to a binary number 1001 is a response request signal corresponding to a sequential number9. In this case, the touch-input marking apparatus120having the sequential number9is a suitable touch-input marking apparatus, and the switch S is not closed. Accordingly, after a transmission signal is generated in sections 5 to 8, the resonance signal is transmitted and thus the touch-input sensing apparatus110receives the resonance signal generated by the touch-input marking apparatus120.

FIG. 11is a flowchart for explaining a method of detecting a touch input according to an exemplary embodiment.

First, an initial value of a sequential number of a sequential number signal is set (S1102). For example, the initial value of a sequential number is set to1and the sequential number increases by1to be sequentially allotted.

Next, the touch-input sensing apparatus110agenerates and outputs a sequential number signal (S1104).

When the sequential number signal is output, a response request signal corresponding to the sequential number is generated and output (S1106). When a response signal to the response request signal is detected (S1108), a touch position of the touch-input marking apparatus120corresponding to the sequential number is detected (S1110). An operation of generating and outputting a response request signal (S1106), an operation of detecting a response signal (S1108), and an operation of detecting a touch position (S1112) may be repeatedly performed whenever detection of a touch position is necessary.

Also, a sequential number signal of a next sequential number is generated and output (S1112).

The response request signal, as illustrated inFIG. 11, may be output to detect whether the touch-input marking apparatus120is allotted to a corresponding sequential number after the sequential number signal is output. Alternatively, the response request signal may be repeatedly output at a predetermined time point to detect the position of the touch-input marking apparatus120after the sequential number is allotted.

If the response signal is not detected (S1108), it is determined whether a predetermined reference time passes after the response request signal is output (S1114). If the predetermined reference time passes, a sequential number signal is generated and output again (S1104). Otherwise, a response request signal is generated and output (S1106).

FIG. 12illustrates a process in which touch-input sensing apparatus110adetects positions of touch inputs of the touch-input marking apparatuses120a1and120a2according to another exemplary embodiment.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, in order to detect the positions of the touch inputs of the touch-input marking apparatuses120a1and120a2, the touch-input sensing apparatus may deactivate the touch-input marking apparatus120a2rather than the touch-input marking apparatus120a1, of which touch input is to be detected, and then detect a touch-input position of the touch-input marking apparatus120a1and activate the touch-input marking apparatus120a2that is deactivated. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 12, in a state in which the touch-input marking apparatus120a1associated with the sequential number1and the touch-input marking apparatus120a2associated with the sequential number2are detected, when the position of a touch input of the touch-input marking apparatus120a1associated with the sequential number1is to be detected, the touch-input marking apparatus120a2associated with the sequential number2is deactivated by using a deactivation control signal. After the touch-input sensing apparatus110adetects a resonance signal from the touch-input marking apparatus120a1associated with the sequential number1, the touch-input marking apparatus120a2having the sequential number2may be activated again. The activation of the touch-input marking apparatus120a2having the sequential number2again may be performed immediately after the position of a touch input of the touch-input marking apparatus120a1having the sequential number1is detected or when the position of a touch input of the touch-input marking apparatus120a2associated with the sequential number2is to be detected.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, the resonance signal output unit330of the touch-input marking apparatus120amay output a resonance signal only when the touch-input marking apparatus120ais activated.

FIG. 13illustrates a process of detecting positions of touch inputs according to another exemplary embodiment.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, the antenna unit210of the touch-input sensing apparatus110atracks positions of touch inputs from the touch-input marking apparatuses120a1and120a2and distinguishes the respective touch inputs of the touch-input marking apparatuses120a1and120a2. For example, when a touch input from the touch-input marking apparatus120a1having the sequential number1is detected at a position P1, the touch input is tracked from the position P1and the tracked touch input is recognized as a touch input of the touch-input marking apparatus120a1having the sequential number1. Similarly, when a touch input from the touch-input marking apparatus120a2associated with the sequential number2is detected at a position P2, the touch input is tracked from the position P2and the tracked touch input is recognized as a touch input of the touch-input marking apparatus120a2associated with the sequential number2. When the tracked touch input of the touch-input marking apparatus120a1associated with the sequential number1and the touch input of the touch-input marking apparatus120a2associated with the sequential number2meet at a position P3as illustrated inFIG. 13, the touch-input marking apparatuses120a1and120a2are detected again to determine whether the touch input at each position is a touch input from a particular one of the touch-input marking apparatuses120a1and120a2, and the touch input is distinguished by tracking a touch input thereafter. According to the present exemplary embodiment, when the touch-input marking apparatuses120a1and120a2are in use, the process of detecting a touch input may be simplified because the touch-input sensing apparatus110adetects the touch-input marking apparatuses120a1and120a2only when each of the touch-input marking apparatuses120a1and120a2is first detected and when paths of the touch inputs of the touch-input marking apparatuses120a1and120a2cross each other.

FIG. 14illustrates a process of detecting touch inputs of the touch-input marking apparatuses120a1and120a2according to another exemplary embodiment.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, when the touch-input marking apparatuses120a1and120a2are detected, a drive axis of the antenna unit210of the touch-input sensing apparatus110amay be changed. When a touch-input position is detected by detecting a resonance signal from the touch-input marking apparatuses120a1and120a2, the antenna unit210may be provided with an antenna to detect the resonance signal. When the touch-input marking apparatuses120a1and120a2are detected, the antenna unit210may change a drive axis of an antenna drive signal to drive the antenna. During transceiving using the antenna, as illustrated inFIG. 14, an antenna arranged lengthwise in an x-axis direction performs scanning in a y direction, that is, a direction D2, whereas an antenna arranged long in a y-axis direction performs scanning in an x direction, that is, a direction D1. However, for example, when the touch-input marking apparatuses120a1and120a2are detected while performing scanning of a touch input in the direction D2using the antenna arranged in the x-axis direction D1, a scanning direction may be changed such that a touch input may be detected while performing scanning of a touch input in the direction D1using the antenna arranged in the y-axis direction D2. As such, by changing the drive axis of the antenna drive signal, even when the touch-input marking apparatuses120a1and120a2are arranged linearly on one axis, the position of a touch input of each of the touch-input marking apparatuses120a1and120a2may be more accurately detected.

FIG. 15illustrates a process of detecting touch inputs of the touch-input marking apparatuses120a1and120a2according to another exemplary embodiment.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, when the touch-input marking apparatuses120a1and120a2are detected, a drive sequence in the antenna unit210of the touch-input sensing apparatus110amay be changed. When a touch input position is detected by detecting the resonance signals from the touch-input marking apparatuses120a1and120a2, the antenna unit210may include a plurality of antennas provided in the antenna unit210to detect the resonance signals. When the touch-input marking apparatuses120a1and120a2are detected, the antenna unit210may change the drive sequence of the antennas. For example, when the touch-input marking apparatuses120a1and120a2are detected during driving of the antennas in a direction D3, the drive sequence of the antennas may be changed to a direction D4, which is opposite to the direction D3. When the touch-input marking apparatuses120a1and120a2interface with the touch-input sensing apparatus110a, interference may occur between the resonance signals from the touch-input marking apparatuses120a1and120a2. In this case, since responses of different shapes may be observed according to the drive sequence, accuracy of detecting a touch-input position may be increased by obtaining information in the opposite direction.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the touch-input sensing apparatus control unit220of the touch-input sensing apparatus110amay allot a sequential number to the touch-input marking apparatus120by using a sequential number acceptance signal.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, the touch-input sensing apparatus control unit220detects a sequential number acceptance signal within a predetermined reference time after the sequential number signal is output. As the touch-input sensing apparatus control unit220detects the sequential number acceptance signal, it may be observed that a sequential number of the output sequential number signal is allotted to a new touch-input marking apparatus120.

According to another exemplary embodiment, the sequential number acceptance signal may include information about a type of the touch-input marking apparatus120. When a plurality of touch-input marking apparatuses are in use, feedback for the touch-input sensing apparatus110amay differ according to the type of the respective touch-input marking apparatuses120. For example, assuming that the touch-input marking apparatus120is defined by a red pen, a blue pen, and a yellow pen according to a type thereof, when a touch input from the touch-input marking apparatus120corresponding to the red pen is detected, the touch-input sensing apparatus110amay draw a red line following a path of the touch input. In this case, the touch-input marking apparatus120may transfer to the touch-input sensing apparatus110athe sequential number acceptance signal including information about the type of the touch-input marking apparatus120, that is, the red pen, along with information about sequential number acceptance. The touch-input sensing apparatus110amay immediately output a feedback corresponding to the touch-input marking apparatus120by using the information about the type of the touch-input marking apparatus120included in the sequential number acceptance signal.

Also the touch-input sensing apparatus control unit220outputs a response request signal including the sequential number information to the touch-input marking apparatus120. According to the present exemplary embodiment, the touch-input sensing apparatus control unit220may generate and output a response request signal only related to the sequential number of which the sequential number acceptance signal is detected. Also, in order to detect the position of a touch input of each of the touch-input marking apparatuses120, the touch-input sensing apparatus control unit220may generate and output response request signals sequentially for the respective sequential numbers, and such a process may be repeated. The touch-input sensing apparatus control unit220in response to the response request signal receives and detects a response signal that is generated and output by the touch-input marking apparatus120.

FIG. 16is a flowchart for explaining a method of detecting a touch input according to another exemplary embodiment.

First, an initial value of a sequential number of a sequential number signal is set (S1602). For example, the initial value of a sequential number is set to 1 and the sequential number increases by 1 to be sequentially allotted.

Next, the touch-input sensing apparatus110agenerates and outputs a sequential number signal (S1604). After the sequential number signal is output, the touch-input sensing apparatus110adetects a sequential number acceptance signal of the corresponding sequential number within a predetermined time (S1606). If the sequential number acceptance signal is not detected with a predetermined time, the sequential number signal of the corresponding sequential number is generated and output again (S1604).

When the sequential number acceptance signal is detected (S1606), the touch-input sensing apparatus110agenerates and outputs a response request signal having the corresponding sequential number (S1608) and detects a response signal related to the corresponding sequential number (S1610). When the response signal is detected, the touch-input sensing apparatus110adetects a position of a touch input from a touch-input marking apparatus120bhaving the corresponding sequential number (S1614).

Also, when the sequential number acceptance signal is detected, the touch-input sensing apparatus110aincreases the sequential number (S1616) and generates and outputs a sequential number signal having a next sequential number (S1604).

According to another exemplary embodiment, when the response signal is not detected within a predetermined reference time (S1612), information about the touch-input marking apparatus120ballotted to the corresponding sequential number is erased, and it may be set such that no touch-input marking apparatus120bis allotted to the corresponding sequential number. In this case, an operation of generating and outputting a sequential number signal of a corresponding sequential number may be performed (S1604).

According to another exemplary embodiment, when a sequential number signal is stored in the storage unit310, the touch-input marking apparatus control unit320outputs a sequential number acceptance signal. The sequential number acceptance signal may be transmitted to the touch-input sensing apparatus110a.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the sequential number acceptance signal may include information about the type of the corresponding touch-input marking apparatus120. When the sequential number signal is already stored in the storage unit310, the touch-input marking apparatus control unit320of the touch-input marking apparatus120amay not output the sequential number acceptance signal even when a sequential number signal of a next sequential number is input.

Also, the touch-input marking apparatus control unit320may output a response signal in response to the response request signal transmitted by the touch-input sensing apparatus110a. The touch-input marking apparatus control unit320may output or may not output a response signal according to a combination of the sequential number signal stored in the storage unit310and the response request signal.

According to another exemplary embodiment, a touch-input sensing apparatus110amay receive information about a pen pressure of the touch-input marking apparatus120aor additional information from the touch-input marking apparatus120a.

According to the present exemplary embodiment, the touch-input sensing apparatus control unit220generates and outputs a pen pressure request signal to request information about a pen pressure of the touch-input marking apparatus120having a particular sequential number. According to an exemplary embodiment, the touch-input sensing apparatus control unit220may output a pen pressure request signal to the touch-input marking apparatus120from which a response signal is detected.

Also, the touch-input sensing apparatus control unit220receives the pen pressure signal output from the touch-input marking apparatus120in response to the pen pressure request signal, and acquires information about a pen pressure of the touch-input marking apparatus120.

The touch-input sensing apparatus110amay receive information about a pen pressure from the touch-input marking apparatus120b. According to the present exemplary embodiment, information about a pen pressure of a plurality of touch-input marking apparatuses120bmay be acquired by obtaining information about the pen pressures of the touch-input marking apparatuses associated with each of the sequential numbers.

Also, the touch-input sensing apparatus control unit220generates and outputs an additional information request signal to request additional information of the touch-input marking apparatus120bhaving a particular sequential number. According to an exemplary embodiment, the touch-input sensing apparatus control unit220may output an additional information request signal with respect to the touch-input marking apparatus120bfrom which a response signal is detected. The additional information may include, for example, a serial number, a manufacturer, or property information of the touch-input marking apparatus120b. The touch-input sensing apparatus control unit220receives the additional information signal output from the touch-input marking apparatus120bin response to the additional information request signal, and acquires additional information of the touch-input marking apparatus120b.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the touch-input marking apparatus120bmay include a button that is operable by a user and the additional information may include information about a state of the button. When the touch-input marking apparatus120bincludes a button, the user may change a state of the touch-input marking apparatus120bor control a function of the touch-input marking apparatus120b, by using the button. For example, the user may change the state of the touch-input marking apparatus120bto red, blue, or black by using the button of the touch-input marking apparatus120b. In another example, the user may change the function of the touch-input marking apparatus120bto a pen or an eraser by using the button of the touch-input marking apparatus120b. The touch-input sensing apparatus control unit220may receive the information about a state of the button in the form of additional information and operate differently with respect to an input through the touch-input marking apparatus120baccording to the information about a state of the button. For example, when the state of the button of the touch-input marking apparatus120bcorresponds to red, a red line may be drawn at a position where a touch input using the corresponding touch-input marking apparatus120bis detected. In another example, when the state of the button of the touch-input marking apparatus120bcorresponds to a function of an eraser, an object already marked at a position where a touch input using the corresponding touch-input marking apparatus120bis detected, may be erased to return to original the background color.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the pen pressure request signal and the additional information request signal may be transmitted to the touch-input marking apparatus120bthrough the antenna unit210, and the pen pressure signal and the additional information signal may be received from the touch-input marking apparatus120bthrough the antenna unit210differently.

FIG. 17illustrates a structure of the touch-input marking apparatus120baccording to another exemplary embodiment. According to the present exemplary embodiment, the touch-input marking apparatus120bmay include the storage unit310, the touch-input marking apparatus control unit320, the resonance signal output unit330, and a pen pressure detection unit1410(“pen pressure detector”).

The storage unit310stores a sequential number signal. The storage unit310may be embodied by a predetermined storage medium for storing data. According to the present exemplary embodiment, the storage unit310stores additional information with respect to the corresponding touch-input marking apparatus120b. The additional information may include, for example, a serial number, a manufacturer, or property information of the touch-input marking apparatus120b.

The touch-input marking apparatus control unit320controls an overall operation of the touch-input marking apparatus120a. The touch-input marking apparatus control unit320outputs a response signal in response to the response request signal transmitted by the touch-input sensing apparatus110a.

Also, according to the present exemplary embodiment, the touch-input marking apparatus control unit320outputs the additional information stored in the storage unit310in response to the additional information request signal from the touch-input sensing apparatus110a. The additional information request signal may include information about a sequential number, and the touch-input marking apparatus control unit320may output the additional information only when the sequential number of the additional information request signal matches the sequential number stored in the storage unit310.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the transmitting of the signal output from the touch-input marking apparatus control unit320and the receiving of the signal transmitted by the touch-input sensing apparatus110amay be performed by using the communication module provided in the touch-input marking apparatus120bor the antenna provided in the resonance signal output unit330.

The resonance signal output unit330may receive resonance energy generated by the touch-input sensing apparatus110aand output a resonance signal. The touch-input sensing apparatus110amay detect the resonance signal and detect a touch-input position of the touch-input marking apparatus120a.

The pen pressure detection unit1410may measure a pen pressure of the touch-input marking apparatus120b. The pen pressure indicates an amount of pressure generated with the touch-input marking apparatus120bwhile pressing the touch-input sensing apparatus110a. The pen pressure detection unit1410may include a pressure sensor that detects, for example, a pressure applied to a tip end of the touch-input marking apparatus120bcontacting the touch-input sensing apparatus110a.

The touch-input marking apparatus control unit320, in response to the pen pressure request signal transmitted by the touch-input sensing apparatus110a, generates and outputs a pen pressure signal including the information about a pen pressure detected by the pen pressure detection unit1410. The pen pressure request signal may include information related to a sequential number, and the touch-input marking apparatus control unit320may generate and output the pen pressure signal only when the sequential number of the pen pressure request signal matches the sequential number stored in the storage unit310.

FIG. 18is a flowchart for explaining a method of detecting a touch input according to another exemplary embodiment.

After a sequential number is allotted to the touch-input sensing apparatus110a, the touch-input sensing apparatus110agenerates and outputs a response request signal (S1902). When a response signal to the response request signal is detected (S1904), the touch-input sensing apparatus110adetects a touch-input position of the touch-input marking apparatus120bof the corresponding sequential number (S1906).

The touch-input sensing apparatus110agenerates and outputs a pen pressure request signal based on the corresponding sequential number (S1908), detects a pen pressure signal, and acquires information about a pen pressure of the touch-input marking apparatus120bhaving the corresponding sequential number (S1910).

Also, the touch-input sensing apparatus110agenerates and outputs an additional information request signal with respect to the corresponding sequential number (S1912), detects an additional information signal, and acquires additional information of the touch-input marking apparatus120bhaving the corresponding sequential number (S1914).

The sequence of the processes of acquiring the information about a pen pressure S1908and S1910and the processes of acquiring the additional information S1912and S1914are not limited to the sequence illustrated inFIG. 18and a variety of combinations thereof are available.

As described above, according to the one or more of the above exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept, a touch-input sensing apparatus, which may receive touch inputs from a plurality of touch-input marking apparatuses, and a touch-input detection method may be provided.

Also, according to the above-described exemplary embodiments, a touch-input marking apparatus may have a touch input that crosses paths with another touch-input marking apparatus.

In addition, other exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept can also be implemented through computer readable code/instructions in/on a medium, e.g., a computer readable medium, to control at least one processing element to implement any above described embodiment. The medium can correspond to any medium/media permitting the storage and/or transmission of the computer readable code.

While one or more exemplary embodiments of the present inventive concept have been described with reference to the figures, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present inventive concept as defined by the following claims.