DISPLAY APPARATUS AND CONTROL METHOD THEREOF

A display apparatus includes a display, a sensor, and at least one processor. The display is configured to display an image. The sensor is configured to sense a touch input on a touch surface, the touch input being caused by at least one touch unit among a plurality of touch units mounted to a user and corresponding to a plurality of preset operations to be performed in the display apparatus. The at least one processor is configured to determine the at least touch unit that causes the touch input sensed by the sensor among the plurality of touch units, and execute an operation which corresponds to the determined at least one touch unit among the plurality of preset operations with respect to the touch input.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED THE APPLICATION

This application claims priority from Korean Patent Application No. 10-2015-0109739, filed on Aug. 3, 2015, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Field

Apparatuses and methods consistent with exemplary embodiments relate to a display apparatus, which has an input device for executing a preset operation in response to a touching operation with a user's fingers or the like, and a control method thereof, and more particularly to a display apparatus, which has a structure for executing different operations according to a user's fingers of making a touching operation, and a control method thereof.

Description of the Related Art

A display apparatus is provided with a display panel, and the display apparatus displays an image based on a broadcast signal or a video signal/video data of various formats. The display apparatus may be achieved by a television (TV), a monitor, etc. The display panel is to display an input video signal as an image on its image display surface. There are various types of display panels such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a plasma display panel (PDP), etc.

The display panel provided in the display apparatus maybe be classified as either a light receiving structure or a self-emissive structure depending on how light for displaying the image is generated. The light receiving structure is a non-emissive structure where the display panel cannot emit light by itself, and thus needs a backlight unit arranged in the back of the display panel to generate the light for illuminating the display panel. For example, an LCD panel has a non-emissive structure. On the other hand, the display panel of a self-emissive structure emits light by itself and thus does not need a separate backlight unit. For example, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display has a self-emissive structure.

With development of technology and expansion of the users' demand, display apparatuses have been expected to have more functions beyond a simple function of displaying an image. On a basic level, a display apparatus includes a physical button, a remote controller, or like user input unit, and may include a touch screen as a more intuitive input unit. The touch screen is provided in the front surface of the display apparatus, senses a position touched by a user's fingers, a stylus pen, or like touch instrument, converts a sensing result into an electric signal, and determines coordinates of the corresponding position. For example, the touch screen has replaced other input units in mobile phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, and other display apparatuses that require greater mobility, and its applicability has been widely expanded.

Further, the touch screen may be applied even to an electric blackboard system. The electronic blackboard system senses coordinates of a touch on the display panel or screen of the display apparatus, and displays an image corresponding to the sensed coordinates on the corresponding panel or screen. For example, if a user draws a picture by touching the panel with her finger, the display apparatus displays a line along the traces made by the user's touch on the panel, thereby showing the picture drawn by the user.

A conventional touch screen may support multi-touch (i.e., sensing two or more simultaneous touches with two or more fingers or touch instruments, and executing a corresponding operation). However, the conventional multi-touch system merely determines whether or not the panel is touched with multiple touch instruments (i.e., determines whether the touch is a single-touch input or a multi-touch input). In other words, the conventional system does not distinguish between the plurality of touch instruments from one another, and therefore there exists a functional limitation in terms of executing corresponding operations for both single-touch and multi-touch inputs.

SUMMARY

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, there is provided a display apparatus including: a display configured to display an image; a sensor configured to sense a touch input on a touch surface, the touch input being performed by at least one touch unit among a plurality of touch units mounted on a user, the plurality of touch units corresponding to a plurality of preset operations to be performed in the display apparatus; and at least one processor configured to determine the at least one touch unit that performs the touch input sensed by the sensor, among the plurality of touch units, and to execute an operation which corresponds to the determined at least one touch unit, among the plurality of preset operations with respect to the touch input. Thus, the display apparatus assigns operations to a user's five fingers irrespective of order, condition, or the like of touching the touch surface with the user's fingers, so that a previously designated operation can be executed corresponding to a user's touch input with a certain finger.

The plurality of touch units may be provided to generate a plurality of electric signals different in level from one another, and the at least one processor may determine the at least one touch unit causing the touch input by assigning an identification (ID) to the touch input according to a level of an electric signal sensed by the sensor. Thus, the display apparatus can easily determine which touch unit generated the touch input, based on level difference of a sensed electric signal.

Each touch unit of the plurality of touch units may include a resonant coil for generating an electromagnetic field having a resonant frequency. Respective resonant coils of the plurality of touch units are different in the resonant frequency from one another, and the at least one processor may assign the ID, which is designated according to the resonant frequency of the electromagnetic field, to the touch input. Thus, the display apparatus may easily distinguish the touching units from one another based on the level difference of the sensed resonant frequency.

Each touch unit of the plurality of touch units may include a capacitor. The capacitors of the plurality of touch units are different in capacitance from one another. The sensor may include a plurality of transmitting wires and a plurality of receiving wires. The plurality of transmitting wires may intersect with the plurality of receiving wires. The sensor may apply a touch sensing voltage to the plurality of transmitting wires, and may sense the touch input based on a voltage change caused by the touch input and output from the plurality of receiving wires.

The at least one processor may assign the ID, which is designated according to an output voltage level drop, to the touch input. Thus, the display apparatus may easily distinguish the touch units from one another based on the difference in the voltage output from the plurality of receiving wires.

A marking, indicating position coordinates on the touch surface, may be formed on the touch surface, and each touch unit of the plurality of touch units may include an infrared sensor for sensing the marking on the touch surface, and a communicator for sending to the at least one processor the position coordinates corresponding to the sensed marking. Thus, the touch unit can easily determine its own position coordinates on the touch surface.

The communicator may transmit an ID number of the communicator together with the position coordinates to the at least one processor, and the at least one processor may assign an ID, which is designated according to the ID number, to the touch input.

The communicator may include a Bluetooth communication module, and the ID number may include the Bluetooth communication module's media access control (MAC) address. Thus, the display apparatus may easily distinguish the touch units from one another, based on the ID number of the communicator of the touching unit.

The touch surface may be formed on the display, and the marking may be formed on a black matrix that divides pixels in the display.

The plurality of touch units may be different in color from one another, the sensor may include a camera for sensing respective colors of the plurality of touch units and respective positions of the plurality of touch units on the touch surface, and the at least one processor may determine the at least one touch unit causing the touch input by assigning an ID, which is designated according to a corresponding color sensed by the camera, to the touch input. Thus, the display apparatus may easily distinguish the touch units from one another, by determining the color of each touching unit.

The at least one processor may send touch input information, which includes information about position coordinates of the touch input and information about determination of the at least one touch unit causing the touch input among the plurality of touch units, to an application while the application for performing an operation corresponding to the touch input is being executed on an operating system. The touch input information may comply with standards supported by the operating system.

The information about the determination of the at least one touch unit may be recorded in one of data fields unrelated to the execution of the application, among a plurality of data fields according to the standards.

The information about the determination of the at least one touch unit may be recorded in a data field associated with azimuth among the plurality of data fields according to the standards. Thus, it is possible to apply the exemplary embodiments to existing standards without devising a new standard in order to transmit the touch input information.

The information about the determination of the at least one touch unit may be recorded in a new data field added to the plurality of data fields according to the standards.

The at least one touch unit may include a housing configured to be placed on a finger of the user; and a signal generator configured to be accommodated in the housing and generate the electric signal.

The housing may be shaped like a ring or a thimble. Thus, the touch units may be individually mounted to a user's fingers.

The plurality of touch units may be formed on areas corresponding to a finger of the user in a base shaped like a glove to be worn by the user, and the display apparatus may further include a circuit element installed in a certain area of the base and driving each touch unit to generate the electric signal.

In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, there is provided a method of controlling a display apparatus. The method may include: sensing a touch input on a touch surface, the touch input caused by at least one touch unit among a plurality of touch units mounted on a user and corresponding to a plurality of preset operations to be performed in the display apparatus; determining the at least one touch unit which causes the touch input, among the plurality of touch units; and executing the operation, which corresponds to the determined touch unit, among the plurality of preset operations with respect to the touch input. Thus, the display apparatus assigns operations to a user's fingers irrespective of order, condition, or the like of touching the touch surface with her fingers, so that a previously designated operation can be executed corresponding to the user's touch input with a certain finger.

In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, there is provided a display apparatus including: a display configured to display an image; a sensor configured to sense an input operation on a preset input surface, the input operation caused by at least one input unit among a plurality of input units corresponding to a plurality of preset functions to be performed in the display apparatus in a state where the plurality of input units are mounted on a user; and at least one processor configured to determine the at least one input unit, which causes the input operation sensed by the sensor, among the plurality of input units, and to execute a function that corresponds to the determined input unit among the plurality of preset functions with respect to the input operation.

The plurality of input units may be provided to be respectively mounted to a plurality of fingers of the user.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Below, exemplary embodiments will be described in detail with reference to accompanying drawings. The following descriptions of the exemplary embodiments are made by referring to elements shown in the accompanying drawings, in which like numerals refer to like elements having substantively the same functions.

In the description of the exemplary embodiments, an ordinal number used in terms such as a first element, a second element, etc. is employed for describing variety of elements, and the terms are used for distinguishing between one element and another element. Therefore, the meanings of the elements are not limited by the terms, and the terms are also used just for explaining the corresponding embodiment without limiting the idea of the invention.

Further, the exemplary embodiments will describe only elements directly related to the idea of the invention, and description of the other elements will be omitted. However, it will be appreciated that the elements, the descriptions of which are omitted, are not unnecessary to realize the apparatus or system according to the exemplary embodiments. In the following descriptions, terms such as “include” or “have” refer to presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, elements or combination thereof, and do not exclude presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements or combination thereof.

The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example or illustration.” Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Moreover, it should be understood that features or configurations herein with reference to one embodiment or example can be implemented in, or combined with, other embodiments or examples herein. That is, terms such as “embodiment,” “variation,” “aspect,” “example,” “configuration,” “implementation,” “case,” and any other terms which may connote an embodiment, as used herein to describe specific features or configurations, are not intended to limit any of the associated features or configurations to a specific or separate embodiment or embodiments, and should not be interpreted to suggest that such features or configurations cannot be combined with features or configurations described with reference to other embodiments, variations, aspects, examples, configurations, implementations, cases, and so forth. In other words, features described herein with reference to a specific example (e.g., embodiment, variation, aspect, configuration, implementation, case, etc.) can be combined with features described with reference to another example. Thus, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the various embodiments or examples described herein, and their associated features, can be combined with each other.

FIG. 1illustrates a display apparatus100being touched by a user with one finger according to a first exemplary embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 1, the display apparatus100according to the first exemplary embodiment may be achieved by an electronic blackboard having a touch screen structure. When a user touches a certain position on a display panel130with her one finger, the display apparatus100senses coordinates of the touched position, and displays an image P1corresponding to a user's touch at the position corresponding to the sensed coordinates of the display panel130. In this exemplary embodiment, the display apparatus100may be vertically positioned on an installation surface as with a TV or a monitor, or may be a portable device such as a tablet computer or a mobile phone. The display apparatus100may also be placed horizontally on a table or a like installation surface.

For example, suppose that a user touches a first position on the display panel130with her finger, drags the finger along the surface of the display panel130, and stops at a second position. In this case, the display apparatus100senses change in a user's touch position over time, and displays an image P1of a connecting line from the first position to the second position along traces of a user's touch.

With this, the display apparatus100is capable of displaying the image P1corresponding to a user's touching operation. In this exemplary embodiment, one touch input is made per unit time because a user touches the display panel130with one finger. Such touch input will be hereby referred to as a single touch.

However, the display apparatus100may support multiple touches in accordance with structures of a touch screen.

FIG. 2illustrates a display apparatus100being touched by a user with two fingers according to a second exemplary embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 2, a user may drag two of her fingers across the display panel130. In this case, the display apparatus100senses change in a position touched with each of the fingers, and displays an image P2corresponding to moving traces of a first finger and an image P3corresponding to moving traces of a second finger on the display panel130.

In this exemplary embodiment, two touch inputs are made per unit time because a user touches the display panel130with two fingers. Such a user's touch inputs (i.e., two or more fingers) will be hereby referred to as multi-touch.

In response to a user's multi-touch input, the display apparatus100may respectively sense the touch input based on the first finger and the touch input based on the second finger, but not necessarily distinguish between the former and the latter. That is, the display apparatus100displays an image of a solid line corresponding to the touch input of the first finger and displays an image of the same solid line corresponding to the touch input of the second finger, in which two images P2and P3have substantially similar attributes.

Thus, the display apparatus100may distinguish the touch inputs from one another if a user's multi-touch input is sensed, in accordance with the types of the touch screen, and execute different operations in response to the distinguished touch inputs, respectively.

FIG. 3illustrates a display apparatus100being touched by a user with two fingers according to a third exemplary embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 3, a user may drag her two fingers across the display panel130. The display apparatus100distinguishes a touch input of a first finger and a touch input of a second finger, and recalls settings previously determined with regard to each touch input. The display apparatus100displays an image P4corresponding to the touch input of the first finger and an image P5corresponding to the touch input of the second finger on the display panel130in accordance with the predetermined settings for the respective touch inputs.

Such settings for displaying the images P4and P5are previously prepared and stored in the display apparatus100. For example, the display apparatus100stores a database where identifications (IDs) about the respective touch inputs and operations corresponding to the respective IDs are assigned. The display apparatus100assigns the ID to each touch input when the multi-touch input is sensed, and performs the operation assigned to the corresponding ID.

If two touch inputs are sensed on the display panel130, the display apparatus100assigns an ID to each touch input with respect to a preset reference and checks the operations corresponding to the respective IDs. If the operation corresponding to the first ID is designated as the solid line, the display apparatus100displays the image P4of the sold line corresponding to the first touch input. If the operation corresponding to the second ID is designated as a dotted line, the display apparatus100displays the image P5of the dotted line corresponding to the second touch input.

FIG. 4illustrates a database (DB) D1where corresponding operations are assigned to identifications or identifiers (IDs) of touch inputs in the display apparatus100according to the third exemplary embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 4, the display apparatus100includes the DB D1where IDs for distinguishing the touch inputs and operations to be executed corresponding to the respective IDs are designated. The DB D1may be designed and applied when the display apparatus100is manufactured, or may be set up through a UI by a user.

For example, in the DB D1, the touch input corresponding to the ID of ‘10’ may be designated to display a solid line, and the touch input corresponding to the ID of ‘11’ may be designated to display a dotted line. In this manner, operations corresponding to many touch inputs may be designated in the DB D1. The display apparatus100may perform operations corresponding to the respective touch inputs even if there are three or more touch inputs.

Here, there are many methods of how to assign the ID to each touch input, when the display apparatus100senses the multi-touch input.

As one example of the methods, the display apparatus100may assign the IDs to the respective touch inputs in sequence in order of sensing the touch input on the display panel130. For instance, the display apparatus100assigns the first ID to the first touch input when the first touch input is sensed on the display panel130. Further, the display apparatus100assigns the second ID to the second touch input if the second touch input is sensed while the first touch input is being sensed on the display panel130.

On the other hand, the display apparatus100may assign the first ID to the first touch input if the first touch input is sensed on the display panel130. Then, if a user takes her finger off the display panel130and thus the first touch input is not sensed on the display panel130anymore, the display apparatus100may release the assignment of the first ID to the first touch input. After that, if the second touch input is sensed on the display panel130, the display apparatus100may reassign the first ID to the second touch input because the second touch input is the only input currently being sensed on the display panel130.

FIG. 5illustrates IDs respectively assigned to the touch inputs sensed on the display panel130in the display apparatus100according to the third exemplary embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 5, the display apparatus100respectively assigns IDs to a user's five fingers (i.e., digits) when all five fingers are all sensed on the display panel130. While a user touches the display panel130with her thumb and index, middle, ring, and little fingers, the display apparatus100respectively assigns the IDs to the five fingers in order of sensing five touch inputs of the fingers on the display panel130.

For example, suppose that the IDs ‘10,’ ‘11,’ ‘12,’ ‘13,’ and ‘14’ are previously prepared in order, and the display panel130is touched by the thumb, the index finger, the middle finger, the ring finger, and the little finger in order. In this case, the display apparatus100assigns ‘10’ to the touch input of the thumb, ‘11’ to the touch input of the index finger, ‘12’ to the touch input of the middle finger, ‘13’ to the touch input of the ring finger, and ‘14’ to the touch input of the little finger, in the order that the touch inputs were sensed.

In this exemplary embodiment, the display apparatus100assigns the ID to each sensed touch input when multi-touch inputs are received, and the ID given to each touch input is valid while the corresponding touch input is continuously sensed on the display panel130. That is, the display apparatus100need not determine which one of the user's fingers the touch input sensed on the display panel130is caused by.

Suppose that the touch input corresponding to one among the five fingers is not sensed on the display panel130(i.e. a user lifts one of the five fingers off the display panel130) after the IDs are respectively assigned to the corresponding touch inputs of the fingers. In this case, the display apparatus100invalidates the IDs assigned to the touch inputs caused by the five fingers. For example, if the touch input caused by the index finger is not sensed anymore, the display apparatus100resets the ID ‘12’ previously assigned to the corresponding touch input. If the touch inputs caused by all five fingers are no longer sensed, the display apparatus100resets all the IDs previously assigned to the five fingers.

FIG. 6illustrates the IDs respectively assigned to the touch inputs sensed on the display panel in the display apparatus100when a user takes all of her fingers, as shown inFIG. 5, off the display panel130and touches the display panel130again with five fingers;

When a user takes all of her fingers off the display panel130after the IDs were respectively assigned to the five fingers as shown inFIG. 5, the display apparatus100invalidates the IDs assigned to the touch inputs of all the fingers. Thereafter, if a user touches the display panel130again with her five fingers, the display apparatus100assigns the IDs to the respective touch inputs by the five fingers in order the touch inputs were sensed on the display panel130.

As shown inFIG. 6, suppose that a user touches the display panel130with her five fingers in the order of the middle finger, the little finger, the index finger, the ring finger, and the thumb. In the order of the touch inputs, the display apparatus100assigns ‘10’ to the touch input caused by the middle finger, ‘11’ to the touch input caused by the little finger, ‘12’ to the touch input caused by the index finger, ‘13’ to the touch input caused by the ring finger, and ‘14’ to the touch input caused by the thumb.

Considering the state shown inFIG. 5and the state of theFIG. 6which are shown in continuation temporally, the display apparatus100determines only the order of the touch inputs without necessarily determining which touch input is caused by which one of the five fingers. With this structure, the assigned IDs are reset when a user takes her five fingers off the display panel130, and it is therefore impossible to consistently assign the IDs to specified fingers. In other words, the touch inputs caused by the five fingers may not be associated with their own specific operations because the IDs may be variably assigned to each of the fingers.

According to a general use pattern in light of intuitiveness, a user may expect the touch inputs caused by her fingers to be associated with their respective operations. For example, if a user prefers to draw a line with her index finger on the display panel130and erase the line with her thumb, the user may expect this use pattern to apply to other cases.

To reflect this use pattern, the display apparatus100has to distinguish each of the five fingers used for the touch inputs from one another. However, the display apparatus100in this exemplary embodiment may determine the order in which the touch inputs were received but not necessarily distinguish among the five fingers. Although the display apparatus100in this embodiment sets the touch input of the index finger for an operation of drawing a line at a certain stage, the touch input caused by the index finger may be set for an operation of erasing a line at a next stage after resetting the IDs if the touch inputs are received in a different order.

Therefore, according to this particular exemplary embodiment, it may be difficult to reflect and retain a user's preference and use patterns. To resolve this issue, the display apparatus100may need elements for distinguishing among the five fingers for the touch inputs. Below, an exemplary embodiment with these elements will be described.

FIG. 7is a block diagram of a display apparatus200according to a fourth exemplary embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 7, the display apparatus200according to the fourth exemplary embodiment includes a main device201displaying an image, and an input device202mounted to a user's hand and used for touching a display220of the main device201. The main device201and the input device202are physically separated from each other.

The main device201includes a signal receiver210for receiving a transport stream of video content from the exterior, a display220for displaying an image based on video data of the transport stream received in the signal receiver210, a loudspeaker230for generating a sound based on audio data of the transport stream received in the signal receiver210, a user input240for implementing an operation corresponding to a user's input, a storage250for storing data, a touch sensor260for receiving a touch input of an input device202on the display220, and a signal processor270for controlling and calculating general operations of the main device201.

In addition, the input device202includes a plurality of touch units280respectively mounted to a user's fingers. The respective touch units280may generate different electric signals to be distinguished from one another. Here, the respective touch units280may generate the electric signals that may share some of the same characteristics or attributes but may have different levels from one another. Alternatively, the respective touch units280may generate electric signals different in characteristics or attributes from one another. That is, there are no limits to the electric signals respectively generated by the touch unit280as long as they are distinguishable from one another.

The signal receiver210receives a transport stream from various video sources. The signal receiver210is not limited to only receiving a signal from an external source, but may transmit a signal to an external device as well, thereby performing interactive communication. The signal receiver210may be achieved by an assembly of communication ports or communication modules respectively corresponding to one or more communication standards. The signal receiver210may be compatible with various protocols and communication targets. For example, a signal receiver210may include a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC) for receiving an RF signal, a Wi-Fi communication module for wireless network communication, an Ethernet module for wired network communication, and a universal serial bus (USB) port for local connection with a USB memory or the like.

The display220displays an image based on a video signal processed by the signal processor270. There are no limits to the types of the display220. For example, the display220may be achieved by a non-emissive type such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a self-emissive type such as an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display panel. Further, the display220may include additional elements in addition to the display panel in accordance with the types of the display panel. For example, if the display220is achieved by the liquid crystal display, the display130includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, a backlight unit for emitting light to the LCD panel, and a panel driver for driving the LCD panel.

The loudspeaker230outputs a sound based on an audio signal processed by the signal processor270. The loudspeaker230vibrates air in accordance with an audio signal and changes air pressure to thereby make a sound. The loudspeaker230may include a unit loudspeaker provided corresponding to an audio signal of one channel. In this embodiment, the loudspeaker may include a plurality of unit loudspeakers respectively corresponding to audio signals of the plurality of channels.

There are various kinds of loudspeakers230in accordance with frequency bands of a sound to be output. The loudspeakers230include, for example, a sub-woofer corresponding to a frequency band of 20 Hz to 99 Hz, a woofer corresponding to a frequency band of 100 Hz to 299 Hz, a mid-woofer corresponding to a frequency band of 300 Hz to 499 Hz, a mid-range speaker corresponding to a frequency band of 500 Hz to 2.9 KHz, a tweeter speaker corresponding to a frequency band of 3 KHz to 6.9 KHz, and a super-tweeter speaker corresponding to a frequency band of 7 KHz to 20 KHz, in which one or more among them are selected and applied to the main device201.

The user input240is an interface that transmits various preset control commands or information to the signal processor270in accordance with a user's control or input. The user input240transmits various events, which occurs by a user's control in accordance with a user's intention, to the signal processor270. The input unit240may be variously achieved in accordance with information input methods. For example, the input unit340may include a button provided on an outer side of the main device201, a remote controller separated from the main device201, etc. In this exemplary embodiment, the user input240refers to an element corresponding to a user input interface except the touch sensor260and the input device202.

The storage250stores various pieces of data under process and control of the signal processor270. The storage250is accessed by the signal processor270and performs reading, writing, editing, deleting, updating, or the like with regard to data. The storage250is achieved, for example, by a flash memory, a hard disk drive, or the like nonvolatile memory to preserve data regardless of supply of system power in the main device201.

The touch sensor260senses that the display220is touched with the respective touch units280of the input device202, and transmits coordinates of a sensed touch position to the signal processor270. Further, the touch sensor260determines IDs of the touch units280based on sensed electric signals from the respective touch unit280, and transmits the determined IDs together with the coordinates to the signal processor270. The touch sensor260may have various elements in accordance with the types of the touch unit280, and thus details of the touch sensor260will be described later.

The signal processor270performs various processes with regard to the transport stream received in the signal receiver210. When the transport stream is received in the signal receiver210, the signal processor270applies video processing to the video signal extracted from the transport stream, and outputs the processed video signal to the display220so that an image can be displayed on the display220.

There is no limit to the kind of video processing performed by the signal processor270, and the video processing may, for example, include demultiplexing for dividing an input transport stream into sub streams such as a video signal, an audio signal, and additional data, decoding according to video formats of the video signal, de-interlacing for converting video data from an interlaced type into a progressive type, scaling for adjusting a video signal to have a preset resolution, noise reduction for improving image quality, detail enhancement, frame refresh rate conversion, etc.

The signal processor270may perform various processes in accordance with the type and properties of a signal or data, and therefore the process of the signal processor270is not limited to video processing. Further, the data that can be processed by the signal processor270is not limited to data received in the signal receiver210. For example, the signal processor270performs audio processing with regard to an audio signal extracted from the transport stream, and outputs a processed audio signal to the loudspeaker230. In addition, if a user's speech is input to the main device201, the signal processor270may process the speech in accordance with a preset voice recognition process. The signal processor270may be achieved in the form of a system-on-chip (SoC) where various functions corresponding to such processes are integrated, or an image processing board where individual chipset for independently performing the respective processes are mounted to a printed circuit board.

In particular, the signal processor270in this embodiment determines an operation previously set to correspond to ID if the ID of the touch input and information about position coordinates are received from the touch sensor260. Further, the signal processor270processes an image corresponding to the information about the position coordinates to be displayed based on the determined operation on the display220. In addition, the signal processor270processes a predetermined application supporting the touch input to be executed based on the information received from the touch sensor260, on the operating system.

In the display apparatus200, the main device201may have various hardware components in accordance with the types of the main device201and the functions supported by the main device201. For example, a hardware component for tuning to a certain frequency for receiving a broadcast signal may be needed if the main device201is a TV, but such hardware component may not be necessary if the main device201is a tablet personal computer (PC).

Below, an exemplary signal processor270in case where the main device201is the TV will be described.

FIG. 8is a block diagram of the signal processor270in the main device201of the display apparatus200ofFIG. 7.FIG. 8shows only basic elements of the signal processor, and an actual implementation of the main device201may include additional elements besides the elements set forth herein.

In this exemplary embodiment, the signal processor270is divided into a plurality of processors272,273and274, but not limited thereto. In practice, such elements may be provided as separate hardware components or may be combined into one or more components. The elements may also be achieved by a combination of hardware and software components.

As shown inFIG. 8, the signal receiver210includes a tuner211for tuning to a certain frequency to receive a broadcast stream, a wireless communication module212for wireless communication, and an Ethernet module213for wired communication.

Further, the signal processor270includes a demultiplexer (demux)271, a video processor272, an audio processor273, a touch sensing processor274, and a central processing unit (CPU)275. The demux271may divide the transport stream received from the signal receiver210into a plurality of sub-signals. The video processor272may process a video signal among the sub-signals output from the demux271in accordance with the video processing process, and output the processed video signal to the display220. The audio processor273may process an audio signal among the sub-signals output from the demux271in accordance with the audio processing process, and output the processed audio signal to the loudspeaker230. The touch sensing processor274may process touch information received from the touch sensor260. Further, the CPU275may perform calculations and control the operations of the signal processor270.

When a broadcast stream is received at an RF antenna, the tuner211is tuned to a frequency of a designated channel to receive a broadcast stream and converts the broadcast stream into a transport stream. The tuner211converts a high frequency of a carrier wave received via the antenna into an intermediate frequency band and converts it into a digital signal, thereby generating a transport stream. To this end, the tuner211has an analog/digital (A/D) converter. Alternatively, the A/D converter may be designed to be included in a separate demodulator instead of the tuner211.

The demux271performs a reverse operation of a multiplexer. That is, the demux271connects one input terminal with a plurality of output terminals, and distributes a stream input received at the input terminal to the respective output terminals in accordance with selection signals. For example, if there are four output terminals with respect to one input terminal, the demux271may select each of the four output terminals by means of a combination of selection signals that may have one of two signal levels (e.g., 0 and 1).

In the case where the demux271is applied to the display apparatus220, the demux271divides the transport stream received from the tuner211into the sub-signals of a video signal and an audio signal and outputs them through the respective output terminals.

The demux271may use various methods to divide the transport stream into the sub-signals. For example, the demux271may divide the transport stream into the sub-signals in accordance with packet identifiers (PID) assigned to the packets in the transport stream. The sub-signals in the transport stream are independently compressed and packetized according to channels, and the same PID is given to the packets corresponding to one channel so as to be distinguished from the packets corresponding to another channel. The demux271classifies the packets in the transport stream according to the PID, and extracts the sub-signals having the same PID.

The video processor272decodes and scales the video signal output from the demux271and outputs the processed video signals to the display220. To this end, the video processor272includes a decoder that reverts the video signal back to a state prior an encoding process by performing an opposite process of the encoding process (i.e., decoding) with regard to the video signal encoded by a certain format. The video processor272may also include a scaler that scales the decoded video signal in accordance with the resolution of the display220or a resolution different from that of the display220. If the video signal output from the demux271is not encoded by a certain format (i.e. not compressed), the decoder of the video processor272does not process this video signal.

The audio processor273amplifies an audio signal output from the demux271and outputs the amplified audio signal to the loudspeaker230. To this end, the audio processor273includes a digital signal supplier for outputting a digital audio signal; a pulse width modulation (PWM) processor for outputting a PWM signal based on a digital signal output from the digital signal supplier, an amplifier for amplifying the PWM signal output from the PWM processor, and an LC filter for filtering the PWM signal amplified by the amplifier by a predetermined frequency band to thereby demodulate the PWM signal.

The touch sensing processor274processes the touch input information received from the touch sensor260so that an operation can be executed or an image can be displayed corresponding to the processed information. In this exemplary embodiment, the touch sensing processor274is provided in the signal processor270. Alternatively, the touch sensing processor274may be provided separately from the signal processor270or may be included in the touch sensor260.

The touch sensing processor274specifies a preset operation to correspond to the ID if the ID and the information about coordinates of the touch position are received from the touch sensor260. Further, the touch sensing processor274reflects the specified operations when processing an image to be displayed corresponding to the coordinates of the touch position. The operation specified corresponding to the ID may be based on the database D1described with reference toFIG. 4.

The CPU275is an element for performing calculations to operate elements in the signal processor270, and plays a central role in parsing and calculating data. The CPU275internally includes a processor register in which commands to be processed are stored; an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) being in charge of comparison, determination and calculation; a control unit for internally controlling the CPU275to analyze and carry out the commands; an internal bus; a cache (not shown); etc.

The CPU275performs calculations needed for operating the elements of the signal processor270, such as the demux271, the video processor272, the audio processor273, and the touch sensing processor274. Alternatively, some elements of the signal processor270may be designed to operate without the data calculation of the CPU275or operate by a separate microcontroller.

Below, details of the input device202(seeFIG. 7) and the touch sensor260, which can be achieved by various structures, will be described.

FIG. 9illustrates an input device310for a display apparatus300according to a fifth exemplary embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 9, the input device310according to the fifth exemplary embodiment includes a plurality of touch units311,312,313,314, and315to be respectively mounted to a user's five fingers. In this exemplary embodiment, there are five touch units311,312,313,314, and315corresponding to a user's fingers. However, the touch units311,312,313,314, and315do not have to respectively correspond to all of the fingers. Alternatively, there may be two, three, or four touch units. The number of touch units may exceed five if more than one hand is to be used. In other words, there are no limits to the number of touch units311,312,313,314, and315.

The touch units311,312,313,314, and315are each shaped like a ring, and thus put on a user's fingers. The touch units311,312,313,314, and315include a first touch unit311to be put on the thumb, a second touch unit312to be put on the index finger, a third touch unit313to be put on the middle finger, a fourth touch unit314to be put on the ring finger, and a fifth touch unit315to be put on the little finger.

In this exemplary embodiment, the touch units311,312,313,314, and315are similar to one another in terms of their basic structures and operating principles. However, the touch units311,312,313,314, and315have structures to be distinguished among them, and details thereof will be described later.

FIG. 10is a perspective view of a first touch unit311in the input device shown inFIG. 9.

As shown inFIG. 10, the first touch unit311includes a housing311ashaped like a ring. The housing311ahas an inner space in which circuit elements of the first touch unit311to be described later are accommodated.

In the state that the first touch unit311is mounted to a user's finger, an outer surface311bof the housing311ahas an area that facilitates a contact with the display when a user touches the display while wearing the touch unit311. An inner surface311cof the housing311aforms a space for receiving a user's finger inside the housing311a.

On the outer surface311bof the housing311a, a switch311dis provided to be toggled by a user. The switch311dis provided to turn on and off the circuit elements of the first touching unit311, and may be variously achieved by a mechanical switch, an electronic switch, etc. That is, a user may control the switch311dto activate or deactivate the internal circuit of the first touch unit311. Thus, a user controls the switch311dto turn off the first touch unit311while the first touch unit311is not in use, thereby preventing wasteful consumption of battery power of the first touch unit311.

If a user is to manually turn on the switch311dand uses the first touch unit311, the switch311dis preferably placed in an area on the outer surface311bof the housing311a, except for an area for touching the display.

Alternatively, the switch may be designed as a pressure sensing type instead of the toggle type. In this alternative case, the switch may be placed in an area on the outer surface311bof the housing311a, for touching the display, and details thereof will be described later.

FIG. 11is a block diagram of a first touch unit410in an input device400according to the fifth exemplary embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment, the first touch unit410is substantially similar to the first touch unit311shown inFIGS. 9 and 10.

As shown inFIG. 11, the first touch unit410includes a resonant coil411for generating an electromagnetic field having a preset resonant frequency, a resonant circuit412for driving the resonant coil411to generate the electromagnetic field by applying power to the resonant coil411, a battery413for supplying the power, and a switch414for controlling the power to be selectively supplied to the resonant coil411and the resonant circuit412.

The resonant coil411is accommodated in the housing of the first touching unit410, and placed near the area for touching the display. However, there are no limits to the placement of the resonant coil411. The resonant coil411may be placed anywhere within the first touch unit410as long as the electromagnetic field generated by the resonant coil411can be sensed by the display apparatus. That is, the display apparatus senses the touch position by detecting the electromagnetic field generated by the resonant coil411, and it is therefore not important whether or not the first touch unit410touches the display apparatus as long as the touch sensor of the display apparatus senses the electromagnetic field of the resonant coil411. In other words, the first touch unit410does not have to touch the display as long as the resonant coil411comes within a range where the electromagnetic field is sensed by the touch sensor.

The resonant coil411is achieved by a coil to generate the electromagnetic field having a preset resonant frequency when the resonant circuit412operates. Here, the resonant frequency of the electromagnetic field generated by the resonant coil411of the first touching unit410is different from the resonant frequencies of the electromagnetic fields respectively generated by the other touch units of the input device400, and details thereof will be described later.

The resonant circuit412drives the resonant coil411with power supplied from the battery413so that the resonant coil411can generate the electromagnetic field. The resonant circuit412may include various circuit elements such as an oscillator to continue the electromagnetic field of the resonant coil411. The resonant circuit412is turned on or off by the switch414.

FIG. 12is a block diagram showing elements related to touch sensing in a main device500of the display apparatus according to the fifth exemplary embodiment.FIG. 12shows only those elements used for sensing the touch input of the input device400in the elements of the main device201shown inFIG. 8, and thus other basic elements of the main device500are substantially similar to those of the foregoing descriptions.

As shown inFIG. 12, the main device500of the display apparatus according to the fifth exemplary embodiment includes a touch sensor520for sensing the touch input of the input device400and outputting the touch input information about the sensed touch input, and a touch sensing processor530for processing the touch input information output from the touch sensor520.

The touch sensor520includes a digitizer module521for sensing an electromagnetic field generated by the input device400, and a digitizer controller522for generating and outputting the touch input information based on the sensing result of the digitizer module521.

The digitizer module521senses an electromagnetic field generated by each touch unit of the input device400, and transmits a sense signal based on the sensing result to the digitizer controller522. Because an object touched by a user with the input device400is the display510of the main device500, the digitizer module521may be shaped like a flat plane in parallel with the surface of the display510.

There are no limits to the placement of the digitizer module521as long as the digitizer module521can sense the electromagnetic field of the input device400. For example, if the display510has a structure of an LCD panel, the digitizer module521may be placed at the back of the backlight unit that illuminates the LCD panel and in parallel with the LCD panel. That is, the backlight unit may be interposed between the digitizer module521and the LCD panel, thereby avoiding interference with the digitizer module521when light travels from the backlight unit to the LCD panel.

The digitizer controller522derives coordinates of a position, where the electromagnetic field of the input device400is sensed, on the display or the digitizer module521in accordance with the sense signal received from the digitizer module521, and a resonant frequency of the electromagnetic field sensed at the corresponding position. The digitizer controller522determines the ID corresponding to the derived resonant frequency, and transmits information about the determined ID and the position coordinates to the touch sensing processor530.

Below, a method of sensing the touch position of the input device400by the digitizer controller522will be described.

FIG. 13illustrates a structure of the digitizer module521for sensing a touch position by the digitizer controller522according to the fifth exemplary embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 13, if at least one among the touch units of the input device comes in contact with the display, the corresponding electromagnetic field of the touch unit is sensed at a certain area of the digitizer module521.

The digitizer module521includes a plurality of horizontal wiring lines521aand a plurality of vertical wiring lines521b. The plurality of horizontal wiring lines521aand the plurality of vertical wiring lines521bare perpendicular to each other to form a lattice pattern on the plane of the digitizer module521.FIG. 13shows some lines of the horizontal wiring lines521aand the vertical wiring lines521b, but the horizontal wiring lines521aand the vertical wiring lines521bare formed throughout the entire plane of the digitizer module521. The horizontal wiring lines521aand the vertical wiring lines521bare electrically connected to the digitizer controller522.

Power is not separately supplied to the horizontal wiring lines521aand the vertical wiring lines521b. In this state, if a user touches a certain position on the display with the touching unit of the input device, a certain area521cof the digitizer module521corresponding to the touched position is affected by the electromagnetic field of the touching unit. Therefore, an electric current flows in one of the horizontal wiring lines521aand one of the vertical wiring lines521b, each of which corresponding to the region521c, among the entirety of the horizontal wiring lines521aand the vertical wiring lines521b.

The electric current flowing in the single horizontal wiring line and the single vertical wiring line is input to the digitizer controller522. The digitizer controller522identifies in a horizontal wiring lines521dand a vertical wiring lines521e, in which the electric current flows, among the entirety of the horizontal wiring lines521aand the vertical wiring lines521b, and derives the coordinates at the position touched with the touching unit from the identified horizontal and vertical wiring lines.

Further, the digitizer controller522determines the resonant frequency of the electromagnetic field based on the characteristic or level of the input current, and thus identifies the ID of the touching unit of the input device based on the determined resonant frequency.

In this exemplary embodiment, the sensed area521cis illustrated as a dot and covers one horizontal wiring line521dand one vertical wiring line521e. However, this is a simplified illustration for the sake of simplicity and clarity. In practice, the sensed area521cmay correspond to an area having a predetermined extent in accordance with the respective pitch levels of the horizontal wiring lines521aand the vertical wiring lines521b, and the sensed area521cmay cover a plurality of horizontal wiring lines521aand a plurality of vertical wiring lines521b.

With this structure of the display apparatus, a method of determining the touch inputs caused by a user's fingers, and executing operations in accordance with the determined results will be described below.

FIG. 14is a block diagram illustrating a process of determining a touch input corresponding to each of the five fingers in a display apparatus according to the fifth exemplary embodiment,

As shown inFIG. 14, suppose that the touch input is caused by the first touch unit410among the plurality of touch units of the input device400. The first touch unit410applies the electromagnetic field. The digitizer module521senses the electromagnetic field of the first touch unit410and outputs a sense signal.

The digitizer controller522derives two pieces of information from the sense signal output from the digitizer module521, one of which is information about the position coordinates where the touch input is caused by the first touch unit410, and the other one is the resonant frequency of the electromagnetic field applied by the first touch unit410.

The digitizer controller522searches for the ID corresponding to the derived resonant frequency from a database540. In the database540, a plurality of resonant frequencies, IDs respectively corresponding to the resonant frequencies, and operations or functions respectively corresponding to the IDs are previously assigned, details of which will be described later. The digitizer controller522transmits the derived information about the position coordinates and ID to the touch sensing processor530.

The touch sensing processor530searches the database540for the function corresponding to the ID received from the digitizer controller522. The touch sensing processor530executes the function found in the database540in accordance with the search results, and processes an image to be displayed based on the executed function.

As shown inFIG. 15, the database540records the resonant frequencies of the electromagnetic fields respectively applied by the first touch unit, the second touch unit, the third touch unit, the fourth touch unit, and the fifth touch unit of the first input device. Further, the database540records IDs assigned to the respective resonant frequencies, and functions mapped to the respective IDs.

The display apparatus searches the database540for the sensed resonant frequency to derive (i.e., identify) the mapped ID, and executes the function assigned to the derived ID. If a user puts the touch units on her fingers and generates touch inputs, the display apparatus can respectively assign the functions to the user's fingers and execute the assigned functions.

Further, a user has only to exchange the touch units among the five fingers, in order to easily change a function assigned to a certain finger to a function of another one. In this manner, a user may conveniently use and change different functions.

For example, if a resonant frequency of 100 Hz is sensed in association with a certain touch input, the display apparatus assigns ID of ‘10’ to the touch input and executes a drawing function corresponding to the ID of ‘10’ in response to the touch input. Likewise, if a resonant frequency of 130 Hz is sensed in association with a certain touch input, the display apparatus assigns ID of ‘40’ to the touch input and executes a text highlighting function corresponding to the ID of ‘40’.

In this exemplary embodiment, as a method of distinguishing among a user's fingers, the touch units respectively mounted to the five fingers may be different in resonant frequency from one another. In this state, the display apparatus senses the resonant frequency of the touch input and thus determines which one of the touch units generated the touch input.

The database540shows exemplary settings for the touch units of only the first input device. However, the database540may include settings for two or more input devices. In this case, the input devices are different in frequency of the touch units and thus distinguishable from each other.

For example, as shown in the database540, the touch units of the first input device respectively have the resonant frequencies of 100 Hz, 110 Hz, 120 Hz, 130 Hz, and 140 Hz. On the other hand, the touch units of a second input device may respectively have resonant frequencies of 160 Hz, 170 Hz, 180 Hz, 190 Hz, and 200 Hz by way of example so as to be distinguishable among themselves and also from those of the first input device. Moreover, the touch units of the third input device may respectively have resonant frequencies of 105 Hz, 115 Hz, 125 Hz, 135 Hz, and 145 Hz by way of example so as to be distinguishable from those of the first input device and the second input device. However, the foregoing numerical values are mere examples, and may be variously modified in practice.

In these examples, if the resonant frequency of 110 Hz is sensed, the display apparatus determines that the touch input is caused by the second touch unit of the first input device. Further, if the resonant frequency of 190 Hz is sensed, the display apparatus determines that the touch input is caused by the fourth touch unit of the second input device. In addition, if the resonant frequency of 105 Hz is sensed, the display apparatus determines that the touch input is caused by the first touch unit of the third input device. In this manner, the touch inputs are distinguishable according to the input devices, so that the display apparatus can execute operations respectively designated corresponding to the input devices.

Below, a method of controlling the display apparatus in this exemplary embodiment will be described.

FIG. 16is a flowchart for controlling the display apparatus according to the fifth exemplary embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 16, at operation S110, the display apparatus senses an electromagnetic field at a certain position on the display. Here, the electromagnetic field is applied by the touch unit of the input device.

At operation S120, the display apparatus derives coordinates of the position where the electromagnetic field is sensed.

At operation S130, the display apparatus derives a resonant frequency of the electromagnetic field.

At operation S140, the display apparatus determines the ID corresponding to the derived resonant frequency.

At operation S150, the display apparatus determines an operation or function corresponding to the determined ID.

At operation S160, the display apparatus executes the determined function with respect to the derived position coordinates, thereby displaying an image.

Thus, the display apparatus distinguishes among a user's fingers for the touch input, and performs a designated function according to the touch input caused by each of the fingers.

In this exemplary embodiment, the display apparatus senses the electromagnetic field of one touch unit among the plurality of touch units of the input device, but the display apparatus is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the display apparatus may simultaneously sense the electromagnetic fields of two or more touching units. This may be achieved by individually sensing and processing the respective touch units, and therefore the foregoing embodiment of sensing one touch unit is applicable to this case. Thus, duplicative descriptions will be reproduced herein.

FIG. 17illustrates an exemplary operation where a first touch unit610of an input device600touches the display620and detaches from the display620according to a sixth exemplary embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 17, a user puts the first touch unit610on one of her five fingers and touches the display620with a certain area on the outer surface of the first touch unit610. Here, a switch611for turning on/off the internal circuit of the first touch unit610is provided on the area of the first touch unit610for touching the display620. When a user touches the display620with the first touch unit610, the switch611is pressed and thus turns on the internal circuit of the first touch unit610.

When the internal circuit of the first touch unit610is activated by the switch611, an electric field is generated by power from a battery so that the touch input of the first touch unit610can be sensed. The electromagnetic field is continuously activated while the user is touching the display620with the first touch unit610(i.e. while the switch611is pressed against the display620).

On the other hand, when the user takes the first touch unit610off the display620, the switch611is released from the pressure. Thus, the internal circuit of the first touching unit610gets deactivated, and the electromagnetic field is no longer generated by the first touch unit610.

In this manner, it is possible to selectively activate or deactivate the first touch unit610in response to the use of the first touch unit610even if the user does not intentionally control the switch611.

In the foregoing exemplary embodiment, the touch units of the input device are respectively mounted to a user's fingers. However, the placement of the touch unit is not limited to the user's fingers.

FIG. 18illustrates touch units710and720of an input device700being mounted on pens701and702according to a seventh exemplary embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 18, the input device700according to the seventh exemplary embodiment includes a plurality of touching units710and720. Each of the touching units710and720has structures substantially similar to those of the foregoing embodiments, and thus duplicative descriptions thereof will not be reproduced herein.

A user may put one among the plurality of touch units710and720of the input device700on the pen701or702. Since the touch input is sensed based on the electromagnetic field generated by the touch units710and720, the pens701and702do not have to include any particular circuit structure.

For example, a user may place the first touch unit710on the first pen701, and place the second touch unit720on the second pen702. In this state, if a user touches the display730with the first pen701, the touch input is sensed based on the electromagnetic field of the first touch unit710. Likewise, if a user touches the display730with the second pen702, the touch input is sensed based on the electromagnetic field of the second touch unit720. The touch input of the first pen701and the touch input of the second pen702may be generated on separate occasions from each other or generated concurrently. In both cases, the method of sensing the touch input may be achieved by applying those of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, and thus duplicative descriptions thereof will not be reproduced herein.

In the fifth exemplary embodiment, a battery is individually provided to each touch unit of the input device (seeFIG. 11). However, placing batteries in individual touch units may make the touch units relatively bulkier and heavier. Thus, the batteries supplying power to the respective touch units may be centralized in order to reduce the weight and volume of each touch unit.

FIG. 19illustrates an input device800according to an eighth exemplary embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 19, the input device800according to the eighth exemplary embodiment includes a plurality of touch units810,820,830,840, and850respectively mounted to a user's five fingers, and a main unit860for driving the plurality of touch units810,820,830,840, and850.

The plurality of touch units810,820,830,840, and850are each shaped like a ring and respectively placed on a user's fingers. The plurality of touch units810,820,830,840, and850respectively generate preset electromagnetic fields. The electromagnetic fields respectively generated by the touch units810,820,830,840, and850are different in resonant frequency from one another within one input device800. Thus, the touch inputs caused by the touch units810,820,830,840, and850of the input device800are distinguishable from one another.

The main unit860is placed within a preset distance range from the plurality of touch units810,820,830,840, and850when the input device800is used. For example, the main unit860may be shaped like a bracelet and put on a user's wrist. The main unit860controls individual operations of the touch units810,820,830,840, and850, and supplies power for driving the touch units810,820,830,840, and850.

The main unit860has to be placed within the preset distance range from each of the touch units810,820,830,840, and850in order to wirelessly supply power to the respective touching units810,820,830,840, and850. That is, there may be a technical limit to a distance within which the power can be wirelessly supplied, and therefore the main unit860needs to be placed within an allowable range so as to wirelessly supply power to the touch units810,820,830,840, and850.

FIG. 20is a block diagram of the input device800according to the eighth exemplary embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 20, the input device800includes the main unit860, and the first touch unit810operating with power wirelessly received from the main unit860.FIG. 20shows only the first touch unit810among the plurality of touch units810,820,830,840, and850(seeFIG. 19). The structures of the other touch units820,830,840, and850(seeFIG. 19) may be achieved by applying that of the first touch unit810, and thus duplicative descriptions thereof will not be reproduced herein.

The first touch unit810includes a resonant coil811for generating an electromagnetic field, a resonant circuit812for driving the resonant coil811with the supplied power, and a power receiver813for receiving power wirelessly from the main unit860and supplying it to the resonant circuit812. The resonant coil811and the resonant circuit812are substantially similar to those of the foregoing exemplary embodiments.

The main unit860includes a battery861for supplying the power, a power transmitter862for wirelessly transmitting the power received from the battery861to the first touch unit810, and a switch863for selecting whether to transmit the power from the power transmitter862to the first touch unit810.

With this structure, if a user controls the switch863while using the input device800, the power transmitter862wirelessly transmits the power from the battery861to the power receiver813in accordance with disclosed methods. The power receiver813transmits the power received from the power transmitter862to the resonant circuit812, and with this power, the resonant circuit812drives the resonant coil811to generate an electromagnetic field having a preset resonant frequency.

By foregoing the battery in the first touch unit810in this manner and having the centralized battery861to power all the touch units throughout the input device800, it is possible to reduce the volume and weight of the first touch unit810and other touch units, and thereby increase an energy efficiency in terms of power distribution of the battery861. If the battery is provided in each of the touch units as illustrated in a previous exemplary embodiment, it may be inconvenient to replace the batteries one by one in accordance with individual usage durations of the respective touch units. On the other hand, if the battery861is centralized such as in the present exemplary embodiment, the replacement of only one battery861is necessary regardless of individual usage time of the respective touch units because power is distributed and supplied from one battery861to the respective touch units.

There are various structures and methods for wirelessly supplying power from the main unit860to the first touch unit810. For example, the method of wirelessly transmitting the power may be achieved by a radiative transmission method, a magnetic induction method, a magnetic resonance transmission method, an electromagnetic wave transmission method, etc. Among them, the present exemplary embodiment may employ the radiative transmission method of transmitting a relatively low output based on electromagnetic radiation within a distance of several meters, or the magnetic resonance transmission method based on evanescent wave coupling in which electromagnetic waves are moved from one medium to another medium through a near magnetic field when the two mediums are resonated at the same frequency.

Alternatively, the power may be supplied by a wired transmission method instead of the wireless transmission method.

FIG. 21illustrates an input device900according to a ninth exemplary embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 21, the input device900according to the ninth exemplary embodiment includes a plurality of touch units910,920,930,940, and950to be mounted to a user's respective fingers. The input device900may also include a main unit960for driving the plurality of touch units910,920,930,940, and950, and cables970through which the power is supplied from the main unit960to the respective touch units910,920,930,940, and950.

The plurality of touch units910,920,930,940, and950are each shaped like a ring and respectively placed on a user's fingers. The plurality of touch units910,920,930,940, and950generate preset electromagnetic fields, and the electromagnetic fields respectively generated by the touch units910,920,930,940, and950are different in resonant frequency from one another within one input device900. Thus, the touch inputs caused by the touch units910,920,930,940, and950within the input device900are distinguishable from one another.

The main unit960controls individual operations of the respective touch units910,920,930,940, and950, and supplies power for driving the touch units910,920,930,940, and950. The main unit960is placed within a distance range from the plurality of touch units910,920,930,940, and950allowable by the length of the cable970, when the input device900is used. For example, the main unit960is shaped like a bracelet and placed on a user's wrist. Unlike the eighth exemplary embodiment that wirelessly supplies the power, the present exemplary embodiment supplies power through the cable970. Therefore, the limit to the distance of wireless transmission between the main unit960and each of the touch units910,920,930,940, and950according to the eighth exemplary embodiment is not relevant in the present exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 22is a block diagram of the input device900according to the ninth exemplary embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 22, the input device900includes the main unit960, and the first touch unit910operating with power received from the main unit960through the cable970.FIG. 20shows only the first touch unit910among the plurality of touch units910,920,930,940, and950(seeFIG. 19). The structures of the other touch units920,930,940and950(seeFIG. 21) may be achieved by applying that of the first touch unit910, and thus duplicative descriptions thereof will not be reproduced herein.

The first touch unit910includes a resonant coil911for generating an electromagnetic field, a resonant circuit912for driving the resonant coil911with the supplied power, and a power receiver913for receiving power from the main unit960through the cable970and supplying it to the resonant circuit912. The resonant coil911and the resonant circuit912are substantially similar to those of the foregoing exemplary embodiments.

The main unit960includes a battery961for supplying the power, a power transmitter962for transmitting the power from the battery961to the first touch unit910through the cable970, and a switch963for selecting whether to transmit the power from the power transmitter962to the first touch unit910.

With this structure, if a user controls the switch963while using the input device900, the power transmitter962transmits the power from the battery961to the power receiver913through the cable970in accordance with disclosed methods. The power receiver913transmits the power received from the power transmitter962to the resonant circuit912, and the resonant circuit912drives the resonant coil911with the received power to generate an electromagnetic field having a preset resonant frequency.

FIG. 23illustrates an input device1000according to a tenth exemplary embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 23, the input device1000according to a tenth exemplary embodiment is shaped like a glove to be put on a user's hand. The input device1000includes a base1001having a glove shape, a plurality of resonant coils1010,1020,1030,1040, and1050disposed at touch positions of a user's five fingers on the base1001, a circuit element1060for driving the respective resonant coils1010,1020,1030,1040, and1050, and wires1070for electrically connecting each of the resonant coils1010,1020,1030,1040, and1050to the circuit element1060.

The base1001is a glove made of one or more of various materials such as cloth, yarn, rubber, latex, etc., and prevents the input device1000from being separated from a user's hand while the user uses the input device1000. Further, the base1001keeps the resonant coils1010,1020,1030,1040and1050and the circuit element1060in place.

Each of the resonant coils1010,1020,1030,1040, and1050is placed at an area that may come in contact with the display when a user touches the display with her fingers (e.g., at fingers tips). The resonant coils1010,1020,1030,1040, and1050are driven by the circuit element1060to generate the electromagnetic fields having respective preset resonant frequencies. The resonant frequencies of the resonant coils1010,1020,1030,1040and1050are different to be distinguishable from one another.

The circuit element1060is placed on a certain area of the base1001. There are no limits to the placement of the circuit element1060. Taking into account varying degrees of comfort when the user wears the input device1000, the circuit element1060may be placed at an area corresponding to the back or wrist of the user's hand. The circuit element1060includes the battery and the resonant circuit to drive the respective resonant coils1010,1020,1030,1040, and1050through the wires1070.

FIG. 24is a block diagram of the input device1000according to the tenth exemplary embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 24, the circuit element1060of the input device1000includes a battery1061for supplying power, a resonant circuit1062for driving the resonant coils1010,1020,1030,1040, and1050with the power supplied from the battery1061, and a switch1063for turning on/off the resonant circuit1062.

With this structure, the resonant circuit1062is activated when a user turns on the switch1063. The resonant circuit1062individually drives the resonant coils1010,1020,1030,1040, and1050with the power supplied from the battery1061. At this time, the resonant circuit1062respectively drives the resonant coils1010,1020,1030,1040, and1050by different resonant frequencies, so that the electromagnetic fields generated by the resonant coils1010,1020,1030,1040, and1050can be distinguished from one another.

FIG. 25illustrates an input device1100according to an eleventh exemplary embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 25, the input device1100according to the eleventh exemplary embodiment includes a plurality of touch units1110,1120,1130,1140, and1150respectively mounted to a user's fingers. In this exemplary embodiment, five touch units1110,1120,1130,1140, and1150are provided corresponding to the user's five fingers. However, the touch units1110,1120,1130,1140, and1150do not have to correspond to all of the fingers. Alternatively, two, three or four touch units may be provided. Five or more touch units may also be provided if the user is to use two hands. In other words, there are no limits to the number of touch units1110,1120,1130,1140, and1150.

The touch units1110,1120,1130,1140, and1150are each shaped like a thimble or a finger protector to surround and cover each tip of the fingers, and worn on the user's fingers. The touch units1110,1120,1130,1140, and1150include a first touch unit1110to be mounted on the user's thumb, a second touch unit1120to be mounted on the index finger, a third touch unit1130to be mounted on the middle finger, a fourth touch unit1140to be mounted on the ring finger, and a fifth touch unit1150to be mounted on the little finger.

FIG. 26is a perspective view of the first touch unit in the input device shown inFIG. 25.

As shown inFIG. 26, the first touch unit1110includes a housing1111shaped like a thimble so as to fit a fingertip. The housing1111forms an accommodating space for accommodating a user's fingertip, and has a space for receiving circuit elements of the first touch unit1110.

The first touch unit1110is provided with a resonant coil1112in an area on the outer surface of the housing1111, which makes a touch while being put on a user's finger. Further, a switch1113to be toggled by a user is provided on the outer surface of the housing1111. The switch1113is provided to turn on and off the circuit element of the first touch unit1110, and may be achieved variously by a mechanical switch, an electronic switch, etc. That is, a user may control the switch1113to activate or deactivate the internal circuit of the first touch unit1110. Thus, a user turns off the first touch unit1110by the switch113if the first touch unit1110is not in use, thereby preventing a battery of the first touch unit1110from being wastefully discharged.

In this exemplary embodiment, the touch unit1110operates by a substantially similar principle as that described with regard to the fifth exemplary embodiment (seeFIG. 9), and therefore detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Below, a method of receiving touch input information from a touch sensor in the display apparatus while an application using the touch input information is running will be described.

FIG. 27is a block diagram showing a hierarchical structure of platforms for the display apparatus according to a twelfth embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 27, platforms1200of the display apparatus according to the eleventh embodiment include hardware1210in the lowest layer, a human interface device (HID)1220, an operating system1230for controlling the hardware1210, and an application1240executed on the operating application1230.

The hardware1210refers to various elements of the display apparatus described in the foregoing exemplary embodiments (e.g., the touch sensor).

The HID1220refers to standards of an interface used by a user to control operations of a device. As an example of devices in the HID class include a keyboard, a pointing device such as a standard mouse, a track ball mouse, a joystick or the like, a front panel control such as a knob, a switch, a button, a slider, a touchscreen, etc. In this exemplary embodiment, the HID1220indicates communication standards between an operating system1230and the touch sensor so that the operating system1230can control the touch sensor.

The operating system1230refers to system software that manages the hardware1210of the display apparatus and provides a hardware abstraction platform and a common system service in order to execute the general application1240. The operating system1230provides system resources such as the CPU or the like to be used by the executed application1240, and abstracts them to offer a service such as a file system and the like. The operating system1230provides a user with environments for easily and efficiently executing applications. Further, the operating system1230efficiently assigns, administers, and protects the hardware1210and software resources of the display apparatus, monitors improper use of the resources, and manages the operation and control of the resources of input/output devices and the like.

The application1240or the application software broadly means any software executed on the operating system1230, and specifically means software directly handled by a user on the operating application1230. In the latter case, the application1240may be a complementary set of the system software such as a boot-loader, a driver, the operating system. In this exemplary embodiment, the application1240executes a corresponding operation based on the touch input information transmitted from the operating system1230.

Below, the process of the touch input information being transmitted from the hardware to the operating system will be described.

FIG. 28illustrates a data structure used for storing touch input information according to the twelfth exemplary embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 28, the touch input information transmitted from the touch sensor to the operating system has a data structure that complies with the HID standards supported by the operating system. The touch sensor acquires information about coordinates of a position where a touch input of the input device occurs, and information about the ID corresponding to the touch input. The touch sensor converts the acquired information into the touch input information in accordance with the HID standards, and transmits the converted information to the operating system.

In the touch input information, a collection refers to a group of data corresponding to a single touch input received at one time. The touch sensor records 2D coordinates of the position, where the touch input occurs, in data fields that are labeled X and Y within the collection.

The touch sensor selects either an empty collection where information about touch input is not yet recorded or a temporary data structure which is not in use, among the available collections. The touch sensor records finger ID (i.e., ID information of the touch input in the selected code region) within the selected collection. Other metadata may be also stored in the fields within the collection data structure. Here, the finger ID may, for example, be stored in field labeled ‘Azimuth,’ but not limited thereto. Alternatively, other data fields may be used if the foregoing conditions are satisfied.

If the operating system is Linux or Microsoft's Windows 8, which supports multi-touch HID, essential information and optional information, which is selectively used in accordance with circumstances, may be recorded. That is, the touch sensor selects the data field corresponding to the selected usage, and records the ID information of the touch input in the selected data field.

Optional information may include such metadata as pressure, barrel, X tilt, Y tilt, twist, etc. as well as azimuth. These comply with the HID standards. Since the ID information is transmitted in accordance with the HID standards, the present embodiments are applicable without violating the HID standards, and there is no need of developing or installing a separate driver.

However, if the operating system is Microsoft's Windows 7, the operating system does not support the usage of azimuth. In this case, the touch sensor may use WM INPUT to send ID information to the operating system. WM INPUT is a standard OS command for sending a message in this operating system.

In addition, the HID standards may be modified to transmit the ID information.

FIG. 29illustrates a data structure used for storing touch input information according to a thirteenth exemplary embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 29, the data structure of the basic touch input information complies with the HID standards. However, the touch sensor may add a data field called ‘Multi Touch ID’ within a collection, and record the ID information in this field.

In the foregoing twelfth exemplary embodiment, the HID standards are used without modification, and thus the ID information (i.e., non-standard data element) is recorded in a temporary data field that is not in use. On the contrary, the present exemplary embodiment modifies the HID standards to add an extra data field for recording the ID information.

As disclosed in the foregoing exemplary embodiments, the operating system receives the touch input information and transmits the position coordinates and ID information of the touch input information to the application. The application executes a previously designated operation or function based on the position coordinates and ID information received from the operating system.

The foregoing exemplary embodiment describes the structure of the input device employing a resonant system. However, the structure of the input device is not limited to the foregoing exemplary embodiments, and the present disclosure is not limited to the input device employing the resonant system. Below, an input device employing systems other than the resonant system will be described.

FIG. 30illustrates an input device1310according to the thirteenth exemplary embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 30, the input device1310according to the thirteenth exemplary embodiment includes a plurality of touch units1311,1312,1313,1314, and1315to be respectively mounted to a user's fingers. The touch units1311,1312,1313,1314, and1315are each shaped like a ring and respectively placed on the user's five fingers, thereby having a similar shape as those of the foregoing exemplary embodiments.

Each of the touch units1311,1312,1313,1314, and1315is internally provided with a capacitor (or condenser). The capacitor or condenser is an electrical component having capacitance and is one of the basic elements of electronic circuitry. The capacitor stores electric potential energy, and has a structure where an insulator is interposed between two conductive plates. Here, the capacitors of the respective touch units1311,1312,1313,1314, and1315are different in capacitance, so that the touch inputs caused by the respective touch units1311,1312,1313,1314, and1315can be distinguished from one another. In this regard, details will be described later.

Below, the touch sensor for sensing the touch input of the input device1310will be described. The touch sensor is provided in the main body of the display apparatus, and has substantially similar structures as described above.

FIG. 31is a partial perspective view of a structure of a touch sensor1320according to the thirteenth exemplary embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 31, the touch sensor1320includes transmitting wires1321and receiving wires1322, which are layered on the display panel. The transmitting wires1321are arranged along a horizontal direction or a vertical direction of the display panel, and the receiving wires1322are arranged along the direction perpendicular to the transmitting wires1321.

Further, an insulating layer1323is formed in between the transmitting wires1321and the receiving wires1322. Further, the touch sensor1320may further include a glass cover layered on the topmost layer to be touched by a user and providing protection.FIG. 31illustrates that the receiving wires1322is placed above the transmitting wires1321, but the touch sensor1320is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the transmitting wires1321may be placed above the receiving wires1322. However, it is preferable that the receiving wires1322is placed above the transmitting wires1321in order to improve touch sensitivity.

The transmitting wires1321are achieved by arranging wires extending in a preset first direction at preset intervals. To sense a position touched by a user, voltage pulses are applied to each of the transmitting wires1321.

The receiving wires1322are achieved by arranging wires extending in a preset second direction at preset intervals. The first direction and the second direction are different from each other, and may, for example, be perpendicular to each other. From a top view of the touch sensor1320, the transmitting wires1321and the receiving wires1322intersect with each other to form a lattice.

When voltage pulses having a preset level are applied to each transmitting wire1321, an electromagnetic field is generated in between the transmitting wire1321and the receiving wire1322, thereby creating voltage coupling having a preset level in the receiving wire1322. In this state, if a user who is wearing the input device1310touches the receiving wire1322with a fingertip, some electric charges are absorbed in the user's finger and the input device1310, and therefore total energy output from the receiving wire1322is decreased. Such a change in energy level causes the voltage of the receiving wire1322to be varied, and it is thus possible to sense the touch position based on the variation in voltage.

Here, the electric charges are absorbed in the touch unit mounted to a user's finger between the finger and the touch unit of the input device1310. If the amounts of electric charges respectively absorbed by touch units on the user's fingers are substantially the same, the capacitor of each touch unit creates a difference in the amount of absorbed electric charges among the fingers at the touch input. The capacitors of the respective touch units are different from each other in capacitance, and thus different in the amount of absorbing the electric charges. Accordingly, the touch sensor can distinguish between the touch units based on the level of the sensed voltage.

FIG. 32illustrates a control structure for the touch sensor1320according to the thirteenth exemplary embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 32, the touch sensor1320includes a transmitting circuit element1325for applying voltage pulses to the plurality of transmitting wires1321formed in a touch area1324, a receiving circuit element1326for receiving a voltage from the plurality of receiving wires1322formed in the touch area1324. The touch sensor1320may also include a digital back-end integrated circuit (DBE IC)1327for controlling the voltage pulses to be applied to the transmitting circuit element1325, determining the touch position by analyzing the voltage received in the receiving circuit element1326, and specifying a touching object. Further, the touch sensor1320may further include a controller1328for executing an operation corresponding to the determined touch input information.

When the voltage pulses are applied to the transmitting circuit element1325, the electromagnetic field is formed in between the transmitting wire1321and the receiving wire1322, and thus a voltage having a preset level is output from the receiving wire132. While no touch inputs are occurring on the touch area1324, there are no changes in the output voltage in all the receiving wires1322.

If the touch input occurs at a certain position on the touch area1324, the voltage output from the receiving wire1322corresponding to the certain position drops while the voltages output from the other receiving wires1322remain unchanged. Thus, it is possible to identify the touch position on the touch area1324.

Further, the touch unit generating the touch input is identified in accordance with by how much the voltage output from the receiving wire1322is dropped.

FIG. 33is a graph showing a voltage level output from a receiving wire of the touch sensor according to the thirteenth exemplary embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 33, the output voltages corresponding to the positions of the receiving wires generally have a uniform level of V0except at the position where the touch input occurs. Thus, the respective receiving wires output the voltage having the uniform level of V0while there are no touch inputs, because the electromagnetic field is formed between the transmitting wire and the receiving wire as described above. In this graph, the horizontal axis indicates the position of the receiving wire, and the vertical axis indicates the voltage.

If a user who is wearing the first touch unit makes the touch input at a certain position P, the first touch unit absorbs some electric charges from the electromagnetic field. Thus, the voltage output from the receiving wire corresponding to position P is dropped from V0to V1, while the voltages output from the other receiving wires remain at V0.

In addition, if a user who is wearing the second touch unit makes a touch input at the same position P, the second touch unit absorbs some electric charges from the electromagnetic field. Here, the capacitor of the second touch unit is different in capacitance from the capacitor of the first touch unit. For example, if the capacitor of the second touch unit has higher capacitance than the capacitor of the first touch unit, then the amount of electric charges absorbed by the second touch unit is greater than the electric charges absorbed by the first touch unit. Therefore, the voltage output from the receiving wire corresponding to position P is dropped from V0to V2, where V2is lower than V1.

With this principle, the touch sensor distinguishes among the touch units of the input device based on the dropped levels of the voltages output from the receiving wires.

Below, a method of sensing the touch input by the display apparatus in this exemplary embodiment will be described.

FIG. 34is a flowchart for controlling a display apparatus according to the thirteenth exemplary embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 34, at operation S210, the display apparatus outputs voltage pulses to the transmitting wires.

At operation S220, the display apparatus monitors the levels of the voltages output from the receiving wires based on the electromagnetic field formed in between the transmitting wire and the receiving wire.

At operation S230, the display apparatus determines whether a voltage output from a certain receiving wire is dropped or not.

If it is determined that the voltage output from the certain receiving wire is dropped, at operation S240, the display apparatus derives (i.e., determines) coordinates of the position where the voltage is dropped.

At operation S250, the display apparatus determines the ID corresponding to the dropped voltage level. Here, the determination of the ID may be achieved by searching the previously stored database. For example, the database may store a mapping of the ID to a numerical value of the dropped level of the output voltage. When the value of the dropped level is derived, the display apparatus searches the database for this value, and thus determines the ID.

At operation S260, the display apparatus determines a function corresponding to the ID.

At operation S270, the display apparatus executes the function with respect to the derived coordinates of the position.

FIG. 35illustrates an input device1400according to a fourteenth exemplary embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 35, the input device1400according to the fourteenth exemplary embodiment includes a plurality of touch units1410,1420,1430,1440, and1450to be respectively mounted to a user's five fingers. In this exemplary embodiment, five touch units1410,1420,1430,1440, and1450are provided corresponding to the user's five fingers. However, the touch units1410,1420,1430,1440, and1450do not have to correspond to all the fingers, and there may be provided two, three, or four touch units. In other words, there are no limits to the number of touch units1410,1420,1430,1440, and1450.

The touch units1410,1420,1430,1440, and1450are each shaped like a ring to be worn on a user's fingers. The touch units1410,1420,1430,1440, and1450include a first touch unit1410to be mounted to a user's thumb, a second touch unit1420to be mounted to the index finger, a third touch unit1430to be mounted to the middle finger, a fourth touch unit1440to be mounted to the ring finger, and a fifth touch touching unit1450to be mounted to the little finger.

Below, each structure of the touch units1410,1420,1430,1440, and1450will be described in detail. The touch units1410,1420,1430,1440, and1450are basically similar to one another, and therefore the structure of only the first touch unit1410will be described as an illustration. Regarding the other touch units1420,1430,1440, and1450, only the difference from the first touch unit1410will be described.

FIG. 36is a block diagram of the first touch unit1410according to the fourteenth exemplary embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 36, the first touch unit1410includes a sensor1411for sensing a currently touched position, a communicator1412for communicating with the exterior, a battery1413for supplying power, and a controller1415for determining the position coordinates in accordance with sense results of the sensor1411and transmitting the determined position coordinates to a host through the communicator1412.

In the display apparatus according to the foregoing exemplary embodiments including the input device and the main device, the main device senses the touch position of the touch unit and derives the coordinates of the touch position. However, in this exemplary embodiment, the input device derives the coordinates of the touch position and transmits the derived coordinates to the host (i.e. the main device).

The sensor1411senses the touch position on the display panel when the first touch unit1410touches the display panel of the main device, and transmits the sense result to the controller1415. The structure and method for sensing the touch position by the sensor1411may be variously designed.

For instance, the sensor1411may emit an infrared ray and receive the infrared ray reflected off a marking placed on the display panel, thereby sending information about the shape of the marking to the controller1415. The display panel has special markings previously formed on the surface to indicate the coordinates of each position throughout the entire display surface, and the sensor1411receives the infrared ray reflected from the touch position to thereby sense the shape of the marking at the corresponding positions. The marking may be, for example, an optical pattern of dots, bars, geometric shapes, etc. that conveys information.

The controller1415calculates the coordinates of the touch position based on the shape of the marking received from the sensor1411. Alternatively, the controller1415may directly transfer data about the shape of the marking to the host instead of calculating the coordinates. In this case, the calculation of coordinates is performed by the host.

The communicator1412wirelessly transmits the information about the position coordinates received from the controller1415to the host. To this end, the communicator1412may be achieved by a wireless communication module, for example a Bluetooth module.

Bluetooth is a direct communication method between devices using IEEE 802.15.1 standards. Bluetooth employs a frequency band of 2400-2483.5 MHz belonging in the industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) radio bands. To prevent interference with other systems employing frequencies higher or lower than this frequency band, 79 channels corresponding to a frequency band of 2402-2480 MHz, which excludes a band higher than 2400 MHZ by 2 MHz and a band lower than 2483.5 MHz by 3.5 MHz.

Because the frequency band is shared with many systems, electromagnetic interference may occur between the systems. To prevent this, Bluetooth uses a frequency hopping method. Frequency hopping refers to a technique where a packet (i.e. data) is transmitted little by little while rapidly moving along many channels in accordance with a certain pattern. Bluetooth hops between the allocated 79 channels 1600 times per second. This hopping pattern has to be synchronized between the devices in order to establish reliable communication. When the devices are connected by Bluetooth, they are respectively designated as a master and a slave. If the slave device is not synchronized with the frequency hopping of the master device, the communication between the two devices is not allowed. With this, it is possible to avoid electromagnetic interference with other systems and thus make stable communication. For reference, the maximum number of slave devices connectable to one master device is seven. Further, only the communication between the master device and the slave device is possible and the communication between the slave devices is impossible. However, the roles of the master and the slave are not fixed but variable depending on circumstances.

The communicator1412has its own hardware ID. The communication modules including Bluetooth and other various protocols are assigned their own hardware ID numbers. For example, the communication module employs media access control (MAC) address in case of Wi-Fi or Ethernet, universally unique identifier (UUID) in case of Universal Plug and Play (UPNP), Pear-To-Peer (P2P) Device Address in case of Wi-Fi direct, and Bluetooth MAC address in case of Bluetooth. Thus, the communicator1412transmits the touch input information about the position coordinates and its own ID to the host.

Here, the ID of the communicator1412of the first touch unit1410is different from the IDs of the communicators of the other touch units1420,1430,1440, and1450of the input device1400(seeFIG. 35). Therefore, the host determines that the touch input information is received from the first touch unit1410based on the ID of the communicator1412extracted from the touch input information wirelessly received from the first touch unit1410.

FIG. 37is a sequence diagram for operations between the first touch unit1410of the input device and the touch sensing processor1460of the main device according to the fourteenth exemplary embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 37, at operation S310, the first touch unit1410senses the touch position. At operation S320, the first touch unit1410derives (i.e., determines) the coordinates of the sensed touch position.

At operation S330, the first touch unit1410transmits the position coordinates and the communicator ID to the touch sensing processor1460.

At operation S340, the touch sensing processor1460determines the ID of the touch input based on the communicator ID. The ID of the touch input is determined by searching the database where the communicator ID is mapped to the ID of the touch input.

At operation S350, the touch sensing processor1460determines a function corresponding to the ID of the touch input. At operation S360, the touch sensing processor1460executes the determined function with respect to the corresponding touch input.

Below, placement of a marking corresponding to each position on the display panel so that the first touch unit1410can sense the touch position on the display panel will be described.

FIG. 38is a lateral cross-section view of a display panel1500according to a fifteenth exemplary embodiment. This display panel1500is applied to the main device of the display apparatus.

As shown inFIG. 38, the display panel1500includes a lower substrate1510and an upper substrate1520that face each other, a liquid crystal layer1530interposed in between the lower substrate1510and the upper substrate1520, a color filter layer1540, and a pixel layer1550. Such a structure of the display panel1500described with regard to this embodiment does not disclose all the elements, and may include additional elements or be modified in accordance with other methods. Some of the elements illustrated inFIG. 38may be omitted.

The lower substrate1510and the upper substrate1520are transparent substrates arranged to face each other, leaving a space in a traveling direction of light emitted from the backlight unit (i.e., a Z direction shown inFIG. 38). The lower substrate1510and the upper substrate1520may be achieved by glass or plastic substrates. In case where a plastic substrate is used, the substrates can be implemented with polycarbonate, polyimide (PI), polyethersulfone (PES), polyacrylate (PAR), polyethylenenaphthalate (PEN), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), etc.

The lower substrate1510and the upper substrate1520may be required to have various properties depending on the driving method of the liquid crystal layer1530. For example, if the liquid crystal layer1530is driven by a passive matrix method, the lower substrate1510and the upper substrate1520may be made of soda lime glass. On the other hand, if the liquid crystal layer1530is driven by an active matrix method, the lower substrate1510and the upper substrate1520may be made of alkali-free glass and borosilicate glass.

The liquid crystal layer1530is sandwiched in between the lower substrate1510and the upper substrate1520, and adjusts light transmission as the array of liquid crystal is altered in accordance with a driving signal. Unlike an ordinary liquid that lacks regularity in molecular orientation and array, liquid crystal retains some regularity while still being in a liquid phase. For example, some solid material may exhibit double refraction or like anisotropic properties when the solid is heated and melted. The liquid crystal likewise exhibits optical properties such as double refraction or color change. In other words, this material is called the liquid crystal because the material exhibits properties of both a liquid and a crystal (i.e., regularity of a crystal and a liquid phase of a liquid). The liquid crystal may alter its optical properties by rearranging its molecular orientation depending on the applied voltage.

The liquid crystal of the liquid crystal layer1530may be classified into one of several phases nematic, cholesteric, smectic, and ferroelectric phases in accordance with the molecular arrangement of the liquid crystal. Further, the array of the liquid crystal layer1530may be adjusted by various operation modes of the display panel1500, such as a twisted nematic (TN) mode, a vertical alignment (VA) mode, a patterned vertical alignment (PVA) mode, an in-plain switching (IPS) mode, etc. To achieve a wide view angle, for example, subpixels may be divided or patterned, and refractivity of the liquid crystal may be uniformly adjusted.

The color filter layer1540imbues one or more of the red, green, and blue (RGB) colors to incident light of the display panel1500and transfers colors to the liquid crystal layer1530. In the display panel1500, a single pixel may consist of subpixels respectively corresponding to RGB colors, and thus the color filter layer1540performs filtering corresponding to colors with respect to the respective subpixels. The color filter layer1540may be achieved by a dye layer colored with a dye of corresponding color. As the light passes through the color filter layer1540, the subpixels emit light with different colors.

As shown inFIG. 38, the color filter layer1540may be interposed between the lower substrate1510and the pixel layer1550, and may be arranged at a side of the upper substrate1520in accordance with disclosed methods. In other words, there are no limits to the arrangement of the color filter layer1540.

The pixel layer1550includes a plurality of pixels by which the liquid crystal array of the liquid crystal layer1530is changed in response to a control and/or driving signal. Each pixel includes a plurality of subpixels corresponding to RGB colors. Each subpixel includes a thin film transistor (TFT)1551as a switching device, a pixel electrode1552electrically connected to the TFT1551, a sustaining electrode1553for accumulating electric charges, and a protection layer1554for covering the TFT1551and the sustaining electrode1553.

The TFT1551has a structure consisting of an insulating layer and a semiconductor layer that are layered on a gate electrode, and a resistance contact layer, a source electrode, and a drain electrode are layered thereon. The resistance contact layer is made of silicide or n+ hydrogenated amorphous silicon or the like material highly doped with n-type impurities. The source electrode is electrically connected to the pixel electrode1552.

The pixel electrode1552is made of a transparent conductive material such as indium tin oxide (ITO), indium zinc oxide (IZO), etc.

In addition, the display panel1500further includes a common electrode1560, a black matrix1570and an over-coating layer1580, which are interposed between the upper substrate1520and the liquid crystal layer1530.

The common electrode1560is layered on the liquid crystal layer1530. The common electrode1560is made of a transparent conductive material such as ITO, IZO, etc., and together with the pixel electrode1552applies voltage to the liquid crystal layer1530.

The black matrix1570serves to divide the pixels and also serves to divide the subpixels within a single pixel. Further, the black matrix1570intercepts external light from entering the display panel1500to some extent. To this end, the black matrix1570is made of a photosensitive organic material including carbon black, titanium oxide, or like black pigment.

The over-coating layer1580covers and protects the black matrix1570, and is provided for planarization of the bottom of the black matrix1570. The over-coating layer1580may include an acrylic epoxy material.

Besides the foregoing elements, the display panel1500may additionally include a polarization layer for changing polarization properties of light, a protection film for protecting the display panel1500from the exterior, an anti-reflection film1590for preventing glare on the surface of the display panel1500caused by the external light, etc. as necessary.

FIG. 39illustrates a shape of a black matrix1571according to the fifteenth exemplary embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 39, the black matrix1571divides one pixel from another pixel on the X-Y plane, and further divides that one pixel into the plurality of subpixels R, G, and B respectively corresponding to the RGB colors.FIG. 39shows only one black matrix1571corresponding to one single pixel, in which the one pixel may be variously divided into subpixels by the black matrix1571.

The black matrix1571is formed with regard to all the pixels. That is, the black matrix1571is formed throughout the entire surface of the display panel. Thus, a manufacturer may place a marking on each black matrix1571in order to indicate the position of the corresponding pixel on the display panel. There are no limits to the shape, size, or design of the marking as long as the marking can indicate the position coordinates of the black matrix1571. Because the marking is formed on the black matrix1571, it does not interfere with the light passing through the subpixels R, G and B so that an image can be displayed on the display panel.

Thus, when an infrared ray is projected from a certain touch unit of the input device, it is reflected off the black matrix1571corresponding to the projection position. At this time, the shape of the marking formed on the black matrix1571is reflected back toward the touch unit. The touch unit can determine the coordinates of the touch position based on the received shape of the marking. The shape of the marking can be, for example, an optical pattern of dots, bars, geometric shapes, symbols, letters, numbers, etc.

FIG. 40illustrates an input device1610according to a sixteenth exemplary embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 40, the input device1610according to the sixteenth exemplary embodiment includes a plurality of touch units1611,1612,1613,1614, and1615respectively mounted to a user's fingers. In this exemplary embodiment, five touch units1611,1612,1613,1614, and1615are provided corresponding to the user's thumb and fingers. However, the touch units1611,1612,1613,1614, and1615need not correspond to all five fingers, and there may be provided two, three, or four touch units. In other words, there are no limits to the number of touch units1611,1612,1613,1614, and1615.

The touch units1611,1612,1613,1614, and1615are each shaped like a ring to be put on the user's fingers. The touch units1611,1612,1613,1614, and1615include a first touch unit1611to be mounted to the user's thumb, a second touch unit1612to be mounted to the index finger, a third touch unit1613to be mounted to the middle finger, a fourth touch unit1614to be mounted to the ring finger, and a fifth touch unit1615to be mounted to the little finger.

In the foregoing exemplary embodiment, each touch unit of the input device internally includes a sensor or circuit structure related to the touch input. However, the touch units1611,1612,1613,1614, and1615in this embodiment are different in color so as to be visually distinguishable from one another. For example, the first touch unit1611may be red, the second touch unit1612may be yellow, the third touch unit1613may be green, the fourth touch unit1614may be blue, and the fifth touch unit1615may be black.

However, there are no limits to the selection of the foregoing colors as long as the touch units1611,1612,1613,1614, and1615are visually distinguishable from one another. For example, the touching units1611,1612,1613,1614, and1615may have different shades of gray, or may have different patterns, symbols, or markings printed on them.

Below, a principle of sensing the touch position by these touch units1611,1612,1613,1614and1615will be described.

FIG. 41illustrates a main device1620sensing a touch input of a second touch unit1612according to the sixteenth exemplary embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 41, the main device1620includes a display1621, and a plurality of cameras1622provided in the vicinity of the display1621and sensing the touch unit1612touching the display1621.

If a user touches a certain area of the display1621with her finger wearing the second touch unit1612, the plurality of cameras1622arranged at four corners of the display1621photograph the touch input of the second touch unit1612. Because the plurality of cameras1622are spaced from one another, the second touch unit1612is photographed at different positions.

In this exemplary embodiment, four cameras1622are arranged at places corresponding to the respective corners of the display1621, but not limited thereto. Further, there are no limits to the number and placement of the cameras1622. If a 2D camera is used, at least two cameras1622may be arranged being spaced from each other, and it is therefore possible to sense the position of the second touch unit1612on the display1621. The method of determining the position coordinates may be achieved by trigonometry and the like well-known technique. Further, if a 3D camera is used, only one camera1622may be enough.

FIG. 42is a block diagram of the main device1620according to the sixteenth exemplary embodiment.FIG. 42shows only elements related to touch sensing in the main device1620.

As shown inFIG. 42, the main device1620includes a display1621, at least one camera1622, a touch sensor1623for determining the touch input information about the position coordinates and the ID of the touch input based on the sensing result of the camera1622, and a signal processor1624for executing a corresponding operation based on the touch input information from the touch sensor1623. In this exemplary embodiment, the touch sensor1623and the signal processor1624are shown as separate elements, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the signal processor1624may include the touch sensor1623without the need for an external touch sensor1623in accordance with disclosed methods.

The touch sensor1623receives and analyzes an image from the cameras1622and determines the position coordinates of the touch input and the ID of the touching unit that makes the touch input. The touch sensor1623generates the touch input information in accordance with the determination results and transmits the touch input information to the signal processor1624.

The signal processor1624derives the ID of the touching unit from the touch input information and determines a function corresponding to the derived ID. The signal processor1624executes the determined function with respect to the position coordinates derived from the touch input information.

The determination of the ID of the touching unit by the touch sensor1623and the function corresponding to the ID of the touching unit by the signal processor1624may be achieved by searching the database previously set up. Below, such a database will be described.

FIG. 43illustrates a database1630according to the sixteenth exemplary embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 43, the database1630records the color of each touch unit, an ID corresponding to each color, and a function corresponding to each ID. For example, if the camera senses that the color of the touch unit is red, the touch sensor searches the database1630and assigns an ID of ‘10’ corresponding to red to the touch input. Likewise, if the camera senses that the color of the touch unit is black, the touch sensor assigns an ID of ‘14’ corresponding to black to the touch input.

The signal processor searches the database1630and determines that a function corresponding to the touch input having the ID of ‘10’ is erasing, thereby erasing an image corresponding to the position coordinates of the touch input. Likewise, the signal processor determines a function corresponding to the touch input having the ID of ‘14’ is a black line, thereby drawing a black line on the position coordinates of the touch input.

Thus, it is possible to make the touch units have their own functions in such a manner that the touch units are provided corresponding to colors and the camera senses the position and color of the touch unit.

Below, a method of sensing the display apparatus in this exemplary embodiment will be described.

FIG. 44is a flowchart for controlling a display apparatus according to the sixteenth exemplary embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 44, at operation S410, the display apparatus photographs, via the camera, the touch unit generating the touch input.

At operation S420, the display apparatus analyzes an image photographed by the touch unit.

At operation S430, the display apparatus determines the position coordinates of the touch input in accordance with the analysis results.

At operation S440, the display apparatus determines the ID corresponding to the color of the touch unit in accordance with the analysis results.

At operation S450, the display apparatus determines a function corresponding to the ID.

At operation S460, the display apparatus executes the determined function at the position coordinates.

The method of assigning the characteristic functions to the touch units, and executing the previously assigned function by determining the touch unit making the touch input may be implemented in various applications. In particular, if a video game application supporting the touch input is executed on a device that supports multi-touch, it is possible to variously extend the functions through multi-touch.

FIG. 45illustrates a video game application being executed in a display apparatus1700according to the seventeenth exemplary embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 45, the display apparatus1700according to the seventeenth exemplary embodiment includes a main device1720for displaying an image of a game application, and an input device1710for allowing a user to control the image. The elements and operations of the main device1720and the input device1710may be substantially similar to those of the foregoing exemplary embodiment, and thus detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

The main device1720executes the game application on the operating system, so that a game image can be displayed on a device1721. If the game image contains a human character, the game application controls the human character to move within the image in response to the touch input. To this end, the game application has a database where operations are respectively matched to the IDs of the touch input.

If a user touches the device1721with a certain touch unit of the input device1710, the game application performs an operation assigned, in the database, to the touch unit making the touch input.

FIG. 46illustrates a database1730according to the seventeenth exemplary embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 46, the database1730records IDs respectively assigned to a plurality of touch units of the input device, and operations respectively assigned to the IDs. For example, if the touch input is caused by the first touch unit, an ID of ‘10’ is assigned to this touch input. Further, if the touch input is caused by the second touch unit, an ID of ‘11’ is assigned to this touch input.

The game application searches the database1730for the ID of ‘10’ with respect to the touch input, and thus determines that the corresponding operation is a punch, thereby making a human character throw a punch within the game image. Likewise, if the game application determines that the touch input having the ID of ‘11’ corresponds to an operation of move, the human character moves within the game image in response to the touch input.

Thus, there is provided an application that is convenient for a user to make an input through the database1730where individual operations are assigned to the respective touch units.

This embodiment discloses the operations based only on the single touch, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. Alternatively, the operations may be extended further into cases involving multi-touch.

FIG. 47illustrates a database1740where combination operations are assigned to multi-touch inputs according to the seventeenth exemplary embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 47, the database1740records an operation assigned to combinations of IDs of respective touch inputs in consideration of multi-touch. Such an operation may be executed in such a manner that the individual operations corresponding to respective the IDs are performed simultaneously or a new operation corresponding to the combination of inputs is performed instead of performing the individual operations.

For example, if two concurrent touch inputs occur and their IDs are respectively ‘10’ and ‘11,’ the game application searches the database1740and thus controls a human character to move and throw a punch within the game image. Likewise, if two touch inputs occur and their IDs are respectively ‘11’ and ‘12,’ the game application controls a human character to move and give a kick within the game image. Further, if two touch inputs occur and their IDs are respectively ‘12’ and ‘13,’ the game application controls a human character to jump and give a kick within the game image. The foregoing operations refer to combinations of operations assigned to the IDs.

Alternatively, if two concurrent touch inputs occur and their IDs are respectively ‘10’ and ‘12,’ the game application may control a human character to perform a special move instead of giving a punch or a kick or simultaneously giving both the punch and the kick within the game image. That is, this operation refers to a new operation different from those operations associated with IDs ‘10’ and ‘12.’

Moreover, a plurality of users may generate touch inputs with their own input devices concurrently with respect to one image.

FIG. 48illustrates an application being executed in a display apparatus1800according to an eighteenth exemplary embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 48, the display apparatus1800according to the eighteenth exemplary embodiment includes a main device1830for displaying an image of an application, and a plurality of input devices1810and1820allowing more than one user to control the image simultaneously. The main device1830and the input devices1810and1820have structures and operations similar to those of the foregoing exemplary embodiments, and thus duplicative descriptions thereof will be omitted.

In the main device1830, an application supporting touch input displays an image for interaction with the input device on a display1831. This image contains a plurality of objects1841and1842provided for controlling operations in response to the touch inputs. With this, suppose that a first user controls a first object1841with a first input device1810, and a second user controls a second object1842with a second input device1820.

The touch sensor of the main device1830assigns previously designated IDs to the touch input of the first input device1810and the touch input of the second input device1820, respectively. For example, the touch sensor may assign an ID of ‘10’ to the touch input caused by a certain touch unit of the first input device1810, and assign an ID of ‘22’ to the touch input caused by a certain touch unit of the second input device1820.

The application determines that the touch input is caused by the first input device1810if the ID is ‘10,’ and determines that the touch input is caused by the second input device1820if the ID is ‘20.’ If it is determined that the touch input caused by the first input device1810is performed on the first object1841, the application performs an operation corresponding to the first object1841at the position coordinates where the touch input occurs with respect to the first object1841. However, if it is determined that the touch input caused by the first input device1810is performed on the second object1842, the application does not perform an operation corresponding to the second object1842because the second object1842is provided for interaction with the second input device1820.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the touch input caused by the second input device1820is performed on the second object1842, the application performs an operation corresponding to the second object1842. However, if it is determined that the touch input caused by the second input device1820is performed on the first object1841, the application does not perform an operation corresponding to the first object1841because the first object1841is provided for interaction with the first input device1810.

Therefore, the first object1841is prevented from performing a corresponding operation in response to the touch input caused by a second user, even if the second user generates the touch input to the first object1841.

FIG. 49is a flowchart for controlling the display apparatus according to the eighteenth exemplary embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 49, at operation S510, the display apparatus displays an image. The image contains one or more objects prepared to operate in response to only a specially designated input device or touch unit.

At operation S520, the display apparatus senses the touch input to the object.

At operation S530, the display apparatus derives the ID of the touch input.

At operation S540, the display apparatus determines whether the derived ID is designated for the object. That is, the display apparatus determines whether the derived ID is associated with the object.

If it is determined that the derived ID is designated corresponding to the object, at operation S550, the display apparatus executes the corresponding operation with respect to the object. On the other hand, if it is determined that the derived ID is not designated corresponding to the object, at operation S560, the display apparatus does not execute the corresponding operation with respect to the object.

Thus, the display apparatus in this exemplary embodiment makes an object to interact only with a touch input of a previously designated ID when the object is provided for interaction with a certain touch input.

In this manner, if the input devices or the touch units are distinguishable among one another, the display apparatus stores only a history of touch inputs caused by a certain input device or touch unit, and recalls the stored history in the future.

FIG. 50is a flowchart for controlling a display apparatus according to a nineteenth exemplary embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 50, at operation S610, the display apparatus senses a touch input.

At operation S620, the display apparatus determines whether the touch input is caused by the previously designated input device or touch unit.

If it is determined that the touch input is caused by the previously designated input device or touch unit, at operation S630, the display apparatus stores a history of touch inputs. The history may include, for example, a written word or a picture drawn by the touch input. On the other hand, if it is determined that the touch input is not caused by the previously designated input device or touch unit, at operation S640, the display apparatus does not store a history of touch input.

At operation S650, the display apparatus determines whether an event of recalling the history occurred. If this event occurred, the display apparatus displays the previously stored history. For example, the display apparatus may store words written with the input device or the touch unit and display the stored words in the future.

In the foregoing exemplary embodiments, the touch sensor for sensing the touch input of the input device is installed in the main device, but the display apparatus is not limited to this structure.

FIG. 51illustrates a display apparatus2000according to a twentieth exemplary embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 51, the display apparatus2000according to the twentieth exemplary embodiment includes an input device2010for making a touch input, a touch sensing device2020for sensing the touch input of the input device2010, and a main device2030for displaying an image in accordance with touch sense results of the touch sensing device2020.

In the foregoing exemplary embodiments, the touch sensor for sensing the touch input of the input device2010and deriving the position coordinates and ID of the touch input is installed in the main device, and a user touches the display of the main device.

However, in this exemplary embodiment, the touch sensing device2020separate from the main device2030serves as the touch sensor. Therefore, a user touches a touch surface provided in the touch sensing2020instead of the display of the main device2030. The touch sensing device2020communicates with the main device2030by a wire or wirelessly, and thus sends touch input information to the main device2030.

As described above, the disclosed embodiments may be achieved by various structures and methods.

In the foregoing exemplary embodiments, the display apparatus determines the ID of the touch unit generating the touch input among the plurality of touch units, and searches the previously stored database for the operation set corresponding to the determined ID. This database is previously set and stored in the display apparatus. When an application supporting the touch input is executed in the display apparatus, the application searches the database for the operation corresponding to the ID of the touch unit, and caries out the operation.

FIG. 52illustrates a default database2110stored in the display apparatus according to a twenty-first exemplary embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 52, one touch unit among the plurality of touch units makes a touch input, and the ID of this touch unit is sent to an application. Thus, the application searches the database2110for the received ID of the touch unit, and determines an operation corresponding to the touch unit.

For example, when a first touch unit among the plurality of touch units makes a touch input, an ID of ‘10’ is transmitted from the first touch unit to the application. Based on the database2110, the application determines that the operation corresponding to the ID of ‘10’ is a thin solid line, and performs an operation of drawing the thin solid line along the position of the touch input. In addition, if a second touch unit among the plurality of touch units makes a touch input, an ID of ‘20’ is transmitted from the second touch unit to the application. Based on the database2110, the application determines that the operation corresponding to the ID of ‘20’ is an eraser, and performs an erasing operation along the position of the touch input.

Such operations designated in the database2110are previously set and stored in the display apparatus, and from the database2110when the application is executed. In addition, the display apparatus allows a user to adjust the operations designated in the database2110.

FIG. 53illustrates a user interface (UI)2120, in which operations designated in the database2110is changeable, displayed on the display apparatus2100according to the twenty-first exemplary embodiment.

As shown inFIG. 53, the display apparatus2100displays the UI2120, in which the content of the database2110is changeable, in response to a preset input of a user. The UI2120shows records of the database2110, and allows a user to select and reassign the function or operations matched to the IDs of the touch units. Options for the operations selectable by a user are selected among available options supported by the application.

For example, if the default operation corresponding to the second touch unit is the eraser, a user may replace the eraser with another operation supported in the application through the UI2120. The operation to replace the eraser may include a thin solid line, a dotted line, and like operations already assigned to other touch units except for the eraser, or may include a special function, an option window, saving, and like operations not assigned to any touch unit.

If a user selects the operation already designated for another touch unit, the selected operation is reassigned to the second touch unit and released from the originally assigned touch unit. For example, if a user designates a thin solid line as the operation corresponding to the second touch unit even though the fine solid line has already been assigned to the first touch unit, the display apparatus2100changes the operation corresponding to the second touch unit into the thin solid line and changes the first touch unit not to correspond to any operation. Thus, the first touch unit is in a state to be assigned to a new operation by a user.

On the other hand, the operations already assigned to the other touch units may be not selectable. For example, among the options selectable for the second touch unit, a thin solid line, a dotted line, a highlight, a bold solid line, and like operations, which already have been assigned to the other touch units, may not be available to a user for selection.

The database2110modified through the UI2120may be permanently stored in the display apparatus2100and accessed whenever the application is executed. Alternatively, the database2110modified through the UI2120may be stored only when the application is being executed, and deleted when the application is terminated.

In the former case, the display apparatus2100stores changes made through the UI2120, and calls the database2110reflecting the changes, when the application is executed in the future. The changes may be stored according to users' accounts. For example, changes in the database2110by a first user are applied only when the first user uses the application in the future, and not applied when another user uses the application.

In the latter case, the display apparatus2100temporarily stores the changes made through the UI2120, and applies the changes only while the application is being executed. When the application is terminated, the changes are discarded and not stored. If the application is executed in the future, the database2110in which the changes are not reflected is called.

Accordingly, the operations to be respectively assigned to the touch units are easily adjustable in accordance with users' intention.

As described above, the display apparatus according to the foregoing exemplary embodiments includes the display for displaying an image; the sensor for sensing a touch input on a touch surface, caused by at least one among a plurality of touch units, which correspond to a plurality of preset operations to be performed in the display apparatus and are mounted to a plurality of fingers of a user; and at least one processor for determining the touch unit mounted to the finger making the touch input sensed by the sensor among the plurality of touch units. This processor executes the operation corresponding to the determined touch unit among the plurality of operations with respect to the touch input.

Further, the present inventive concept is not always achieved in such a manner that the touch unit touches or contacts the touch surface. Alternatively, the touch unit may make a contactless input. The display apparatus in this exemplary embodiment may include a display for displaying an image; a sensor for sensing an input operation on a preset input surface, caused by at least one among a plurality of input units mounted to a plurality of fingers of a user and corresponding to a plurality of preset functions to be performed in the display apparatus; and at least one processor for determining the input unit mounted to the fingers making the input operation sensed by the sensor among the plurality of input units. This processor executes a function corresponding to the determined input unit among the plurality of designated functions with respect to the input operation.

The methods according to the foregoing exemplary embodiments may be achieved in the form of a program command that can be implemented in various computers, and recorded in a computer-readable medium. Such a computer-readable medium may store a program command, a data file, a data structure or the like, or combination thereof. For example, the computer-readable medium may be a volatile or nonvolatile storage such as a read-only memory (ROM) or the like, regardless of whether it is erasable or rewritable, for example, a random access memory (RAM), a memory chip, a device or integrated circuit (IC) or like memory, or an optically or magnetically recordable machine (e.g., a computer)-readable storage medium, for example, a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a magnetic disk, a magnetic tape or the like. It will be appreciated that a memory, which can be included in a mobile terminal, is an example of the machine-readable storage medium suitable for storing a program having instructions for realizing the exemplary embodiments. The program command recorded in this storage medium may be specially designed and constructed according to the exemplary embodiments, or may be publicly known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software.