Information input apparatus having functions of both touch panel and digitizer, and driving method thereof

• US 5,670,755 A
• Filed: 04/12/1995
• Issued: 09/23/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 04/21/1994
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Samsung Display Company Limited (Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.)
• Original Assignee: Samsung Display Devices Co., Ltd. (Samsung SDI Company Limited)
• Inventors: Kwon, Ki-duck
• Primary Examiner(s): Kuntz, Curtis
• Assistant Examiner(s): LOOMIS, PAUL A
• Application Number:
  US08/420,603
• Time in Patent Office: 895 Days
• Field of Search: 178/18, 178/19, 178/21, 345/173, 345/174, 345/156, 345/179, 345/182
• US Class Current: 178/18.05
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2203/04106 Multi-sensing digitiser, i.e. digitiser using at least two different sensing technologies simultaneously or alternatively, e.g. for detecting pen and finger, for saving power or for improving position detection
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/044 by capacitive means
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/045 using resistive elements, e.g. a single continuous surface or two parallel surfaces put in contact

Abstract

An information input apparatus having both functions of touch panel and digitizer is disclosed including a stylus pen for applying a power source and for touching, a panel having upper and lower substrates, a first resistive layer formed on the upper substrate, a second resistive layer formed on the lower substrate, and a spacer for maintaining a predetermined distance and insulation between the first and second resistive layers, and mode selection means for selectively switching between ground and a power source for contact with the second resistive layer, to thereby select an operation mode for operating the panel as a touch panel or digitizer.

Claims

1. An information input apparatus having both functions of a touch panel and a digitizer comprising:

a stylus pen for applying a power source and for touching;

a panel having upper and lower substrates, a first resistive layer formed on said upper substrate, a second resistive layer formed on said lower substrate, and a spacer for maintaining a predetermined distance and for providing insulation between said first and second resistive layers; and

mode selection means connected to said panel for selectively switching between ground and a power source for contact with said second resistive layer, to thereby select an operation mode for operating said panel as a touch panel or digitizer.

2. An information input apparatus having both functions of touch panel and digitizer as claimed in claim 1, wherein said panel further comprises a dielectric of a predetermined thickness between said second resistive layer and the spacer.

6. An information input apparatus as claimed in claim 2 further comprising first and second amplifiers connected to the panel.

7. An information input apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein said first and second amplifiers are connected to the first resistive layer.

8. An information input apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein said mode selection means is connected to the second resistive layer.

3. A method of driving an information input apparatus having both functions of touch panel and digitizer, the information apparatus including a stylus pen, a panel having upper and lower substrates, a first resistive layer formed on the upper substrate, a second resistive layer formed on the lower substrate, and a spacer formed to maintain a predetermined distance and provide insulation between the first and second resistive layers;

and mode selection means for selectively switching between ground and a power source for contact with said second resistive layer, to thereby select an operation mode for operating said panel as a touch panel or digitizer, said method comprising the steps of;

selecting a touch mode or digitizer mode by said mode selection means; and

driving the panel as a touch panel or digitizer according to the selected mode.

4. A method of driving an information input apparatus having both functions of touch panel and digitizer as claimed in claim 3, wherein said operating step comprises the steps of:

touching said stylus pen onto said upper substrate, if a digitizer mode is selected in the mode selection;

capacitance-coupling at a contact point of said upper substrate and applying said power source to said first resistive layer through said contact point; and

amplifying signals of said first resistive layer from either side of the contact point, and comparing said amplified signals to find the location of the contact point.

5. A method of driving an information input apparatus having both functions of touch panel and digitizer as claimed in claim 3, wherein said operating step comprises the steps of:

applying a power source of a predetermined voltage to said second resistive layer, if a touch panel mode is selected by said mode selection means;

applying pressure to a portion of said upper substrate by using a medium for touching;

causing said first resistive layer to touch said second resistive layer by pressure, and applying the signal of said power source from said second resistive layer to said first resistive layer through the contact point; and

amplifying signals formed according to the resistance ratio of the two sides of the contact point of said first resistive layer, and comparing said amplified signals to find the location of the contact point.