CN101655754B - Extended touchscreen pattern - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention provides meshed touchscreen pattern. A conductive pattern implemented within a touchscreen (e.g., using indium tin oxide (ITO) such as may be deposited on a substrate composed of polyester or some other material) provides paths for signals traveling through the touchscreen. By monitoring these signal in accordance with some means (e.g., cross point detection, zone detection, etc.) an estimate may be made as to a location of user's interaction with the touchscreen (e.g., finger or stylus touching of the touchscreen). The conductive pattern includes a number of conductors aligned in various directions (e.g., row and column conductors) across the touchscreen, and they are separated by a dielectric layer (e.g., air, SiO2, or any other desirable dielectric layer). The conductors include a great deal of interlacing and meshing as achieved by spurs, extensions, and/or protrusions (e.g., of any desired shape) extending from one conductor into an adjacent conductor within the conductive pattern.

Description

The touchscreen pattern of expansion

Technical field

The present invention relates generally to the device that comprises the man-machine interface (MMI) realizing with touch-screen; And, more specifically, relate to the conductive pattern adopting in this kind of touch-screen.

Background technology

In the demonstration field for fixing and mobile device, touch screen technology is relatively new technology.Traditionally, with the mode of patterning arrange can sensing user touch lower layer line, and this lower layer line for be used to indicate touch point coordinate signal and repeatedly monitored (iteratively).Initial system is designed to detect single touch; Yet the touch screen technology that can accurately detect the touch of a plurality of whiles is developed in new focusing on.

Be used for some prior aries how finger touches and carry out work by the variation to voltage charging and discharging capable at conductor or that list and measurement electric charge when touching.This technology comprises all spuious (stray) electric capacity in measurement.A kind of standard ordering for detection of the line touching is to use the row and column of the line of induction of the diamond-shaped area that comprises a series of end-to-end links.The row and column of arranging line, even if make on different layers, described rhombus is not overlapped yet, and described row and column is arranged to them, and only the place, point of crossing of the connecting line between diamond-shaped area is overlapping.The overlapping region of the point of crossing of connecting line is remained very little, to reduce electric capacity, and therefore, reduce the capacity effect of overlapping region.The capacity effect of overlapping region may be more much larger than other " noise " or " unavailable signal " in system.

Therefore initial touch panel device is all less, causes under given repetitive mode being easy to management for the quantity of the line of touch sensitive, in described given repetitive mode, this kind of line is scanned.Traditionally, owing to touching the point of crossing connection producing, cause the signal producing on the horizontally disposed line of induction also to there will be on the line of induction of vertically arranging, or vice versa.Therefore,, if there are 10 horizontal lines (OK) and 10 vertical curves (row), need to scan 100 possible points and determine whether to touch.For little screen, diamond-shaped area can be done littlely, makes finger may touch more than one rhombus, to help accurately to determine touch location at every turn.

Yet, along with the increase of screen size, for detection of the shaped region touching, be also tending towards increasing size, to avoid or to minimize the increase of the quantity of the line (vertical or level) that must monitor/scan for detection of contact.For example, if the monitor of four inches has 20 line and the 20 horizontally disposed lines vertically arranged, for the monitoring scheme of point of crossing, for example, according to repeating basis (repetitive basis) (, 50 times per second), need to monitor 400 possible touch locations.Obviously, if screen size is increased to the area of 12 square inches, and in the arrangement of line and the size of shaped region situation about also remaining unchanged, the quantity of possible touch location is increased to 3600.18000 analyzing spots of touch-screen execution per second of " 2000 analyzing spots of touch-screen execution per second, and for 12 " if scan rate is 50 times per second, for 4.Therefore, deviser has attempted to increase, and perhaps increases pro rata the size of shaped region with the increase of coupling screen size, thereby the quantity of the possible touch location of needs scanning is not increased.

Summary of the invention

The present invention relates to the method and apparatus of the operation that further describes in the following brief description of the detailed description of claim, invention and some diagrams of accompanying drawing.The present invention relates to comprise the device of touch-screen, described touch-screen comprises the first conductor of arranging in a first direction and the second conductor of arranging in second direction; And wherein, it is separated that described the first conductor and the second conductor can come by dielectric substance, or it can be coplanar; The first conductor comprises first area, and can comprise more than one first area; The second conductor comprises second area, and can comprise more than one second area.The second conductor further comprises the expansion second area with second area coupling; And at least one second area and expansion second area are complementally aimed at the first area of at least one.Although according to this embodiment, the first and second directions can be mutually vertical inherently, but there is other embodiment, wherein, (a plurality of) first conductor is arranged in a first direction, and a plurality of the second conductors are arranged in the second direction different from first direction, wherein, there is not the specific requirement for directed the first and second directions.In other words, conductor does not need mutually vertical (although in a preferred embodiment, they can be mutually vertical).In addition, conductor does not need to be oriented on vertical and horizontal axis.The embodiment of the novel touch screen structure of this expression with and equivalents the interactional more level and smooth and more linear response for user and touch-screen is provided, it comprises situation when interaction movement as user strides across touch-screen surperficial, though in diagonal the mobile surface that strides across touch-screen.

Expansion second area can be in the recess or opening of first area of at least one; And described recess or opening can be of similar shape and size substantially with expansion second area.

The first and/or second conductor can be realized on the surperficial back side of touch-screen; Or the first and/or second conductor can be realized on the surface of touch-screen.

The shape of expansion second area can be a kind of in circle, rhombus, triangle, ellipse, rectangle or square.

Described device also preferably further comprises exciting circuit, and it provides signal to the first conductor; And testing circuit, it detects the signal receiving from the second conductor; Signal based on receiving, the interaction of identification user and touch-screen is corresponding to the position of the point of crossing of the first conductor and the second conductor.

Circuit preferably provides pumping signal to the first conductor, and detects the variation in pumping signal that the interaction by user and touch-screen causes.The interaction of user and touch-screen is user's finger touch touch-screen preferably, or user's stylus (stylus) touches touch-screen.

Preferably, device further comprises the 3rd conductor, and it is arranged in a first direction; And circuit, it provides pumping signal to the first conductor, and detects the signal response in the 3rd conductor that the interaction by user and touch-screen causes.In concrete preferred embodiment, described device comprises touch-screen, described touch-screen comprises the first conductor of arranging in a first direction and the second conductor of arranging in second direction on same level, wherein, described the first conductor comprises the first area of a plurality of couplings, and described the second conductor comprises the second area of a plurality of couplings; Described device further comprises expansion second area, at least one coupling of the second area of itself and a plurality of couplings, and complementally expand in the first area of a plurality of couplings.

Preferably, the second area of a plurality of couplings and expansion second area are complementally aimed at the first area of a plurality of couplings.The first area of described a plurality of couplings can connect via trace; And the second area of a plurality of couplings can be connected via closing line with expansion second area.

The first conductor and/or the second conductor are preferably realized on the surperficial back side of touch-screen; Or the first conductor and/or the second conductor are preferably realized on the surface of touch-screen.

In addition, the shape of expansion second area a kind of in circle, rhombus, triangle, ellipse, rectangle or square preferably.

In addition, device can comprise exciting circuit, and it provides signal to the first conductor; And testing circuit, it detects the signal receiving from the second conductor; Signal based on receiving, the interaction of identification user and touch-screen is corresponding to the position of the point of crossing of the first conductor and the second conductor.In addition, the interaction of user and touch-screen can be user's finger touch touch-screen, or user's stylus touches touch-screen.

Circuit can provide pumping signal to the first conductor, and detects the variation in the pumping signal that the interaction by user and touch-screen causes.Device may further include the 3rd conductor of arranging in first direction; And circuit, described circuit provides pumping signal to the first conductor, and detects the signal response in the 3rd conductor that the interaction by user and touch-screen causes.

In concrete preferred embodiment, device further comprises that touch-screen, described touch-screen comprise the first conductor of arranging in a first direction and the second conductor of arranging in second direction; And wherein, described the first conductor comprises opening; And described the second conductor comprises the region that size and dimension is substantially the same with described opening, and described region and described opening axially align.

Preferably, to cross dielectric substance separated for the first conductor and the second conductor dbus.In addition, the first and/or second conductor is preferably realized on the back side of touch screen surface; Or the first and/or second conductor is preferably realized in touch screen surface.In addition, the shape in described region can be a kind of in circle, rhombus, triangle, ellipse, rectangle or square.Preferably, exciting circuit provides signal to the first conductor; And testing circuit detects the signal receiving from the second conductor; Signal based on receiving, the interaction of identification user and touch-screen is corresponding to the position of the point of crossing of the first conductor and the second conductor.Described device may further include circuit, and it provides pumping signal to the first conductor, and detects the variation in the pumping signal that the interaction by user and touch-screen causes.The interaction of user and touch-screen can be user's finger touch touch-screen, or user's stylus touches touch-screen.

Device may further include the 3rd conductor of arranging in a first direction; And circuit, described circuit provides pumping signal to the first conductor, and detects the signal response in the 3rd conductor that the interaction by user and touch-screen causes.

With reference to accompanying drawing, describing in detail below of the present invention, other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent.

Accompanying drawing explanation

Figure 1A shows the embodiment of hand-held media units.

Figure 1B shows the embodiment of computing machine.

Fig. 1 C shows the embodiment of Wireless Telecom Equipment.

Fig. 1 D shows the embodiment of personal digital assistant (PDA).

Fig. 1 E shows the embodiment of laptop computer.

Fig. 1 F shows have integrated touch-screen on the palmrest embodiment of laptop computer of (for example, board (tablet)).

Fig. 1 G shows the embodiment of electronic writing plate (electronic tablet).

Fig. 2 shows the embodiment of touch-screen, therein, carries out cross point detection with the interaction location to user and touch-screen.

Fig. 3 shows the embodiment of touch-screen, therein, carries out zone detection with the interaction location to user and touch-screen.

Fig. 4 A shows the embodiment of adopted conductive pattern in touch-screen (tin indium oxide (ITO) that for example, can deposit on the substrate consisting of polyester or other materials).

Fig. 4 B shows the adopted embodiment of the conductive pattern (for example,, as the conductive pattern using in the larger touch-screen using in than Fig. 4 A) of increase and decrease in proportion in touch-screen.

Fig. 5 A shows the embodiment of the column or row of the conductive pattern that comprises a plurality of regions as adopted in touch-screen.

Fig. 5 B shows the embodiment of the columns and rows of complementally aiming at of the conductive pattern as adopted in touch-screen.

Fig. 6 shows another embodiment of the columns and rows of complementally aiming at of the conductive pattern as adopted in touch-screen.

Fig. 7 shows another embodiment of the columns and rows that the complementation of the conductive pattern that comprises extended area as adopted in touch-screen aims at.

Fig. 8 A shows the embodiment of the column (or row) of the conductive pattern as adopted in touch-screen, and this pattern comprises the hole portion of being filled and complementally being aimed at by row (or row).

Fig. 8 B shows another embodiment of the column (or row) of the conductive pattern as adopted in touch-screen, and this pattern comprises the hole portion of being filled and complementally being aimed at by row (or row).

Fig. 9 shows the embodiment of the columns and rows of the conductive pattern as adopted in touch-screen, and this pattern comprises the extended area of complementally aiming at the hole in another region.

Figure 10 shows the embodiment of the columns and rows of the conductive pattern as adopted in touch-screen, and this pattern comprises the extended area of complementally aiming at the recess in another region.

Figure 11 shows the embodiment of the columns and rows of the conductive pattern as adopted in touch-screen, and this pattern comprises a plurality of extended areas.

Figure 12 A shows the embodiment of a plurality of columns and rows of the conductive pattern as adopted in touch-screen, and this pattern comprises a plurality of extended areas.

Figure 12 B shows another embodiment of a plurality of columns and rows of the conductive pattern as adopted in touch-screen, and this pattern comprises a plurality of extended areas.

Figure 13 A shows another embodiment of a plurality of columns and rows of the conductive pattern as adopted in touch-screen, and this pattern comprises a plurality of extended areas.

Figure 13 B shows another embodiment of a plurality of columns and rows of the conductive pattern as adopted in touch-screen, and this pattern comprises a plurality of extended areas.

Figure 14 shows the embodiment of a plurality of columns and rows of the conductive pattern as adopted in touch-screen, and this pattern comprises a plurality of extended areas of various shape.

Figure 15 A shows the embodiment of the layout of the conductive pattern in touch-screen.

Figure 15 B shows the optional embodiment of the layout of the conductive pattern in touch-screen.

Figure 16 A shows the optional embodiment of the layout of the conductive pattern in touch-screen.

Figure 16 B shows the optional embodiment of the layout of the conductive pattern in touch-screen.

Figure 17 shows pair of conductors and from the embodiment of the coherent signal response of the adjacent conductor of conductive pattern.

Figure 18 shows the optional embodiment from the signal response of the adjacent conductor of conductive pattern.

Figure 19 shows the embodiment of signal detection module.

Figure 20 A and Figure 20 B show respectively the basic complementary overlapping and substantially not complementary overlapping embodiment of conductor in conductive pattern.

Figure 21 A and Figure 21 B show respectively the basic complementary overlapping and substantially not complementary overlapping optional embodiment of conductor in conductive pattern.

Figure 22 A and Figure 22 B show respectively the basic complementary overlapping and substantially not complementary overlapping optional embodiment of conductor in conductive pattern, in its equal height (identical layer) in touch-screen, realize.

Figure 23 shows for determining the embodiment of the method for interpolation axial location (interpolated axial position).

Embodiment

The equipment that comprises the man-machine interface (MMI) of certain form is employed in various environment.(for example there are various types of MMI, keyboard such as the such equipment of computing machine, such as self-service air pump, interactive panel/touch-screen on the such various device of the self-service check terminal on airport etc.), it allows user to provide information to equipment, or recaptures information from equipment.Some MMI realizing with touch-screen becomes and becomes more and more popular, in described touch-screen, user uses finger or other instruments (for example, user selects the stylus of the position on touch-screen or other to install by it) to carry out the interaction with touch-screen.Any one in various equipment can comprise MMI, and at least a portion of described MMI utilizes touch-screen to realize.

Figure 1A shows the embodiment of handheld unit 101.Hand-held media units 101 is for general storage is provided, or for audio content such as motion picture expert group (MPEG) audio player 3 (MP3) files or windows media structure (WMA) file is provided, such as the such video content of the MPEG4 file for to user's playback and/or may be with the storage of the information of any other type of digital format storage.In the past, this kind of hand-held media units is mainly used in storage and plays back audio media; For example, yet in fact this kind of hand-held media units 101 also can be used to store the media any with playback (, audio frequency media, video media, photograph media, etc.).In addition, this kind of hand-held media units 101 can also comprise such as other such functions of integrated communicaton device.

In order to allow user order is provided and selects some function to hand-held media units 101 via the touch-screen of hand-held media units 101, hand-held media units 101 at least comprises a touch-screen.Some selection on touch-screen can be undertaken by user's finger or other body parts; Alternatively, hand-held media units 101 (for example can comprise some instruments that offer user, stylus or other instruments), user can adopt described instrument order to be provided and to select some function to hand-held media units 101 via the touch-screen of hand-held media units 101.

Figure 1B shows the embodiment of computing machine 102.Computing machine 102 can be the computing machine of desktop type, or such as the such enterprise's memory device of server, its main frame is connected to such as on such storage array, storage router, border router, storage switch and/or the storage director of Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) (RAID) array.

The line monitor of computing machine 102 can have the ability (or only the part of monitor has the ability of touch-screen) of touch-screen.Alternatively, the peripherals of computing machine 102 (for example, keyboard or other equipment) can comprise touch-screen thereon.User can provide order or select some function to computing machine 102 via the touch-screen of computing machine 102.Some selection on touch-screen can be undertaken by user's finger or other body parts; Alternatively, computing machine 102 can comprise that some offer user's instrument (for example, stylus or other instruments), and user adopts described instrument order to be provided and to select some function to computing machine 102 via the touch-screen of computing machine 102.

Fig. 1 C shows the embodiment of Wireless Telecom Equipment 103.Wireless Telecom Equipment 103 can be via such as cell phone, personal communication service (PCS), wireless universal packet service (GPRS), global system for mobile communications (GSM) and integrated digital strengthen the such wireless network of network (iDEN), or the cordless communication network that other can sending and receiving radio communication communicates.In addition, Wireless Telecom Equipment 103 can communicate via internet, so that access Email, downloading contents, access websites and provide audio stream and/or video frequency program.In this manner, Wireless Telecom Equipment 103 can send with receipt of call, such as the such text message of Email, Short Message Service (SMS) message, paging with may comprise other data-messages such as the such annex of document, audio file, video file, image and other pictures.

Wireless Telecom Equipment 103 comprises touch-screen, some function that it allows the user of communication facilities 103 order to be provided and to select communication facilities 103 to communication facilities 103.Some selection on touch-screen can be undertaken by user's finger or other body parts; Alternatively, communication facilities 103 can comprise that some offer user's instrument (for example, stylus or other instruments), and user adopts described instrument order to be provided or to select some function to communication facilities 103 via the touch-screen of communication facilities 103.

Fig. 1 D shows the embodiment of personal digital assistant (PDA) 104.PDA 104 comprises touch-screen, some function that it allows the user of PDA 104 order to be provided and to select PDA 104 to PDA 104.Some selection on touch-screen can be undertaken by user's finger or other body parts; Alternatively, PDA 104 can comprise that some offer user's instrument (for example, stylus or other instruments), user adopt described instrument via the touch-screen of PDA 104 to order being provided or selecting some function by PDA 104.

Fig. 1 E shows the embodiment of laptop computer 105.The line monitor of laptop computer 105 can have the ability (or only the part of monitor has the ability of touch-screen) of touch-screen.Alternatively, the peripherals of laptop computer 105 (for example, external keyboard or other peripherals) can comprise touch-screen thereon.User can provide order to laptop computer 105 via the touch-screen of laptop computer 105, and selects some function.Some selection on touch-screen can be undertaken by user's finger or other body parts; Alternatively, laptop computer 105 (for example can comprise some instruments that offer user, stylus or other instruments), user adopts described instrument order to be provided or to select some function to laptop computer 105 via the touch-screen of laptop computer 105.

Fig. 1 F shows have integrated touch-screen on the palmrest embodiment of laptop computer 106 of (for example, board).User can provide order to laptop computer 106 via the integrated touch screen of laptop computer 106, and selects some function.For example, some selection on integrated touch-screen (, board) can be undertaken by user's finger or other body parts; Alternatively, laptop computer 106 (for example can comprise some instruments that offer user, stylus or other instruments), user adopts described instrument for example, order to be provided or to select some function to laptop computer 106 via the integrated touch-screen (, board) of laptop computer 106.

Fig. 1 G shows the embodiment of electronic writing plate 107.Electronic writing plate 107 comprises stylus, and user can utilize this stylus that some function of order and selection electronic writing plate 107 is provided to electronic writing plate 107.Electronic writing plate 107 can also comprise integrated computing power, and memory storage etc., so that the upper electronic writing plate 107 that allows operates as computing machine or laptop computer at least in some respects.Yet electronic writing plate 107 does not comprise integrated keyboard.Yet, it should be noted, can on electronic writing plate 107, show virtual keyboard, and the stylus that can adopt by user is selected its button.Certainly, it should be noted, the optional embodiment of this kind of electronic writing plate can not comprise stylus, and some selection on this kind of electronic writing plate can be undertaken by user's finger or other body parts.

As can be seen, various equipment can adopt touch-screen to be implemented at least a portion of MMI there.There is multiple device, by it, can detect the interaction of user and this kind of touch-screen.

Fig. 2 shows and carries out therein cross point detection with the embodiment 200 of the interactional touch-screen 201 of consumer positioning and touch-screen.In certain embodiments, the action face region 201a of touch-screen covers the less a little part of touch-screen 200.For example, may adopt border or the circumference in the surrounding of the action face region of touch-screen 201a.

A plurality of conductors form row or the row of conductive pattern (for example, can be the tin indium oxide (ITO) depositing on the substrate consisting of polyester or other materials) on one or more layer of touch-screen.In certain embodiments, the first of conductive pattern (for example, row) is disposed in ground floor, and the second portion of conductive pattern (for example, OK) is disposed in the second layer; In certain embodiments, first and second layers can be come by dielectric substance separated.Alternatively, the conductor that row and column is directed can be disposed in identical layer, and can use for connecting the known technology of the element that comprises trace (trace), via (via), closing line (bond wire) etc., with the first that guarantees conductive pattern (for example, row) for example, directly do not contact with the second portion (, OK) of conductive pattern.Although be that row and column is mutually vertical inherently at this embodiment with what describe in other embodiment, but can there are other embodiment, wherein a plurality of the first conductors are arranged and a plurality of the second conductor is arranged in the second direction different from first direction in a first direction, wherein, the orientation of the first and second directions is not had to concrete requirement.In other words, conductor does not need must be mutually vertical (although in a preferred embodiment they can vertically).In addition, conductor does not need to be oriented on vertical and horizontal axis, although illustrated so directed in the embodiment describing.

In embodiment 200, signal generator module 210 provides signal to multiplexer (MUX) 212, it is optionally applied to the signal from signal generator module 210 one (for example,, to the row of selecting) on " N " of conductive pattern individual first conductor.MUX 212 guarantees for example, row selection signal based on selected circuit (, logical circuit) in one embodiment to produce by row of signal and for example in the different time, is applied to, on each first conductor of conductive pattern (, on every a line).

Signal detection module 220 receives the signal from MUX 222, and described signal is for example selectively coupled to, in each of the second conductor (, listing to selection) of conductive pattern.MUX 222 guarantees signal detection module 220 sampling and for example detects (or trying to detect), from the signal in each of " M " individual second conductor (, the row of selection) of conductive pattern.In one embodiment, the signal being produced in the first conductor is coupled to the second conductor in the position touching, and is received by signal detection module.

In optional embodiment, user's touch has increased the electric capacity between the first and second conductors at touch location place, increased thus the input signal amplitude on signal generation place conductor, and at the second conductor place that is subject to user and affects in the touch of touch location, (due to the electric capacity increasing) has increased the amplitude output signal being detected by signal detection module.Therefore,, in this optional embodiment, between the first and second conductors, there is not directly coupling.Usually, by applying signal to every a line, and detect the signal at each row place of touch-screen, can (for example interact user and touch-screen, as shown in contact point) time, about user, there is determinacy (for example, being subject to the restriction of the approaching and/or size of space of row and column) the detection touch of the suitable degree of interactional position with touch-screen in utilization.

For example, when user and touch-screen interaction, in the corresponding conductive pattern in the interaction position with user, produce the electric capacity increasing.The electric capacity that the device (for example, stylus) adopting because of user or user and causing for example, increases between row and column (, the first and second conductors), the path that makes the electric capacity of this increase cause impedance to reduce.Because capacity reactance Zc and electric capacity are inversely proportional to (that is, because Zc=1/j ω is C, wherein, ω be take the radian frequency as unit per second, and C be take the electric capacity that farad is unit), thus along with electric capacity because user increases in the touch of touch location, impedance step-down.Therefore, by detection, be provided to particular row and the variation of the signal that is detected in particular column, can estimate the interaction position between user and touch-screen.

Fig. 3 shows the embodiment 300 of touch-screen 301, therein, carries out zone detection with the interaction location to user and touch-screen.As identical with previous embodiment, in certain embodiments, the action face region 301a of touch-screen covers the less a little part of touch-screen 300.The action face region 301a that for example, may adopt touch-screen border or circumference around.

This embodiment 300 is at least with previous embodiment difference, and signal generations/detection module 310 had both been used to provide signal to specific row, was also used to the variation that detection is provided to the signal of that particular row.Signal generation/detection module 310 and MUX 312 co-operatings, to apply signal, and detect that signal on each row and column of the conductive pattern that is applied to touch-screen.

When user and touch-screen generation interaction, in the corresponding section, interaction position with user, the electric capacity of increase will be caused.The electric capacity of this increase causes the path that the impedance in user's interaction position reduces, and by causing, is provided to particular row or the variation of the signal that lists.Each row and column by from the conductive pattern to touch-screen provides signal, and by detecting any variation of those signals that apply continuously, can determine the interactional position of user and touch-screen.

Therefore, be provided to the variation of the signal of particular row by detection, and also by detection, be provided to the variation of the signal of particular column, the point of crossing of the row and column being identified can provide the estimation of calculating of the interaction position of user and touch-screen.

For the cross point detection of previous embodiment and each of zone detection method, in fact applying of signal needs not be fully continuous.For example, do not need first to the 1st row, then to the 2nd row, then apply like this signal to the 3rd row etc.Alternatively, signal can be first applied to the 1st row, be then applied to eighth row, then to the 2nd row etc.Even in other embodiments, can also initially to each N capable (wherein, N is integer), apply signal, and then to the every a line between capable applies signal first to N-1, then to N+1, walk to every a line that 2N-1 is capable and apply signal.According to the cross point detection of previous embodiment and zone detection method any, can carry out various scanning techniques.

The conductive pattern of the prior art as above, adopting in touch-screen is comprised of the touch area of the separated rhombus linking together conventionally.Utilize the conductive pattern of prior art, the interactional Linear-moving that strides across the zone of action of touch-screen of user and touch-screen can cause the nonlinear properties response for detection of the interactional signal of user inherently.Ideally, signal response should be level and smooth and linear as much as possible, but the conductive pattern of prior art obviously can not provide this kind of level and smooth and linear response.Because typically exist larger pitch between the conductor in the conductive pattern of prior art, so the quantity of the different liners under contact point reduces, and provide like this " step " response relevant to user's movement or location recognition.This has further aggravated the intrinsic harmful effect of separated argyle design of the prior art that adopts in prior art touch-screen.Utilize the design of prior art, this " step " output that is used to detect the interactional signal between user and touch-screen be the function of rhombus touch area size.And the heterogenize that the size that the increase of pitch increases touch area accordingly also can produce the energy between row and column (for example, if x and y axle are considered to touch screen surface, at the normal of touch screen surface or on z direction of principal axis, extend), this makes to be more difficult to arrange the touch/non-touch threshold in touch-screen system.

The embodiment of novel touch screen structure described here and its equivalent provide the interactional more level and smooth and more linearizing response of user and touch-screen, and described interaction even comprises that the interaction of working as user moves the surperficial situation that strides across touch-screen with diagonal.In one embodiment, this kind of novel touch screen used the pattern of intermeshing (intermesh) that lengthen, and in described pattern, conductor is expanded or is projected in adjacent conductor, has increased thus the effect of linear engagement between these conductors.Therefore, Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 have carried out illustration to the scan method of embodiments of the invention and conductive pattern employing.

Fig. 4 A has described the embodiment 400a of the conductive pattern (for example,, as the tin indium oxide depositing on the substrate consisting of polyester or other materials) as adopted in touch-screen.In embodiment 400a, can find touch-screen conductive pattern a plurality of conductors (for example, row or column) each (for example comprises a plurality of regions, although be rhombus in this particular example, can adopt alternatively arbitrarily required shape---such as circle, triangle, ellipse, rectangle, square, the combination of other shapes or arbitrary shape arbitrarily).Can use the conductive material identical with forming region (for example, ITO) that these regions of particular conductor are coupled to each other.Alternatively, can adopt closing line, via or other devices that conductive region is linked together.

In this embodiment 400a, when scanning the width of x, three separated conductors (it can be in any required unit of measuring in length/distance, any required number being characterized) are shown.These particular conductor that show user's finger and the conductive pattern of touch-screen interact, and the finger that can find out user is across a plurality of conductors (that is, a plurality of regions of a plurality of conductors of finger touch of user).

Fig. 4 B shows the embodiment 400b (for example,, as used in the larger touch-screen of the touch-screen than in Fig. 4 A) of the conductive pattern of the bi-directional scaling as adopted in touch-screen.Permission by existing touch screen technology use larger touch-screen (for example, reach 12 " diagonal line or larger touch-screen) in a kind of method be by the designs scale convergent-divergent of the embodiment of 400a, to cover larger region.In other words, except using the conductor with larger region, with except conductor being separated according to the similar proportional zoom that the size in the region of conductor is carried out to convergent-divergent in proportion by it, adopt and design identical in embodiment 400a.In this embodiment, when with embodiment 400a in the size of touch-screen while comparing, the size of the touch-screen in embodiment 400b is carried out proportional zoom according to coefficient N.

Generally speaking, human finger's width can be considered to be and have 5mm (for example,, for children or very little people) to 12-15mm (for example,, for adult's or compared with for large people) scope.As can be seen, when conductive region is amplified enough large amount in proportion, they can become larger than the specific region of particular conductor.During optional position in user touches the so large region of conductor, in specific region, be difficult to or can not differentiate the actual position of finger.So, the ability of the ad-hoc location that identification user touches the greatly out of true that becomes, and the position touching may be calculated mistakenly and/or be missed completely.

Fig. 5 A shows the embodiment 500a of the row or column of the conductive pattern that comprises a plurality of regions as adopted in touch-screen.In this embodiment 500a, single conductor comprises region and extended area.For example, region 502 and two extended areas 501 and 503 are coupled.Single I/O connects (I/O) 502 provides signal to region, and (that is, the component of signal that is provided directly to the region below region 502 as shown in connections/path 510 that then by this signal segmentation is three components; As shown in the 510b of connection/path, from region, 502 provided to region 503, and 503 secondary signal components that provide downwards from region then; And 502 provided to region 501 from region as shown in the 510a of connection/path, and 501 the 3rd component of signals that provide downwards from region then).

By region and extended area are provided for particular conductor, the electric current that is provided to the signal in the I/O that in figure, top is located can be assigned to i1, i2 and i3.By after all possible paths of conductor, in the electric current output at I/O place, bottom, be shown as the summation of i1, i2 and i3.Some between region and extended area is connected to dotted line, and these dotted lines can comprise connection or can not comprise connection.

It should be noted, the embodiment 500a conductor single with corresponding (for example, can realize with " OK " or " row " of the conductive pattern of touch-screen).Therefore, as can be seen, deviser has very large elasticity and selects which region and extended area to be employed in particular conductor.By the path that adopts more signals to pass through, the whole impedance of this particular conductor in conductive pattern is reduced.

Fig. 5 B shows the embodiment 500b of the columns and rows of complementally aiming at of the conductive pattern adopting in touch-screen.This embodiment 500b shows the first conductor of arranging in a first direction and the second conductor of arranging in second direction.

In addition, it should be noted, in the conductive pattern of touch-screen, the first conductor of arranging in a first direction and the second conductor of arranging in second direction can be coplanar (, on same level in touch-screen), or separated plane or layer that they can be in touch-screen are gone up (for example, by dielectric substance, coming separated).

What this embodiment described is that the group in two parallel regions is connected to form to one single " OK ".As can be seen, single I/O is provided the left-hand side of being expert at, and two regions (or a region and an extended area) that exist signal to pass through.Then forward the right side of diagram to, the region of conductor is joined together, and makes to exist a plurality of paths of can signal passing through.In addition some region (according to each design alternative) can directly not link together (for example, shown in dotted line).

What similarly, this embodiment described is that the group in two parallel regions is connected to form to one single " row ".As can be seen, single I/O is provided at the top of row, and two regions (or a region and an extended area) that exist signal to pass through.Then forward the downside of diagram to, the region of conductor is joined together, and makes to exist to pass through a plurality of paths of signal.Again, some region (according to each design alternative) can roundaboutly link together (for example, shown in dotted line).

Fig. 6 shows another embodiment 600 of the row and column of complementally aiming at of the conductive pattern as adopted in touch-screen.Except be used to form the number of group in capable parallel region different from the number of group in parallel region that is used to form row, this embodiment is similar to a great extent to previous embodiment.For example, the group in two parallel regions is connected to form single " row ", and the group in three parallel regions is connected to form single " OK ".Without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention, deviser can adopt the group in the region of required arbitrarily number to form single " row " or " OK ".In addition, in certain embodiments, the group in selected region needs not be the group in adjacent, parallel region.

Fig. 7 shows another embodiment 700 of the columns and rows of complementally aiming at of the conductive pattern as adopted in touch-screen, and wherein, described conductive pattern comprises extended area.This conductive pattern can be employed in touch-screen, to assist the detection to touch point.Shaped region by relative low quantity comparing with screen size comes a problem of touch sensitive to be: touch may not be detected, its touch location can not accurately be detected; Or if finger is mobile, and contact area moves between district and district, even if the movement of finger comprises smooth curve or straight line, also can occur step pattern.Therefore, Fig. 7 shows for as the pattern of lower conductor, and described conductor, at the situation that does not increase line of induction quantity a plurality of shaped regions of giving a definition, is convenient to determine more accurately touch location.As can be seen, Fig. 7 has specifically illustrated the vertical line of induction and the horizontal line of induction, and wherein each comprises a plurality of shaped regions.

In the level shown in 700 place's generality and the vertical line of induction of arranging, comprise the first conductor 704 and the second conductor 708, wherein, described the first conductor 704 is flatly arranged in rows, and described the second conductor 708 is arranged in column vertically.Each in conductor 704 and 708 comprises cavity and a plurality of shaped region of shaping, and wherein said a plurality of shaped regions conduct electricity.More specifically, conductor 704 comprises cavity, the cavity in row conductor, the shaped region of column conductor and the shaped region of row conductor in as directed column conductor.In addition, as can be seen, the first conductor with the second conductor 704 with in 708 embodiment that are disposed in separated plane, overlapping region be shown as be coupling overlapping.

An aspect of the first conductor 704 and the second conductor 708 is, the shaped region of the conduction of the shaped region of the conduction of the first conductor 704 and empty pattern and the second conductor 708 and empty pattern are substantially complementary.In other words, the cavity of the first conductor 704 is axially aimed at the shaped region of the conduction of the second conductor 708, wherein, the shaped region of the conduction of described the second conductor 708 is similar on size and dimension to described cavity, to reduce the overlapping and overlapping capacity effect causing.Similarly, the shaped region of the conduction of the first conductor 704 is axially aimed at the cavity of the second conductor 708, and wherein, the cavity of described the second conductor 708 is formed similar size and dimension, to avoid and to reduce overlapping.Use the formed patterns of cavity and conductive region to be conducive to the unlike signal response about touching, it supports more accurate interpolation (interpolation) to determine touch location thus.It should be noted, these complementary patterns have overlapping wittingly a little, so that especially support electromagnetism or capacitive coupling when touching generation.

Use the shaped region pattern shown in Fig. 7 to provide from go and go and from be listed as the engagement of improvement be listed as, and the support calculating of interpolation position more accurately, and so provide the more level and smooth pattern corresponding with the movement of pointing.The use of coarse pitch has reduced the number for the line of touch sensitive, yet, also reduce the quantity of the different liners below contact point, and reduced thus engagement.Therefore, because engagement reduces, even output has also produced the mobile step pattern of expression touch for interpolation.This has also produced Z energy (for example, along Z axis) heterogeneity between row and column, causes being difficult to arrange touch/non-touch threshold.Therefore the embodiment that, has improved as shown in Figure 7 engagement has improved position interpolation.

Embodiment in Fig. 7 comprises the argyle design of the modification with opening and expansion, and this opening and expansion have increased under touching the engagement about the row or column of the line of induction of given number.This opening and expansion can form with any shape (rhombus, circle etc.).In described embodiment, use rhombus to be because they produce best linearity engagement on level and vertical axis.This design is, make pattern can be used to arrange the row and column of the first and second conductors 704 and 708, and make pattern can interlock as follows (interlock), in described mode, the expansion of the row of the first conductor 704 orientations is filled the opening of the row of the second conductor 708 orientations, and on the contrary, the expansion of the row of the second conductor 708 orientations is filled the opening of the row of the first conductor 704.

For example, because effective diamond liner size reduction (, having reduced half), so increased interpolation precision in the engagement shown in Fig. 7.In region on the most possible simple argyle design that connects the first and second conductors 704 and 708 of user's touch, the distribution of row and column is all 50%.This has greatly increased the homogenization about mobile data.Therefore, due to the increase of shaped region quantity under finger, step phenomenon greatly reduces, even and screen size be increased in pattern and also no longer there will be " large ladder ", the quantity of the line of induction can not increase pro rata simultaneously.

The overlapping region of simple argyle design is retained as less, and to reduce stray capacitance, but the overlapping region of simple argyle design must be also enough large, with keep rhombus to the resistance of rhombus for conductor conductor 704 and 708 and Yan Shi little for example.The present embodiment of Fig. 7 has the overlapping region (four sides of central area and central area) of five electromotive forces.Desired is minimum three overlapping regions (that is, central area and two lateral side regions), or can be the combination of using four overlapping regions (four lateral side regions, and there is no central area).These combinations allow the larger elasticity in design.For example, can be with overlapping the make central area (even so do the increase that can cause resistance) less than existing rhombus technology, wherein, described lateral side regions is allowed for the connection of extended conductor, and has reduced the resistance of rhombus to rhombus simultaneously.Can make the stray capacitance coupling single connection technology of this combination.

The pattern of Fig. 7 is fragment (fractal) in essence, and mutual engagement can be designed to than the less ratio shown in Fig. 7.This embodiment of the present invention is supposed to for assisting the engagement from 4mm pitch to about 24mm pitch.Larger size may be expected the pattern comprising or needs are different, and this pattern allows the interlocking of more row to row, and the interlocking of more row to row.This kind of pattern comprises aspect of the present invention, and is considered to another embodiment.Although from having made above description for solving compared with the induction problem of giant-screen, identical principle can be applied to need to be more high-resolution compared with in small screen size, and can be relevant to less screen size.

Most of discussion about interlocking or engagement is about the first directed in a first direction conductor and structural arrangement and the interaction between directed the second conductor in second direction.The first and second directions are unnecessary is level and vertical.This example of horizontal orientation and vertically-oriented conductor or the line of induction is for the object that accompanying drawing and relevant explanation are simplified.More generally, the first and second conductors are only directed in different directions.

Interlocking or engagement can also be in the modes to similar as mentioned above, occur between the row of the first conductor 704 and/or between the row of the second conductor 708.Usually, the conductive pattern of more interlockings is in adjacent lines, adjacent column and higher interpolation resolution is provided between row and column.Yet this of Fig. 7 kind of pattern shows from the first conductor 704 by being horizontally expert to the interlocking that is vertically arranged in the second conductor 708 in row, with the energy of level and smooth Z axis.Fig. 7, also by making edge homogenization more, the capable conductor 704 and 708 to row and column to row is meshed, but it does not provide between the conductor with capable directed or to be listed as the interlocking between directed conductor.Directed conductor this kind of interlocking each other each other and in second direction of directed conductor is included in optional embodiment of the present invention in a first direction.

The patterning of Fig. 7 allows user's finger to be coupled to more equably any row and column to constant pitch.The argyle design of prior art is only when rhombus very hour just can be effective with respect to the contact pad designed of user.Pitch for about 8mm, diamond-shaped area is excessive for typical user, even and if user's finger moves with level and smooth continuous lines, or even be not vertically or flatly directed straight line (or more specifically, be parallel to the line of induction) move, the position of the contact area of the position based on respect to diamond-shaped area, output data also start to illustrate the output of the heterogenize with step pattern.

The shaped region of the first conductor of embodiments of the invention and the second conductor 704 and 708 can assign to regulate by increasing or reduce opening and extension.Opening in being expert at has reduced the liner area for row.In one embodiment, compare with 708 shaped region with the first or second conductor 704, opening is by the ratio setting according to 50: 50.In other words, for the whole surface area of the first conductor 704 or the second conductor 708, about 50% area comprises conductor material, and about 50% area comprises open area or cavity, described open area or cavity define according to the shape of the first or second conductor and arrangement.

Certainly, it should be noted, can be as required strategic point, (for example, about 70% area comprises that the area of conductor material and about 30% comprises open area or cavity to adopt different number percent alternatively; About 30% area comprises that the area of conductor material and about 70% comprises open area or cavity; Or as the conductor material of deviser's selection any other ratios with respect to open area or cavity, its conductor material that can general be expressed as X% open area or cavity to (100-X) %, wherein, X be deviser select be greater than 0 and be less than 100 parameter).

Fig. 8 A shows the embodiment 800a of the row (or row) of the conductive pattern as adopted in touch-screen, and it comprises the hole portion of complementally aiming at and filling by row (or row).

Fig. 8 B shows another embodiment 800b of the row (or row) of the conductive pattern as adopted in touch-screen, and it comprises the hole portion of complementally aiming at and filling by row (or row).

Fig. 8 A and Fig. 8 B show the shape relation between conductive molded region and cavity.In the embodiment of Fig. 8 A and Fig. 8 B, to compare with Fig. 7, conductive molded region and empty ratio change according to the kind of shaped region.For example, about the conductive region of the rhombus cavity 804a of Fig. 8 A (wherein, cavity by around shaped region define) be substantially greater than the rhombus cavity 804b of Fig. 8 B.On the contrary, " V " shape of Fig. 8 B cavity 808b is greater than " V " shape cavity 808a of Fig. 8 A substantially.What therefore, the overlapping region of Fig. 8 A and Fig. 8 B can be than shown in Fig. 7 is wider.Yet for some signal type and testing circuit, the effect of the capacity effect of increase (if any) can have larger tolerance (tolerable).

Fig. 9 shows the embodiment 900 of the columns and rows of the conductive pattern as adopted in touch-screen, and it comprises the extended area of complementally aiming at the hole in another region.This diagram shows the single conductor at first direction according to an embodiment of the invention and the second conductor in second direction, and wherein, the extended area of the second conductor is meshed with the shaped region of the first conductor.Although the first and second shown conductors vertically and are flatly arranged respectively, it is respectively vertically and level that the first and second directions that it should be understood that the first and second conductor arrangement do not need.In addition, even shown, be the direction of quadrature, the first and second directions also need not be quadrature.As can be seen, the first conductor comprises single row, and it comprises first area (shaped region); And the second conductor comprises single row, and it comprises second area.Expansion second area is coupled to second area, and meshes or interweave (interlace) with first area.As can be seen, first area comprises cavity or the hole by the shape definition of conduction first area.Expansion second area is complementary with the cavity being defined by first area, and has seldom with described cavity or do not have overlapping.In the example of Fig. 9, the first and second conductors can be coplanar, or they are disposed in different planes.In embodiment in the first and second conductors are disposed in different planes, use dielectric substance (also can use other materials) that the plane of the first and second conductors is carried out to separation.

Figure 10 has described the embodiment 1000 of the columns and rows of the conductive pattern as adopted in touch-screen, and it comprises the extended area of complementally aiming at the recess in another region.This diagram shows single conductor in a first direction according to an embodiment of the invention and the second conductor in second direction, and wherein, the extended area of the second conductor is meshed with the shaped region of the first conductor.Although the first and second shown conductors vertically and are flatly arranged respectively, it is respectively vertically and level that the first and second directions that it should be understood that the first and second conductor arrangement do not need.In addition, even shown, be the direction of quadrature, the first and second directions also need not be quadrature.

As can be seen, the first conductor comprises single row, and it comprises first area (shaped region); And the second conductor comprises single row, and it comprises second area.Expansion second area is coupled to second area, and meshes or interweave with first area.As can be seen, first area comprises cavity or the notched region by the shape definition of the first area of conducting electricity.Expansion second area is complementary with the cavity being defined by first area or recess, and has seldom or do not have overlapping with described cavity or recess.In the example of Fig. 9, the first and second conductors can be coplanar, or they can be disposed in different planes.In embodiment in the first and second conductors are disposed in different planes, use dielectric substance (also can use other materials) that the plane of the first and second conductors is carried out to separation.

Figure 11 shows the embodiment 1100 of the columns and rows of the conductive pattern as adopted in touch-screen, and it comprises a plurality of extended areas.This diagram shows single conductor in a first direction, described conductor has the region of a plurality of expansions, its can be adjacent at least one and first conductor engagement similar arrangement, or with the second conductor (not shown) engagement of arranging in second direction.Each of a plurality of extended areas in the embodiment of Figure 11 comprises the shaped region of a plurality of couplings.In Figure 11, shaped region is diamond-shaped area.Notice that shaped region can define irregular pattern or topological structure about being a bit of the pattern of single conductor.The irregular pattern similar to Figure 11 more may be applied in the not coplanar structure of the first and second conductors.Yet, may the be more convenient for copline structure of the first and second conductors of other irregular patterns.

Figure 12 A and Figure 12 B show respectively embodiment 1200a and the 1200b of a plurality of columns and rows of the conductive pattern that comprises a plurality of extended areas as adopted in touch-screen.Particularly, Figure 12 A and Figure 12 B are in the example of the diagram of the conductor of the similar arrangement of meshing relation alternately.Figure 12 A shows with the first parallel conductor 1204a and the 1208a shown in 1200a generality.Figure 12 B shows with the first parallel conductor 1204b and the 1208b shown in 1200b generality.Little black round dot is illustrated for representing shaped region, and described shaped region can have the shape of any definition, comprises diamond-shaped area as above.In Figure 12 A, each has the extended area of arranging with symmetrically relative arrangement with respect to corresponding shaped region the first conductor 1204a and 1208a, and corresponding shaped region is disposed in the axis centre of the first conductor 1204a and 1208a.In addition, the extended area of the first conductor 1204a and 1208a meshes or interweaves.

In addition, Figure 12 B shows with the first parallel conductor 1204b and the 1208b shown in 1200b generality.Little black round dot is illustrated for representing shaped region, and described shaped region can have the shape of any definition, comprises diamond-shaped area as above.In Figure 12 B, the first conductor 1204b has with 1208b the extended area of arranging with asymmetric relative arrangement with respect to the axis centre of the first conductor 1204b and 1208b.It should be noted, because exist a shaped region for each extension forming region, so the quantity of the shaped region of arranging along the axis centre of the first conductor (not being the shaped region of expansion) is the twice of the number of the shaped region in Figure 12 A.In Figure 12 A, for each shaped region, there are two extended areas.In addition, the extended area of the first conductor 1204b and 1208b meshes and interweaves.

Figure 13 A and Figure 13 B show respectively embodiment 1300a and the 1300b of a plurality of columns and rows of the conductive pattern that comprises a plurality of extended areas as adopted in touch-screen.These diagrams show about intermeshing or the extension forming region of the first and second axial array conductors that interweave and the alternating pattern of shaped region.Usually, Figure 13 A represents to illustrate that shaped region can change considerably with respect to the pattern in extension forming region, and explanation does not need to exist specific quantity ratios between shaped region and extension forming region.In Figure 13 A, 2 shaped regions are corresponding with the shaped region of 4 expansions.On the contrary, shown in Figure 12 A, 1 shaped region is corresponding with 2 extension forming regions.In Figure 12 B, 1 shaped region exists corresponding to each extension forming region.Figure 13 B represents to illustrate that extension forming region even can expand the axis centre of the adjacent conductor of crossing similar orientation (same axial).

Figure 14 shows the embodiment 1400 of a plurality of columns and rows of the conductive pattern as adopted in touch-screen, comprises a plurality of extended areas of various shape.This illustration for according to various extension forming zone maps and the complementary cavity about the first and second mutually orthogonal conductors of a plurality of embodiment of the present invention, described cavity and extension forming region axially align.Visible, extension forming region can be the shape in square, rectangle, circle, ellipse or other known form.Corresponding cavity can be also the shape in square, rectangle, circle, ellipse or other known form.In one embodiment, extended area has the shape not identical with corresponding cavity.More specifically, for by the pattern shown in embodiment 1400 generality, the first conductor 1404 comprises a plurality of shaped regions, and the second conductor 1408 comprises a plurality of shaped regions, and the shaped region of described a plurality of shaped regions and the first conductor 1404 interweaves.For an embodiment, the shaped region of conductor 1404 or 1408 (or both) may comprise the cavity 1412 that (formation) shape is different from extended area 1416, described extended area 1416 from another conductor expansion (for example,, from 2 ^ndconductor to 1 ^stthe shaped region of conductor, and vice versa).At this, cavity 1412 is foursquare, and extended area 1416 is circular.For these embodiment that have similar shape with corresponding cavity for extension forming region therein, the size of each only comprises a small amount of overlapping or do not comprise overlapping.Therefore, for example, cavity is 1420 similar with extended area 1424 shapes, and complementary and do not have overlapping.Alternatively, when touch occurring, if particularly the first and second conductors are disposed in Different Plane so that when the electric capacity between conductor or signal coupling, cavity 1420 and extended area 1424 can be marginally overlapping.

Figure 15 A shows the embodiment 1500a of the layout of the conductive pattern in touch-screen.As can be seen, when occur interacting with touch-screen, the top layer of the first conductor (for example, being arranged as the top layer of touch-screen) can directly be touched by user.As further seen, first and second layers of dielectric layer separate conductor (a plurality of the first and second conductors respectively).Dielectric layer can be realized by any known dielectric, includes, but are not limited to air, comprises SiO ₂semiconductor material, polymer substrate material, jointing material etc.

Figure 15 B shows the optional embodiment 1500b of the layout of the conductive pattern in touch-screen.Particularly, on the top layer of conductor, arrange extra touch screen surface layer (for example, polymeric layer, protective seam etc.), made user can not directly touch the top layer of conductor.Can form touch screen surface with any known material, it allows user and a plurality of interaction of the first and second conductors as described in this.

Figure 16 A shows the optional embodiment 1600a of the layout of the conductive pattern in touch-screen.This embodiment 1600a shows the conductor of arranging in different directions, on the layer that it is identical in touch-screen or height, realizes.By use via, closing line, etc., can be by these conductor on identical layer a plurality of joint areas together, for example, to guarantee that the conductor in first direction (, row) directly for example, does not directly contact with the conductor in second direction (, OK).As can be seen, when user and touch-screen occur to interact, the first conductor and the second conductor (for example, as the identical top layer of touch-screen, being arranged) can directly be touched by user.

Figure 16 B shows the optional embodiment 1600b of the layout of the conductive pattern in touch-screen.This embodiment 1600b also shows the conductor of arranging in different directions, on the layer that it is identical in touch-screen or height, realizes.In addition, by use via, closing line, etc., can be by these conductor on identical layer a plurality of joint areas together, for example, at first direction (to guarantee, row) conductor in directly for example, does not directly contact with the conductor in second direction (, OK).Arranged that therein the top layer of touch-screen of the first and second conductors or highest point realize additional touch screen surface layer (for example, polymeric layer, protective seam, etc.).Can form touch screen surface with any known material, it allows user and a plurality of interaction of the first and second conductors as described in this.

Figure 17 shows from the coherent signal response of the adjacent conductor of conductive pattern and the embodiment 1700 of pair of conductors.For exemplary purposes, according to principle described here, Figure 17 adopts the conductor (for example, the use conductive pattern similar to the embodiment of Fig. 7, Fig. 8 A, Fig. 8 B) with region and extended area.It should be noted in the discussion above that in embodiment 1700 and can adopt any conductor shape, pattern etc.

In prior art systems, axial location is corresponding with the axis of contact conductor.Yet, at this, because use region and extended area in a plurality of conductors, for example, so the interaction of user and touch-screen (, contact point) can provide the contact from the different amounts of a plurality of conductors.As shown in Figure 17, the contact area that contact point shows conductor 1704a outstanding (spur) is greater than the outstanding contact area of conductor 1704b substantially.Therefore, the signal response of the conductor 1704a as shown in 1708a is greater than the signal response of the conductor 1704b as shown in 1708b substantially.As will be discussed below, signal response 1708a can compare with 1708b, to determine interpolation axial location as shown in Figure 17.

Figure 18 shows the optional embodiment 1800 from the signal response of the adjacent conductor of conductive pattern.In addition, for purposes of illustration, according to principle described here, Figure 18 adopts the conductor (for example, the use conductive pattern similar to the embodiment of Fig. 7, Fig. 8 A, Fig. 8 B) with region and extended area.It should be noted in the discussion above that in embodiment 1800 and can adopt any conductor shape, pattern etc.

As can be seen, the contact area that contact point shows conductor 1804a is substantially equal to the contact area of conductor 1804b.Therefore, the signal response of the conductor 1804a as shown in 1808a is substantially equal to the signal response of the conductor 1804b as shown in 1808b.As will be discussed below, signal response 1808a can compare with 1808b, to determine interpolation axial location as shown in Figure 18.As indicated in Figure 18, the centre at interpolation axial location separated place between conductor 1804a and the axial centre of 1804b.

Figure 19 shows the embodiment 1900 of signal detection module.In this embodiment 1900, signal detection module can be by realizing with any embodiment previously herein discussing (for example, as in the Reference numeral 220 in Fig. 2 or Fig. 3 310 described).Usually, the signal detection module of embodiment 1900 comprises signal comparison module 1910, position interpose module 1920 and mapping form 1930, and it is included in response signal with respect to the asynchronous a kind of mapping of axial location.Axial location is interpolation axial location.Usually, signal comparison module 1910 signal response more as shown in FIG. 17 and 18, and definite difference.For example, can with respect to the percentage of other conductors, this difference recently be described with the signal response of a conductor.This difference can also for example, be described by absolute measurement (, volt or ampere).

Based on determining of signal comparison module 1910, operable position interpose module is determined the interpolation axial location touching.This can be by the algorithm of calculating location, or completes by the mapping result that communicates to obtain the difference detecting for signal response with mapping form 1930.In one embodiment, the scope that form 1930 is specified for the difference of each interpolation positional value.Therefore, for example, if there are 200 interpolation positions, each position can define 1% 1/2 scope of difference.Difference range can be specified with the numerical value of signal characteristic or device, or specifies (for example, as directed number percent) according to relative mistake.

Figure 20 A and Figure 20 B show respectively embodiment 2000a and 2000b, and described embodiment 2000a and 2000b are respectively conductor overlapping and conductor overlapping embodiment complementally not substantially complementally substantially in conductive pattern.With reference to the embodiment 2000a of figure 20A, visible the first conductor and the second conductor are overlapping according to the amount as shown in overlapping region.Between the first and second conductors, do not have the amount in overlapping region to be substantially greater than overlapping region.Therefore, can say that the first and second conductors are substantially complementary.For example, if there is no overlapping region (, the first and second conductors are ideally aimed at), they are complementary.Usually, by the overlapping minimum that remains on, to be minimized in the capacitive coupling between the first and second conductors.

Yet, with reference to the embodiment 2000b of figure 20B, will be much larger than the amount of the overlapping region of embodiment 2000a in this amount of overlapping region, and can say that the first and second conductors are substantially not complementary.Usually, when overlapping region be approximately the first or second conductive region 10 or more hour, the first and second conductors are complementally aimed at.Not complementary overlapping or aim at and to refer to overlapping be greater than complementary overlapping (for example, be greater than 10% overlapping).Clearly, other number percents and limit and also can be used to define not complementary overlapping and complementary overlapping restriction range (for example, be greater than or less than 5%, 3% etc.).

Figure 21 A and Figure 21 B show respectively optional embodiment 2100a and 2100b, and described embodiment 2100a and 2100b are respectively conductor overlapping and conductor overlapping embodiment complementally not substantially complementally substantially in conductive pattern.With reference to the embodiment 2100a of figure 21A, visible the first conductor and the amount of the second free of conductors as shown in little void area.The amount of area that has little void area between the first and second conductors be used that the treating apparatus on the layer at touch-screen is equally little by conductor arrangement.Therefore, can say that the first and second conductors are substantially complementary.For example, if there is no void area (, the first and second conductors are ideally aimed at), they are complementary.

Yet with reference to the embodiment 2100b of figure 21B, the size of void area will be greater than the size of previous embodiment relatively, and can say that the first and second conductors are substantially not complementary.In addition, usually, when overlapping region be approximately the first or second conductive region 10 or more hour, the first and second conductors are complementally aimed at.Not complementary overlapping or aim at and to refer to overlapping be greater than complementary overlapping (for example, be greater than 10% overlapping).Clearly, other number percents and limit and also can be used to define not complementary overlapping and complementary overlapping restriction range (for example, be greater than or less than 5%, 3% etc.).

Figure 22 A and Figure 22 B show respectively optional embodiment 2200a and 2200b, described embodiment 2200a and 2200b are respectively conductor overlapping and conductor overlapping embodiment complementally not substantially complementally substantially in conductive pattern, equal height (or layer) upper realize of described conductor in touch-screen.Each of embodiment 2200a and embodiment 2200b shows the conductor of arranging in different directions of realizing on identical layer in touch-screen or height.By use via, closing line, etc., can be by a plurality of joint areas of these conductors in identical layer together, for example, to guarantee that the conductor in first direction (, row) for example, does not directly contact with the conductor in second direction (, OK).

With reference to the embodiment 2200a of Figure 22, visible, the first conductor and the amount of the second free of conductors as shown in little void area.The amount of area that has little void area between the first and second conductors be used that the treating apparatus on the layer at touch-screen is equally little by conductor arrangement.Therefore, can say that the first and second conductors are substantially complementary.For example, if there is no void area (, the first and second conductors are ideally aimed at), they are complementary.

Yet with reference to the embodiment 2200b of figure 22B, the size of void area will be greater than the size of previous embodiment relatively, and can say that the first and second conductors are substantially not complementary.In addition, usually, when overlapping region be approximately the first or second conductive region 10 or more hour, the first and second conductors are complementally aimed at.Not complementary overlapping or aim at and to refer to overlapping be greater than complementary overlapping (for example, be greater than 10% overlapping).Clearly, other number percents and limit and also can be used to define not complementary overlapping and complementary overlapping restriction range (for example, be greater than or less than 5%, 3% etc.).

Figure 23 shows for determining the embodiment 2300 of the method for interpolation axial location.Signal response or first signal by the reception described in piece 2310 from the first conductor, and by as piece 2320 described in reception from signal response or the secondary signal of the second conductor, execution the method.Hereinafter, the method comprises processes the first and second signals or signal response, to identify the interaction of user and the first and second conductors, to determine interpolation axial location in piece 2330.For example, can to this kind of processing, describe with method represented in Figure 23, make to calculate or definite interpolation position by estimate to detect difference with respect to mapping form.

The specific embodiment of here having described has illustrated the conductor that relatively small number object is arranged.It should be understood that touch-screen can have the conductor of the different numbers of arranging in the first and second directions (for example, substantially more the first and second conductors of big figure).In accompanying drawing, only at each, show and there is shown some conductors, take simply as reader describes, and all conductors are drawn and support relevant description with the ratio of amplifying.

The acceptable limit of industry providing in its respective range as term " substantially ", " probably " is as used herein provided.The scope of the limit of this kind of industry acceptance is from being less than one of percentage to 20 percent, and corresponding to being still not limited to component value, integrated circuit processing variation, temperature variation, rising and falling time, thermonoise and/or other parameters.In addition, substantially cover touch-screen action face region benchmark can be used to make the processing of touch-screen and benchmark equally large (that is, with this kind of device, adjacent conductor being arranged as far as possible close to each other) that manufacturing installation allows.In one embodiment, use available technology recently, the hithermost situation by conductor arrangement together time is 40 microns.

Alternatively, should be noted that the value that concrete deviser selects (for example, 90%, 95% etc.) can be corresponding to the action face region that has substantially covered touch-screen.Similarly, substantially complementary overlapping and/or substantially not complementary overlapping benchmark can be similarly interpreted as in this kind or stricter limit by reader.For example, basic complementary overlapping can restriction by being used to make processing and the manufacturing installation of touch-screen.Alternatively, the value that concrete deviser selects (for example, 1%, 5% etc.) can be corresponding to substantially complementary overlapping.So, substantially complementally not overlappingly can be and complementally overlapping different any overlapping (for example, be greater than to substantially overlapping relevant value complementally) substantially.In addition, also can understand and be used herein to this kind of general benchmark according to this kind of principle.

It should be noted, a plurality of modules described here, piece, element or circuit arrangement (for example, signal generator module, signal detection module, signal generation/detection module etc.) can be single treatment facility or a plurality for the treatment of facilities.This kind for the treatment of facility can be microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, microcomputer, CPU (central processing unit), field programmable gate array, programmable logic device, state machine, logical circuit, mimic channel, digital circuit and/or any equipment that carrys out operation signal (simulation and/or numeral) based on operational order.Operational order can be stored in storer.Storer can be single memory devices or a plurality of memory devices.This kind of memory devices can be the equipment of ROM (read-only memory), random access memory, volatile memory, nonvolatile memory, static memory, dynamic storage, flash memory and/or any storing digital information.It should be understood that, when processing module realizes one or more its function via state machine, mimic channel, digital circuit and/or logical circuit, the storer utilization of storing corresponding operational order comprises the circuit of state machine, mimic channel, digital circuit and/or logical circuit and is embedded into.In this kind of embodiment, memory stores operational order, and be coupled to the processing module executable operations instruction on storer, described operational order is corresponding with function and/or at least a portion in step in this description and/or explanation.

Above, by the method step that the performance of relation of the present invention and specific function is described, describe the present invention.For convenience of description, at this, these functions are set up the border of piece and method step and sequentially carried out definition arbitrarily.As long as function and the relation of appointment can suitably be carried out, optional border and order also can be defined.Therefore, arbitrarily this type of border and order all in required scope of invention and spirit.

Above, by the function that the execution of some critical function is described, set up piece, describe the present invention.For convenience of description, definition has arbitrarily been carried out on the border of these functions having been set up to piece.As long as some important function can suitably be carried out, optional border also can be defined.Similarly, at this, also at random defined flow chart block, so that some important function to be shown.For expanded application, the border of flow chart block and order also can be otherwise defined, and it still can carry out some important function.Therefore, function is set up the optional definition of piece and flow chart block with sequentially all in claimed scope and spirit of the present invention.

One skilled in the art should appreciate that, in this function, setting up piece and other illustrative, module and assembly can be as described, or the processor by separated assembly, special IC, the suitable software of execution etc. or its any combination realize.

In addition,, although for the object being aware and understand, the present invention be have been described in detail by previous embodiment, the invention is not restricted to these embodiment.It is apparent that for those of ordinary skills, because the present invention only limits by the scope of appended claim, so within the spirit and scope of the present invention, can implement a plurality of variations and modification to it.

Claims (9)

1. a device, comprising:

Touch-screen, described touch-screen comprises the first conductor of arranging in a first direction and the second conductor of arranging in second direction; And wherein:

Described the first conductor comprises at least one first area;

Described the second conductor comprises at least one second area and the expansion second area being coupled with described at least one second area;

The shape of described first area and the shape of described second area be in circle, rhombus, triangle, ellipse, rectangle or square one of,

The shape of described expansion second area be in circle, rhombus, triangle, ellipse, rectangle or square one of,

Described at least one second area and described expansion second area are complementally aimed at described at least one first area,

In the recess or opening of described expansion second area in described at least one first area;

Described recess or opening have substantially the same shape and size with described expansion second area.

2. device according to claim 1, wherein,

It is separated that described the first conductor and described the second conductor dbus are crossed dielectric substance.

3. device according to claim 1, wherein:

Described the first conductor and/or described the second conductor are realized on the surperficial back side of described touch-screen; Or

Described the first conductor and/or described the second conductor are realized on the described surface of described touch-screen.

4. device according to claim 1, further comprises:

Exciting circuit, described exciting circuit provides signal to described the first conductor;

And testing circuit, described testing circuit detects the signal receiving from described the second conductor, the signal based on received, identification and described the first conductor and the corresponding user in point of crossing of described the second conductor and the interactional position of described touch-screen.

5. device according to claim 1, further comprises:

To described the first conductor, pumping signal is provided and detects the circuit of the variation in described pumping signal that the interaction by user and described touch-screen causes.

6. device according to claim 1, further comprises:

The 3rd conductor of arranging in described first direction; And

To described the first conductor, pumping signal is provided and detects the circuit of the signal response in described the 3rd conductor that the interaction by user and described touch-screen causes.

7. device according to claim 1, wherein, described touch-screen comprises described the first conductor of arranging in a first direction, and described the second conductor of arranging in second direction on same level; And wherein:

Described the first conductor comprises the first area of a plurality of couplings;

Described the second conductor comprises the second area of a plurality of couplings; And

Wherein, at least one in the second area of described expansion second area and described a plurality of couplings is coupled, and described expansion second area complementally expands in the first area of described a plurality of couplings.

8. device according to claim 7, wherein

The first area of described a plurality of couplings connects via trace; And

The second area of described a plurality of couplings is connected via closing line with described expansion second area.

9. device according to claim 4, wherein:

The interaction of described user and described touch-screen be described user finger touch described touch-screen, or user's stylus has touched described touch-screen.

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