Patent Description:
Display devices for displaying images have become a popular element in a wide variety of modern electronic devices. For example, display devices have been incorporated into smart phones, digital cameras, laptop computers, vehicle navigation devices, and smart televisions. The display device may be a flat panel display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) device, a field emission display device, a micro light emitting diode (LED) display device, and an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display device. Among the flat panel display devices, light emitting display devices may include light emitting elements in which each pixel of the display panel may self-emit light, thereby displaying an image, even without the use of a backlight unit to provide light.

Many modern display devices incorporate a touch sensor element so as to be able to sense the location of a touch event, such as a touch by a user's finger or a stylus/pen device. Such a touch-screen display device may be able to sense the position of a stylus/pen with greater precision than would be possible when the touch is provided by a finger of the user.

<CIT> relates to a pen digitizer including a light source that generates light. The pen digitizer also includes light guides, such as fiber optics, configured coaxial within the pen digitizer to transfer the light from the light source and focus the light around an imaging tip of the pen digitizer. A photo array optically-images reflected light from encoded bits in an encoded micro pattern, and a lens focuses the reflected light onto the photo array.

<CIT> discloses an electronic pen including a first circuit board that has an imaging device mounted on one board surface thereof to image reflected light from a medium onto which light is irradiated by an irradiation unit irradiating light onto the medium outside the electronic pen. <CIT> concerns a conductive element in a touch screen, the conductive element itself including a location pattern that may be recognized by a suitably configured sensor, such as a camera or other sensing device.

<CIT> discloses an optical pen that includes a pen tip with a through-hole that allows light reflected from a writing surface beneath the pen tip to pass through and reach an optical sensor arranged in the pen tip. Furthermore, the pen tip is made of light guiding material and designed with a light guide. One end of the light guide is adjacent to a light source included in the pen tip, while the other end is adjacent to the end of pen tip. Through the arrangement of the light guide, light produced by the light source is guided to, and exits at, the end of the pen tip. A pressure sensor is arranged in the pen so as to be compressed by the pen tip when the pen tip is urged into the stylus housing in response to a pressing force that presses the pen tip against the writing surface. Both the light source and the optical sensor are disposed inside the pen tip. Thus, when the pen tip undergoes extension/retraction displacement, the light source, the optical sensor, and the light guide move along with the pen tip. With this design, the length of a light path of the optical pen will not be influenced by the extension or retraction of the pen tip.

The present invention provides a smart pen according to appended claim <NUM> and a display device according to appended claim <NUM>.

A smart pen includes a body portion. A pen tip portion is disposed on one end of the body portion and forms a path for light emitted from a light emitting portion. A code detector detects shape data for code patterns by applying light to the pen tip portion and receiving light reflected from a display panel and the pen tip portion. A code processor generates coordinate data by using the shape data and transmits the coordinate data to a main processor for driving the display panel.

The pen tip portion includes a light emitting portion to emit light. The pen tip portion further includes a light guide member forming a path for the light emitted from the light emitting portion to emit the light from the pen tip portion. At least one light transmitting port forms a light receiving path for light reflected from a reflective surface of the pen tip portion and the display panel.

The light emitting portion may be disposed on a rear surface of the light guide member to supply light to the light guide member, in particular to a light incident surface of the rear surface of the light guide member, thereby preferably allowing the light supplied to the light incident surface to be emitted to a light output surface of a front surface the light guide member through a light path of the light guide member.

The light guide member includes a light path forming portion corresponding to a length of the pen tip portion to form a path for infrared light emitted from the light emitting portion in the end direction of the pen tip portion. A light incident surface faces the light emitting portion in a rear direction of the light path forming portion to allow the light from the light emitting portion to be incident thereupon. The light output surface diffuses the light, which passes through the light path forming portion, in the end direction of the pen tip portion and may output the light.

The light guide member includes a fixing hole formed on one side of the light output surface.

A length of the light path forming portion may correspond to the length of the pen tip portion. The light path forming portion may correspond to the length direction of the pen tip portion, thereby forming the path of the light emitted from the light emitting portion in the end direction of one side of the pen tip portion.

The smart pen may further include a plurality of optical protrusions formed on the light output surface of the light path forming portion to diffuse and emit the light output through the light output surface.

The plurality of optical protrusions may be formed in a hemispherical shape, as a polypyramid, such as a triangular or square pyramid, as a polyhedron, such as trihedron or tetrahedron, or having an irregular protrusion shape.

The light output surface of the light guide member may have a rectangular shape surface, and the light output through the light output surface may be diffused and output in a rectangular surface light source shape in accordance with a rectangular shape of the light output surface.

The pen tip portion may allow the light reflected from the display panel to be re-reflected on a reflective surface of an inner surface, thereby forming a light receiving path such that the reflective light is received by the light receiving portion of the code detector.

The smart pen further includes a piezoelectric sensor attached to at least one surface of the light guide member, so as to be compressed or relaxed in response to a change in position movement in a front or rear direction of the light guide member.

The rear surface of the light guide member may be supported by an elastic support embedded in the body portion and then compressed in a front direction by the elastic support. The piezoelectric sensor may generate a pressurization sensing signal according to a pressurizing force or relaxation level applied by the position movement of the light guide member and may transmit the pressurization sensing signal to the code processor.

The light guide member may include a plurality of light path forming portions disposed in parallel in the length direction of the pen tip portion to form a path for light generated from a plurality of different light emitting portions. A plurality of light incident surfaces may be disposed on a rear surface of each of the plurality of light path forming portions to form a light incident path such that light generated from the plurality of light emitting portions is incident upon each of the plurality of light path forming portions. A light output surface may be disposed in a front direction of the light path forming portions to condense the light passing through the plurality of light path forming portions and diffuse and output the condensed light in the front direction of the light path forming portions.

The plurality of light emitting portions may be disposed on a lower surface of a fixed substrate embedded in the body portion or the pen tip portion in a direction in which the light guide member is positioned, to apply infrared light to each of the plurality of light incident surfaces, thereby allowing the infrared light incident upon the plurality of light incident surfaces to be output through the light output surface on a front surface through the light path forming portions.

A display device includes a display panel displaying code patterns or including the code patterns inscribed thereon. A main processor controls image display driving of the display panel. A smart pen receives light reflected from the display panel to detect shape data for the code patterns, generate coordinate data according to the shape data, and transmits the coordinate data to the main processor.

The smart pen includes a body portion, a pen tip portion formed on one end of the body portion to form a path for light emitted from a light emitting portion, a code detector detecting the shape data by applying light to the pen tip portion and receiving light reflected from a display panel and the pen tip portion, and a code processor generating coordinate data and transmitting the coordinate data to the main processor.

The pen tip portion includes a light emitting portion to emit light. The pen tip portion further includes a light guide member forming a path of the light emitted from the light emitting portion to emit the light from of the pen tip portion. At least one light transmitting port forms a light receiving path of light reflected from a reflective surface of the pen tip portion and the display panel.

The display panel may include a plurality of touch electrodes sensing a touch, and at least a portion of the plurality of touch electrodes may include a code pattern portion in which the code patterns are disposed.

The code processor may extract or generates data codes corresponding to a structure and shape of the code patterns through a memory, combine the data codes, and extract or generate coordinate data corresponding to the combined data codes.

The memory may store the data codes and the coordinate data according to combination of the data codes and may share the data codes respectively corresponding to the shape data and the code patterns, and the coordinate data according to combination of the data codes with the code processor.

All embodiments described in this specification may be advantageously combined with one another to the extent that their respective features are compatible. In particular, the expressions "according to an embodiment," "in an embodiment," "an embodiment of the invention provides" etc. mean that the respective features may or may not be part of specific embodiments of the present invention.

The above and other aspects and features of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detail embodiments thereof with reference to the attached drawings, in which:.

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which various embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not necessary be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this invention will be thorough and complete, and will filly convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

It will also be understood that when a layer is referred to as being "on" another layer or substrate, it can be directly on the other layer or substrate, or intervening layers may also be present. The same reference numbers may indicate the same components throughout the specification and drawings.

It will be understood that, although the terms "first," "second," etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not necessarily be limited by these terms. These terms might only be used to distinguish one element from another element. For instance, a first element discussed below could be termed a second element without departing from the teachings of the present invention. Similarly, the second element could also be termed the first element. Each of the features of the various embodiments of the present invention may be combined or combined with each other, in part or in whole, and technically various interlocking and driving are possible. Each embodiment may be implemented independently of each other or may be implemented together in an association.

Hereinafter, detailed embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<FIG> is a layout view illustrating a smart pen and a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a detailed schematic block view illustrating the smart pen and the display device, which are shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a display device <NUM> includes a display panel <NUM>, a display driver <NUM> (e.g., a display driving unit), a touch driver <NUM> (e.g., a touch driver unit), a main processor <NUM>, and a communication unit <NUM>. A smart pen <NUM> includes a code detector <NUM>, a piezoelectric sensor <NUM>, a code processor <NUM>, a communication module <NUM>, and a memory <NUM>. A body portion and a pen tip portion of the smart pen <NUM>, which constitute an overall encasement of the smart pen <NUM>, may be formed in a shape of a writing instrument such as a fountain pen.

The smart pen <NUM> may be a stylus or an electronic pen for sensing light of the display panel <NUM> or light reflected from the display panel <NUM> using an optical method, and may detect a code pattern included in the display panel <NUM> based on the sensed light and generate coordinate data therefrom. The smart pen <NUM> may be an electronic pen in a shape of a writing instrument, but is not necessarily limited to a writing instrument type or structure.

The display device <NUM> may use the smart pen <NUM> as a touch input tool. The display panel <NUM> of the display device <NUM> may include a display unit DU for displaying an image, and a touch sensing unit TSU for sensing a touch, such as by a finger of a user, and the smart pen <NUM>. The display unit DU may include a plurality of pixels and may display an image through the plurality of pixels. The display unit DU may display an image, in which code patterns are included, through the plurality of pixels. Alternatively, the code patterns may be inscribed upon the display unit DU.

The touch sensing unit TSU may include a plurality of touch electrodes to sense a touch of a user in a capacitance manner. In this case, at least a portion of the plurality of touch electrodes may include a code pattern portion to sense a touch of the smart pen <NUM>.

The code pattern portion of the display panel <NUM> may include code patterns formed in accordance with a reference to form a specific code for communicating position information. The code patterns may correspond to a value of a preset data code. A detailed structure of touch sensing unit TSU including display panel <NUM>, and a detailed structure of the code pattern portion and the code patterns will be described later in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The code patterns may be formed by a printing, cutting, or otherwise altering a structure of the display panel <NUM> in a particular manner, although each of these approaches for inscribing the code patterns may be referred to herein as "inscribed.

The display driver <NUM> may output signals and voltages for driving the display unit DU. The display driver <NUM> may supply data voltages to data lines. The display driver <NUM> may supply a power voltage to a power line and may supply gate control signals to the gate driver.

The touch driver <NUM> may be connected to the touch sensing unit TSU. The touch driver <NUM> may supply a touch driving signal to the plurality of touch electrodes of the touch sensing unit TSU and may sense a change in capacitance between the plurality of touch electrodes. The touch driver <NUM> may calculate a touch input and touch coordinates of a user based on the amount of change in capacitance between the plurality of touch electrodes.

The main processor <NUM> may control the functions of the display device <NUM>. For example, the main processor <NUM> may supply digital video data to the display driver <NUM> so that the display panel <NUM> displays an image. For example, the main processor <NUM> may receive touch data from the touch driver <NUM> to determine the touch coordinates of the user, generate the digital video data according to the touch coordinates or execute an application indicated by an icon displayed on the touch coordinates of the user. For an example, the main processor <NUM> may receive coordinate data from the smart pen <NUM> to determine the touch coordinates of the smart pen <NUM>, generate digital video data according to the touch coordinates or execute an application indicated by an icon displayed on the touch coordinates of the smart pen <NUM>.

The communication unit <NUM> may perform wired/wireless communication with an external device. For example, the communication unit <NUM> may transmit and receive communication signals to and from the communication module <NUM> of the smart pen <NUM>. The communication unit <NUM> may receive coordinate data comprised of data codes from the smart pen <NUM> and may provide the coordinate data to the main processor <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the code detector <NUM> of the smart pen <NUM> is adjacent to the pen tip portion of the smart pen <NUM> and senses the code pattern portion included in the display panel <NUM> of the display device <NUM>. For example, the code detector <NUM> includes a light emitting portion <NUM>(a) emitting infrared light using at least one infrared light source, and a light receiving portion <NUM>(b) detecting the infrared light reflected from the code patterns of the code pattern portion through an infrared camera.

At least one infrared light source module included in the light emitting portion <NUM>(a) may be comprised of an infrared LED array. The infrared camera of the light receiving portion <NUM>(b) may include a filter for blocking a wavelength band other than infrared rays and allowing the infrared rays to pass therethrough, a lens system for focusing the infrared rays that have passed through the filter, and an optical image sensor for converting an optical image formed by the lens system into an electrical image signal and outputting the image signal. The optical image sensor may be comprised of an array in the same manner as the infrared LED array to provide shape data of the code patterns to the code processor <NUM> in accordance with to an infrared shape reflected from the code patterns of the code pattern portion. In this way, the code detector <NUM> of the smart pen <NUM> may continuously detect the code pattern portion included in at least some areas of the touch sensing unit TSU in accordance with the control and movement of the user and may continuously generate the shape data of the code patterns to provide the generated shape data to the code processor <NUM>.

The piezoelectric sensor <NUM> is embedded in the smart pen <NUM> and may detect whether the pen tip portion of the smart pen <NUM> is in contact with the display panel <NUM> as such contact generates pressure that the piezoelectric sensor <NUM> can sense. The piezoelectric sensor <NUM> may sense a pressure applied to the pen tip portion of the smart pen <NUM> and may transmit a pressurization sensing signal according to a magnitude of the pressure applied to the pen tip portion, to the code processor <NUM>.

The code processor <NUM> may determine the time when the pressurization sensing signal is input through the piezoelectric sensor <NUM> as the time when the smart pen <NUM> is used. When the pressurization sensing signal is input from the piezoelectric sensor <NUM>, the code processor <NUM> may continuously receive the shape data of the code pattern portion from the code detector <NUM>. For example, the code processor <NUM> may continuously receive the shape data for code patterns included in the code pattern portion and may identify a structure and shape of the code patterns. The code processor <NUM> may extract or generate data codes corresponding to the structure and shape of the coat patterns and may combine the data codes to extract or generate coordinate data corresponding to the combined data codes. The code processor <NUM> may transmit the generated coordinate data to the display device <NUM> through the communication module <NUM>. In particular, the code processor <NUM> may quickly generate coordinate data without complex calculation and correction by receiving the shape data of the code pattern portion and generating and converting the data codes respectively corresponding to the code patterns.

The communication module <NUM> may perform wired/wireless communication with an external device. For example, the communication module <NUM> may transmit and receive a communication signal to and from the communication unit <NUM> of the display device <NUM>. The communication module <NUM> may receive the coordinate data comprised of data codes from the code processor <NUM> and provide the coordinate data to the communication unit <NUM> of the display device <NUM>.

The memory <NUM> may store data required for driving the smart pen <NUM>. The shape data of the code patterns and the data codes respectively corresponding to the shape data and the code patterns are stored in the memory <NUM>. In addition, the data codes and the coordinate data, according to the combination of the data codes, are stored in the memory <NUM>. The memory <NUM> shares the data codes respectively corresponding to the shape data and the code patterns, and the coordinate data according to the combination of the data codes with the code processor <NUM>. Therefore, the code processor <NUM> may combine the data codes stored in the memory <NUM> through the coordinate data and may extract or generate the coordinate data corresponding to the combined data codes.

<FIG> is a detailed side view illustrating the smart pen shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the smart pen <NUM> includes a body portion <NUM> that is an exterior encasement of the smart pen <NUM> and thereby constitutes an overall appearance thereof, and a pen tip portion <NUM> disposed at one end of the body portion <NUM> or integrally formed with the body portion <NUM>, whereby the smart pen <NUM> may be formed in a shape of a writing instrument similarly to an electronic pen.

The body portion <NUM> may have a long bar shape so as to act as a handle for the smart pen <NUM>, whereby an overall appearance of the body portion <NUM> may be formed in a shape of a writing instrument.

The pen tip portion <NUM> is formed at one end of the body portion <NUM> in a length direction of the body portion <NUM>, and a pen tip <NUM> supporting the pen tip portion <NUM> and the body portion <NUM> may be formed or assembled at one end of the pen tip portion <NUM> during contact with the display panel <NUM>.

The pen tip portion <NUM> may emit light from the light emitting portion <NUM>(a) toward the display panel <NUM> and may form a light receiving path (or path of reflective light) reflected from the display panel <NUM>. For example, the pen tip portion <NUM> may allow the light displayed on the display panel <NUM> and the light reflected from the display panel <NUM> to be re-reflected by a reflective surface <NUM> of an inner surface of the pen tip portion <NUM> without being lost by a light reflective surface or a light reflective angle, thereby being received by the code detector <NUM>. Therefore, the pen tip portion <NUM> may increase light receiving efficiency of the code detector <NUM>.

To increase light reflective efficiency of the pen tip portion <NUM>, a shape of the reflective surface <NUM> of the inner surface of the pen tip portion <NUM> may be formed in an inverted triangular shape or any polygonal shape that is different from the inverted triangular shape. Also, the shape of the reflective surface <NUM> of the inner surface of the pen tip portion <NUM> may be formed in a circular or oval shape. <FIG> shows an example in which the shape of the reflective surface <NUM> of the inner surface of the pen tip portion <NUM> is formed in an inverted triangular shape. For example, the pen tip portion <NUM> may be formed at one end of the body portion <NUM> in a pen tip shape of a fountain pen.

<FIG> is a detailed rear perspective view illustrating a structure of a pen tip portion of a smart pen according to an embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a detailed cross-sectional view illustrating a structure of a pen tip portion of a smart pen according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the pen tip portion <NUM> formed in a pen tip shape includes a light guide member <NUM> forming a path of infrared light emitted from the light emitting portion <NUM>(a) to output the infrared light to a light output surface <NUM>(b) in an end direction at one side of the pen tip portion <NUM>, and at least one light transmitting port <NUM>(a) forming a light receiving path of reflective light reflected from the reflective surface <NUM> of the pen tip portion <NUM> and the display panel <NUM>. The at least one light transmitting port <NUM>(a) is formed at the center inside the pen tip portion <NUM> in a shape of a through hole.

The light emitting portion <NUM>(a) is packaged on an upper surface of a fixed substrate PCL embedded in the body portion <NUM> or the pen tip portion <NUM> and is disposed on a rear surface of the light guide member <NUM> in a direction of the light guide member <NUM>. Therefore, the light emitting portion <NUM>(a) may emit infrared light to a light incident surface <NUM>(c) on the rear surface of the light guide member <NUM>. The infrared light incident upon the light incident surface <NUM>(c) on the rear surface is output through the light output surface <NUM>(b) in a front direction of the light guide member <NUM> through the light guide member <NUM>. A fixing hole <NUM>, into which the pen tip <NUM> is assembled and fixed, is further formed on one side in the front direction of the light guide member <NUM>.

The light receiving portion <NUM>(b) of the code detector <NUM> may be embedded in the body portion <NUM>, and the light receiving portion <NUM>(b) may be reflected from the reflective surface <NUM> of the pen tip portion <NUM> and the display panel <NUM> to receive the infrared light incident through the light transmitting port <NUM>(a). Therefore, the light receiving portion <NUM>(b) may detect the shape data for the code patterns through the received infrared light.

<FIG> is a perspective view illustrating a light reflective shape of the pen tip portion shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the infrared light (light of arrow A) emitted from the light emitting portion <NUM>(a) of the code detector <NUM> is output (light of arrow B) though the light output surface <NUM>(b) in an end direction of the light guide member <NUM> through the light guide member <NUM>, and may be reflected from the display panel <NUM>, etc. When the light is emitted to the display panel <NUM> through the light guide member <NUM> or the light displayed on the display panel <NUM> is received in a state that the smart pen <NUM> is inclined at a predetermined angle, the light may be diffusely reflected or lost on the surface of the display panel <NUM> due to a direction difference between an incident angle and a reflective angle with the display panel <NUM>. However, the reflective surface <NUM> of the pen tip portion <NUM> covers one side of the display panel <NUM>, so that the reflective light (light of arrow C) reflected from the display panel <NUM> and the reflective surface <NUM> of the pen tip portion <NUM> may be received by the light receiving portion <NUM>(b) of the code detector <NUM> through the light transmitting port <NUM>(a) of the pen tip portion <NUM> without being lost.

To enhance reflective efficiency of the pen tip portion <NUM> and the reflective surface <NUM>, the reflective surface <NUM> of the pen tip portion <NUM> may be formed of an infrared reflector such as barium sulfate or magnesium oxide or may be formed in a shape in which the infrared reflector is coated.

<FIG> is a detailed perspective view illustrating a structure of a light guide member and a light output surface, which are shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. <FIG> is a detailed side perspective view illustrating an arrangement structure of a light guide member and a light emitting portion, which are shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the light guide member <NUM> includes a light path forming portion <NUM>(a) constituting a body, a light incident surface <NUM>(c) upon which light from the light emitting portion <NUM>(a) is incident, a light output surface <NUM>(b) diffusing and outputting light passing through the light path forming portion <NUM>(a), and a fixing hole <NUM> into which the pen tip <NUM> is assembled.

A length of the light path forming portion <NUM>(a) may correspond to that of the pen tip portion <NUM>. The light path forming portion <NUM>(a) corresponds to the length direction of the pen tip portion <NUM>, whereby a path of the infrared light emitted from the light emitting portion <NUM>(a) is formed in an end direction of a front surface of the pen tip portion <NUM>.

In a rear direction of the light path forming portion <NUM>(a), the light incident surface <NUM>(c) facing the light emitting portion <NUM>(a) is formed, so that the infrared light emitted from the light emitting portion <NUM>(a) of the rear surface of the light path forming portion <NUM>(a) is incident upon the light incident surface <NUM>(c) of the light path forming portion <NUM>(a).

A plurality of optical protrusions <NUM>(d) are formed on the light output surface <NUM>(b) on the front surface of the light path forming portion <NUM>(a) so that the light output through the optical protrusions <NUM>(d) of the light output surface <NUM>(b) is diffused. Therefore, the light that is incident upon the light incident surface <NUM>(c) and passes through the light path forming portion <NUM>(a) is output in the form of being diffused from the light output surface <NUM>(b) on the front surface of the pen tip portion <NUM>. The plurality of optical protrusions <NUM>(d) may be formed in various shapes such as a hemispherical shape, a polypyramid such as a triangular or square pyramid, a polyhedron such as trihedron or tetrahedron, irregular-shaped protrusions and the like. Hereinafter, a plurality of optical protrusions <NUM>(d) formed in a hemispherical shape will be described by way of example, but the present disclosure is not necessarily limited thereto and may be applied in various shapes.

The fixing hole <NUM> into which the pen tip <NUM> is assembled and fixed is formed on one side of the light output surface <NUM>(b), so that the pen tip <NUM> may be assembled and fixed in the end direction of the pen tip portion <NUM>.

<FIG> is a detailed perspective view illustrating a structure of a light guide member and a pen tip, which are shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the pen tip <NUM> for supporting the pen tip portion <NUM> and the body portion <NUM> may be at one end of the pen tip portion <NUM> during contact with the display panel <NUM>.

The pen tip <NUM> of the pen tip portion <NUM> may be integrally formed with the light guide member <NUM> during a mold process, injection molding or electroforming of the light guide member <NUM>. For example, the pen tip <NUM> and the light guide member <NUM> may be part of a single continuous structure.

<FIG> is a detailed cross-section schematic view illustrating light reflection and light receiving types based on a slope of a smart pen.

Referring to <FIG>, the smart pen <NUM> is disposed in the display device <NUM> at an angle of about <NUM>° so as to output infrared light to the display device <NUM> and receive light reflected in the front direction of the display device <NUM>.

When the smart pen <NUM> is disposed in the display device <NUM> at an angle of about <NUM>°, light LO output to the display device <NUM> through the light output surface <NUM>(b) of the light guide member <NUM> may be diffused and output in a rectangular surface light source shape in accordance with a rectangular shape of the light output surface <NUM>(b).

The light receiving portion <NUM>(b) of the smart pen <NUM> may receive reflective light reflected from a front area LIn of the light receiving portion <NUM>(b). When the smart pen <NUM> is disposed in the display device <NUM> at an angle of about <NUM>°, the front area LIn of the light receiving portion <NUM>(b) may be minimized. However, since an output surface of the light output through the light output surface <NUM>(b) of the light guide member <NUM> is diffused, the light receiving portion <NUM>(b) may receive more of the reflective light.

In <FIG>, infrared light is output to the display device <NUM> in a state that the smart pen <NUM> is inclined at an angle of about <NUM>° with respect to the display device <NUM>, and light reflected at an angle of about <NUM>° of the display device <NUM> is received.

When the smart pen <NUM> is disposed in the display device <NUM> at an inclined angle of about <NUM>°, light LO output through the light output surface <NUM>(b) of the light guide member <NUM> may be diffused and output in a rectangular plane shape in accordance with the rectangular shape of the light output surface <NUM>(b). However, as a slope of the smart pen <NUM> becomes narrower, the output area of the light output from the light output surface <NUM>(b) in the rectangular shape may be narrower.

The light receiving portion <NUM>(b) of the smart pen <NUM> receives the reflective light reflected from the front area LIn of the light receiving portion <NUM>(b). When the smart pen <NUM> is inclined at an angle of about <NUM>° with respect to the display device <NUM>, the front area LIn of the light receiving portion <NUM>(b) may be wider in inverse proportion to the slope. In this way, even though the light output area of the light output from the light output surface <NUM>(b) in the rectangular shape becomes narrower, since the front area LIn of the light receiving portion <NUM>(b) becomes wider, the light receiving portion <NUM>(b) may receive a large amount of the reflective light without lowering a light receiving rate.

When the smart pen <NUM> is disposed in the display device <NUM> at an inclined angle of about <NUM>°, light LO output through the light output surface <NUM>(b) of the light guide member <NUM> may be diffused and output in a rectangular surface light source shape in accordance with the rectangular shape of the light output surface <NUM>(b). As described above, the narrower the slope of the smart pen <NUM> is, the narrower the output area of the light output from the light output surface <NUM>(b) in the rectangular shape may be.

When the smart pen <NUM> is inclined at an angle of about <NUM>° with respect to the display device <NUM>, the front area LIn of the light receiving portion <NUM>(b) may be wider in inverse proportion to the slope. In this way, even though the light output area of the light output from the light output surface <NUM>(b) becomes narrower, since the front area LIn which is the light receiving area of the light receiving portion <NUM>(b) becomes wider, the light receiving portion <NUM>(b) may receive a large amount of the reflective light without lowering a light receiving rate.

When the smart pen <NUM> is disposed in the display device <NUM> at an inclined angle of about <NUM>°, as described above, the narrower the slope of the smart pen <NUM> is, the narrower the output area of the light output from the light output surface <NUM>(b) in the rectangular shape may be.

<FIG> is a view illustrating light receiving efficiency based on a structure of a light output surface and protrusions of a light guide member shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the light output efficiency of the light output surface <NUM>(b) and the light receiving efficiency of the light receiving portion <NUM>(b) may be varied depending on structural features such as shape, size, height, etc. of the optical protrusions <NUM>(d) formed on the light output surface <NUM>(b) of the light guide member <NUM>.

According to a prophetic example, as a height H of the plurality of optical protrusions <NUM>(d) formed in a hemispherical shape is increased, the light output efficiency of the light output surface <NUM>(b) and the light receiving efficiency of the light receiving portion <NUM>(b) may be increased. Further, as a diameter of the plurality of optical protrusions <NUM>(d) formed in a hemispherical shape becomes smaller, the light output efficiency of the light output surface <NUM>(b) and the light receiving efficiency of the light receiving portion <NUM>(b) may be increased. In particular, when the height H of the plurality of optical protrusions <NUM>(d) formed in a hemispherical shape is enhanced and the diameter of the optical protrusions <NUM>(d) is similar to or the same as the height H thereof, the light output efficiency of the light output surface <NUM>(b) and the light receiving efficiency of the light receiving portion <NUM>(b) may be increased in an optimized state.

<FIG> is a detailed cross-sectional view illustrating an arrangement structure of a pen tip portion and a piezoelectric sensor of a smart pen according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, the light guide member <NUM>, into which the pen tip <NUM> is fixed, is disposed inside the pen tip portion <NUM>, and the rear surface of the light guide member <NUM> may be supported by an elastic support <NUM> embedded in the body portion <NUM>. The light guide member <NUM> may be compressed in the front direction by the elastic support <NUM> that supports the rear surface of the light guide member <NUM>. Therefore, when the pen tip <NUM> of the smart pen <NUM> is in contact with the display panel <NUM> as a user uses the smart pen <NUM>, a pressure is applied to the light guide member <NUM> including the pen tip <NUM> in a rear direction.

The piezoelectric sensor <NUM> is in contact with at least one surface of the light guide member <NUM> in a front or rear direction in a state of being packaged on a signal transmission pad <NUM>(a) to sense the pressure applied to the light guide member <NUM> in accordance with a change in position movement of the light guide member <NUM>. In particular, the piezoelectric sensor <NUM> is attached to at least one surface of the light guide member <NUM> so that the piezoelectric sensor <NUM> may be compressed or relaxed in response to the change in the position movement in the front or rear direction of the light guide member <NUM>. Therefore, the piezoelectric sensor <NUM> may generate a pressurization sensing signal according to the pressurizing force or relaxation level applied by the position movement of the light guide member <NUM> and transmit the pressurization sensing signal to the code processor <NUM>. The piezoelectric sensor <NUM> may be directly in contact with any one surface of the light guide member <NUM> without being connected to another physical structure so as to detect the pressurizing force according to the position movement of the light guide member <NUM>, thereby further enhancing detection sensitivity of the pressurization sensing signal.

<FIG> is a detailed cross-sectional view illustrating a structure of a pen tip portion of a smart pen according to an embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a detailed perspective view illustrating a structure of a light guide member and a light output surface, which are shown in <FIG>. <FIG> is a detailed side perspective view illustrating an arrangement structure of a light guide member and a light emitting portion, which are shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the light guide member <NUM> includes a plurality of light path forming portions <NUM>(a), a plurality of light incident surfaces <NUM>(e) and <NUM>(f), and a light output surface <NUM>(b).

The light path forming portions <NUM>(a) may be provided to form a plurality of light paths and disposed in parallel with one another. Therefore, the plurality of light path forming portions <NUM>(a) may be disposed in parallel in the length direction of the pen tip portion <NUM> to form a path of light generated from a plurality of different light emitting portions <NUM>(a).

The light incident surfaces <NUM>(e) and <NUM>(f) are respectively formed on the rear surfaces of the respective light path forming portions <NUM>(a) that form the plurality of light paths. For example, the light incident surfaces <NUM>(e) and <NUM>(f) of the respective light path forming portions <NUM>(a) are positioned on the rear surface of each of the light path forming portions <NUM>(a) to form a light incident path such that the light generated from the plurality of light emitting portions <NUM>(a) is incident upon each of the light path forming portions <NUM>(a).

The plurality of light emitting portions <NUM>(a) are respectively attached to a lower surface of the fixed substrate PCL embedded in the body portion <NUM> or the pen tip portion <NUM> and thus disposed on the rear surface of the light guide member <NUM> in the direction of the light guide member <NUM>. Therefore, the respective light emitting portions <NUM>(a) apply infrared light to the light incident surfaces <NUM>(e) and <NUM>(f) of the light path forming portions <NUM>(a), which are positioned to face each other. The infrared light incident upon the light incident surfaces <NUM>(e) and <NUM>(f) on the rear surface of the respective light path forming portions <NUM>(a) is applied in the front direction through the respective light path forming portions <NUM>(a).

The light output surface <NUM>(b) is formed in the front direction of the light path forming portions <NUM>(a) such that the light passing through the respective light path forming portions <NUM>(a) is condensed. The light output surface <NUM>(b) allows the light condensed from the respective light path forming portions <NUM>(a) to be output in the front direction of the light path forming portions <NUM>(a).

Each of the light path forming portions <NUM>(a) may be diverged from the light output surface <NUM>(b) and ends of the diverged rear side may be the light incident surfaces <NUM>(e) and <NUM>(f).

The plurality of optical protrusions <NUM>(d) are formed in the light output surface <NUM>(b) on the front surface of the light path forming portions <NUM>(a) to diffuse the light output through the optical protrusions <NUM>(d) of the light output surface <NUM>(b). As described above, the plurality of optical protrusions <NUM>(d) may be formed in various shapes such as a hemispherical shape, a polypyramid such as a triangular or square pyramid, a polyhedron such as trihedron or tetrahedron, irregular-shaped protrusions and the like.

<FIG> is a detailed perspective view illustrating a configuration of the display device shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the display device <NUM> may be applied to a portable electronic device such as a mobile phone, a smart phone, a tablet personal computer (PC), a mobile communication terminal, an electronic diary, an electronic book (e-book) reader, a portable multimedia player (PMP), a navigator, and an ultra-mobile PC (UMPC). For example, the display device <NUM> may be applied to a television, a laptop computer, a monitor, a signboard, or a display unit of an Internet of things (IoT) device. For example, the display device <NUM> may be applied to a wearable device such as a smart watch, a watch phone, an eyeglasses-type display and a head mounted display (HMD). For example, the display device <NUM> may be applied to a dashboard of a vehicle, a center fascia of a vehicle, a center information display (CID) disposed on a dashboard of a vehicle, a room mirror display that replaces a side mirror of a vehicle, or a display disposed on a rear surface of a front seat as an entertainment for a rear seat of a vehicle.

The display device <NUM> may be formed in a plane shape similar to a rectangular shape. For example, the display device <NUM> may have a plane shape similar to a rectangular shape having short sides in X-axis direction and long sides in Y-axis direction. A corner where the short side of the X-axis direction and the long side of the Y-axis direction meets may be rounded or formed at right angles to have a predetermined curvature. The plane shape of the display device <NUM> may be similar to other polygonal shape, a circular shape or an oval shape without necessarily being limited to the rectangular shape.

The display device <NUM> may include a display panel <NUM>, a display driver <NUM>, a circuit board <NUM> and a touch driver <NUM>.

The display panel <NUM> may include a main area MA and a sub-area SBA.

The main area MA may include a display area DA having pixels displaying an image, and a non-display area NDA disposed proximate to the display area DA. The display area DA may emit light from a plurality of light emission areas or a plurality of opening areas. For example, the display panel <NUM> may include a pixel circuit including switching elements, a pixel defining layer defining a light emission area or an opening area, and a self-light emitting element.

The non-display area NDA may be an outer area of the display area DA. The non-display area NDA may be defined as an edge area of the main area MA of the display panel <NUM>. The non-display area NDA may include a gate driver supplying gate signals to gate lines, and fan-out lines connecting the display driver <NUM> with the display area DA.

The sub-area SBA may be extended from one side of the main area MA. The sub-area SBA may include a flexible material capable of being subjected to bending, folding, rolling and the like, to a noticeable extent without cracking or otherwise sustaining damage. For example, when the sub-area SBA is bent, the sub-area SBA may at least partially overlap the main area MA in a thickness direction (Z-axis direction). The sub-area SBA may include a display driver <NUM>, and a pad area connected to the circuit board <NUM>. Optionally, the sub-area SBA may be omitted, and the display driver <NUM> and the pad area may be disposed in the non-display area NDA.

The display driver <NUM> may output signals and voltages for driving the display panel <NUM>. The display driver <NUM> may supply the data voltages to data lines. The display driver <NUM> may supply the power voltage to the power line and supply gate control signals to the gate driver. The display driver <NUM> may be formed of an integrated circuit (IC) and may be packaged on the display panel <NUM> by a chip on glass (COG) method, a chip on plastic (COP) method or an ultrasonic bonding method. For example, the display driver <NUM> may be disposed in the sub-area SBA and may at least partially overlap the main area MA in the thickness direction (Z-axis direction) by bending of the sub-area SBA. For example, the display driver <NUM> may be packaged on the circuit board <NUM>.

The circuit board <NUM> may be attached to the pad area of the display panel <NUM> using an anisotropic conductive film (ACF). Lead lines of the circuit board <NUM> may be electrically connected to the pad area of the display panel <NUM>. The circuit board <NUM> may be a flexible printed circuit board, a printed circuit board, or a flexible film such as a chip on film.

The touch driver <NUM> may be packaged on the circuit board <NUM>. The touch driver <NUM> may be connected to a touch sensing unit of the display panel <NUM>. The touch driver <NUM> may supply a touch driving signal to a plurality of touch electrodes of the touch sensing unit and may sense a change in capacitance between the plurality of touch electrodes. For example, the touch driving signal may be a pulse signal having a predetermined frequency. The touch driver <NUM> may calculate a touch input and touch coordinates based on the change in capacitance between the plurality of touch electrodes. The touch driver <NUM> may be formed of an integrated circuit (IC).

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view illustrating the display device shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the display panel <NUM> may include a display unit DU, a touch sensing unit TSU, and a polarizing film POL. The display unit DU may include a substrate SUB, a thin film transistor layer TFTL, a light emitting element layer EML, and an encapsulation layer TFEL.

The substrate SUB may be a base substrate or a base member. The substrate SUB may be a flexible substrate SUB capable of being subjected to bending, folding, rolling and the like. For example, the substrate SUB may include a glass material or a metal material but is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, the substrate SUB may include a polymer resin such as polyimide (PI).

The thin film transistor layer TFTL may be disposed on the substrate SUB. The thin film transistor layer TFTL may include a plurality of thin film transistors constituting a pixel circuit of pixels. The thin film transistor layer TFTL may further include gate lines, data lines, power lines, gate control lines, fan-out lines connecting the display driver <NUM> with the data lines, and lead lines connecting the display driver <NUM> with the pad area. Each of the thin film transistors may include a semiconductor area, a source electrode, a drain electrode, and a gate electrode. For example, when the gate driver is formed on one side of the non-display area NDA of the display panel <NUM>, the gate driver may include thin film transistors.

The thin film transistor layer TFTL may be disposed in the display area DA, the non-display area NDA, and the sub-area SBA. The thin film transistors of each of pixels of the thin film transistor layer TFTL, the gate lines, the data lines and the power lines may be disposed in the display area DA. The gate control lines and fan out lines of the thin film transistor layer TFTL may be disposed in the non-display area NDA. The lead lines of the thin film transistor layer TFTL may be disposed in the sub-area SBA.

The light emitting element layer EML may be disposed on the thin film transistor layer TFTL. The light emitting element layer EML may include a plurality of light emitting elements that include a first electrode, a light emitting layer and a second electrode, which are sequentially stacked to emit light, and a pixel defining layer that defines pixels. The plurality of light emitting elements of the light emitting element layer EML may be disposed in the display area DA.

For example, the light emitting layer may be an organic light emitting layer that includes an organic material. The light emitting layer may include a hole transporting layer, an organic light emitting layer, and an electron transporting layer. When the first electrode receives a predetermined voltage through the thin film transistor of the thin film transistor layer TFTL and the second electrode receives a cathode voltage, holes and electrons may move to the organic light emitting layer through the hole transporting layer and the electron transporting layer, respectively, and may be coupled to each other in the organic light emitting layer to emit light. For example, the first electrode may be an anode electrode and the second electrode may be a cathode electrode, but they are not necessarily limited thereto.

For example, the plurality of light emitting elements may include a quantum dot light emitting diode including a quantum dot light emitting layer, or an inorganic light emitting diode including an inorganic semiconductor.

The encapsulation layer TFEL may cover an upper surface and a side of the light emitting element layer EML and protect the light emitting element layer EML. The encapsulation layer TFEL may include at least one inorganic layer and at least one organic layer to encapsulate the light emitting element layer EML.

The touch sensing unit TSU may be disposed on the encapsulation layer TFEL. The touch sensing unit TSU may include a plurality of touch electrodes for sensing a user's touch in a capacitance manner and touch lines for connecting the plurality of touch electrodes with the touch driver <NUM>. For example, the touch sensing unit TSU may sense a user 's touch in a mutual capacitance manner or a self-capacitance manner.

For example, the touch sensing unit TSU may be disposed on a separate substrate on the display unit DU. In this case, the substrate for supporting the touch sensing unit TSU may be a base member encapsulating the display unit DU.

A plurality of touch electrodes of the touch sensing unit TSU may be disposed in a touch sensor area at least partially overlapped with the display area DA. The touch lines of the touch sensing unit TSU may be disposed in a touch peripheral area at least partially overlapped with the non-display area NDA.

The polarizing film POL may be disposed on the touch sensing unit TSU. The polarizing film POL may be attached to the touch sensing unit TSU by an optically clear adhesive (OCA) film or an optically clear resin (OCR). For example, the polarizing film POL may include a linear polarizing plate and a phase delay film such as a λ/<NUM> plate (quarter-wave plate). The phase delay film and the linear polarizing plate may sequentially be stacked on the touch sensing unit TSU.

The sub-area SBA of the display panel <NUM> may be extended from one side of the main area MA. The sub-area SBA may include a flexible material capable of being subjected to bending, folding, rolling and the like. For example, when the sub-area SBA is bent, the sub-area SBA may at least partially overlap the main area MA in the thickness direction (Z-axis direction). The sub-area SBA may include a display driver <NUM> and a pad area connected to the circuit board <NUM>.

<FIG> is a plan view illustrating a display unit of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, the display unit DU may include a display area DA and a non-display area NDA.

The display area DA is an area for displaying an image and may be defined as a central area of the display panel <NUM>. The display area DA may include a plurality of pixels SP, a plurality of gate lines GL, a plurality of data lines DL and a plurality of power lines VL. Each of the plurality of pixels SP may be defined as a minimum unit for outputting light.

The plurality of gate lines GL may supply the gate signals received from the gate driver <NUM> to the plurality of pixels SP. The plurality of gate lines GL may be extended in the X-axis direction and may be spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction crossing the X-axis direction.

The plurality of data lines DL may supply the data voltages received from the display driver <NUM> to the plurality of pixels SP. The plurality of data lines DL may be extended in the Y-axis direction and may be spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction.

The plurality of power lines VL may supply the power voltage received from the display driver <NUM> to the plurality of pixels SP. The power voltage may be at least one of a driving voltage, an initialization voltage or a reference voltage. The plurality of power lines VL may be extended in the Y-axis direction and may be spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction.

The non-display area NDA may at least partially surround the display area DA. The non-display area NDA may include a gate driver <NUM>, fan-out lines FOL and gate control lines GCL. The gate driver <NUM> may generate a plurality of gate signals based on the gate control signals and may sequentially supply the plurality of gate signals to the plurality of gate lines GL in accordance with a predetermined order.

The fan-out lines FOL may be extended from the display driver <NUM> to the display area DA. The fan-out lines FOL may supply the data voltages received from the display driver <NUM> to the plurality of data lines DL.

The gate control line GCL may be extended from the display driver <NUM> to the gate driver <NUM>. The gate control line GCL may supply the gate control signals received from the display driver <NUM> to the gate driver <NUM>.

The sub-area SBA may include a display driver <NUM>, a display pad area DPA, and first and second touch pad areas TPA1 and TPA2.

The display driver <NUM> may output signals and voltages for driving the display panel <NUM> to the fan-out lines FOL. The display driver <NUM> may supply the data voltages to the data lines DL through the fan-out lines FOL. The data voltages may be supplied to the plurality of pixels SP, and may determine luminance of the plurality of pixels SP. The display driver <NUM> may supply the gate control signals to the gate driver <NUM> through the gate control line GCL.

The display pad area DPA, the first touch pad area TPA1 and the second touch pad area TPA2 may be disposed at an edge of the sub-area SBA. The display pad area DPA, the first touch pad area TPA1 and the second touch pad area TPA2 may be electrically connected to the circuit board <NUM> using a low resistance high reliability material such as an anisotropic conductive film or a self-assembly anisotropic conductive paste (SAP).

The display pad area DPA may include a plurality of display pad areas DP. The plurality of display pad areas DP may be connected to the main processor <NUM> through the circuit board <NUM>. The plurality of display pad areas DP may be connected to the circuit board <NUM> to receive digital video data and may supply the digital video data to the display driver <NUM>.

<FIG> is a plan view illustrating a touch sensing unit of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to <FIG>, the touch sensing unit TSU may include a touch sensor area TSA for sensing a user's touch, and a touch peripheral area TPA disposed proximate to the touch sensor area TSA. The touch sensor area TSA may at least partially overlap the display area DA of the display unit DU, and the touch peripheral area TPA may at least partially overlap the non-display area NDA of the display unit DU.

The touch sensor area TSA may include a plurality of touch electrodes SEN and a plurality of dummy electrodes DME. The plurality of touch electrodes SEN may form mutual capacitance or magnetic capacitance to sense an object or a touch of a person. The plurality of touch electrodes SEN may include a plurality of driving electrodes TE and a plurality of sensing electrodes RE.

The plurality of driving electrodes TE may be arranged in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. The plurality of driving electrodes TE may be spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. The driving electrodes TE adjacent to each other in the Y-axis direction may be electrically connected to each other through a bridge electrode CE.

The plurality of driving electrodes TE may be connected to a first touch pad TP1 through a driving line TL. The driving line TL may include a lower driving line TLa and an upper driving line TLb. For example, some driving electrodes TE disposed below the touch sensor area TSA may be connected to the first touch pad TP1 through the lower driving line TLa, and the driving electrodes TE disposed above the touch sensor area TSA may be connected to the first touch pad TP1 through the upper driving line TLb. The lower driving line TLa may be extended from a lower side of the touch peripheral area TPA to the first touch pad TP1. The upper driving line TLb may be extended to the first touch pad TP1 via upper, left and lower sides of the touch peripheral area TPA. The first touch pad TP1 may be connected to the touch driver <NUM> through the circuit board <NUM>.

The bridge electrode CE may be bent at least once. For example, the bridge electrode CE may have a chevron or bent shape ("<" or ">"), but its plane shape is not necessarily limited thereto. The driving electrodes TE adjacent to each other in the Y-axis direction may be connected by a plurality of bridge electrodes CE, and even though any one of the bridge electrodes CE is disconnected, the driving electrodes TE may stably be connected through the other bridge electrodes CE. The driving electrodes TE adjacent to each other may be connected by two bridge electrodes CE, but the number of the bridge electrodes CE is not necessarily limited thereto.

The bridge electrode CE may be disposed in a layer different from that of the plurality of driving electrodes TE and the plurality of sensing electrodes RE. The sensing electrodes RE adjacent to each other in the X-axis direction may be electrically connected through a connection portion disposed in the same layer as the plurality of driving electrodes TE or the plurality of sensing electrodes RE. The driving electrodes TE adjacent to each other in the Y-axis direction may be electrically connected through the bridge electrode CE disposed in a layer that is different from that of the plurality of driving electrodes TE or the plurality of sensing electrodes RE. Therefore, even though the bridge electrode CE at least partially overlaps the plurality of sensing electrodes RE in the Z-axis direction, the plurality of driving electrodes TE may be insulated from the plurality of sensing electrodes RE. Mutual capacitance may be formed between the driving electrode TE and the sensing electrode RE.

The plurality of sensing electrodes RE may be extended in the X-axis direction and may be spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction. The plurality of sensing electrodes RE may be arranged in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, and the sensing electrodes RE adjacent to each other in the X-axis direction may electrically connected with each other through the connection portion.

The plurality of sensing electrodes RE may be connected to a second touch pad TP2 through a sensing line RL. For example, some sensing electrodes RE disposed on a right side of the touch sensor area TSA may be connected to the second touch pad TP2 through the sensing line RL. The sensing line RL may be extended to the second touch pad TP2 via right and lower sides of the touch peripheral area TPA. The second touch pad TP2 may be connected to the touch driver <NUM> through the circuit board <NUM>.

Each of the plurality of dummy electrodes DME may be at least partially surrounded by the driving electrode TE or the sensing electrode RE. Each of the plurality of dummy electrodes DME may be spaced apart from the driving electrode TE or the sensing electrode RE and then insulated therefrom. Therefore, the dummy electrode DME may electrically be floated.

The display pad area DPA, the first touch pad area TPA1 and the second touch pad area TPA2 may be disposed at the edge of the sub-area SBA. The display pad area DPA, the first touch pad area TPA1 and the second touch pad area TPA2 may be electrically connected to the circuit board <NUM> using a low resistance high reliability material such as an anisotropic conductive film or a self-assembly anisotropic conductive paste (SAP).

The first touch pad area TPA1 may be disposed on one side of the display pad area DPA and may include a plurality of first touch pads TP1. The plurality of first touch pads TP1 may be electrically connected to the touch driver <NUM> disposed on the circuit board <NUM>. The plurality of first touch pads TP1 may supply the touch driving signal to the plurality of driving electrodes TE through the plurality of driving lines TL.

The second touch pad area TPA2 may be disposed on the other side of the display pad area DPA and may include a plurality of second touch pads TP2. The plurality of second touch pads TP2 may be electrically connected to the touch driver <NUM> disposed on the circuit board <NUM>. The touch driver <NUM> may receive a touch sensing signal through the plurality of sensing lines RL connected to the plurality of second touch pads TP2, and may sense a mutual capacitance change between the driving electrode TE and the sensing electrode RE.

For example, the touch driver <NUM> may supply the touch driving signal to each of the plurality of driving electrodes TE and the plurality of sensing electrodes RE, and may receive the touch sensing signal from each of the plurality of driving electrodes TE and the plurality of sensing electrodes RE. The touch driver <NUM> may sense a charge change of each of the plurality of driving electrodes TE and the plurality of sensing electrodes RE based on the touch sensing signal.

<FIG> is an enlarged view illustrating an area A1 shown in <FIG>, and <FIG> is a detailed enlarged view illustrating a portion of an area A1 shown in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the plurality of driving electrodes TE, the plurality of sensing electrodes RE and the plurality of dummy electrodes DME may be disposed in the same layer and may be spaced apart from one another.

The plurality of driving electrodes TE may be arranged in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. The plurality of driving electrodes TE may be spaced apart from each other in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. The driving electrodes TE adjacent to each other in the Y-axis direction may be electrically connected to each other through the bridge electrode CE.

The plurality of sensing electrodes RE may be extended in the X-axis direction and may be spaced apart from each other in the Y-axis direction. The plurality of sensing electrodes RE may be arranged in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, and the sensing electrodes RE adjacent to each other in the X-axis direction may be electrically connected to each other through a connection portion RCE. For example, the connection portion RCE of the sensing electrodes RE may be disposed within a shortest distance of the driving electrodes TE adjacent to each other.

The plurality of bridge electrodes CE may be disposed in a layer different from that of the driving electrode TE and the sensing electrode RE. The bridge electrode CE may include a first portion CEa and a second portion CEb. For example, the first portion CEa of the bridge electrode CE may be connected to the driving electrode TE disposed on one side through a first contact hole CNT1 and extended in a third direction DR3. The second portion CEb of the bridge electrode CE may be extended in a second direction DR2 by being bent from the first portion CEa in an area at least partially overlapped with the sensing electrode RE and may be connected to the driving electrode TE disposed on the other side through the first contact hole CNT1. Hereinafter, a first direction DR1 may be a direction between the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, the second direction DR2 may be a direction between an opposite direction of the Y-axis and the X-axis direction, the third direction DR3 may be an opposite direction of the first direction DR1, and a fourth direction DR4 may be an opposite direction of the second direction DR2. Therefore, each of the plurality of bridge electrodes CE may connect the driving electrodes TE adjacent to each other in the Y-axis direction with each other.

For example, the plurality of driving electrodes TE, the plurality of sensing electrodes RE and the plurality of dummy electrodes DME may be formed in a planar mesh structure or a netted structure. The plurality of driving electrodes TE, the plurality of sensing electrodes RE and the plurality of dummy electrodes DME may at least partially surround each of first to third light emission areas EA1, EA2 and EA3 of a pixel group PG on a plane. Therefore, the plurality of driving electrodes TE, the plurality of sensing electrodes RE and the plurality of dummy electrodes DME might not overlap the first to third light emission areas EA1, EA2 and EA3. The plurality of bridge electrodes CE might not overlap the first to third light emission areas EA1, EA2 and EA3, either. Therefore, the display device <NUM> may prevent luminance of light emitted from the first to third light emission areas EA1, EA2 and EA3 from being reduced by the touch sensing unit TSU.

Each of the plurality of driving electrodes TE may include a first portion TEa that is extended in the first direction DR1 and a second portion TEb that is extended in the second direction DR2. Each of the plurality of sensing electrodes RE may include a first portion REa that is extended in the first direction DR1 and a second portion REb that is extended in the second direction DR2.

At least a portion of the plurality of touch electrodes SEN may include a code pattern portion CDP. At least a portion of the driving electrodes TE or at least a portion of the plurality of sensing electrodes RE may include a code pattern portion CDP. The code pattern portion CDP may include a plurality of code patterns that are cut/inscribed/printed in accordance with a specific reference to have position information. The plurality of code patterns may correspond to a value of a preset data code. For example, the plurality of code patterns may be provided by cutting one of a plurality of stems extended at an intersection point of at least a portion of the touch electrodes SEN but is not necessarily limited thereto. A plurality of stems of at least a portion of the touch electrodes SEN may be extended from the intersection point in the first to fourth directions DR1, DR2, DR3 and DR4, and a stem extended in one of the first to fourth directions DR1, DR2, DR3 and DR4 may be cut. The direction in which the stem is cut may correspond to the value of the preset data code constituting the position information.

The plurality of pixels may include first to third subpixels, and each of the first to third subpixels may include the first to third light emission areas EA1, EA2 and EA3. For example, the first light emission area EA1 may emit light of a first color or red light, the second light emission area EA2 may emit light of a second color or a green light, and the third light emission area EA3 may emit light of a third color or blue light, but these light emission areas are not necessarily limited thereto.

One pixel group PG may include one first light emission area EA1, two second light emission areas EA2 and one third light emission area EA3 to express a white gray scale. Therefore, the white gray scale may be expressed by combination of light emitted from one first light emission area EA1, light emitted from two second light emission areas EA2 and light emitted from one third light emission area EA3.

<FIG> is a view illustrating an example of a code pattern portion in a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention. <FIG> is a view illustrating a data code corresponding to the code pattern portion of <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a plurality of touch electrodes SEN may be formed in a planar mesh structure or a netted structure. Sides of a minimum unit of the plurality of touch electrodes SEN may be extended in the first direction DR1 and the second direction DR2 to cross each other. At least a portion of the plurality of touch electrodes SEN may include a code pattern portion CDP. At least a portion of the plurality of driving electrodes TE or at least a portion of the plurality of sensing electrodes RE may include a code pattern portion CDP.

The code pattern portion CDP may include a reference point RP, a first reference line HRL, a second reference line VRL, and a plurality of code patterns CP.

The reference point RP may be an identification reference of the code pattern portion CDP. For example, the reference point RP may correspond to an area where an intersection point of at least a portion of the touch electrodes SEN is cut. For example, the reference point RP may be disposed on a left upper end of the code pattern portion CDP but is not necessarily limited thereto.

The first reference line HRL may be extended from the reference point RP in the X-axis direction. The first reference line HRL may be defined by connecting a plurality of intersection points ITS disposed in the X-axis direction of the reference point RP. For example, when the first reference line HRL is defined by connecting six intersection points ITS, the plurality of code patterns CP may be arranged along six columns including six intersection points.

The second reference line VRL may be extended from the reference point RP in the Y-axis direction. The second reference line VRL may be defined by connecting the plurality of intersection points ITS disposed in the Y-axis direction of the reference point RP with a cut-out portion CTP disposed between the plurality of intersection points ITS. For example, the second reference line VRL may be defined by connecting two intersection points ITS, one cut-out portion CTP and three intersection points ITS, and the plurality of code patterns CP may be arranged along six rows including five intersection points and one cut-out portion CTP.

The plurality of code patterns CP may be disposed in an area defined by the first reference line HRL and the second reference line VRL. A slope or rotational angle of the plurality of code patterns CP with respect to a camera may be sensed by the first reference line HRL and the second reference line VRL. For example, when the first reference line HRL is defined by connecting six intersection points ITS and the second reference line VRL is defined by connecting two intersection points ITS, one cut-out portion CTP and three intersection points ITS, the plurality of code patterns CP may be arranged in a <NUM>×<NUM> matrix (<NUM> by <NUM> matrix).

The plurality of code patterns CP may be cut/inscribed/printed in accordance with a specific reference to have position information. The plurality of code patterns CP may correspond to a value of a preset data code DC. For example, the plurality of code patterns CP may be provided by cutting one of a plurality of stems extended from the intersection point of at least a portion of the touch electrodes SEN. The plurality of stems of at least a portion of the touch electrodes SEN may be extended from the intersection point to the first to fourth directions DR1, DR2, DR3 and DR4, and a stem extended in one of the first to fourth directions DR1, DR2, DR3 and DR4 may be cut. The direction in which the stem is cut may correspond to a value of the preset data code DC that constitutes position information. For example, a code pattern CP disposed in an (m)th row (hereinafter, m is a positive integer) and an (n)th column (hereinafter, n is a positive integer) may correspond to a data code DC disposed in the (m)th row and the (n)th column.

For example, the code pattern CP in which the stem of the first direction DR1 is cut may correspond to a data code DC of [<NUM>]. The code pattern CP in which the stem of the second direction DR2 is cut may correspond to a data code DC of [<NUM>]. The code pattern CP in which the stem of the third direction DR3 is cut may correspond to a data code DC of [<NUM>]. The code pattern CP in which the stem of the fourth direction DR4 is cut may correspond to a data code DC of [<NUM>].

In an eleventh code pattern CP11 disposed in a first row Row1 and a first column Col1, its stem in the first direction DR1 may be cut, and an eleventh data code DC11 may have a value of [<NUM>]. In a 61st code pattern CP61 disposed in a sixth row Row6 and the first column Col1, its stem in the second direction DR2 may be cut, and a 61st data code DC61 may have a value of [<NUM>]. In a 62rd code pattern C62 disposed in the sixth row Row6 and a second column Col2, its item in the third direction DR3 may be cut, and a 62rd data code DC62 may have a value of [<NUM>]. In a sixteenth code pattern CP16 disposed in the first row Row1 and a sixth column Col6, its stem in the fourth direction DR4 may be cut, and a sixteenth data code DC16 may have a value of [<NUM>].

The plurality of code patterns CP may further include a conducting pattern in which a plurality of stems extended from the intersection point are not cut. The conducting pattern might not have a value of the data code DC (Null). The conducting pattern may be disposed at a necessary position so that the plurality of touch electrodes SEN may normally perform a touch operation. The plurality of code patterns CP may include a conducting pattern, thereby preventing the plurality of touch electrodes SEN from being degraded. For example, a 32rd code pattern CP32 disposed in a third row Row3 and a second column Col2 may correspond to the conducting pattern, and a 32rd data code DC32 might not have a value (Null).

The display device <NUM> may include a plurality of code patterns CP provided in at least a portion of the plurality of touch electrodes SEN, thereby receiving a touch input of a touch input device such as the smart pen <NUM>. The plurality of code patterns CP may be cut in accordance with a specific reference to have position information and may correspond to preset data codes DC in one-to-one correspondence. Therefore, the display device <NUM> may receive coordinate data generated without complex calculation and correction by using the data codes DC, thereby reducing costs, reducing power consumption and simplifying a driving process. In addition, the display device <NUM> may include a plurality of code patterns CP provided in at least a portion of the touch electrodes SEN, thereby being applied to all electronic devices having a touch function without restriction in size.

The code pattern portion CDP may include a reference point RP and a plurality of code patterns CP.

The reference point RP may be an identification reference of the code pattern portion CDP. For example, the reference point RP may correspond to an area where an intersection point of at least a portion of the touch electrodes SEN is cut. The reference point RP may include first and second reference points RP1 and RP2. For example, the first and second reference points RP1 and RP2 may be spaced apart from each other above the plurality of code patterns CP but are not necessarily limited thereto.

The plurality of code patterns CP may be disposed in a predetermined area based on the first and second reference points RP1 and RP2. A slope or rotational angle of the plurality of code patterns CP with respect to a camera may be sensed by the first and second reference points RP1 and RP2. For example, when the first and second reference points RP1 and RP2 are spaced apart from each other in a specific row, the plurality of code patterns CP may be arranged in an m×n matrix (m by n matrix) from next row of the row in which the first and second reference points RP1 and RP2 are disposed.

The plurality of code patterns CP may be cut in accordance with a specific reference to have position information. The plurality of code patterns CP may correspond to a value of a preset data code DC. For example, the plurality of code patterns CP may include an uncut portion and a cut portion among a plurality of sides constituting a mesh shape. In this case, a central portion of the side may be cut, but the cutting position is not necessarily limited thereto. Cutting of the plurality of sides may correspond to the value of the preset data code DC constituting the position information. For example, the code pattern CP disposed in the (m)th row and the (n)th column may correspond to the data code DC disposed in the (m)th row and the (n)th column. For example, the code pattern CP including an uncut side may correspond to a data code DC of [<NUM>]. The code pattern CP including a cut side may correspond to a data code DC of [<NUM>].

The eleventh code pattern CP11 disposed in the first row Row1 and the first column Col1 may include a cut side, and the eleventh data code DC11 may have a value of [<NUM>]. A 45th code pattern CP45 disposed in a fourth row Row4 and a fifth column Col5 may include an uncut side, and a 45th data code DC45 may have a value of [<NUM>].

The data code DC arranged in some rows may constitute first data Data1 of coordinate data, and the data code DC arranged in other rows may constitute second data Data2 of the coordinate data. For example, the first data Data1 may correspond to X-axis coordinates of a touch position, and the second data Data2 may correspond to Y-axis coordinates of the touch position, but examples of the first and second data Data1 and Data2 are not necessarily limited thereto.

For example, the data code DC arranged in the first row Row1 and a second row Row2 may constitute the first data Data1 of the coordinate data, and the data code DC arranged in the third row Row3 and the fourth row Row4 may constitute the second data Data2 of the coordinate data. Therefore, the plurality of code patterns CP may be converted into corresponding data codes DC, and the coordinate data may quickly be generated based on the data codes DC without complex calculation and correction.

The reference point RP may be an identification reference of the code pattern portion CDP. For example, the reference point RP may correspond to an area where a side constituting a mesh type is fully cut. The reference point RP may include first and second reference points RP1 and RP2. Each of the first and second reference points RP1 and RP2 may be disposed in rows and columns in which a plurality of code patterns CP are arranged. For example, when the code pattern portion CDP is arranged in a <NUM>×<NUM> matrix (<NUM> by <NUM> matrix), the first reference point RP1 may be disposed in the first row Row1 and the first column Col1, the second reference point RP2 may be disposed in the third row Row3 and the first column Col1, and the plurality of code patterns CP may be arranged in the other rows and columns. The arrangement positions of the reference point RP and the plurality of code patterns CP are not necessarily limited to the above example.

The plurality of code patterns CP may be disposed in a preset area based on the first and second reference points RP1 and RP2. A slope or rotational angle of the plurality of code patterns CP with respect to a camera may be sensed by the first and second reference points RP1 and RP2.

The plurality of code patterns CP may be cut in accordance with a specific reference to have position information. The plurality of code patterns CP may correspond to a value of a preset data code DC. For example, the plurality of code patterns CP may be provided by cutting a specific portion of a side constituting a mesh shape. A position in which a plurality of sides are cut may correspond to the value of the preset data code DC constituting position information. For example, the code pattern CP disposed in the (m)th row and the (n)th column may correspond to the data code DC disposed in the (m)th row and the (n)th column.

For example, the code pattern CP that is not cut may correspond to the data code DC of [<NUM>]. The code pattern CP in which a lower portion of a side extended in the first direction DR1 is cut may correspond to the data code DC of [<NUM>]. The code pattern CP in which an upper portion of a side extended in the first direction DR1 is cut may correspond to the data code DC of [<NUM>]. The code pattern CP in which a central portion of a side extended in the first direction DR1 is cut may correspond to the data code DC of [<NUM>].

A 22rd code pattern CP22 disposed in the second row Row2 and the second column Col2 might not be cut, and a 22rd data code DC22 may have a value of [<NUM>]. A twelfth code pattern CP12 disposed in the first row Row1 and the second column Col2 may include a side in which a lower portion is cut, and a twelfth data code DC12 may have a value of [<NUM>]. A thirteenth code pattern CP13 disposed in the first row Row1 and the third column Col3 may include a side with an upper portion is cut, and a thirteenth data code DC13 may have a value of [<NUM>]. A 23rd code pattern CP23 disposed in the second row Row2 and the third column Col3 may include a side in which a central portion is cut, and a 23rd data code DC23 may have a value of [<NUM>].

The display device <NUM> may include a plurality of code patterns CP provided in at least a portion of the plurality of touch electrodes SEN, thereby receiving a touch input of a touch input device such as a smart pen. The plurality of code patterns CP may be cut in accordance with a specific reference to have position information and may correspond to preset data codes DC in one-to-one correspondence. Therefore, the display device <NUM> may receive coordinate data generated without complex calculation and correction by using the data codes DC, thereby reducing costs, reducing power consumption and simplifying a driving process. In addition, the display device <NUM> may include a plurality of code patterns CP provided in at least a portion of the touch electrodes SEN, thereby being applied to all electronic devices having a touch function without restriction in size.

Claim 1:
A smart pen (<NUM>), comprising:
a body portion (<NUM>);
a pen tip portion (<NUM>) disposed on one end of the body portion (<NUM>);
a code detector (<NUM>) detecting shape data by applying light to the pen tip portion (<NUM>) and receiving light reflected from a display panel (<NUM>) and the pen tip portion (<NUM>); and
a code processor (<NUM>) generating coordinate data from the detected shape data and transmitting the generated coordinate data to a processor (<NUM>);
wherein the pen tip portion (<NUM>) includes:
a light emitting portion (<NUM>(a)) emitting light;
a light guide member (<NUM>) forming a path for the light emitted from the light emitting portion (<NUM>(a)) to guide the light out of the pen tip portion (<NUM>), wherein the light emitting portion (<NUM>(a)) is preferably disposed on a rear surface of the light guide member (<NUM>), to supply light to the light guide member (<NUM>); and
at least one light transmitting port (<NUM>(a)) forming a light receiving path for the light reflected from the pen tip portion (<NUM>) and the display panel (<NUM>);
wherein the light guide member (<NUM>) includes:
a light path forming portion (<NUM>(a)) corresponding to a length of the pen tip portion (<NUM>) to form a light path for infrared light emitted from the light emitting portion (<NUM>(a)) of the pen tip portion (<NUM>), wherein a length of the light path forming portion (<NUM>(a)) preferably corresponds to the length of the pen tip portion (<NUM>); and
a light incident surface (<NUM>(c)) facing the light emitting portion (<NUM>(a)) to allow the light from the light emitting portion (<NUM>(a)) to be incident thereupon,
wherein a light output surface (<NUM>(b)) is configured to diffuse the light, which passes through the light path;
characterized in that:
the light guide member (<NUM>) includes a fixing hole (<NUM>) formed on one side of the light output surface (<NUM>(b)) into which a pen tip (<NUM>) is assembled and fixed; and
the smart pen (<NUM>) further comprises a piezoelectric sensor (<NUM>) attached to at least one surface of the light guide member (<NUM>), so as to be compressed or relaxed in response to a change in position movement of the light guide member (<NUM>) in a front or rear direction of the light guide member (<NUM>).