Devices, methods and media relating to a touch sensor and touch-sensor controller. The touch sensor has a plurality of drive lines and sense lines for detecting touch of an object. The touch-sensor controller provides drive signals to particular drive lines within the plurality of drive lines of the touch sensor. In response to a detected touch, the touch-sensor controller sends a first set of drive signals to one or more drive lines within a touch window of the touch sensor and sends a second set of drive signals to one or more drive lines in at least one portion of the touch sensor outside the touch window. The first set of drive signals each have a first number of pulses. The second set of drive signals each have a second number of pulses. The first number of pulses is greater than the second number of pulses.
A multi-channel capacitive sensor for measuring the capacitances of a plurality of sense electrodes to a system reference potential. The sensor comprises a sample capacitor having a first terminal and a second terminal, a first diode having a first terminal coupled to the second terminal of the sample capacitor and a second terminal coupled to a first sense electrode, and a second diode having a first terminal coupled to the second terminal of the sample capacitor and a second terminal coupled to a second sense electrode. The sample capacitor and diodes are coupled to a control circuit, e.g. implemented in a microcontroller. The control circuit is operable to apply a drive signal, e.g. a series of voltage pulses, to the first terminal of the sample capacitor while simultaneously applying a bias signal to the second terminal of one or other of the diodes to prevent the diode from conducting the drive signal. Thus charge transfer techniques can be used to measure multiple capacitances while sharing a common sample capacitor. This helps reduce inter-channel drift. Further measurement channels may be added by providing further diodes and corresponding sense electrodes. With three or more channels the scheme requires only one additional control circuit connection per additional channel.
G01D 1/00 - Measuring arrangements giving results other than momentary value of variable, of general application
G01D 5/24 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage by varying capacitance
G01D 15/00 - Component parts of recorders for measuring arrangements not specially adapted for a specific variable
G01D 21/00 - Measuring or testing not otherwise provided for
G01R 29/08 - Measuring electromagnetic field characteristics
A touch sensitive device includes a plurality of sense electrodes arranged in a pattern to receive charge from drive electrodes. The pattern of sense electrodes has extreme portions having worst case charge transfer times, wherein the worst case charge transfer time at multiple extreme portions is substantially equal.
In certain embodiments, a touch sensor includes a first electrode and a second electrode. The second electrode is interleaved with the first electrode. The touch sensor further includes a third electrode. The third electrode surrounds the first electrode and the second electrode. The first, second, and third electrodes of the touch sensor form a capacitive node.
In an embodiment, apparatus having a touch-sensitive screen, a touch-sensor controller and a flexible printed circuit. Conductive electrodes are substantially aligned with one or more gaps between pixels of the two-dimensional array. First conductive electrodes form vertices within the one or more gaps between pixels of the two-dimensional array such that the vertices do not obscure in plan view. The touch-sensor controller is configured to detect and process the change in capacitance at one or more touch-sensor nodes to determine the presence and location of a touch-sensor input. One or more tracks of conductive material is electrically connected to the flexible printed circuit.
G06F 3/044 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by capacitive means
G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
H01L 27/32 - Devices consisting of a plurality of semiconductor or other solid-state components formed in or on a common substrate including components using organic materials as the active part, or using a combination of organic materials with other materials as the active part with components specially adapted for light emission, e.g. flat-panel displays using organic light-emitting diodes
H01L 27/15 - Devices consisting of a plurality of semiconductor or other solid-state components formed in or on a common substrate including semiconductor components with at least one potential-jump barrier or surface barrier, specially adapted for light emission
This document discloses, systems, methods, and articles of manufacture, related to position sensors and uses of such sensors. Multiple panels can be arranged in close proximity to one another and one or more sense or drives lines associated with each respective panel can be associated with a control circuit of the other adjacent panel.
Disclosed is a touch position sensor. Force detection circuitry can be included with the position sensor, for example, to determine an amount of force applied to a touch panel of the sensor.
G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
G01L 1/14 - Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations in capacitance or inductance of electrical elements, e.g. by measuring variations of frequency of electrical oscillators
G01L 1/20 - Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations in ohmic resistance of solid materials or of electrically-conductive fluidsMeasuring force or stress, in general by making use of electrokinetic cells, i.e. liquid-containing cells wherein an electrical potential is produced or varied upon the application of stress
G01L 5/22 - Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes for measuring the force applied to control members, e.g. control members of vehicles, triggers
G06F 3/044 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by capacitive means
An apparatus having a touch-sensitive screen, a touch-sensor controller and a flexible printed circuit. A plurality of first conductive electrodes and a plurality of second conductive electrodes are substantially aligned with one or more gaps between two or more pixels of a two-dimensional array of pixels such that the electrodes do not cross over at least one of the pixels of the two-dimensional array of pixels. The plurality of first conductive electrodes form vertices within the one or more gaps between two or more pixels of the two-dimensional array of pixels such that the vertices do not obscure in plan view at least one of the pixels of the two-dimensional array of pixels. The touch-sensor controller is configured to detect and process the change in capacitance at one or more touch-sensor nodes to determine the presence and location of a touch-sensor input.
G02F 1/1335 - Structural association of cells with optical devices, e.g. polarisers or reflectors
H01L 27/32 - Devices consisting of a plurality of semiconductor or other solid-state components formed in or on a common substrate including components using organic materials as the active part, or using a combination of organic materials with other materials as the active part with components specially adapted for light emission, e.g. flat-panel displays using organic light-emitting diodes
G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
G06F 3/044 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by capacitive means
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving one or more sense signals from a touch sensor of a device, comparing a value associated with the one or more sense signals to a first threshold, and determining, based on comparing the value to the first threshold, whether an object has come within a pre-determined proximity of a first pre-determined location at a surface of the device. The method further includes comparing the value associated with the one or more sense signals to a second threshold and determining, based on comparing the value to the second threshold, whether the object has come within a pre-determined proximity of a second pre-determined location at the surface of the device.
In certain embodiments, a touch sensor includes a first electrode and a second electrode. The second electrode is interleaved with the first electrode. The touch sensor further includes a third electrode. The third electrode surrounds the first electrode and the second electrode. The first, second, and third electrodes of the touch sensor form a capacitive node.
An apparatus of one embodiment includes a sensor having a plurality of electrodes and a controller having a processor and a memory. The memory includes logic operable to configure the plurality of electrodes of the sensor to form a first cluster pattern including a first cluster and a second cluster. The first cluster and the second cluster each include two or more electrodes of the plurality of electrodes. The logic is further operable to determine a value associated with a capacitance of a first cluster and configure, in response to determining the value, the plurality of electrodes to form a second cluster pattern. The second cluster pattern includes a third cluster and a fourth cluster. The third cluster and the fourth cluster each include two or more electrodes of the plurality of electrodes and the third cluster is interleaved with the fourth cluster such that an electrode of the third cluster is positioned between two electrodes of the fourth cluster.
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a sensor and a controller having a processor and a memory. The memory includes logic operable, when executed by the processor, to connect each electrode of a first subset of electrodes of the sensor and determine a first value associated with the first subset of electrodes. Based at least on the first value, the logic is further operable to alter the first subset of electrodes to a second subset of electrodes and connect, in response to determining to alter the first subset of electrodes to the second subset of electrodes, each electrode of the second subset of electrodes of the sensor.
In one embodiment, a controller includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing logic. The logic is configured to perform, when executed by the processor, operations including detecting, in response to driving a plurality of electrodes of a touch sensor with a first drive signal having a first polarity, a first sense signal. The first sense signal has a second polarity, the second polarity being an inverse of the first polarity. The logic is further configured to perform operations including driving, in response to detecting the first sense signal, the plurality of electrodes with a second drive signal having the second polarity.
G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
G06F 3/0354 - Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the userAccessories therefor with detection of 2D relative movements between the device, or an operating part thereof, and a plane or surface, e.g. 2D mice, trackballs, pens or pucks
G06F 3/047 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means using sets of wires, e.g. crossed wires
G06F 3/044 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by capacitive means
An apparatus includes a force sensor circuit and a controller. The force sensor circuit includes first, second, third, and fourth electrodes disposed on a substrate. The first and second electrodes extend through first and second cells of a row of cells. The third and fourth electrodes extend through third and fourth cells of a column of cells. The first electrode occupies more area in the first cell than in the second cell. The second electrode occupies more area in the second cell than in the first cell. The third electrode occupies more area in the third cell than in the fourth cell. The fourth electrode occupies more area in the fourth cell than in the third cell. The controller detects a force and a position of the force based on signals communicated by the force sensor circuit.
In one embodiment, a controller includes a processor and a memory, the memory storing logic. The logic is configured to perform, when executed by the processor, operations comprising detecting, in response to driving electrodes of a touch sensor with a first drive signal having a first polarity, a presence of a stylus. The presence of the stylus is detected based on a first sense signal, the first sense signal having a second polarity. The operations further comprise detecting, in response to driving the electrodes with a second drive signal having the first polarity, a second sense signal having a third polarity. The third polarity is an inverse of the second polarity. The operations further comprise driving, in response to detecting the second sense signal having the third polarity, the electrodes with a third drive signal having a fourth polarity. The fourth polarity is an inverse of the first polarity.
G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
G06F 3/044 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by capacitive means
G06F 3/0354 - Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the userAccessories therefor with detection of 2D relative movements between the device, or an operating part thereof, and a plane or surface, e.g. 2D mice, trackballs, pens or pucks
G06F 3/047 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means using sets of wires, e.g. crossed wires
An apparatus includes a display stack, a touch sensor, and a touch sensor controller. The display stack includes one or more layers. The touch sensor is disposed, at least in part, on a layer from among the one or more layers. The touch sensor controller has first and second portions. The first portion is coupled to a driver and is disposed, at least in part, on a layer from among the one or more layers. The second portion is coupled to a current sensor. The current sensor and the driver are coupled to a capacitor.
An exemplary touch position-sensing panel has first and second electrodes that cross over each other to form touch sensing nodes at their intersections. Cut-outs are formed in the first electrodes at touch sensing nodes. The cut-outs extend at least partially across the region where second electrodes cross over the first electrode.
G06F 3/045 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means using resistive elements, e.g. a single continuous surface or two parallel surfaces put in contact
G06F 3/044 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by capacitive means
G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
A voltage level shifter including a voltage converting unit to convert an input voltage into a current; a voltage level shifting unit to drive a driving voltage based on the current and shift a voltage level of the driving voltage when a modulation voltage is applied at a first voltage level to a floating ground; a circuit driving voltage supply unit to supply a circuit driving voltage and further to generate a shifted voltage level of the circuit driving voltage when the modulation voltage is applied at the first voltage level; and an output unit to supply an output voltage based on the circuit driving voltage and the driving voltage, and further supply the output voltage at a second voltage level based on the shifted voltage level of the driving voltage and the circuit driving voltage when the modulation voltage is applied at the first voltage level is disclosed.
In one embodiment, a controller includes a storage unit and a processor unit. The processor unit is coupled to the storage unit and configured to receive a signal associated with an operation of a device that includes a touch sensor. The touch sensor includes a first plurality of electrodes oriented in a first direction in a first portion of the touch sensor, a second plurality of electrodes oriented in the first direction in a second portion of the touch sensor, and a third plurality of electrodes intersecting the first and second plurality of electrodes. The processor unit is further configured to determine, in response to the signal, that a detection mode of the touch sensor is to be changed and in response to the determination, couple the second plurality of electrodes to a fixed voltage source to decrease a detection range in the second portion of the touch sensor.
In one embodiment, a touch sensor includes a first electrode and a second electrode. At least a portion of the second electrode is interdigitated with the first electrode. The first electrode includes a base portion, a digit and an extent. The digit includes a first end and a second end, connects to the base portion at the first end, and extends from the base portion in a first direction along a first axis. The extent connects to the digit at the second end and extends from the digit along a second axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first axis.
In one embodiment, an apparatus for detecting a touch. The apparatus includes a touch sensor that includes a first plurality of electrode lines and a second plurality of electrode lines. The apparatus also includes a touch sensor controller coupled to the touch sensor. The touch sensor controller is operable to apply a respective voltage pulse simultaneously to each of the first plurality of electrode lines, measure a respective signal at each of the second plurality of electrode lines, and detect a touch based on the measurement of the respective signals.
In one embodiment, a device includes a display stack including a number of layers. The layers include a cover layer and one or more other layers. The device also includes a touch sensor disposed on a surface of a particular layer of the plurality of layers of the display stack. The touch sensor includes a number of first electrodes oriented along a first direction. Each of the first electrodes includes a plurality of first conductive regions. The touch sensor also includes a number of second electrodes oriented along a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. Each of the second electrodes includes a second conductive region. The second conductive region of each of the second electrodes being interdigitated with a respective adjacent first conductive region of multiple first electrodes of the plurality of first electrodes.
Gesturing is used to enter a unique combination of hand positions and/or movements for accessing a secured device having a security entry system requiring that a correct code be entered before allowing access thereto. An authorized user places his/her hand(s) over a gesture sensing structure and executes a series of movement/gestures to unlock and gain access to the secured device. The gesture sensing structure may be placed inside of a visual shield so that visually intercepting the coded positions/movements may be prevented. Left and right gestures may be used to allow using traditional tumbler lock combinations to unlock and gain access to the secured device. A combination of gestures may be used to create a plurality of security combinations.
G06F 21/45 - Structures or tools for the administration of authentication
G06F 3/046 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by electromagnetic means
G06F 3/01 - Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
G06F 21/71 - Protecting specific internal or peripheral components, in which the protection of a component leads to protection of the entire computer to assure secure computing or processing of information
G06K 9/00 - Methods or arrangements for reading or recognising printed or written characters or for recognising patterns, e.g. fingerprints
In certain embodiments, an apparatus includes a first substrate with sense electrodes of a touch sensor disposed on it and a second substrate with drive electrodes of the touch sensor disposed on it. One or more of the following is true: the sense electrodes of the first substrate are made of a first conductive mesh of conductive material such that the sense electrodes include the first conductive mesh; and the drive electrodes of the second substrate are made of a second conductive mesh of conductive material such that the drive electrodes include the second conductive mesh. The apparatus also includes an insulating layer between the sense electrodes of the first substrate and the drive electrodes of the second substrate.
G06F 3/045 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means using resistive elements, e.g. a single continuous surface or two parallel surfaces put in contact
G06F 3/044 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by capacitive means
G01D 5/24 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage by varying capacitance
In one embodiment, a sensor includes a voltage driver operable to provide an alternating voltage and an integrator circuit. The sensor further includes a first variable resistance element coupled to a first output of the voltage driver and an input of the integrator circuit. The integrator circuit is operable to measure a parameter of the first variable resistance element over a period of time. The sensor further includes circuitry operable to determine, based on the measured parameter, an amount of force applied to a touch sensing panel.
G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
G06F 3/044 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by capacitive means
G01L 5/22 - Apparatus for, or methods of, measuring force, work, mechanical power, or torque, specially adapted for specific purposes for measuring the force applied to control members, e.g. control members of vehicles, triggers
G01L 1/20 - Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations in ohmic resistance of solid materials or of electrically-conductive fluidsMeasuring force or stress, in general by making use of electrokinetic cells, i.e. liquid-containing cells wherein an electrical potential is produced or varied upon the application of stress
G01L 1/14 - Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations in capacitance or inductance of electrical elements, e.g. by measuring variations of frequency of electrical oscillators
26.
Capacitive measurement circuit for a touch sensor drive
In one embodiment, a method for determining the location of a touch on a touch sensor includes receiving input signals in response to a touch proximate to a location on the touch sensor. Each input signal may have a total capacitance that includes a first capacitance associated with the touch and a second capacitance that is parasitic capacitance. The parasitic capacitance of one or more of the input signals may be adjusted to result in the second capacitance of each of the input signals being substantially equal. An average capacitance of the adjusted input signals may be calculated. The location of the touch on the touch sensor may then be determined based on a comparison of the total capacitance of each of the input signals and the average capacitance of the input signals.
G01R 27/26 - Measuring inductance or capacitanceMeasuring quality factor, e.g. by using the resonance methodMeasuring loss factorMeasuring dielectric constants
G06F 3/044 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by capacitive means
G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
G01D 5/24 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage by varying capacitance
An apparatus comprises a comparator that includes a first input, a second input and an output. The comparator is configured for measuring a difference in voltage between a source coupled to the first input and another source coupled to the second input, and providing information associated with the measured difference at the output. The apparatus also comprises a controllable current source coupled to the first input of the comparator and configured for supplying or drawing current. The apparatus also comprises a digital logic circuit that is configured for controlling an amount of current supplied or drawn by the controllable current source. The apparatus is configured for measuring a charge associated with an external source that is coupled to the first input of the comparator.
G01R 19/25 - Arrangements for measuring currents or voltages or for indicating presence or sign thereof using digital measurement techniques
G01R 29/24 - Arrangements for measuring quantities of charge
G01R 27/26 - Measuring inductance or capacitanceMeasuring quality factor, e.g. by using the resonance methodMeasuring loss factorMeasuring dielectric constants
In one embodiment, a touch sensor includes a first electrode and a second electrode. At least a portion of the second electrode is interdigitated with the first electrode. The first electrode includes a base portion, a digit and an extent. The digit includes a first end and a second end, connects to the base portion at the first end, and extends from the base portion in a first direction along a first axis. The extent connects to the digit at the second end and extends from the digit along a second axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first axis.
In one embodiment, a method includes applying a drive signal to an electrode of a touch sensor of a device. The touch sensor extends across an area of a surface of the device, and the drive signal is configured to generate an electric field that extends outward from the area of the surface that the touch sensor extends across and reaches a pre-determined location on the device that is outside the area of the surface that the touch sensor extends across. The method includes receiving a sense signal from the touch sensor produced at least in part by the electric field. The sense signal indicates whether an object has come within a pre-determined proximity of the pre-determined location.
In one embodiment, a method includes substantially simultaneously applying a pre-determined voltage to a conductive layer and to one or more electrodes of a touch sensor. The conductive layer is spatially separated from the electrodes by at least a thickness of a substrate. The method also includes determining a difference between a measurement current of one or more of the electrodes and a reference value; and determining whether a proximity or touch input to the touch sensor has occurred based at least in part on the difference.
In certain embodiments, a touch sensor includes a plurality of first electrodes, and a plurality of second electrodes. The plurality of second electrodes are separated from the plurality of first electrodes by an insulator and are operable, when operated by a controller, to capacitively couple with one or more first electrodes across the insulator. The touch sensor also includes a touch panel, a plurality of proximity electrodes, and a plurality of shield electrodes. Each shield electrode is associated with a respective proximity electrode of the plurality of proximity electrodes such that each shield electrode substantially surrounds its respective proximity electrode from a perspective orthogonal to a surface of the touch panel.
In one embodiment, a system includes first lines of conductive material and a touch sensor comprising second and third lines of conductive material inside and outside the touch sensor. The first lines of conductive material are outside the touch sensor and disposed between second lines of conductive material outside the touch sensor and the third lines of conductive material outside the touch sensor. The system further includes logic that is configured when executed to apply a ground signal to the first lines of conductive material and sense touch inputs at the touch sensor using mutual-capacitive touch sensing in response to determining to operate in a mutual-capacitive mode of operation, and apply a voltage signal to the first lines of conductive material and sense touch inputs at the touch sensor using self-capacitive touch sensing in response to determining to operate in a self-capacitive mode of operation.
G06F 3/045 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means using resistive elements, e.g. a single continuous surface or two parallel surfaces put in contact
G06F 3/044 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by capacitive means
G09G 5/00 - Control arrangements or circuits for visual indicators common to cathode-ray tube indicators and other visual indicators
A touch sensor includes a flexible substrate, a plurality of sense electrodes and a plurality of drive electrodes disposed on the flexible substrate, a plurality of electrode branches, and a central spine. Each of the plurality of sense and drive electrodes includes electrode teeth, and electrode teeth of the sense electrodes are interdigitated with electrode teeth of the drive electrodes. Each particular electrode branch includes a portion of at least one of the drive electrodes and a portion of at least one of the sense electrodes. The central spine includes tracks that are coupled to the sense and drive electrodes. When the touch sensor is not formed into a three-dimensional shape, at least a portion of one of the electrode branches is separated from an adjacent electrode branch by a gap. When the touch sensor is formed into a three-dimensional shape, the gap is substantially eliminated, thereby forming a substantially continuous touch-sensitive surface.
In one embodiment, a sensor includes a plurality of drive electrodes running generally in a first direction. The sensor also includes a plurality of sense electrodes running generally in a second direction. The sense electrodes have branches running generally in the first direction. End portions of the adjacent branches of adjacent sense electrodes extend beyond one another to define respective coextensive portions of the branches.
G06F 3/045 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means using resistive elements, e.g. a single continuous surface or two parallel surfaces put in contact
G01B 7/00 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques
G01D 5/24 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage by varying capacitance
G06F 3/044 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by capacitive means
An apparatus of one embodiment includes a sensor having a plurality of electrodes and a controller having a processor and a memory. The memory includes logic operable to configure the electrodes to form a first cluster pattern having a plurality of first clusters of two or more electrodes, apply voltage to each first cluster, and determine a plurality of first values associated with a capacitance of a first cluster. The logic is further operable to configure the electrodes to form a second cluster pattern having a plurality of second clusters of two or more electrodes, apply voltage to each second cluster, and determine a plurality of second values associated with a capacitance of a second cluster. At least one second cluster is interleaved with an adjacent second cluster. The logic is further operable to determine a position of an object based at least on the second values.
In one embodiment, a method includes applying a drive signal to a first electrode of a sensor to generate an electric field extending at least in part from the first electrode toward a second electrode of the sensor. The electric field includes a first portion and a second portion, and the first portion extends farther away from a plane of the first electrode than the second portion. The method also includes shunting the second portion of the electric field away from the second electrode and receiving a sense signal from the second electrode produced at least in part by the first portion of the electric field. The sense signal indicates whether an object has come within proximity of the sensor.
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a sensor having a plurality of electrodes and a controller having a processor and a memory. The memory includes logic operable, when executed by the processor, to connect each electrode of a first subset of the plurality of electrodes, apply voltage to the first subset, and determine a first value associated with a capacitance of the first subset. Based at least on the first value, the logic is further operable to connect each electrode of a second subset of the plurality of electrodes, the second subset having fewer electrodes than the first subset, apply voltage to the second subset, and determine a second value associated with a capacitance of the second subset.
In an embodiment, a system includes a controller coupled to a first set of electrodes. The first set of electrodes are substantially arranged along a first axis. The controller is configured to send a first set of signals through a transmission medium to a first set of electrodes and receive a second set of signals. The impedance of the transmission medium is different than the impedance of the first set of electrodes. The second set of signals include characteristics resulting from effects on the first set of signals from the first set of electrodes and the transmission medium. The controller is configured to change, in response to analyzing the second set of signals, one or more of the following: an impedance of the controller and a voltage associated with the controller.
In one embodiment, a touch sensor includes multiple first electrodes along a first direction. Each of the first electrodes includes multiple first conductive regions. The touch sensor also includes multiple second electrodes along a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. Each of the second electrodes includes one second conductive region. The one second conductive region of each of the second electrodes are interdigitated with one of the first conductive regions of each of the first electrodes. The first and second conductive regions are disposed on a layer on or within a display stack including one or more layers.
G06F 3/045 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means using resistive elements, e.g. a single continuous surface or two parallel surfaces put in contact
G06F 3/044 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by capacitive means
G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
In one embodiment, a method for changing the detection range of a touch sensor includes receiving a signal associated with an operation of a device having a touch sensor, and in response to the signal, determining that a detection mode of the touch sensor associated with the device is to be changed. In response to the determination, decreasing sensitivity of a portion, but not all, of the touch sensor.
G06F 3/045 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means using resistive elements, e.g. a single continuous surface or two parallel surfaces put in contact
G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
G06F 3/044 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by capacitive means
41.
Method and system to determine when a device is being held
In one embodiment, a touch-sensitive device includes a controller that is communicatively coupled to a plurality of electrodes. The controller is operable to access data from a motion sensor of the touch-sensitive device. The controller is further operable to access a plurality of signals from the plurality of electrodes. The signals are indicative of an amount of capacitance between the touch sensor and one or more fingers of a user. The controller is further operable to determine, based on the data from the motion sensor and the plurality of signals from the plurality of electrodes of the touch sensor, a particular hand of the user that is holding the touch-sensitive device.
G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
G06F 3/045 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means using resistive elements, e.g. a single continuous surface or two parallel surfaces put in contact
An apparatus may include a controller and a capacitive sensor that includes electrodes. The controller includes a processor and a memory. When logic is executed by the processor, the logic is capable of selecting a first subset of electrodes for measurement and selecting one of the electrodes from a second subset of electrodes as a reference drive electrode. The logic is further capable of determining a difference between a capacitance measurement of the first subset and a capacitance measurement of the reference drive electrode. The logic is also capable of adjust the capacitance measurement of the first electrode based at least in part upon the difference.
In one embodiment, a touch sensor includes a touch screen having a plurality of electrodes and a controller. The controller is operable to detect that an object is in proximity to the touch screen by measuring capacitance values from a reference area of the touch screen, determining a reference capacitance value using the measured capacitance values from the reference area, measuring capacitance values from a main area of the touch screen, and suppressing noise from the measured capacitance values of the main area by subtracting the reference capacitance value from the measured capacitance values of the main area of the touch screen. The reference area includes two or more of the plurality of electrodes, and at least one of the electrodes of the reference area is electrically coupled to a voltage reference. The main area includes electrodes of the plurality of electrodes that are not in the reference area.
In certain embodiments, a touch sensor includes first, second, and third electrode tracks. The first electrode track includes a first electrode, which has a first segment, a second segment connected to the first segment, and a third segment connected to the first segment. The second electrode track includes a second electrode, which includes a fourth segment, a fifth segment connected to the fourth segment, and a sixth segment connected to the fourth segment. A portion of the second segment extends between portions of the fifth and sixth segments from a perspective orthogonal to the surface of the touch sensor, and a portion of the fifth segment extends between portions of the second and third segments from the orthogonal perspective. The third electrode track includes a third electrode, a portion of which extends between portions of the first and second electrodes from the orthogonal perspective.
An apparatus includes a touch sensor operable to sense objects that touch the touch sensor. The apparatus also includes a touch sensor controller operable to detect a first object and determine that the first object is an object that a user intends to touch the touch sensor. The touch sensor controller also defines an intended touch area associated with the first object and suppresses detection of touches that are outside of the defined intended touch area.
G06F 3/045 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means using resistive elements, e.g. a single continuous surface or two parallel surfaces put in contact
G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
G06F 3/044 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by capacitive means
In one embodiment, an apparatus for detecting a touch. The apparatus includes a touch sensor that includes a first plurality of electrode lines and a second plurality of electrode lines. The apparatus also includes a touch sensor controller coupled to the touch sensor. The touch sensor controller is operable to apply a respective voltage pulse simultaneously to each of the first plurality of electrode lines, measure a respective signal at each of the second plurality of electrode lines, and detect a touch based on the measurement of the respective signals.
In one embodiment, a touch-sensitive device includes a controller, horizontal electrodes, and vertical electrodes. The touch-sensitive device further includes a first plurality of switches that couple the horizontal electrodes to a first plurality of sensors, a second plurality of switches that couple the vertical electrodes to a second plurality of sensors, and a third and fourth plurality of switches that couple the horizontal and vertical electrodes to a shield sensor. The controller is operable to perform simultaneous hovering, touch, and proximity detection by selectively controlling the first, second, third, and fourth plurality of switches. The hovering, touch, and proximity detection includes causing substantially equal voltages to be present on the horizontal and vertical electrodes while measuring capacitances using the shield sensor and either the first or second plurality of sensors.
G06F 3/045 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means using resistive elements, e.g. a single continuous surface or two parallel surfaces put in contact
G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
G06F 3/044 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by capacitive means
48.
Method of compensating for retransmission effects in a touch sensor
In one embodiment, a method of compensating for retransmission effects in a touch sensor includes, in response to measuring a touch input on a display, generating a first matrix comprising a plurality of first measurements associated with a plurality of capacitive nodes of a touch sensor. The method also includes estimating an amount of retransmission associated with the touch input by generating a first vector comprising one or more second measurements associated with one or more first electrode lines of the touch sensor, generating a second vector comprising one or more third measurements associated with one or more second electrode lines of the touch sensor, and calculating an outer product of the first and second vectors. The method includes generating a revised indication of the touch input based on the first matrix and the estimated amount of retransmission.
Capacitive proximity detection is provided by combining a delta-sigma modulator and a capacitive voltage divider circuit to create a high resolution capacitive-to-digital converter. Period and duty cycle counters provide duty cycle ratios from the delta-sigma modulator for comparison of changes in capacitance values of a capacitive sensor when an object is in proximity thereto.
G01R 27/26 - Measuring inductance or capacitanceMeasuring quality factor, e.g. by using the resonance methodMeasuring loss factorMeasuring dielectric constants
G01D 5/24 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage by varying capacitance
H03K 17/955 - Proximity switches using a capacitive detector
H03M 3/00 - Conversion of analogue values to or from differential modulation
50.
Sensor device and method for capacitive approximation detection
A capacitive sensor device with an electrode system has a first transmitting electrode and a first reception electrode, wherein the first transmitting electrode can be brought into capacitive coupling with the first reception electrode, and a second transmitting electrode and a second reception electrode, wherein the second transmitting electrode can be brought into capacitive coupling with the second reception electrode, a signal generator for feeding the first transmitting electrode with a first electric alternating signal and the second transmitting electrode with a second electric alternating signal, and a signal processing device, which is coupled with the first reception electrode and with the second reception electrode, and which is adapted to form a first measurement variable from the difference between a first electric value tapped at the first reception electrode and a second electric value tapped at the second reception electrode.
G01R 27/26 - Measuring inductance or capacitanceMeasuring quality factor, e.g. by using the resonance methodMeasuring loss factorMeasuring dielectric constants
G01R 1/30 - Structural combination of electric measuring instruments with basic electronic circuits, e.g. with amplifier
H03K 17/955 - Proximity switches using a capacitive detector
A touch sensor includes a substrate and a plurality of columns of electrodes disposed on a first side of the substrate. The substrate includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The columns each include a sense electrode and drive electrodes. The columns include a first column adjacent to the first end, a second column adjacent to the second end, and one or more interior columns. The touch sensor also includes a plurality of channels for routing tracks coupled to the drive and sense electrodes. Tracks for the first column are routed in a first channel on a side of the first column opposite from the first end of the substrate. Tracks for the second column are routed in a second channel on a side of the second column opposite from the second end of the substrate. Tracks for the interior columns are dispersed amongst the channels.
G01R 27/26 - Measuring inductance or capacitanceMeasuring quality factor, e.g. by using the resonance methodMeasuring loss factorMeasuring dielectric constants
G06F 3/044 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by capacitive means
A control panel for proximity and force sensing, includes a cover layer, a first electrode layer including a first force sensor electrode, a second force sensor electrode positioned in a second electrode layer or on a support layer, and a dielectric substrate at least a portion of which is compressible and is positioned between the first and second force sensor electrodes. The support layer is positioned to support at the vicinity of the second force sensor electrode support location so that compression of the dielectric substrate and the separation of the first and second force sensor electrodes depends on the magnitude of a force applied to the cover layer. Touch sensor electrodes are positioned on one or more of the electrode layers such that their capacitance depends on proximity of an object such as a finger. Controllers measure the capacitance of the force and touch sensor electrodes respectively and output force and touch proximity signals.
G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
G06F 3/044 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by capacitive means
G01L 1/14 - Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations in capacitance or inductance of electrical elements, e.g. by measuring variations of frequency of electrical oscillators
G06F 3/02 - Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
H03K 17/975 - Switches controlled by moving an element forming part of the switch using a capacitive movable element
53.
Touch sensor with high-density macro-feature design
In one embodiment, a touch position-sensing panel comprises a sensing area comprising a substrate, a plurality of first electrodes in a first layer, the plurality of first electrodes comprising conductive mesh and arranged in a first direction, the first layer having a first plurality of gaps formed therein, a plurality of second electrodes in a second layer, the plurality of second electrodes comprising conductive mesh and arranged in a second direction, the second layer having a second plurality of gaps formed therein, wherein the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes overlap to create a plurality of nodes, and wherein each of the plurality of gaps runs in a generally straight line from one side of the sensing area to an opposing side of the sensing area.
In certain embodiments, an apparatus comprises a charge-measurement capacitor and circuitry. The circuitry is configured to provide a pre-determined amount of charge to the charge-measurement capacitor and transfer an accumulated amount of charge on a sense electrode to the charge-measurement capacitor, the accumulated amount of charge having accumulated on the sense electrode due at least in part to noise. The circuitry is configured measure a voltage of the charge-measurement capacitor to determine the accumulated amount of charge.
G01R 27/26 - Measuring inductance or capacitanceMeasuring quality factor, e.g. by using the resonance methodMeasuring loss factorMeasuring dielectric constants
G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
G06F 3/044 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by capacitive means
G01R 29/26 - Measuring noise figureMeasuring signal-to-noise ratio
55.
Capacitive sensor device and method for calibrating a capacitive sensor device
A capacitive sensor device for approach and/or contact detection has at least one generator electrode, at least one measurement electrode and at least one calibration electrode, wherein the at least one calibration electrode is arranged in a predefined distance adjacent to the at least one measurement electrode, wherein the at least one measurement electrode and the at least one calibration electrode are assigned to the generator electrode, wherein the at least one generator electrode may be loaded with a generator voltage and the at least one calibration electrode may be loaded with a calibrating voltage, and wherein the at least one calibration electrode at least may be operated in a first operating mode and a second operating mode, wherein in each of the operating modes the calibrating voltage lies between a ground voltage and the generator voltage, and the calibrating voltage is different in each operating mode.
G01R 35/00 - Testing or calibrating of apparatus covered by the other groups of this subclass
H03K 17/955 - Proximity switches using a capacitive detector
G01D 5/24 - Mechanical means for transferring the output of a sensing memberMeans for converting the output of a sensing member to another variable where the form or nature of the sensing member does not constrain the means for convertingTransducers not specially adapted for a specific variable using electric or magnetic means influencing the magnitude of a current or voltage by varying capacitance
In one embodiment, a method includes monitoring detection by a sensing element of a key touch on a touch screen; determining an amount of time that has elapsed since the sensing element last detected a change of capacitance indicative of a key touch on the touch screen; and, if the amount of time that has elapsed exceeds a predetermined time duration, then initiating a particular function of an apparatus.
G01R 27/26 - Measuring inductance or capacitanceMeasuring quality factor, e.g. by using the resonance methodMeasuring loss factorMeasuring dielectric constants
G08B 13/08 - Mechanical actuation by opening, e.g. of door, of window, of drawer, of shutter, of curtain, of blind
In certain embodiments, a touch-sensor controller is operable to apply a first voltage to a first drive line. The first drive line comprises a first one or more drive electrodes. The touch-sensor controller is further operable to measure a second voltage across a capacitor. The capacitor is coupled to a first sense line. The first sense line comprises a first one or more sense electrodes. The touch-sensor controller is further operable to determine, based on the second voltage across the capacitor, a touch at a first capacitive node formed by an overlapping of a first region of the first drive line and a first region of the first sense line.
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a request to refresh a display for a refresh period, wherein the display is coupled to a touch sensor operable to detect touch input at the display. The method also includes refreshing a first portion of the display and activating the touch sensor at a second portion of the display different from the first portion of the display during a first portion of the refresh period. The method further includes, during a second portion of the refresh period, refreshing a third portion of the display different from the first and second portions of the display and activating the touch sensor at a fourth portion of the display different from the first, second, and third portions of the display.
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving, from a touch sensor of a device, one or more signals corresponding to touch or proximity inputs within a touch-sensitive area of the touch sensor. The touch sensor comprising one or more nodes. The method also includes applying an offset to one or more of the signals. The offset corresponding to a variation in a distance between a touch panel and a ground plane or display of the device. The method also includes determining whether a touch input to the touch sensor has occurred based at least in part on the signals and the offset as applied.
G06F 3/045 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means using resistive elements, e.g. a single continuous surface or two parallel surfaces put in contact
G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
60.
Detecting presence of an object in the vicinity of a touch interface of a device
A system includes a controller situated on a circuit board and a touch sensor coupled to the controller. The touch sensor includes a plurality of electrodes configured to capacitively coupled to a surface. The system also includes a drive element that is coupled to the controller. The controller is configured to send a drive signal to the drive element and, after sending the drive signal to the drive element, receive a set of sense signals from the touch sensor. The controller is further configured to determine whether an object that is not contact with the surface is in a vicinity of the surface the set of sense signals.
G06F 3/045 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means using resistive elements, e.g. a single continuous surface or two parallel surfaces put in contact
G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
G06F 3/044 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by capacitive means
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a display stack for a touch-sensitive screen. The display stack comprises a plurality of layers in which a top layer comprises a substantially transparent cover layer. The display stack is configured to display a color image. The apparatus also includes a touch sensor provided within the display stack. The touch sensor comprises a plurality of first conductive electrodes contacting a layer of a subset of the plurality of layers of the display stack. The subset of the plurality of layers is below the substantially transparent cover layer. The touch sensor also includes a plurality of second conductive electrodes contacting a layer of the subset of the plurality of layers.
G02F 1/1335 - Structural association of cells with optical devices, e.g. polarisers or reflectors
H01L 27/32 - Devices consisting of a plurality of semiconductor or other solid-state components formed in or on a common substrate including components using organic materials as the active part, or using a combination of organic materials with other materials as the active part with components specially adapted for light emission, e.g. flat-panel displays using organic light-emitting diodes
G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
G06F 3/044 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by capacitive means
Two different sets of electrodes in a touch sensitive device are formed to produce an electric field gradient from one end of the electrodes to the other end when opposite ends of the electrodes are driven with different voltages. A signal measuring cycle is performed by alternately driving the ends of one set of electrodes, while using the other set of electrodes to receive signals. The roles of the sets of electrodes are then reversed, such that the set that that was driven is now used to receive signals from the other set of electrodes. Reference signals may be obtained by driving both sides of one set of electrodes, and then both sides of the other set of electrodes. The signals obtained are then used to determine the touch position on the touch sensitive device.
A projected capacitive touch and force sensor capable of detecting multiple touches thereto and forces thereof is coupled with a digital device having multi-touch and force decoding capabilities. Once a touch has been established, a force thereof may be assigned to the touch based upon the magnitude of change of capacitance values determined during scans of the projected capacitive touch and force sensor. The touch forces applied to the touch sensor from the associated tracked touch points may be utilized in further determining three dimensional gesturing, e.g., X, Y and Z positions and forces, respectively.
An electrical hand-held device is provided with improved proximity detection, which can be placed on a surface and has at least one transmission electrode, at least one reception electrode and at least one compensation electrode arranged between transmission electrode and reception electrode. The transmission electrode and the compensation electrode can be supplied with an electric switching signal of predetermined signal frequency and predetermined signal amplitude. Switching electric signal at the compensation electrode is phase-delayed with respect to the switching electric signal at the transmission electrode. Alternating electric fields radiated at the transmission electrode and the compensation electrode generate a current in the reception electrode, which is representative of an approach of a hand to the hand-held device.; The transmission electrode and the reception electrode are arranged in such a way, that the impedance between the transmission electrode and the reception electrode exceeds a predetermined value, which is suitable to keep the current generated in the reception electrode under a predetermined value.
G06F 3/0354 - Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the userAccessories therefor with detection of 2D relative movements between the device, or an operating part thereof, and a plane or surface, e.g. 2D mice, trackballs, pens or pucks
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a substrate including material having a low birefringence. One or more electrodes of a touch sensor are disposed on the substrate.
H01L 27/32 - Devices consisting of a plurality of semiconductor or other solid-state components formed in or on a common substrate including components using organic materials as the active part, or using a combination of organic materials with other materials as the active part with components specially adapted for light emission, e.g. flat-panel displays using organic light-emitting diodes
G02B 1/10 - Optical coatings produced by application to, or surface treatment of, optical elements
In one embodiment, a method includes detecting a touch of an object on a device. The method also includes predicting an area of the device that the detected touch will move to. The method further includes sending a first set of drive signals to one or more drive lines within the predicted area, the first set of drive signals each having a first number of pulses. The method further includes sending a second set of drive signals to one or more drive lines outside the predicted area, the second set of drive signals each having a second number of pulses. Furthermore, the first number of pulses is greater than the second number of pulses.
A capacitive proximity sensor has a first sensor electrode and a second sensor electrode, a signal generator for providing a first and a second electric alternating signal, a first load element which comprises a first and a second electric load, in which the first alternating signal by the first load can be fed to the first sensor electrode and the second alternating signal by the second load to the second sensor electrode, and wherein the electric loads each together with the capacitive load to be measured at the respective sensor electrode form a lowpass filter, and a signal processing device, which is coupled with the first sensor electrode and with the second sensor electrode, and which is adapted to form a first measurement value from the push-pull portion of a first electric parameter tapped at the first sensor electrode and a second electric parameter tapped at the second sensor electrode.
G01R 27/26 - Measuring inductance or capacitanceMeasuring quality factor, e.g. by using the resonance methodMeasuring loss factorMeasuring dielectric constants
H03K 17/955 - Proximity switches using a capacitive detector
A printed circuit board (P) has an evaluation device (E) and an electrode configuration of a capacitive sensor, wherein the electrode configuration has at least two electrodes, one arranged above the other and spaced apart from each other, which each are formed by portions of at least one electrically conductive layer of the printed circuit board (P), and wherein at least one electrode of the electrode configuration is coupled with the evaluation device (E) via a conductor path of the printed circuit board (P). Furthermore, an electric handheld device may have at least one such printed circuit board (P).
G01R 27/26 - Measuring inductance or capacitanceMeasuring quality factor, e.g. by using the resonance methodMeasuring loss factorMeasuring dielectric constants
G01R 1/04 - HousingsSupporting membersArrangements of terminals
H05K 1/16 - Printed circuits incorporating printed electric components, e.g. printed resistor, capacitor, inductor
An apparatus comprises a comparator that includes a first input, a second input and an output. The comparator is configured for measuring a difference in voltage between a source coupled to the first input and another source coupled to the second input, and providing information associated with the measured difference at the output. The apparatus also comprises a controllable current source coupled to the first input of the comparator and configured for supplying or drawing current. The apparatus also comprises a digital logic circuit that is configured for controlling an amount of current supplied or drawn by the controllable current source. The apparatus is configured for measuring a charge associated with an external source that is coupled to the first input of the comparator.
In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a substrate. The apparatus further comprises a plurality of drive electrodes disposed on the substrate. Each of the plurality of drive electrodes is formed of an opaque conductive material. The apparatus further comprises a plurality of resistors. For each adjacent pair of drive electrodes of the plurality of drive electrodes, a resistor of the plurality of resistors is coupled between the pair of drive electrodes.
G08B 19/00 - Alarms responsive to two or more different undesired or abnormal conditions, e.g. burglary and fire, abnormal temperature and abnormal rate of flow
A system includes a controller situated on a circuit board and a touch sensor coupled to the controller. The touch sensor includes a plurality of electrodes configured to capacitively coupled to a surface. The system also includes a drive element that is coupled to the controller. The controller is configured to send a drive signal to the drive element and, after sending the drive signal to the drive element, receive a set of sense signals from the touch sensor. The controller is further configured to determine whether an object that is not contact with the surface is in a vicinity of the surface the set of sense signals.
In one embodiment, a method comprises generating a first charge at a capacitor system having a magnitude based on the magnitude of a second charge present at a capacitive node of a touch sensor in the absence of a touch with respect to the capacitive node. The method further includes generating a third charge at the capacitive node of the touch sensor in the presence of a touch with respect to the capacitive node. The first charge and the third charge are summed to cancel out at least a portion of the third charge. The method further includes integrating, by an integrator, the sum of the first charge and the third charge to generate an output voltage.
A position sensor comprises first and second electrodes that generally extend in a first direction and are arranged in a pattern that defines a sensitive area, the second electrodes interleaved with the first electrodes in a second direction. The first electrodes comprise first, second, and third groups of elements, elements in the first, second, and third groups being connected to each other but not to elements in another group. The elements have shapes configured for adjacent elements in the first and second groups to co-extend in the first direction over a first portion of the sensitive area and to provide ratiometric capacitive signals with respect to each other in the first direction, and adjacent elements in the second and third groups to co-extend in the first direction over a second portion of the sensitive area and to provide ratiometric capacitive signals with respect to each other in the first direction.
G06F 3/044 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by capacitive means
G01R 27/26 - Measuring inductance or capacitanceMeasuring quality factor, e.g. by using the resonance methodMeasuring loss factorMeasuring dielectric constants
74.
System and method for reducing borders of a touch sensor
In one embodiment, a method includes arranging a touch sensor over a first side of a display. The touch sensor comprising a first portion and a second portion. The first portion comprising a plurality of electrodes. The second portion comprising a plurality of tracks and a first plurality of connection pads. The method further includes folding the touch sensor around the display such that the second portion of the touch sensor is situated on a second side of the display. The second side of the display different than the first side of the display. Also, the method includes electrically coupling the first plurality of connection pads to a second plurality of connection pads. The second plurality of connection pads configured to be electrically coupled to a controller.
A touch data set is acquired via signals from each sensing node in a capacitive sensor array having a plurality of sensing nodes. Touch presence and location on the capacitive sensor array is determined from the touch data set. In subsequent sampling periods while presence of a touch continues to be detected, touch data sets may be acquired from respective subsets of the sensing nodes, each subset being located at and adjacent to the touch location determined in the preceding sampling period.
In certain embodiments, a touch sensor comprises a substrate and a plurality of electrodes disposed on the substrate. The plurality of electrodes comprise a drive line having a plurality of drive electrodes and a sense line having a plurality of sense electrodes. At least one of the drive line and sense line has at least three rows of electrodes.
A method of forming a capacitive sensor includes forming a capacitive touch position sensor including a first plurality electrodes sense electrodes and drive electrodes in a touch sensing area of a capacitive sensor. The first plurality of sense electrodes and drive electrodes are configured to enable detection of the presence and position of a touch in the touch sensing area. The method also includes forming a capacitive finger print sensor including a second plurality of sense electrodes and drive in a fingerprint sensing area of the capacitive sensor. The second plurality of sense electrodes and drive are configured to enable identification of the fingerprint of a finger placed in the fingerprint sensing area.
In certain embodiments, a proximity sensor includes a sensing element, an oscillator connected to the sensing element, and control circuitry connected to the oscillator. The sensing element has a capacitance to ground that is variable as a function of the proximity of an object to the sensing element. The oscillator includes a capacitor. The control circuitry is configured to supply an excitation to the oscillator and a charge to the sensing element, and to measure the resonant frequency of the oscillator. The control circuitry provides a signal indicative of the proximity of the object to the sensing element.
G01R 27/04 - Measuring real or complex resistance, reactance, impedance, or other two-pole characteristics derived therefrom, e.g. time constant in circuits having distributed constants
G01R 27/32 - Measuring attenuation, gain, phase shift, or derived characteristics of electric four-pole networks, i.e. two-port networksMeasuring transient response in circuits having distributed constants
G01B 7/14 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring distance or clearance between spaced objects or spaced apertures
G01R 27/00 - Arrangements for measuring resistance, reactance, impedance, or electric characteristics derived therefrom
G01R 27/26 - Measuring inductance or capacitanceMeasuring quality factor, e.g. by using the resonance methodMeasuring loss factorMeasuring dielectric constants
G01N 22/00 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of microwaves or radio waves, i.e. electromagnetic waves with a wavelength of one millimetre or more
H03K 17/955 - Proximity switches using a capacitive detector
G01R 23/00 - Arrangements for measuring frequenciesArrangements for analysing frequency spectra
In one embodiment, a method comprises detecting, by a hardware accelerator, that a value has been written to a first location of a memory, the first location identified by a first address. The method further includes adding the value to an accumulated value stored in an accumulator register of the hardware accelerator and storing the result in the accumulator register. The method further includes comparing the value to a maximum value stored in a first register of the hardware accelerator and overwriting the maximum value with the value if the value is greater than the maximum value. The method also includes comparing the value to a minimum value stored in a second register of the hardware accelerator and overwriting the minimum value with the value if the value is less than the minimum value.
G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
G06F 3/044 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by capacitive means
G06F 7/57 - Arithmetic logic units [ALU], i.e. arrangements or devices for performing two or more of the operations covered by groups or for performing logical operations
G06F 9/38 - Concurrent instruction execution, e.g. pipeline or look ahead
In one embodiment, a method includes determining, by a capacitive touch sensor of a device, a presence of an object; activating an optical sensor of the device in response to determining the presence of the object; and determining, by the optical sensor of the device, a touch or proximity input within a proximity-sensing volume.
In one embodiment, a method includes dividing a first amount of charge between a capacitance of a touch sensor and a compensation capacitor. The division of the first amount of charge results in a first voltage at an input node. The method also includes isolating the capacitance of the touch sensor from the compensation capacitor; and applying a reference voltage at the input node and a supply voltage at the compensation capacitor. The application of the reference voltage at the input node induces a second amount of charge proportional to a difference between the first voltage and the reference voltage on an integration capacitor. The method also includes determining a first difference between the first voltage and the reference voltage based on a second amount of charge on the integration capacitor; and determining whether a touch input to the touch sensor has occurred based on the first difference.
G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
G06F 3/045 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means using resistive elements, e.g. a single continuous surface or two parallel surfaces put in contact
G06F 3/033 - Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the userAccessories therefor
G06F 3/02 - Input arrangements using manually operated switches, e.g. using keyboards or dials
G06F 3/042 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by opto-electronic means
G06F 3/044 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by capacitive means
In particular embodiments, an apparatus includes a charge-measurement capacitor having a first plate coupled to a second plate of a coupling capacitor and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium embodying logic that is operable when executed to ground a first plate of the coupling capacitor; inject a pre-determined amount of charge onto the charge-measurement capacitor; and transfer an amount of charge accumulated on the second plate of the coupling capacitor to the first plate of the charge-measurement capacitor. The charge accumulated on the second plate of the coupling capacitor is due at least in part to noise. The logic is also operable when executed to determine, through a measured voltage across the charge-measurement capacitor, the amount of charge.
G01R 27/26 - Measuring inductance or capacitanceMeasuring quality factor, e.g. by using the resonance methodMeasuring loss factorMeasuring dielectric constants
83.
Burst-mode self-capacitance measurement with compensated capacitance
In one embodiment, a method includes applying a supply voltage across a compensation capacitor; dividing charge between a capacitance of a touch sensor and the compensation capacitor; and performing the application of the supply voltage and the dividing of charge a pre-determined number of times. A first amount of charge of the compensation capacitor results in a first voltage at an input node. The method also includes applying a reference voltage at the input node. The application of the reference voltage at the input node induces a second amount of charge proportional to a difference between the first voltage and the reference voltage on an integration capacitor. The method also includes determining a first difference between the first voltage and the reference voltage based on a second amount of charge on the integration capacitor; and determining whether a touch input to the touch sensor has occurred based on the difference.
In one embodiment, a method includes modifying a voltage at a capacitance of a touch sensor to a first voltage level. The method also includes modifying the voltage at the capacitance to a second voltage level, resulting in a first current. The method also includes modifying a voltage at an integration capacitor to a charging-voltage level based on the first current. The method also includes determining whether a touch input to the touch sensor has occurred based on the charging-voltage level.
G01R 27/26 - Measuring inductance or capacitanceMeasuring quality factor, e.g. by using the resonance methodMeasuring loss factorMeasuring dielectric constants
H03K 17/955 - Proximity switches using a capacitive detector
G06F 3/044 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by capacitive means
A touch sensor capable of detecting multiple touches thereto is coupled with a digital device having multi-touch decoding capabilities. These multi-touch decoding capabilities comprise touch data acquisition, touch identification, touch tracking and processed touch data output to a device associated with the touch sensor. Touch identification comprises touch location(s) peak detection, touch location(s) nudging and touch location(s) interpolation. Touch data acquisition locates potential touches on the touch sensor. Peak detection identifies where potential touch locations are on the touch sensor. Once a potential touch location(s) has been identified, touch location nudging examines each adjacent location thereto and interpolation examines the adjacent touch location values to generate a higher resolution location of the touch. Touch tracking compares time sequential “frames” of touch identification data and then determines which touches are associated between frames for further processing, e.g., determining gesturing actions.
G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
G06F 3/045 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means using resistive elements, e.g. a single continuous surface or two parallel surfaces put in contact
G06F 3/044 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by capacitive means
In one embodiment, an input device includes a flexible outer layer and a flexible touch sensor layer. The flexible outer layer is formed from a solidified material. The flexible touch sensor includes a substrate and a plurality of electrodes coupled to at least one side of the substrate. The electrodes are operable to detect touches of the flexible outer layer. Each of the electrodes have a shape formed by a plurality of lines of metal, which may be fine lines of metal (FLM), that occupy less than 100% of the area of the shape of the electrode.
An electrode device for a capacitive sensor device and a circuit arrangement for a capacitive sensor device for the operation of an electrode device are provided, wherein the electrode device has a first electrode structure with at least one transmitting electrode and at least one receiving electrode, and a second electrode structure with at least one field sensing electrode, wherein the electrode device or the capacitive sensor device can be operated in a first operation mode and in a second operation mode. In addition a method is provided for approach and/or touch detection with a sensor device.
G01R 27/26 - Measuring inductance or capacitanceMeasuring quality factor, e.g. by using the resonance methodMeasuring loss factorMeasuring dielectric constants
In one embodiment, a method includes sending a first set of signals to a first set of lines of a touch sensor. The method also includes receiving a second set of signals on a second set of lines of the touch sensor in response to sending the first set of signals. The second set of lines are capacitively coupled to the first set of lines. The method includes sending a third set of signals and receiving a fourth set of signals. The fourth set of signals is capacitively generated based on the third set of signals. The method also includes determining a fifth set of signals by compensating the second set of signals based on the fourth set of signals and determining whether a touch occurred based on the fifth set of signals.
G06F 3/045 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means using resistive elements, e.g. a single continuous surface or two parallel surfaces put in contact
G06F 3/044 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by capacitive means
G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
In an embodiment, a system comprises a touch sensor. The touch sensor comprises an insulating substrate and a plurality of electrodes disposed on the insulating substrate. The plurality of electrodes comprises a drive line having a plurality of drive electrodes and a sense line having a plurality of sense electrodes. At least one of the electrodes comprises a first conductive material having a hole portion substantially free of the first conductive material.
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a substrate, a flexible printed circuit (FPC), a touch sensor, and an inductive-charging element. The FPC is coupled to the substrate. The touch sensor is disposed on the substrate. The touch sensor includes electrodes made of conductive material. The inductive-charging component is disposed on the substrate or the FPC.
G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
H02J 17/00 - Systems for supplying or distributing electric power by electromagnetic waves
H02J 7/00 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
G06F 1/16 - Constructional details or arrangements
H02J 7/02 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries for charging batteries from AC mains by converters
91.
Touch sensor with adaptive touch detection thresholding
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving, by a controller coupled to a touch sensor, a plurality of signals from a plurality of sense electrodes, the plurality of signals indicative of an amount of capacitance between the touch sensor and an external object. The method further includes accessing a stored threshold value, determining a strength of a charge return path between the touch sensor and a ground, and adjusting the stored threshold value based on the determined strength of the charge return path. The threshold value indicates a threshold magnitude of the signals from the plurality of sense electrodes to process as a touch by the external object.
G06F 3/045 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means using resistive elements, e.g. a single continuous surface or two parallel surfaces put in contact
G06F 3/044 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by capacitive means
In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided that includes a touch sensor. The touch sensor includes a plurality of drive electrodes made of conductive material, a plurality of sense electrodes made of conductive material, and a plurality of edges. Each of the drive electrodes and each of the sense electrodes are coupled to at least one track. The tracks are located along only one of the plurality of edges of the touch sensor.
G01R 27/26 - Measuring inductance or capacitanceMeasuring quality factor, e.g. by using the resonance methodMeasuring loss factorMeasuring dielectric constants
G06F 3/041 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
G06F 3/044 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by capacitive means
In one embodiment, a touch sensor includes an insulating substrate comprising a first face. The touch sensor further includes a plurality of electrodes comprising one or more conductive materials formed on the insulating substrate. The touch sensor may also include a plurality of spacers extending outwardly from the first face of the first insulating substrate. Each spacer of the plurality of spacers may extend substantially the same distance from the first face of the insulating substrate. The plurality of spacers are operable to maintain a substantially consistent air gap between the plurality of electrodes and a cover panel when the cover panel is attached to the insulating substrate.
In one embodiment, a touch sensor includes one or more meshes of conductive material. Each of the meshes comprising a plurality of conductive lines. At least a first conductive line of the plurality of conductive lines has a width that is greater than a width of at least a second conductive line of the plurality of conductive lines.
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a two-dimensional array of pixels configured to produce an image. The apparatus also includes a touch sensor comprising a plurality of electrodes aligned with one or more gaps between one more pixels of the two-dimensional array of pixels. The plurality of electrodes are aligned such that the plurality of electrodes do not cross over at least one pixel of the two-dimensional array of pixels.
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a display stack for a touch-sensitive screen. The display stack comprises a plurality of layers in which a top layer comprises a substantially transparent cover layer. The display stack is configured to display a color image. The apparatus also includes a touch sensor provided within the display stack. The touch sensor comprises a plurality of first conductive electrodes contacting a layer of a subset of the plurality of layers of the display stack. The subset of the plurality of layers is below the substantially transparent cover layer. The touch sensor also includes a plurality of second conductive electrodes contacting a layer of the subset of the plurality of layers.
A touch-sensitive user interface includes a sensor element providing a plurality of sensing areas, a measurement circuit coupled to the sensor element and operable to iteratively acquire measurement signal values indicative of the proximity of an object to the respective sensing areas, and a processor operable to receive the measurement signal values from the measurement circuit and to classify a sensing area as an activated sensing area for a current iteration according to predefined selection criteria, wherein the predefined selection criteria are such that activation of at least a first sensing area in a current iteration is suppressed if at least a second sensing area has previously been classified as an activated sensing area within a predefined period before the current iteration. Thus a sensing area may be prevented from being activated for a predefined period of time after another sensing area has been activated.
In one embodiment, a method includes displaying an input tool comprising a first touch icon and a first input icon. The first touch icon may be visually separated from the first input icon by a predetermined distance. The first input icon may provide a graphical indication of an input associated with the first touch icon. The method may include determining an input based on a touch at or substantially near a location on a touch sensor associated with the first touch icon. The method may also include effecting the input as determined.
G06F 17/00 - Digital computing or data processing equipment or methods, specially adapted for specific functions
G06F 3/044 - Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means by capacitive means
G06F 3/0488 - Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
In one embodiment, a method includes driving at least two of multiple drive lines of a touch sensor at a time, each with one or more electrical pulses.
In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a substrate configured to extend substantially out to at least two edges of a surface of a device. The apparatus also includes a touch sensor disposed on the substrate, the touch sensor comprising an active area that is configured to extend substantially out to at least two of the edges of the surface of the device.
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