Antenna-based capacitor module

Abstract

The present invention relates to a capacitor module, which may include: a set of electrodes; a processing resource communicating with the set of electrodes; an embedded antenna communicating with the processing resource; and a memory communicating with the processing resource, wherein the memory includes programming instructions that, when executed, cause the processing resource to receive a capacitor input from the set of electrodes, compare the input attributes of the capacitor input with storage attributes, and, at least in part based on the comparison result, send instructions to trigger a response based on the embedded antenna.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention generally relates to systems and methods for embedded antennas integrated into electronic devices. Specifically, this invention relates to systems and methods for calibrating embedded antennas. [Previous Technology]

[0002] Cross-reference to related applications

[0003] This invention is a continuous application of U.S. Patent Application No. 19 / 184,903, filed April 21, 2025, entitled "Antenna-Based Response," which is a partial continuous application of U.S. Patent Application No. 19 / 184,903, filed August 20, 2024, entitled "Determining Non-Prompt Input." The entire contents of each of these documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] Antennas are typically integrated into many electronic devices. NFC antennas are being integrated into even more electronic devices used for payment transactions, authentication, and other types of data exchange.

[0005] U.S. Patent No. 10,275,05, granted to Katsuhisa Orihara, discloses an example of an NFC antenna integrated into an electronic device. This reference discloses a touchpad antenna device to ensure communication performance while reducing antenna size and maintaining touchpad operability, and discloses an electronic device including this touchpad antenna device. The touchpad antenna device is provided together with a capacitive touchpad mounted on the electronic device and communicates with an external device via electromagnetic field signals. It has an antenna coil that is inductively coupled to the external device and arranged by winding wires such that the wires, with openings opposite each other in the width direction, are close to each other, wherein the antenna coil is arranged along the outer edge of the sheet electrode portion constituting the touchpad.

[0006] Another example of an NFC antenna integrated into an electronic device is disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014 / 0078094, granted to Songnan Yang. This reference discloses that when the threshold values ​​of capacitive sensors in a touchpad are periodically updated to allow for drift in these values, the update process can be paused while a nearby radio antenna is transmitting. Otherwise, such transmissions from an antenna located next to the touchpad could significantly alter the effective capacitance of these sensors, making the touchpad unreliable when recording touches. Even though the capacitance may quickly return to normal after the transmission stops, moving average techniques, typically used to smooth short-term changes, may include periods of capacitance variation, thus prolonging the duration of unreliability; pausing the update process during transmission avoids this problem.

[0007] All the disclosures in each of these documents are incorporated herein by reference. [Summary of the Invention]

[0008] In some embodiments, a capacitor module may include: a set of electrodes; a processing resource communicating with the set of electrodes; an embedded antenna communicating with the processing resource; and a memory communicating with the processing resource, wherein the memory includes programming instructions that, when executed, cause the processing resource to: receive a capacitor input from the set of electrodes; compare an input attribute of the capacitor input with a storage attribute; and, at least in part based on the comparison result, send an instruction to trigger a response based on the embedded antenna.

[0009] The response may include increasing the power level of the embedded antenna.

[0010] The response may include activating the embedded antenna.

[0011] The response may include disabling the embedded antenna.

[0012] The response may include using an embedded antenna to resolve the modulation pattern from an external antenna device.

[0013] The response may include sending a command to cause the embedded antenna to send a polling signal.

[0014] The response may include sending a command to cause the embedded antenna to send an interrogation signal.

[0015] The response may include acknowledging that the external antenna device is within range of the embedded antenna.

[0016] Programming instructions can also enable processing resources to acquire storage attributes.

[0017] Acquiring storage attributes may include: in response to receiving typed input from a keyboard that can be integrated into a device that also integrates a capacitor module, recording capacitance characteristics using capacitor electrodes.

[0018] Acquiring storage attributes may include: in response to receiving camera input from a camera that can be integrated into a device that also integrates a capacitor module, recording capacitance characteristics using capacitor electrodes.

[0019] Acquiring storage attributes may include: recording capacitance characteristics using an embedded antenna in response to a tap on a device with an integrated capacitor module.

[0020] Acquiring storage attributes may include: in response to identifying the signal pattern of an external antenna device, recording capacitance characteristics using capacitor electrodes.

[0021] Acquiring storage attributes may include: in response to prompting the user to perform an operation using a device with an integrated capacitor module, recording capacitance characteristics using capacitor electrodes.

[0022] Operating the device may include placing the user's hand near the capacitor module.

[0023] Operation of the device may include touch input using the user's hand on a touch surface integrated with capacitive electrodes.

[0024] The operation of the device may include non-contact gesture input using the user's hand above a touch surface with integrated capacitive electrodes.

[0025] The operation of the device may include placing an external antenna device above a touch surface with integrated capacitive electrodes.

[0026] The programming instructions may further include: modifying the storage attribute by obtaining a subsequent attribute and modifying the storage attribute based on the subsequent attribute.

[0027] The processing resources may include a capacitor controller with capacitor processing logic and an antenna controller with antenna processing logic.

[0028] The processing resources may include a single controller with capacitor processing logic and antenna processing logic.

[0029] In some embodiments, a computer program product for using a capacitor module may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium that stores instructions executable by a controller to receive a capacitor input from a set of electrodes; compare input attributes of the capacitor input with stored attributes; and send instructions, at least in part, based on the comparison result, to trigger a response based on an embedded antenna.

[0030] The response may include disabling the embedded antenna.

[0031] The response may include using an embedded antenna to resolve the modulation pattern from an external antenna device.

[0032] The response may include sending a command to cause the embedded antenna to send a polling signal.

[0033] The response may include sending a command to cause the embedded antenna to send an interrogation signal.

[0034] The response may include acknowledging that the external antenna device is within range of the embedded antenna.

[0035] Programming instructions can also enable processing resources to acquire storage attributes.

[0036] Acquiring storage attributes may include: in response to receiving typed input from a keyboard that can be integrated into a device that also integrates a capacitor module, recording capacitance characteristics using capacitor electrodes.

[0037] Acquiring storage attributes may include: in response to identifying the signal pattern of an external antenna device, recording capacitance characteristics using capacitor electrodes.

[0038] Obtaining storage attributes may include: in response to prompting the user to perform an operation using a device with an integrated capacitor module, recording capacitance characteristics using capacitor electrodes.

[0039] Acquiring storage attributes may include: recording capacitance characteristics using an embedded antenna in response to a tap on a device with an integrated capacitor module.

[0040] Acquiring storage attributes may include: in response to receiving camera input from a camera that can be integrated into a device that also integrates a capacitor module, recording capacitance characteristics using capacitor electrodes.

[0041] Programming instructions can further enable processing resources to modify storage attributes by obtaining subsequent attributes and modifying storage attributes based on subsequent attributes.

[0042] In some embodiments, a method of using a capacitor module may include receiving a capacitor input from a set of electrodes; comparing input attributes of the capacitor input with storage attributes; and sending an instruction based at least in part on the comparison result to trigger a response based on an embedded antenna.

[0043] This method may include obtaining storage attributes.

[0044] The method may include modifying the storage attribute by obtaining subsequent attributes and modifying the storage attribute based on the subsequent attributes.

[0045] In some embodiments, an antenna module may include: an embedded antenna; a processing resource communicating with the embedded antenna; and a memory communicating with the processing resource, wherein the memory includes programming instructions that, when executed, cause the processing resource to: receive input from the embedded antenna; compare input attributes of the input with storage attributes; and send instructions, at least in part, based on the comparison result, to trigger a response based on the embedded antenna.

[0046] The antenna module may include a set of capacitive sensing electrodes that communicate with processing resources.

[0047] The response may include disabling the capacitor electrode.

[0048] The response may include increasing the power level of the embedded antenna.

[0049] The response may include activating the embedded antenna.

[0050] The response may include using an embedded antenna to resolve the modulation pattern from an external antenna device.

[0051] The response may include rejecting the input from the embedded antenna as a signal from an external antenna device.

[0052] The response may include disabling the embedded antenna.

[0053] The response may include sending a message to the user.

[0054] The response may include sending a polling signal using an embedded antenna.

[0055] The response may include sending a command to cause the embedded antenna to send an interrogation signal.

[0056] Programming instructions can further enable processing resources to acquire storage attributes.

[0057] Acquiring storage attributes may include: in response to receiving typed input from a keyboard that can be integrated into a device that also integrates an antenna module, recording sensing characteristics using an embedded antenna.

[0058] Acquiring storage attributes may include: in response to a camera receiving camera input that can be integrated into a device that also integrates an antenna module, recording sensing features using an embedded antenna.

[0059] Acquiring storage attributes may include: in response to a tap on a device with an integrated embedded antenna, using the embedded antenna to record sensing features.

[0060] Acquiring storage attributes may include: in response to prompting the user to perform an operation using a device with an integrated antenna module, recording sensing characteristics using an embedded antenna.

[0061] Acquiring storage attributes may include: in response to the recognition of a signal pattern of an external antenna device, using an embedded antenna to record sensing characteristics.

[0062] Acquiring storage attributes may include: in response to prompting the user to place the device with the integrated antenna module near a metal object, recording the sensing characteristics using the embedded antenna.

[0063] Operating the device may include placing the user’s hand near the embedded antenna.

[0064] Operation of the device may include touch input using the user's hand on a touch surface integrated with capacitive electrodes.

[0065] Operation of the device may include non-contact gesture input using the user's hand above a touch surface integrated with capacitive electrodes.

[0066] The operation of the device may include placing an external antenna device above a touch surface with integrated capacitive electrodes.

[0067] The programming instructions may further include: modifying the storage attribute by obtaining a subsequent attribute and modifying the storage attribute based on the subsequent attribute.

[0068] In some embodiments, a computer program product for using an antenna module may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium that stores instructions that can be executed by a controller to receive input from an embedded antenna integrated into the antenna module; compare input attributes of the input with stored attributes; and send instructions, at least in part, based on the comparison result, to trigger an embedded antenna-based response.

[0069] The response may include disabling the capacitor electrodes that are also integrated into the antenna module.

[0070] The response may include increasing the power level of the embedded antenna.

[0071] The response may include activating the embedded antenna.

[0072] The response may include using an embedded antenna to resolve the modulation pattern from an external antenna device.

[0073] The response may include rejecting the input from the embedded antenna as a signal from an external antenna device.

[0074] The response may include disabling the embedded antenna.

[0075] The response may include sending a message to the user.

[0076] The response may include sending a polling signal using an embedded antenna.

[0077] The response may include sending a command to cause the embedded antenna to send an interrogation signal.

[0078] Programming instructions can further enable processing resources to acquire storage attributes.

[0079] Acquiring storage attributes may include: in response to receiving typed input from a keyboard that can be integrated into a device that also integrates an antenna module, recording sensing characteristics using an embedded antenna.

[0080] Acquiring storage attributes may include: in response to receiving camera input from a camera that can be integrated into a device that also integrates an antenna module, recording sensing features using an embedded antenna.

[0081] Acquiring storage attributes may include: in response to a tap on a device with an integrated embedded antenna, using the embedded antenna to record sensing features.

[0082] Acquiring storage attributes may include: in response to prompting the user to perform an operation using a device with an integrated antenna module, recording sensing characteristics using an embedded antenna.

[0083] Acquiring storage attributes may include: in response to the recognition of a signal pattern of an external antenna device, using an embedded antenna to record sensing characteristics.

[0084] Acquiring storage attributes may include: in response to prompting the user to place the device with the integrated antenna module near a metal object, recording the sensing characteristics using the embedded antenna.

[0085] The programming instructions may further include: modifying the storage attribute by obtaining a subsequent attribute and modifying the storage attribute based on the subsequent attribute.

[0086] In some embodiments, a method of using an antenna module may include: receiving input from an embedded antenna integrated into the antenna module; comparing the properties of the input with stored properties; and sending an instruction based at least in part on the comparison result to trigger a response based on the embedded antenna.

[0087] This method may include retrieving storage attributes.

[0088] The method may include: modifying the storage attribute by obtaining a subsequent attribute and modifying the storage attribute based on the subsequent attribute.

Implementation Method

[0090] This specification provides examples but is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention. Rather, the following description will provide those skilled in the art with an advantageous description for implementing embodiments of the invention. Various changes can be made to the function and arrangement of the components.

[0091] Therefore, various embodiments may omit, substitute, or add various programs or components as appropriate. For example, it should be understood that these methods may be performed in a different order than described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Furthermore, aspects and components described with respect to certain embodiments may be combined in various other embodiments. It should also be understood that the following systems, methods, apparatuses, and software may be used individually or collectively as components of a larger system, wherein other programs may be used in place of or modified from the application of these components.

[0092] For the purposes of this invention, the term "aligned" generally refers to parallel, substantially parallel, or forming an angle of less than 35.0 degrees. For the purposes of this invention, the term "lateral" generally refers to perpendicular, substantially perpendicular, or forming an angle between 55.0 and 125.0 degrees. For the purposes of this invention, the term "length" generally refers to the longest dimension of the object. For the purposes of this invention, the term "width" generally refers to the dimension of the object from one side to the other, and may refer to a measurement that spans the object perpendicular to its length.

[0093] For the purposes of this invention, the term "electrode" generally refers to a portion of an electrical conductor used for measurement, while the terms "path" and "trace" generally refer to portions of an electrical conductor not used for measurement. For the purposes of this invention, referring to a circuit, the term "line" generally refers to a combination of an electrode and a "path" or "trace" portion of an electrical conductor. For the purposes of this invention, the term "Tx" generally refers to a transmitting line, electrode, or a portion of a transmitting line or electrode, and the term "Rx" generally refers to a sensing line, electrode, or a portion of a sensing line or electrode.

[0094] For the purposes of this invention, the term "electronic device" generally refers to a device that can be transported and includes a battery and electronic components. Examples may include notebook computers, desktop computers, mobile phones, tablet computers, personal digital devices, watches, game controllers, gaming wearable devices, wearable devices, measuring devices, automation devices, security devices, displays, computer mice, vehicles, infotainment systems, audio systems, consoles, other types of devices, motion tracking devices, tracking devices, card readers, vending machines, kiosks, or combinations thereof.

[0095] It should be understood that the terms "capacitive module," "touchpad," and "touch sensor" as used herein are interchangeable with "capacitive touch sensor," "capacitive sensor," "capacitive touch and proximity sensor," "proximity sensor," "touch and proximity sensor," "touch panel," "touchpad," "touchpad," and "touchscreen." Capacitive modules can be integrated into electronic devices.

[0096] It should also be understood that, as used herein, the terms “vertical,” “horizontal,” “horizontal,” “up,” “down,” “left,” “right,” “inner,” “outer,” etc., may refer to the relative orientation or position of a feature in the disclosed device and / or component shown in the figures. For example, “up” or “top” may refer to a feature that is closer to the top of the page than another feature. However, these terms should be interpreted broadly to include devices and / or components having other orientations, such as inverted or tilted orientations, where top / bottom, above / below, above / below, up / down, and left / right may be interchanged depending on the orientation.

[0097] In some cases, the capacitor module is located within the housing. The capacitor module can be located below the housing and is capable of detecting objects outside the housing. In an example where the capacitor module can detect capacitance changes through the housing, the housing is a capacitor reference surface. For example, the capacitor module can be disposed within a cavity formed by the keyboard housing of a computer, such as a notebook computer or other type of computing device, and the sensor can be disposed below the surface of the keyboard housing. In such an example, the keyboard housing adjacent to the capacitor module is a capacitor reference surface. In some examples, an opening can be formed in the housing, and a cover layer can be positioned within the opening. In this example, the cover layer is a capacitor reference surface. In such an example, the capacitor module can be positioned adjacent to the back side of the cover layer, and the capacitor module can sense the presence of an object by the thickness of the cover layer. For the purposes of this invention, the term "reference surface" can generally refer to a surface through which a pressure sensor, capacitance sensor, or other type of sensor is positioned to sense pressure, presence, position, touch, proximity, capacitance, magnetic properties, electrical properties, other types of properties, or other characteristics or combinations thereof indicating input. For example, the reference surface can be a housing, a cover layer, or other type of surface through which input is sensed. In some examples, the reference surface does not have a moving portion. In some examples, the reference surface may be made of any suitable type of material, including but not limited to plastics, glass, dielectric materials, metals, other types of materials, or combinations thereof.

[0098] For the purposes of this invention, the term "display" can generally refer to a display or screen that is not shown in the same area as the capacitive reference surface. In some cases, the display is integrated into the notebook computer, with the keyboard located between the display and the capacitive reference surface. In some examples where the capacitive reference surface is integrated into the notebook computer, the capacitive reference surface may be part of a touchpad. Pressure sensors may be integrated into the stack that constitutes the capacitive module. However, in some cases, pressure sensors may be located in other parts of the notebook computer, such as under the keyboard housing but outside the area for sensing touch input, on the side of the notebook computer, above the keyboard, on the side of the keyboard, in another location on the notebook computer, or in other locations. In examples where these elements are integrated into the notebook computer, the display may be pivotally connected to the keyboard housing. The display may be a digital screen, a touch screen, other types of screens, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the display is located on the same device as the device where the capacitive reference surface is located, while in other examples, the display is located on a different device than the device where the capacitive reference surface is located. For example, the display may be projected onto a different surface such as a wall or a projection screen. In some examples, the reference surface may be located on an input or game controller, and the display may be located on a wearable device such as a virtual reality or augmented reality screen. In some cases, the reference surface and the display are located on the same surface, but at different locations on that surface. In other examples, the reference surface and the display may be integrated into the same device, but located on different surfaces. In some cases, the reference surface and the display may be oriented at different angles relative to each other.

[0099] For the purposes of this invention, the term "antenna module" generally refers to a module that includes an embedded antenna. An antenna module may include processing resources, such as a controller or other types of processing resources. The processing resources enable the antenna module to transmit antenna signals, receive antenna signals, process received antenna signals, perform other antenna-related tasks, or combinations thereof. The antenna may be mounted on a printed circuit board or other surface. In some cases, the antenna is a near-field communication (NFC) antenna. The antenna module may include hardware and software for implementing the module's antenna functions. In some embodiments, the antenna module may also include sensors and circuitry dedicated to functions other than the antenna functions. For example, the antenna module may include at least one capacitance sensor / electrode, stress gauge, pressure sensor, induction coil, magnet, haptic actuator, other features, or combinations thereof. The antenna module may have locally stored portions of programming instructions for operating the antenna and / or processing received antenna signals. In other examples, the antenna module may access remotely stored programming instructions located in an electronic device including the antenna module, or at a location accessible via a wireless connection, such as a cloud-based location.

[0100] For the purposes of this invention, the term "input attribute" generally refers to the attribute of a received signal and / or the attribute derived from the received signal. In some examples, the input attribute is a feature of the original received data or a feature found in the original received data. In other examples, the input attribute is a feature of the processed data or a feature found in the processed data. The input attribute may be a received antenna input, a received capacitor input, a portion of other received inputs, or a combination thereof. The input attribute may include dimensional attributes, motion attributes, signal attributes, image attributes, other types of attributes, or combinations thereof.

[0101] For the purposes of this invention, the term "dimensional attribute" generally refers to the dimension of the object being measured (e.g., a finger, thumb, palm, stylus, etc.). In some examples, a dimensional attribute may include length, width, surface area, distance between features of the object, diagonal measurement of the object, diagonal measurement of a feature of the object, curvature of an object edge, length of an object edge, cross-section of the object, cross-section of a portion of the object, cross-section of a feature of the object, length of a feature of the object, length of the object's central axis, angular orientation of the object's central axis, position of the object's central axis, angular orientation of a feature of the object, other dimensions, or combinations thereof. Features of the object may include protrusions of the object, discontinuities of the object, appendages of the object, other features, or combinations thereof. A dimensional attribute may be a finger dimensional attribute, a thumb dimensional attribute, a palm dimensional attribute, a stylus dimensional attribute, a proximity dimensional attribute, other types of dimensional attributes, or combinations thereof.

[0102] For the purposes of this invention, the term "motion attribute" generally refers to the motion of the object being tested (e.g., finger, thumb, palm, stylus, etc.). In some examples, motion attributes may include the distance the object moves, the object's rotation, the angular distance of the object's rotation, the object's nutation, the object's direction of motion, the object's motion pattern, the object's speed, the object's initial speed, the object's sustained speed (i.e., the speed after the initial speed), the object's rolling pattern, the object's motion duration, the number of motion cycles of the object within a predetermined time period, the sliding distance, the sliding speed, the sliding angle, the number of sliding cycles, the sliding rotation, the object's oscillation, the object's oscillation variation, the object's stability, the object's stationary position, the duration of the object's stationary position, the rolling distance, the rolling speed, the rolling angle, the number of rolling cycles, the rolling rotation, the curvature of the motion, the trajectory of the motion, the position of the motion, the scaling distance, the magnification speed, the scaling speed, the scaling pinch angle, the number of scaling cycles, the scaling pinch rotation, and the scaling... The curvature of motion, the trajectory of scaling motion, the position of scaling motion, the velocity difference between different parts of an object, the angular velocity difference between different parts of an object, the rotational difference between different parts of an object, the distal velocity of an object, the proximal velocity of an object, the rotational speed of an object, the shape formed by the motion of an object, the straightness of the lines formed by the motion, the change in the length of an object, the change in the width of an object, the change in the rotation of an object, the change in the surface area of ​​an object, the change in the size of an object, the change in the shape of an object, the change in the curvature of the object's edge, the change in the position of the object's central axis, the change in the position of the central axis of an object's features, the change in the orientation of an object or feature, the frequency of the positional change of an object or feature, the frequency of the motion of an object or feature, the change in the relative angular position between object features, the change in the relative angular position between the central axes of object features, and other types of motion attributes or combinations thereof. Motion attributes can be finger motion attributes, thumb motion attributes, palm motion attributes, stylus motion attributes, proximity motion attributes, the motion difference between different parts of an object, relative motion, absolute motion, and other types of motion attributes or combinations thereof.

[0103] For the purposes of this invention, the term "signal attribute" generally refers to a signal of capacitance measurement, antenna measurement, inductance measurement, magnetic signal, other types of measurement, or combinations thereof. In some examples, signal attributes may include signal strength, signal duration, signal amplitude, signal-related noise, noise patterns accompanying the signal, signal interference, signal-related interference patterns, signal resonance, signal frequency, signal polarity, signal reflection, signal voltage, signal strength variation over time, signal frequency variation over time, signal amplitude variation over time, signal polarity variation over time, signal modulation, other variations of the signal over time, signal peak value, signal edge, processed signal attribute, analog signal attribute, other signal attributes, or combinations thereof.

[0104] For the purposes of this invention, the term "image attribute" generally refers to an image of the object being measured (e.g., a finger, thumb, palm, stylus, external antenna, credit card, telephone, mobile device, tag, RFID chip, etc.). In some examples, image attributes may include image length, image width, image surface area, distance between image features, image interpolation, image spline, spline shape, spline curvature, number of nodes in the spline, relative angle between different parts of the spline, distance between spline nodes, image edge attributes, image centroid, distance between image edge and image centroid, signal intensity variation on the image, edge position, image corner position, length of linear portion of image edge, position of linear portion of image edge, image symmetry, image asymmetry, dimension of image asymmetry, repetition pattern in the image, dimension of image segmentation, image contour, a portion of image contour, derivative of image contour or a portion of image contour, number of features of interest identified in the image, spacing pattern of image features, spacing distance of image features, image density, other image attributes, or combinations thereof.

[0105] For the purposes of this invention, the term "typing attribute" generally refers to dimensional attributes, motion attributes, signal attributes, image attributes, proximity attributes, processed attributes, raw data attributes, other types of attributes, or combinations thereof. In some cases, typing prompts may cause a user to bring their hand, palm, thumb, and / or fingers close to a capacitive sensor and / or an embedded antenna. In such examples, the system may recognize combinations of palm, fingers, and thumb that may be hovering above, placed on, touching, located beside, or combined on a capacitive reference surface. Typing actions may also cause multiple simultaneous or overlapping movements of the fingers, thumb, and palm. Therefore, typing attributes may include aspects of attributes derived from the fingers, thumb, and palm.

[0106] For the purposes of this invention, the term "stored attribute" generally refers to an attribute stored in or accessible through processing resources. For example, a stored attribute can be accessed by processing resources and stored in memory, networked location, remote location, cloud-based location, other types of location, or combinations thereof in an electronic device with an embedded antenna. A stored attribute can be an attribute derived from raw user input data or from processed user input data. In some cases, a stored attribute can be modified based on subsequent user input. For example, a stored attribute can be based on the mean, median, minimum, maximum, range, or other measure of one or more user inputs. In some cases, a stored attribute can be determined using machine learning, k-nearest neighbor models, logistic regression models, decision tree models, random forest models, gradient boosting machines, support vector machines, neural networks, other types of models, other processes, or combinations thereof. In some cases, a stored attribute is associated with conditions. For example, stored attributes can be indicators that indicate user input under specific conditions, such as pressure input, gesture input, touch input, palm input, finger input, antenna input, card tapping input, card malfunction input, no input, non-antenna input, other types of conditions, or combinations thereof.

[0107] For the purposes of this invention, the term "embedded antenna" generally refers to an antenna integrated into an antenna module, capacitor module, other types of modules, electronic device, or a combination thereof. In one example, the embedded antenna is integrated into a stack of capacitor modules included in an electronic device. In some examples, the capacitor module including the embedded antenna may be a notebook computer, mobile device, smartphone, watch, tablet computer, vehicle, other types of electronic device, or a combination thereof. In other examples, the embedded antenna may be integrated into the electronic device but physically separate from and distinct from the capacitor module. For example, a notebook computer may include a capacitor module associated with a touchpad and / or touchscreen integrated into the notebook computer, while the embedded antenna may be integrated into the palm rest area of ​​the notebook computer but not physically connected to the capacitor module. In some examples where the embedded antenna is not physically connected to the capacitor module, the embedded antenna may be positioned close enough to the capacitor module that the capacitor module can detect a signal from the antenna. In some cases, the capacitor module is associated with a touchscreen of the electronic device, and the embedded antenna may or may not be integrated into the capacitor module.

[0108] For the purposes of this invention, the term "external antenna" generally refers to an antenna not integrated into a capacitor module or in an electronic device with a capacitor module integrated. In some cases, the external antenna can communicate with an embedded antenna. For example, the embedded antenna can communicate with the external antenna via the NFC protocol or other suitable protocols. A non-exhaustive list of devices that can integrate an external antenna capable of communicating with the embedded antenna includes: credit cards, ID cards, other types of information cards, telephones, mobile devices, tablet computers, watches, tags, RFID chips, wearable devices, headphones, keychains, kiosks, payment terminals, consoles, authentication devices, charging devices, other types of devices, or combinations thereof. The external antenna can be a passive antenna, a semi-passive antenna, an active antenna, other types of antennas, or combinations thereof.

[0109] For the purposes of this invention, the term "polling signal" generally refers to a signal transmitted from an embedded antenna for detecting whether a device with an external antenna is within the sensing range of the embedded antenna. In some cases, the transmission power of the polling signal is lower than that of an interrogation signal, which can be used to exchange data between the embedded antenna and the external antenna. In some cases, if no response to the polling signal is detected, the embedded antenna may continue to transmit the polling signal until a response is received, or the embedded antenna may enter a sleep state until it is awakened by another device in the capacitor module or electronic device. In some cases where a response to the polling signal is received, the embedded antenna may transmit an interrogation signal to exchange data with the external device.

[0110] For the purposes of this invention, the term "interrogation signal" generally refers to a signal transmitted from an embedded antenna to an external antenna to exchange information. The transmission power of an interrogation signal may be higher than that of a polling signal. In some examples, the interrogation signal requests information from the external antenna and / or exchanges data with the external antenna.

[0111] For the purposes of this invention, the phrase "disable embedded antenna" generally refers to turning off the embedded antenna, ignoring signals received through the embedded antenna, classifying signals as non-antenna signals, pausing transmissions sent through the embedded antenna, turning off the power to the embedded antenna, other functions that reduce or minimize the operation of the embedded antenna, or combinations thereof. In some cases, if the system determines that the received signal (received through the embedded antenna, capacitive electrodes, or both) indicates a false alarm, processing resources can disable the embedded antenna. In some cases, the embedded antenna can be disabled for a predetermined period of time after receiving a false alarm indication. For example, a metal ring worn by a user and placed near the embedded antenna may respond to a polling signal, thereby sending a command to the embedded antenna to send an interrogation signal. In such examples, by comparing at least one attribute of the received signal generated by the metal ring with stored attributes, the system can identify that the received response is not user input. In this case, the embedded antenna can be disabled, or it can continue to transmit polling signals instead of switching to transmitting interrogation signals.

[0112] For the purposes of this invention, the phrase "antenna signal mode" generally refers to the characteristics of an antenna signal. A non-exhaustive list of signal modes may include, but is not limited to: signal timing, signal power level, modulation mode, encoded data, magnetic field variation, compliance with the NFC protocol, resonant frequency, bandwidth, polarization mode, amplitude mode, frequency mode, other features, or combinations thereof.

[0113] For the purposes of this invention, the phrase "disable capacitor electrode" generally refers to turning off the sensing electrode, turning off the transmitting electrode, ignoring signals received through the capacitor electrode, pausing transmissions sent through the capacitor electrode, turning off the power supply to at least one capacitor electrode, other functions that reduce or minimize the operation of the capacitor electrode, or combinations thereof. If the system determines that the embedded antenna is transmitting an interrogation signal, the system can disable the capacitor electrode for a predetermined period of time during which the embedded antenna operates, during a period of time during which the embedded antenna interacts with an external antenna, during a variable period of time, during other periods of time, or a combination thereof.

[0114] Figure 1 illustrates an example of an electronic device 100. In this example, the electronic device is a notebook computer. In the example shown, the electronic device 100 includes input components such as a keyboard 102 and capacitive modules such as a touchpad 104 integrated into a housing 103. The electronic device 100 also includes a display 106. Programs operated by the electronic device 100 can be displayed on the display 106 and controlled by a sequence of instructions provided by the user via the keyboard 102 and / or via the touchpad 104. An internal battery (not shown) can be used to power the operation of the electronic device 100.

[0115] The keyboard 102 includes an arrangement of keys 108 that can be individually selected when a user presses a key with sufficient force to press the key 108 against a switch located below the keyboard 102. In response to selecting the key 108, a program can receive instructions on how to operate, such as a word processing program determining which types of text to process. The user can use the touchpad 104 to give different types of instructions to a program operating on the computing device 100. For example, the touchpad 104 can be used to control a cursor displayed on the display 106. The user can control the cursor's position by sliding their hand along the surface of the touchpad 104. In some cases, the user can move the cursor to or near an object on the display of the computing device and give a command to select that object via the touchpad 104. For example, the user can provide a command to select the object by tapping the surface of the touchpad 104 once or multiple times. In this example, the electronic device 100 also includes a camera 120.

[0116] The touchpad 104 is a capacitor module comprising stacked layers disposed beneath the keyboard housing, beneath a cover layer adapted to an opening in the keyboard housing, or beneath another capacitor reference surface. In some examples, the capacitor module is located in an area of ​​the keyboard surface where a user's palm can rest while typing. The capacitor module may include a substrate such as a printed circuit board or other type of substrate. One of the layers of the capacitor module may include a sensor layer comprising a first set of electrodes oriented in a first direction and a second set of electrodes oriented in a second direction transverse to the first direction. These electrodes may be spaced apart from each other and / or electrically isolated. Electrical isolation can be achieved by depositing at least a portion of the electrodes on different sides of the same substrate or by providing a dedicated substrate for each set of electrodes. Capacitance can be measured at the overlapping intersections between different sets of electrodes. However, the capacitance between the electrodes may change when an object with a dielectric value different from that of the surrounding air (e.g., a finger, stylus, etc.) approaches the intersection between the electrodes. This change in capacitance and the relative position of the object with respect to the capacitor module can be calculated to determine the location where the user is touching or hovering the object within the detection range of the capacitor module. In some examples, the first and second sets of electrodes are spaced equidistantly from each other. Therefore, in these examples, the sensitivity of the capacitor module is the same in both directions. However, in other examples, the distance between the electrodes can be non-equidistant to provide greater sensitivity for movement in certain directions.

[0117] In some cases, the display 106 is mechanically separate and movable relative to the keyboard via a connecting mechanism 114. In these examples, the display 106 and the keyboard 102 can be interconnected and movable relative to each other. The display 106 can be movable relative to the keyboard 102 within a range of 0 degrees to 180 degrees or greater. In some examples, when the display 106 is in the closed position, it can fold onto the upper surface of the keyboard 102, and when the display 106 is in the operating position, it can fold open from the keyboard 102. In some examples, when in use by a user, the display 106 can be oriented at an angle between 35 degrees and 135 degrees relative to the keyboard 102. However, in these examples, the display 106 can be positioned at any angle desired by the user.

[0118] In some examples, the display 106 may be a non-touch-sensitive display. However, in other examples, at least a portion of the display 106 is touch-sensitive. In these examples, the touch-sensitive display may also include a capacitive module located behind the outer surface of the display 106. When a user's finger or other object approaches the touch-sensitive screen, the capacitive module can detect changes in capacitance as input from the user.

[0119] Although the example in Figure 1 shows an example of an electronic device as a notebook computer, capacitive sensors and touch surfaces can be integrated into any suitable device. The non-exhaustive list of devices includes, but is not limited to, desktop computers, monitors, screens, kiosks, computing devices, tablet computers, smartphones, position sensors, card readers, other types of electronic devices, other types of devices, or combinations thereof.

[0120] In some examples, the NFC antenna is integrated into the touchpad 104. However, in some examples, at least one NFC antenna is not integrated into the touchpad, but rather integrated into other locations on the electronic device, such as, but not limited to, the housing 103, the housing within the palm rest area, inside the display 106, at the bezel of the display, near the keyboard, below the keyboard, other locations on the electronic device, or combinations thereof. In some examples, no NFC antenna is integrated into the touchpad 104.

[0121] Figure 2 shows an example of a portion of a capacitor module 200. In this example, the capacitor module 200 may include a substrate 202, a first set of electrodes 204, and a second set of electrodes 206. The first set of electrodes 204 and the second set of electrodes 206 may be oriented laterally to each other. Furthermore, the first set of electrodes 204 and the second set of electrodes 206 may be electrically isolated from each other so that the electrodes do not short-circuit with each other. However, capacitance can be measured where the electrodes from the first set of electrodes 204 and the second set of electrodes 206 overlap. The capacitor module 200 may include one or more electrodes from the first set of electrodes 204 or the second set of electrodes 206. Such a substrate 202 and electrode set can be integrated into a touch screen, touchpad, position sensor, game controller, button, and / or detection circuitry.

[0122] In some examples, the capacitor module 200 is a mutual capacitance sensing device. In such examples, the substrate 202 has a set of row electrodes 204 and a set of column electrodes 206 defining the touch / proximity sensitive area of ​​the component. In some cases, the component is configured as a rectangular grid consisting of an appropriate number of electrodes (e.g., 8x6, 16x12, 9x15, etc.).

[0123] As shown in Figure 2, the capacitive module 200 includes a touch controller 208. The touch controller 208 may include at least one of a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), an analog front end (AFE) including an amplifier, a peripheral interface controller (PIC), other types of microprocessors, and / or combinations thereof, and may be implemented by suitable circuitry, hardware, firmware, and / or software as an integrated circuit, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a combination of logic gates, other types of digital or analog electrical design components, or combinations thereof, to select from available operating modes.

[0124] In some cases, the touch controller 208 includes at least one multiplexing circuit to select which of the electrode groups 204, 206 is used as both the driving electrode and the sensing electrode. The driving electrodes can be driven one at a time sequentially, randomly, or simultaneously in an coded mode. Other configurations, such as a self-capacitance mode for simultaneously driving and sensing electrodes, are also possible. The electrodes can also be arranged in a non-rectangular array, such as a radial pattern, a linear series, etc. A masking layer (see Figure 3) can be provided under the electrodes to reduce noise or other interference. The masking layer can extend beyond the grid of the electrodes. Other configurations are also possible.

[0125] In some cases, measurements are not performed using a fixed reference point. The touch controller 208 can generate signals that are sent directly to the first set of electrodes 204 or the second set of electrodes 206 in various modes.

[0126] In some cases, the component does not rely on absolute capacitance measurements to determine the position of a finger (or stylus, indicator, or other object) on the surface of the capacitive module 200. The capacitive module 200 can measure charge imbalances on the electrodes that serve as sensing electrodes. In some examples, the sensing electrodes can be any of the electrodes specified in the electrode groups 204, 206, or in other examples, dedicated sensing electrodes. When there is no directional object on or near the capacitive module 200, the touch controller 208 can be in a balanced state, and there is no signal on the sensing electrodes. When a finger or other directional object causes an imbalance due to capacitive coupling, the capacitance change can occur at the intersection between the electrode groups 204, 206 that constitute the touch / proximity sensitive area. In some cases, the capacitance change is measured. However, in alternative examples, the absolute capacitance value can be measured.

[0127] Although this example is described as having the flexibility to switch electrode groups 204, 206 between sensing and transmitting electrodes, in other examples, each electrode group is dedicated to either transmitting or sensing functions.

[0128] FIG3 shows an example of a substrate 202 having a first set of electrodes 204 and a second set of electrodes 206 deposited on a substrate 202 and integrated into a capacitor module. The first set of electrodes 204 and the second set of electrodes 206 may be spaced apart from each other and electrically isolated from each other. In the example shown in FIG3, the first set of electrodes 204 is deposited on a first side of the substrate 202, and the second set of electrodes 206 is deposited on a second side of the substrate 202, wherein the second side is opposite to the first side and spaced apart by the thickness of the substrate 202. The substrate may be made of an electrically insulating material to prevent the first set of electrodes 204 and the second set of electrodes 206 from short-circuiting with each other. As shown in FIG2, the first set of electrodes 204 and the second set of electrodes 206 may be oriented laterally to each other. Capacitance measurement can be performed at the intersection where the electrodes from the first set of electrodes 204 and the second set of electrodes 206 overlap. In some examples, a voltage may be applied to the emitter electrode, and the voltage of the sensing electrode overlapping the emitter electrode may be measured. The voltage from the sensing electrode may be used to determine the capacitance at the intersection where the sensing electrode and the emitter electrode overlap.

[0129] In the example of FIG3 showing a cross-section of the capacitor module, the substrate 202 may be located between the capacitor reference surface 212 and the shielding portion 214. The capacitor reference surface 212 may be a cover placed above a first side of the substrate 202 and allowing at least partial passage of an electric field. When a user's finger or stylus approaches the capacitor reference surface 212, the presence of the finger or stylus can affect the electric field on the substrate 202. In the presence of a finger or stylus, the voltage measured from the sensing electrode may differ from the voltage when the finger or stylus is not present. Therefore, changes in capacitance can be measured.

[0130] The masking portion 214 may be a conductive layer that shields against electrical noise from internal components of an electronic device. This masking portion can prevent the influence of electric fields on the substrate 202. In some cases, the masking portion is a conductive solid material. In other cases, the masking portion has a substrate and a conductive material disposed on at least one substrate. In some embodiments, the masking layer is located between capacitor electrodes and a component layer to prevent electric fields generated by components on the component layer from affecting the capacitor electrodes. In some embodiments, the masking layer is located between capacitor electrodes and a battery that is separate from the capacitor module but intended to be placed adjacent to the capacitor module. In this example, the masking layer can prevent electric fields generated by the battery from affecting the capacitor electrodes. In another example, the masking portion is a functional layer in a touchpad and also shields the electrodes from electrical interference noise. For example, in some examples, a primitive layer in a display application can form an image visible through a capacitive reference surface, but also shields the electrodes from electrical noise.

[0131] The voltage applied to the emitting electrode can be transmitted from the touch controller 208 to the appropriate electrode group via the electrical connection 216. The voltage applied to the sensing electrode by the electric field generated from the emitting electrode can be detected by the electrical connection 218 from the sensing electrode to the touch controller 208.

[0132] Although the example in Figure 3 is shown as having two sets of electrodes deposited on a substrate, one set of electrodes deposited on the first side and the second set of electrodes deposited on the second side, in other examples, each set of electrodes may be deposited on its own dedicated substrate.

[0133] Further, although the above examples describe a touchpad with a first set of electrodes and a second set of electrodes, in some examples, the capacitive module has a single set of electrodes. In such examples, the electrodes of the sensor layer can be used as both transmitting and receiving electrodes. In some cases, a voltage can be applied to the electrodes for a period of time, which changes the capacitance around the electrodes. At the end of that period, the applied voltage is interrupted. The voltage from the same electrode can then be measured to determine the capacitance. If there is no object (e.g., a finger, stylus, etc.) on or near the capacitive reference surface, the measured voltage of the electrode after the voltage is interrupted can be at a value consistent with the baseline capacitance. However, if an object is touching or approaching the capacitive reference surface, the measured voltage can indicate the change in capacitance relative to the baseline capacitance.

[0134] In some examples, the capacitor module has a first set of electrodes and a second set of electrodes and communicates with a controller that is configured to perform mutual capacitance measurement (e.g., capacitance measurement using the first set of electrodes and the second set of electrodes) or self-capacitance measurement (e.g., capacitance measurement using only one set of electrodes).

[0135] FIG4 shows an example of a capacitive module integrated into a touch screen. In this example, the substrate 202, electrode groups 204, 206, and electrical connections 216, 218 can be arranged similarly to those described in conjunction with FIG3. In the example of FIG4, a mask 214 is located between the substrate 202 and the display layer 400. The display layer 400 can be a pixel layer or a diode that emits light to generate an image. The display layer can be a liquid crystal display, a light-emitting diode display, an organic light-emitting diode display, an electroluminescent display, a quantum dot light-emitting diode display, an incandescent filament display, a vacuum fluorescent display, a cathode gas display, other types of displays, or combinations thereof. In this example, the mask 214, the substrate 202, and the capacitive reference surface 212 can all be at least partially optically transparent so that the image shown in the display layer is visible to the user through the capacitive reference surface 212. Such touchscreens may be found in monitors, display assemblies, laptops, mobile phones, mobile devices, tablet computers, dashboards, display panels, infotainment devices, other types of electronic devices, or combinations thereof.

[0136] FIG5 illustrates an example of a stack according to the present invention. In this example, the capacitor module 500 includes a first sensor layer 502, a second sensor layer 504, a mask layer 506, and a component layer 508. Although the capacitor module 500 in this example includes four layers, in other examples, the capacitor module may include a different number of layers. For example, the capacitor module may include two, three, five, or different numbers of layers.

[0137] The first sensor layer 502 and the second sensor layer 504 may be arranged adjacent to each other. Although this example shows two sensor layers 502, 504, in other examples, the capacitive module may include only a single sensor layer.

[0138] Sensor layers 502 and 504 may include a set of electrodes 510, which can be used to detect and / or measure changes in capacitance in a capacitive circuit. In this example, sensor layer 504 includes a set of electrodes 510. In other examples, the sensor layer may include two sets of electrodes, three sets of electrodes, or different numbers of sets of electrodes. The set of electrodes 510 may operate using self-capacitance, mutual capacitance, or a combination thereof.

[0139] The masking layer 506 is located within the capacitor module 500 and is adjacent to the sensor layer 504. In other examples, the masking layer may be located at a different position relative to other layers in the stack.

[0140] The masking layer 506 may be made of a material that blocks or reduces electromagnetic and / or electrical interference. The masking layer may be made of conductive materials such as copper, aluminum, silver, or combinations thereof. The masking layer may be made of composite materials such as plastics, glass, other composite structures, or combinations thereof. The masking layer may be a conductive coating applied to a substrate, such as indium tin oxide (ITO), graphene, conductive polymers, other coatings, or combinations thereof. In some cases, the masking layer may be made of magnetic materials such as iron, ferrite, other metals, their composites, their alloys, their mixtures, or combinations thereof.

[0141] In this example, the masking layer 506 is implemented using a single material. In other examples, the masking layer can be implemented in different ways. Different implementations of the masking layer can provide specific advantages. For example, the masking layer can be implemented as a mesh mask using a grid or mesh pattern of conductive material. This implementation can reduce the weight and / or cost of the masking layer while providing sufficient shielding. In another example, the masking layer can be implemented as a segmented structure in which conductive material portions are interspersed with non-conductive gaps. This implementation allows for flexibility in the construction and layout of capacitor modules, improves thermal management, and accommodates complex component configurations within electronic devices.

[0142] In this example, the masking layer 506 is located between the sensor layer 504 and the component layer 508. The masking layer 506 can help prevent electromagnetic interference from external sources such as the component 516 on the component layer 508 or the capacitor module from interfering with the set of electrodes 510 on the sensor layers 502 and 504.

[0143] By using a masking layer 506 to shield the sensor layer 504, the accuracy and stability of capacitance measurements taken by the set of electrodes 510 can be improved. The masking layer 504 can also reduce noise, which can improve the sensitivity and accuracy of user input on the capacitance module. The masking layer 506 can be positioned to block interference from batteries, power supplies, storage resources, processing resources, electronic components, other components, or combinations thereof that may be located within the cavity of the electronic device.

[0144] In this example, component layer 508 is adjacent to masking layer 506. In other examples, the component layer may be located at a different position relative to other layers or components of capacitor modules in the stack. Component layer 508 includes embedded antenna 512 and other components 516.

[0145] Components 516 included on component layer 508 may contribute to the functionality of capacitor module 500. Components on component layer may include central processing unit (CPU), microcontroller, operational amplifier, memory unit, field-programmable gate array (FPGA), graphics processing unit (GPU), interface controller, power management integrated circuit, processing resources, antenna, other types of components or combinations thereof.

[0146] The embedded antenna 512 can facilitate wireless communication according to Near Field Communication (NFC), Wi-Fi, Short Range Wireless, other wireless protocols or combinations thereof.

[0147] In this example, component layer 508 includes an embedded antenna 512. In other examples, layers in a capacitor module may include multiple antennas.

[0148] The embedded antenna 512 may be made of a highly conductive material to maximize the efficiency of signal transmission and reception. In some examples, the antenna may be made of copper, silver, gold, other conductive materials, their composites, mixtures, alloys, or combinations thereof.

[0149] In some examples, the embedded antenna 512 can be deposited on the component layer 508. In other examples, the embedded antenna 512 can be etched into the component layer 508 by photolithography or other processes.

[0150] The embedded antenna can have any suitable shape. A non-exhaustive list of suitable antenna shapes includes, but is not limited to: coil shapes, dipole shapes, other types of shapes, or combinations thereof. The shape of the antenna may correspond to the wireless protocol for which the antenna is configured to transmit signals. In this example, the embedded antenna 512 has a coil shape and can be used to transmit wireless signals according to the NFC protocol.

[0151] Embedded antennas can be used to transmit signals based on wireless communication protocols. In other examples, embedded antennas can be configured to transmit and / or send signals according to multiple protocols, including but not limited to Wi-Fi, short-range wireless, near-field communication (NFC), Zigbee, other types of protocols, or combinations thereof. In examples with multiple antennas, each embedded antenna can be used to transmit according to a different protocol.

[0152] Figure 6 illustrates an example of calibrating an embedded antenna. In this example, the embedded antenna is integrated into an input device 604 of the electronic device 600 (e.g., a touchpad, a capacitive module, an antenna module, or other type of input device). In some cases, the input device may include a touch surface. The input device includes a capacitive module (not shown) that includes a stack, which may be located below the touch surface of the input device 604 shown in Figure 6. In this example, the embedded antenna may be integrated into the stack, or the embedded antenna may be integrated into the electronic device 600 but separate from the capacitive module of the touchpad. In other examples, the capacitive module is integrated into the display screen. Although this example shows the electronic device as a notebook computer, any suitable electronic device 600 may be used, such as a mobile device, tablet computer, mobile phone, watch, monitor, payment terminal, other suitable electronic device, or a combination thereof.

[0153] The calibration process may include a prompt 602 from the electronic device 600, prompting the user to perform a specific action, which the system can use to detect capacitive features, antenna features, other types of features, or combinations thereof. The system can associate the received features with the specific action performed by the user. The feature may be broken down into multiple parts and / or features, which may become stored attributes associated with the specific action. Although this example illustrates a system prompting the user to perform a specific action, the system may also use non-prompt actions to calibrate the system. For example, the system may determine that the user's finger is above or near the embedded antenna through a camera integrated into the electronic device, keyboard input, touch input, proximity input, input from other sensors integrated into the electronic device, other actions, or combinations thereof.

[0154] In this specific example, a prompt is made requiring the user to perform touch input on the touch surface. Capacitive electrodes can detect capacitive features in response to the user's touch of the touch surface. In some embodiments, an embedded antenna can detect antenna features in response to the user's touch of the touch surface. In other examples, both the capacitive electrodes and the embedded antenna can acquire corresponding features in response to the user placing their finger on or near the touch surface.

[0155] In the example shown, the user wears a metal ring 608. This metal ring 608 may cause capacitive and / or antenna characteristics to have specific properties that would not exist otherwise without the metal ring 608. In this example, the system may store at least one property of the characteristics received due to the metal ring 608 and associate that property with the touch input.

[0156] In some cases, the metal ring 608 may have a specific shape and / or other characteristics that cause the metal ring 608 to passively respond to polling signals from the embedded antenna. However, since the metal ring 608 is not an external antenna, it is not expected that the embedded antenna will increase its power and / or send an interrogation signal in response to the metal ring 608. Therefore, the metal ring 608 may cause the embedded antenna to detect a false alarm. However, stored properties associated with touch input can indicate that the system determines that the touch input when the user wears the ring is not a response from an external antenna. The system may also include at least one stored property associated with an actual external antenna response, which is different from the stored property associated with the touch input. Therefore, in response to a passive return signal that a polling signal has been received, the system can compare the received signal with the stored property associated with the touch input and the stored property associated with the external antenna response. Based on the comparison of the received signal with each of these stored properties, the system can determine whether the received response indicates the presence of an external antenna or is a user touch input (i.e., a false alarm of an external antenna signal).

[0157] While the user wearing a metal ring is described as a possible cause of false alarms, other circumstances that may cause false alarms include, but are not limited to: the user wearing a watch, fitness tracker, bracelet, other types of jewelry, placing an electronic device near a metal surface, placing a metal object near an embedded antenna, other types of circumstances, or combinations thereof.

[0158] In some cases, the system can detect a capacitance measurement approximately simultaneously with the antenna receiving a response to a polling signal. The capacitance measurement can also be compared with stored attributes associated with the touch input and the external antenna. In some cases, the system can confirm that the received signal originates from the external antenna. In other cases, the system can determine that the received signal originates from the external antenna without comparing the received antenna signal with stored antenna signal attributes. In other words, the system can determine that the signal received in response to an antenna polling signal is from an external antenna based on capacitance characteristics, antenna characteristics, or both.

[0159] In the example shown, the system prompts the user to perform touch input on the touch surface so that the system can store the associated attributes. However, the system may prompt the user to perform any appropriate action to retrieve the stored attributes. The system may also appropriately associate the attributes of the received signals with appropriate user actions and / or other types of conditions without prompting the user to perform an action. The system can determine how to classify the signal attributes based on other inputs received by the electronic device—such as camera input, keyboard input, sensor input, display screen input, capacitive input, antenna input, etc.

[0160] In the example shown, the prompt is displayed on a monitor. In other examples, the prompt may be conveyed in different ways. For example, the prompt may be conveyed to the user in the form of an audio notification via a speaker or audio interface, in the form of haptic feedback via vibration and / or tactile feedback, using light or LED signals, by sending a text message to a connected device, or via other communication methods or combinations thereof.

[0161] While the examples shown illustrate the action of a user touching a touch surface, in other examples, attributes may be stored for other prompted or non-prompt inputs. In some examples, user actions may include palm input, i.e., the user placing their palm on the touch surface. In other examples, user actions may include thumb input, other finger input, multi-finger input, input combining palm and finger input, proximity input, input involving both touch and proximity input, touch input at a specific location on the touch surface, movement input where the user touches the touch surface and moves the touch in a specific manner, rotation input at different angles, other types of input, or combinations thereof.

[0162] In the example shown, the input can be a single input. In other examples, the input can be a gesture or a combination of gestures. For example, the user can provide a proximity gesture, i.e., the user places their finger, thumb, palm, stylus, or other object near the capacitive module without physical contact with the touch surface. In other examples, the user can drag their finger from one point on the touch surface to another. In other examples, the user can drag their finger from one point on the touch surface to another in a rotational motion. In other examples, the user can place their finger on the touch surface for a specified period of time. In other examples, the user can provide a combination of gestures, such as performing a drag gesture, a rotation gesture, and a proximity gesture in sequence.

[0163] When user 606 provides input, input device 604 can record capacitance and / or antenna measurements corresponding to the input. These measurements may include measurements of input length, input width, input surface area in contact with the reference surface of the input device, or combinations thereof. The input measurements may include duration elements, such as the duration of contact between the input and the reference surface of the input device 604.

[0164] During the calibration process, the measurement values ​​input by the user can be processed and stored in the storage resources of the capacitance module. These measurement values ​​can form a corresponding input reference set.

[0165] After acquiring the first storage attribute, the calibration process can repeat these steps to collect measurements and form a capacitance reference set, an antenna reference set, or both, for different types of user input. For example, the user may be prompted to provide, or the user may provide, without prompting, finger input, palm input, thumb input, proximity input, touch input, stylus input, other types of input, or combinations thereof.

[0166] Finger input may include touching a reference surface of the input device with a finger. In response to detecting finger input, the input device may record capacitance signal strength, multiple capacitance signal strengths at selected locations corresponding to the finger shape, finger length, finger width, multiple finger widths along the finger length, finger shape, surface area associated with the finger, finger size, other dimensions of the finger shape, other attributes associated with the measurement signal from the finger input, or combinations thereof.

[0167] Palm input may include touching the touch surface of the input device with the user's palm. In response to detecting palm input, the input device may record the capacitance signal strength, multiple capacitance signal strengths at selected locations corresponding to the palm shape, palm length, palm width, multiple palm widths along the palm length, multiple palm lengths along the palm width, palm shape, surface area associated with the palm, palm size, the position of one or more fingers and / or thumb extending from the palm, other dimensions of the palm shape, other attributes associated with the measurement signal from the palm input, or combinations thereof.

[0168] Thumb input may include touching the touch surface of the input device with a thumb. In response to detecting thumb input, the input device may record capacitance signal strength, multiple capacitance signal strengths at selected locations corresponding to the thumb shape, thumb length, thumb width, multiple thumb widths along the thumb length, thumb shape, surface area associated with the thumb, thumb size, other dimensions of the thumb shape, other attributes associated with the measurement signal from the thumb input, or combinations thereof.

[0169] Stylus input may include touching the touch surface of the input device with one end of the stylus. In response to detecting stylus input, the input device may record capacitive signal strength, multiple capacitive signal strengths at selected locations corresponding to the stylus shape, stylus length, stylus width, multiple stylus widths along the stylus length, stylus shape, surface area associated with the stylus, stylus size, other dimensions of the stylus shape, other attributes associated with the measurement signals from the stylus input, or combinations thereof. The user may receive stylus prompts instructing the user to use the stylus to write specific alphanumeric symbols, write specific phrases, sign the user's name, draw shapes, draw images, draw lines, draw circles, draw patterns, perform other types of stylus input, or combinations thereof.

[0170] Proximity input may include hovering over the touch surface of the input device. For example, proximity finger input may include hovering a finger over the touch surface of the input device without touching the input device. For example, proximity thumb input may include hovering a thumb over the touch surface of the input device without touching the input device. For example, proximity palm input may include hovering a palm over the touch surface of the input device without touching the input device. For example, proximity stylus input may include hovering a stylus over a reference surface of the input device without touching the input device. Proximity prompts may prompt the user to wave their hand over the touch surface, make a single-finger gesture, make a multi-finger gesture, make a single-hand gesture, make a multi-hand gesture, make a gesture, move an object horizontally relative to the reference surface, move an object vertically relative to the reference surface, make a circular motion, make other types of movements, or combinations thereof.

[0171] In response to detecting a proximity input, the input device may record the capacitance signal strength, multiple capacitance signal strengths at selected locations corresponding to the proximity shape, the length of the proximity shape, the width of the proximity shape, multiple widths along the length of the proximity shape, the proximity shape, the surface area associated with the proximity shape, the size of the proximity shape, other dimensions of the proximity shape, other attributes associated with the measurement signal from the proximity input, or combinations thereof.

[0172] Antenna inputs may include signal strength, frequency, frequency variation, amplitude, amplitude variation, polarity, polarity variation, power level, power variation, bandwidth, return loss, impedance value, gain value, gain variation, Doppler frequency shift, time delay, phase, phase variation, multipath effect, other antenna signal properties or combinations thereof.

[0173] In some cases, the raw data from the input can be stored as attributes. In other examples, attributes may include processed data. In some examples, processed attributes may include average length, median length, maximum length, minimum length, length within a first standard deviation, average width, median width, maximum width, minimum width, width within a first standard deviation, average surface area, median surface area, maximum surface area, minimum surface area, surface area within a first standard deviation, average capacitance signal strength, median capacitance signal strength, maximum capacitance signal strength, minimum capacitance signal strength, capacitance signal strength within a first standard deviation, average size, median capacitance signal strength, maximum size, minimum size, size within a first standard deviation, average signal strength, median signal strength, maximum signal strength, minimum signal strength, signal strength within a first standard deviation, average frequency, median frequency, maximum frequency, minimum frequency, and frequency within a first standard deviation. Frequency, average amplitude, median amplitude, maximum amplitude, minimum amplitude, amplitude within the first standard deviation, average bandwidth, median bandwidth, maximum bandwidth, minimum bandwidth, bandwidth within the first standard deviation, average return loss, median return loss, maximum return loss, minimum return loss, return loss within the first standard deviation, average impedance, median impedance, maximum impedance, minimum impedance, impedance within the first standard deviation, average gain, median gain, maximum gain, minimum gain, gain within the first standard deviation, average Doppler shift, median Doppler shift, maximum Doppler shift, minimum Doppler shift, Doppler shift within the first standard deviation, average time delay, median time delay, maximum time delay, minimum time delay, time delay within the first standard deviation, other processed attributes, or combinations thereof. In some cases, both raw and processed attributes are stored and / or used for comparison with non-prompted user input.

[0174] During operation of the electronic device, the system can classify capacitive inputs and / or received antenna inputs by comparing them with a set of reference data stored in its memory. This comparison may involve assessing the similarity and differences between new measurements and stored attributes. In some examples, the system can use this analysis to classify a non-cue input as a signal from an external antenna when at least one attribute of the non-cue input matches or is at least similar to one of the attributes of an external antenna.

[0175] This process of measuring, storing, and comparing inputs enables the input device to distinguish between different types of touch inputs, antenna inputs, other types of inputs, or combinations thereof. This classification can help reduce false alarms from external antennas.

[0176] In some cases, in response to determining that the input is an external antenna input, the system may cause the antenna to send an interrogation signal, increase the antenna power, interpret a message, analyze the modulation pattern, send a message to the user, disable the capacitor electrode, disable other functions within the electronic device, perform other actions, or combinations thereof.

[0177] In some cases, capacitance properties can indicate the presence of an external antenna. In such examples, the system can wake up the antenna, turn it on, send polling signals, send interrogation signals, boost the antenna signal, perform other actions, or combinations thereof.

[0178] In some cases, a received antenna signal can be determined to be a false alarm by comparing it with stored capacitance properties, stored antenna properties, or a combination of both. For example, this comparison can determine that the detected signal is more likely to indicate a user touch input, a user proximity input, a rain input, an environmental input, other conditions, or a combination thereof. In response to determining that the received antenna signal is a false alarm, the system can ignore the input, reject the input, disable the antenna for a predetermined time, disable a portion of the antenna for a predetermined time, change the antenna's sensitivity threshold, distrust the received antenna signal, send a message to the user, provide other responses, or a combination thereof.

[0179] During calibration, machine learning models or other types of modules may be used to update and / or modify properties as more measurements are acquired. During operation, capacitive inputs, antenna inputs, or both may be passed to the machine learning model, and the inputs may be classified at least in part based on the model's output.

[0180] The machine learning model can be a k-nearest neighbor model, a logistic regression model, a decision tree model, a random forest model, a gradient boosting machine, a support vector machine, a neural network, other machine learning models, or a combination thereof.

[0181] In some examples, the machine learning model can be trained and stored on processing resources and memory belonging to the capacitor module itself. In other examples, the machine learning model can be trained and stored on device resources associated with the device that communicates electronically with the capacitor module.

[0182] The system may initiate the calibration process when a user sets up personal data associated with an electronic device. In some examples, the calibration process may be initiated or updated in response to a user request. In some examples, the calibration process may be initiated or updated in response to event-based triggers, such as turning on the electronic device, updating software, changing settings associated with an input device, program requests, user requests, opening a program with the electronic device, updating user personal data, other event-based triggers, successful exchange of information between an embedded antenna and an external antenna, or a combination thereof. In some examples, the calibration process may be initiated repeatedly upon recurrence.

[0183] In the case of repeated calibration processes, the dataset collected from previous calibration processes can be replaced by the dataset from the most recent calibration. However, in other examples, the dataset from the most recent calibration can be used to update or improve processed storage attributes. In other examples, storage attributes may include attributes from multiple calibrations.

[0184] In some examples, storage attributes may be associated with certain conditions, such as damaged card storage attributes, bent card storage attributes, misaligned storage attributes, distance storage attributes, external antenna status storage attributes, other types of attributes, or combinations thereof. In response to a comparison with the storage attributes, the system may send a message to the user. This message may be presented via the screen of an electronic device, text message, email, speaker, tactile stimulation, other mechanisms for conveying messages, or combinations thereof. The message may include notifications, requests, other types of messages, or combinations thereof. A non-exhaustive list of notifications that the system may send includes, but is not limited to: external antenna damage notification, card damage notification, bent card notification, card external antenna performance degradation notification, card expiration notification, card impending expiration notification, card unusable notification, card too close to another card with a magnetic stripe notification, card too close to another card with a second external antenna notification, other types of notifications, or combinations thereof.

[0185] The non-exhaustive list of requests that the system may send includes, but is not limited to: requesting to center the card above the embedded antenna, requesting to adjust the card orientation, requesting to hold the card at different angles, requesting to move the card closer to the card reader, requesting to remove the card from the user's wallet, requesting to remove other cards that may contain interference signals, other requests, or combinations thereof.

[0186] In some examples, the calibration process may be particularly illustrative when the electronic device is a mobile device covered by a metal casing or other type of casing that may interfere with antenna signals. In some cases, the user may operate the electronic device on a metal surface, place the electronic device on a metal surface, or place the electronic device in an environment that may interfere with antenna signals. In some cases, the system may prompt the user to place the electronic device on a metal surface during the calibration process to calibrate under such conditions.

[0187] Figure 7 illustrates an example of a user providing typing input to the keyboard 610 of an electronic device 60. In response to detecting that a user is typing, the system can cause the capacitance module to measure and extract capacitance properties that may be associated with the user's palm and fingers being near the input device 604. In response to detecting that a user is typing, the system can cause the embedded antenna to measure and extract receiving antenna signal properties that may be associated with the user's palm and fingers being near the input device. In the case that the user is wearing a metal ring 608, watch 612, or other type of jewelry that may cause false alarms from external antenna signals, the system can store capacitance properties, antenna properties, or combinations thereof associated with the user typing, their fingers being near the input device, their palm being near the input device, or other conditions that can be inferred from the received keyboard input. Subsequently, when a non-cue antenna signal is detected, at least one property of the received antenna signal can be compared with the stored property (stored capacitance property or stored antenna property) to determine or confirm the presence of an external antenna.

[0188] In another example, camera 612 can detect when a user is typing, has a metal ring near input device 604, is touching input device 604, has their palm on input device 604, is using a card with an external antenna near input device 604, is performing other actions that may affect the antenna signal, or a combination thereof. In response to such camera input, the system can acquire capacitance characteristics, antenna characteristics, other types of characteristics, or combinations thereof to extract stored attributes for later comparison with other received signals.

[0189] Figure 8 shows an example of a user holding a card 800 with an external antenna 802 above an input device 804 with an embedded antenna 806. In this example, the user holds the card 800 in such a way that the external antenna 802 is within the detection range of the embedded antenna 806.

[0190] The embedded antenna can broadcast a polling signal at low power to detect the presence of external antennas within its detection range. When no response is received from other external antennas, the system can determine that there are no external antennas within the detection range. If an external antenna is within the detection range under certain conditions, the electromagnetic energy of the polling signal can passively interact with the external antenna and produce a reflection that can be detected by the embedded antenna. In response to detecting this reflection, the system can determine that the external antenna is within the detection range of the embedded antenna.

[0191] Figure 9 illustrates an example of a user tapping a card 800 on an input device 804. This tap may produce a vibration or a specific reflection pattern to help notify and / or confirm the presence of an external antenna. In some cases, tapping the card may simply ensure that the card is within a detectable sensing range. In response to a tap or being within an appropriate detectable sensing range, the embedded antenna may broadcast a polling signal, broadcast an interrogation signal, increase the power of the embedded antenna, resolve the modulation of the external antenna, perform other actions, or combinations thereof.

[0192] In Figures 8 and 9, there may be conditions where interference affects the correct identification of the presence of an external antenna within the detectable range, the parsing of messages in signals from the external antenna, or both. For example, if multiple cards with external antennas are within the detectable range, the interrogation signal may receive a separate response from the external antenna of each card. This can happen when a user places a wallet containing multiple cards near the input device instead of removing the desired card from the wallet. In other cases, a card with an external antenna may be bent, affecting the signal reflected back from the external antenna. Furthermore, jewelry worn by the user may also affect the signal from the external antenna. Each of these conditions can be calibrated by associating attributes from prompt or non-prompt inputs (confirmed by typing, camera input, other types of input, or combinations thereof). The calibration process can continue because the system can use at least some subsequent inputs to update and / or refine stored attributes.

[0193] Figure 10 shows another capacitor module, different from the capacitor module shown in Figure 5. In this example, the shielding layer 506 includes a plurality of openings 1000, which are configured to allow at least a portion of the antenna signal to pass through the shielding layer and through the capacitor electrodes. Such openings can help improve the transmission of embedded antenna signals.

[0194] In some cases, reflected signals from an external antenna may also be detected by the capacitor electrodes. In such examples, the stored properties may include the time difference between the embedded antenna signal and the reflected signal, the intensity difference between the embedded antenna signal and the reflected signal, the frequency difference between the embedded antenna signal and the reflected signal, the amplitude difference between the embedded antenna signal and the reflected signal, the polarity difference between the embedded antenna signal and the reflected signal, the modulation difference between the embedded antenna signal and the reflected signal, other differences between the embedded antenna signal and the reflected signal, or combinations thereof.

[0195] Figure 11 illustrates an alternative capacitor module, different from the one shown in Figure 5. In this example, the shield layer 506 includes a single branch opening 1100 configured to allow at least a portion of the antenna signal to pass through the shield layer and across the capacitor electrodes. Such openings can help improve the transmission of embedded antenna signals. An example description of such openings can be found in U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 793,152, filed August 2, 2024, entitled "A Continuous Opening in a Shield Layer." The entire contents of U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 793,152 are incorporated herein by reference.

[0196] Figure 12 illustrates an example of an antenna module 1200. In this example, the antenna module 1200 includes an embedded antenna 1202 located on a printed circuit board 1204. In other examples, the embedded antenna may be located on a flexible printed circuit board, other types of boards, or a combination thereof. In this example, there are no capacitor electrodes on the same surface as the embedded antenna 1202. In some examples, no capacitor electrodes are integrated into the same module as the embedded antenna.

[0197] Figure 13 shows an example of a module 1300 having an embedded antenna 1302 surrounding a set of capacitive electrodes 1304. In this example, the embedded antenna 1302 and the capacitive electrodes 1304 are located on the same layer.

[0198] Figure 14 shows an example of a module 1400 having an embedded antenna 1402 located on the side of a set of capacitor electrodes 1404. In this example, a shield 1406 is provided between the set of capacitor electrodes 1404 and the embedded antenna 1402.

[0199] Figure 15 illustrates an example of module 1500. In this example, module 1500 includes programming instructions in memory and may include associated firmware, logic, processing resources, memory resources, power supply, hardware, connectors, or other types of components to perform the tasks of module 1500. Module 1500 can be used in conjunction with the apparatus, modules, methods, systems, and principles described with respect to Figures 1-14 and 16-25. In this example, module 1500 includes an embedded antenna 1502, an attribute comparator 1506, a storage attribute 1508, and a response instruction unit 1510.

[0200] Module 1500 may optionally include one or more of the following: at least one capacitor electrode 1504, antenna power regulator 1512, power switch 1514, antenna disabler 1516, polling signal initiator 1518, query signal initiator 1520, antenna confirmer 1522, message sender 1524, capacitor feature analyzer 1526, antenna feature analyzer 1528, keyboard input analyzer 1530, camera input analyzer 1532, tap analyzer 1534, signal pattern analyzer 1536, user prompter 1538, machine learning module 1540, storage attribute modifier 1542, capacitor electrode disabler 1544 and / or antenna signal rejecter 1546.

[0201] The embedded antenna 1502 can be any suitable antenna, such as an NFC antenna, Wi-Fi antenna, Bluetooth antenna, other types of antennas, or combinations thereof. In some cases, the embedded antenna includes a shape that can be used to receive and transmit antenna signals. In some cases, the embedded antenna includes a separate transmitter and a separate receiver. In some cases, the embedded antenna is part of an antenna array that may include multiple transmitters, multiple receivers, and / or both.

[0202] The capacitor electrode 1504 may be part of a set of electrodes configured to measure capacitance changes. The electrodes may use mutual capacitance protocols, self-capacitance protocols, or other types of protocols to measure capacitance changes.

[0203] Attribute comparator 1506 compares the original input attributes or processed input attributes with the stored attributes. The attribute comparator can determine the degree of similarity between the input attributes and the stored attributes. Based at least in part on the comparisons performed by the attribute comparator, the system can classify the input type.

[0204] Storage attribute 1508 can be an attribute derived from at least one input signal. The storage attribute can be a raw data attribute, or it can be a processed attribute. As the capacitive electrode or embedded antenna receives and analyzes more inputs, the storage attribute can be updated and / or modified.

[0205] The response instruction unit 1510 can determine the type of response to a comparison between an input attribute and a stored attribute. For example, if the input attribute is similar to or at least sufficiently similar to a stored attribute associated with a credit card having an external antenna, the response instruction unit 1510 can send an instruction to perform the response, such as sending an interrogation signal, sending a polling signal, turning on the antenna, parsing a message on the received signal, other types of instructions, or combinations thereof. In other examples, the response instruction unit can determine that the received signal is a false alarm received antenna signal. In this example, the response instruction unit can send a response to disable the antenna for a predetermined time, reject the received signal, perform other actions, or combinations thereof.

[0206] The power switch 1514 can be used to turn the antenna on or off. The power switch can be used in response to determining the detectable range of the embedded antenna memory in the external antenna.

[0207] Antenna disabler 1516 can disable an embedded antenna. The embedded antenna can be disabled by turning off the antenna power, pausing antenna transmission, ignoring the signal received by the embedded antenna, other actions, or combinations thereof.

[0208] The polling signal initiator 1518 enables the embedded antenna to send a polling signal. The power of the polling signal can be lower than that of the interrogation signal, and it can be used to detect the presence of an external antenna, rather than to resolve messages from an external antenna.

[0209] The interrogation signal initiator 1520 can be used to exchange information between an external antenna and an embedded antenna. In response to determining that the external antenna is within the detectable range of the embedded antenna, the interrogation signal initiator can transmit a signal with a power higher than that of the polling signal.

[0210] Antenna confirmer 1522 can confirm the presence of an antenna. For example, this module can determine that the embedded antenna has received a signal. The antenna confirmer can determine that the received signal comes from an external antenna, and not from a metal ring, metal surface, metal casing, nearby metal objects, other objects causing interference, or a combination thereof. The antenna confirmer can confirm that the received signal comes from an external antenna by comparing attributes in the received signal with stored attributes. The input attributes used to confirm the presence of the antenna can be antenna attributes, capacitance attributes, or a combination of both.

[0211] Message transmitter 1524 can send a message to a user. This message can be associated with a stored attribute that matches or is at least sufficiently similar to the input attribute. For example, an input attribute determined to be similar to a stored attribute associated with a message indicating that the credit card holder is too far away for the system to reliably parse an external antenna message can also be associated with a message instructing the user to move the credit card closer to the embedded antenna.

[0212] The capacitance feature analyzer 1526 can analyze a capacitance input. The capacitance feature analyzer can break down a capacitance input into smaller parts, find relationships between different parts of the capacitance feature, process parts of the capacitance feature, identify capacitance properties, calculate capacitance properties, perform other tasks, or combinations thereof.

[0213] The antenna feature analyzer 1528 can analyze received antenna input. The antenna feature analyzer can decompose the antenna input into smaller parts, find the relationship between different parts of the antenna feature, process parts of the antenna feature, identify antenna attributes, calculate antenna attributes, perform other tasks or combinations thereof.

[0214] The keyboard input analyzer 1530 can determine that a user is performing keyboard input. In response to determining that a user is performing keyboard input, the keyboard input analyzer can determine which key is receiving keyboard input. In some cases, identifying that keyboard input is in progress by the keyboard input analyzer can trigger capacitance measurements or antenna measurements to obtain typical input properties that may occur when a user uses the keyboard of an electronic device.

[0215] The camera input analyzer 1532 can determine that the user is performing a specific type of input. For example, the camera input analyzer can determine that the user is performing touch input using an input device including a capacitive module, an embedded antenna, or both. In response, capacitance measurements and / or antenna measurements can be performed, and attributes obtained from the corresponding measurements can be stored as touch input attributes or used to modify stored touch input attributes. The camera input analyzer can be used to obtain attributes or modify stored attributes associated with other user actions, including contactless gestures, typing, card input, card tapping, palm input, palm and finger combination input, thumb input, multi-touch input, touch input while wearing jewelry that may affect the antenna signal, other types of input, or combinations thereof.

[0216] The tap analyzer 1534 can determine that the user is tapping the card with a credit card or other card with an external antenna. In response to determining that tapping is in progress, the tap analyzer can send instructions to perform capacitance and / or antenna measurements to obtain attributes for storage or modify the currently stored attributes.

[0217] The signal pattern analyzer 1536 can be used to determine the characteristics of capacitance measurements or received antenna signals. The analysis patterns and / or components of the signal / measurement can be used to create and / or modify stored properties.

[0218] The user prompter 1538 can be used to prompt a user to perform an action. This action may involve input that the system can measure to obtain and / or modify signal attributes. Examples of prompts that the user prompter can provide include, but are not limited to: touch input, non-contact gestures, typing input, card input, card tapping input, palm input, palm and finger combination input, thumb input, multi-touch input, touch input while wearing jewelry that may affect the antenna signal, placing an electronic device on a metal surface, placing an electronic device near a metal object, making specific inputs while wearing a specific type of jewelry that may interfere with the received antenna signal, other types of prompts, or combinations thereof. In some examples, the prompter uses a display, audio, vibration, text messages, other types of messages, or combinations thereof to provide prompts.

[0219] The machine learning module 1540 can be used to analyze the attributes of the received input. The machine learning module can understand at least some of the conditions present when the input is received so that the attributes can be appropriately classified.

[0220] The storage attribute modifier 1542 can communicate with the machine learning module. In response to receiving input from the learning machine module, the storage attribute modifier can modify the storage attributes.

[0221] The capacitor electrode disabler 1546 can disable at least one capacitor electrode. In response to determining that the embedded antenna is communicating with an external antenna, that the user is providing unconscious palm input, that the user is typing input, or that other conditions or combinations thereof exist, the capacitor electrode disabler can disable the capacitor electrode.

[0222] Antenna signal rejector 1546 can reject received antenna signals. The antenna signal rejector can reject received antenna signals if the stored properties indicate that the received antenna signal is a false alarm. This may occur when properties associated with capacitance measurements and / or antenna properties indicate that the user is inputting to the touchpad or performing other actions unrelated to the antenna.

[0223] Figure 16A shows an example of an electronic device 1600, at least a portion of the outer surface of which is covered by a cover 1602. In some examples, the cover 1602 may be made of a metal that interferes with the return signal of an external antenna.

[0224] Figure 16B shows an example of an electronic device 1600 placed on a metal surface 1604. This metal surface can be a table, chair, counter, other surface, or a combination thereof. In such an example, the metal surface 1604 may interfere with the return signal from an external antenna.

[0225] In the examples shown in Figures 16A and 16B, the calibration systems, modules, devices, electronic devices and methods described herein can help determine specific antenna characteristics and / or capacitance characteristics that can be received, which are at least in part caused by the cover 1602, the metal surface 1604 or other nearby objects that may interfere with the received signal.

[0226] Figure 17 illustrates an example of a method 1700 using an antenna. Method 1700 can be performed based on the description of the apparatus, module, and principles with reference to Figures 1-16. Method 1700 may include detecting 1702 a capacitive input and determining 1704 whether the input attribute of the capacitive input is similar to a stored finger attribute. If similar, method 1700 may include classifying the input 1706 as a finger input. If not similar, method 1700 may include determining 1708 whether the input attribute of the capacitive input is similar to a stored attribute of a finger wearing jewelry. If similar, method 1700 may include classifying the input 1710 as a finger attribute of a finger wearing jewelry. If not similar, method 1700 may include determining 1712 whether the input attribute of the capacitive input is similar to a stored card attribute. In some examples, the card is a card with an external antenna. If similar, method 1700 may include classifying the input 1714 as a card attribute. If they are not similar, method 1700 may include determining 1716 whether the input attribute of the capacitive input is similar to a stored multi-card attribute. If they are similar, method 1700 may include classifying the input 1718 as a multi-card attribute. If they are not similar, method 1700 may include determining 1720 whether the input attribute of the capacitive input is similar to a stored misaligned card attribute. If they are similar, method 1700 may include classifying the input 1722 as an misaligned card attribute. In this specific example, if the input attribute is not similar to the stored attribute, method 1700 may include failing to classify the input 1724.

[0227] Figure 18 illustrates an example of a method 1800 using an antenna. This method 1800 can be performed based on the description of the apparatus, module, and principles with reference to Figures 1-17. Method 1800 may include detecting 1802 an antenna input and determining 1804 whether the input attribute of the antenna input is similar to a stored finger attribute. If similar, method 1800 may include classifying the input 1806 as a finger input. If not similar, method 1800 may include determining 1808 whether the input attribute of the antenna input is similar to a stored attribute of a finger wearing jewelry. If similar, method 1800 may include classifying the input 1810 as a finger input wearing jewelry. If not similar, method 1800 may include determining 1812 whether the input attribute of the antenna input is similar to a stored card attribute. In some examples, the card is a card with an external antenna. If similar, method 1800 may include classifying the input 1814 as a card attribute. If they are not similar, method 1800 may include determining 1816 whether the input attribute of the antenna input is similar to a stored multi-card attribute. If they are similar, method 1800 may include classifying the input 1818 as a multi-card attribute. If they are not similar, method 1800 may include determining 1820 whether the input attribute of the antenna input is similar to a stored misaligned card attribute. If they are similar, method 1800 may include classifying the input 1822 as an misaligned card attribute. In this specific example, if the input attribute is not similar to the stored attribute, the method includes failing 1824 to classify the input.

[0228] Figure 19 illustrates an example of method 1900 using an antenna. Method 1900 can be performed based on the description of the apparatus, module, and principles with reference to Figures 1-18. Method 1900 may include detecting 1902 a capacitive input or an antenna input and determining 1904 whether the attribute of the capacitive input or antenna input is similar to a card attribute. In some examples, the card is a card with an external antenna. If they are not similar, method 1900 includes confirming 1906 that the input is a non-card input, passing the input (or at least one attribute of the input) 1908 to one or more non-card machine learning models, and updating 1910 at least one non-card stored attribute. If they are similar, method 1900 includes confirming 1912 that the input is a card input, passing the input (or at least one attribute of the input) 1914 to one or more card machine learning models, and updating 1916 at least one card stored attribute.

[0229] Figure 20 illustrates an example of a method 2000 using an antenna. The method 2000 can be performed based on the description of the apparatus, module, and principles with reference to Figures 1-19. The method 2000 may include receiving a capacitive input from at least one electrode 2002; comparing the input properties of the capacitive input with storage properties 2004; and sending a command 2006 to trigger a response based on an embedded antenna, at least in part based on the comparison result.

[0230] Figure 21 illustrates an example of a method 2100 using an antenna. The method 2100 can be performed based on the description of the apparatus, module, and principles with reference to Figures 1-20. The method 2100 may include acquiring 2102 storage attributes, receiving 2104 a capacitive input from at least one capacitive electrode; comparing the input attributes of the capacitive input with the storage attributes 2106; and sending 2108 a command to trigger a response based on an embedded antenna, at least in part based on the comparison result.

[0231] Figure 22 illustrates an example of a method 2200 using an antenna. The method 2200 can be performed based on the description of the apparatus, module, and principles with reference to Figures 1-21. The method 2200 may include receiving a capacitive input from at least one electrode 2202; comparing an input attribute of the capacitive input with a stored attribute 2204; sending a command 2206 to trigger an embedded antenna-based response, at least in part based on the comparison result; and modifying the stored attribute 2208 by acquiring a subsequent capacitive attribute and modifying the stored attribute based on that subsequent capacitive attribute.

[0232] Figure 23 illustrates an example of a method 2300 using an antenna. The method 2300 can be performed based on the description of the apparatus, module, and principles with reference to Figures 1-22. The method 2300 may include receiving 2302 an input from an embedded antenna; comparing the input attributes of that input with stored attributes 2304; and sending 2306 a command to trigger an embedded antenna-based response, at least in part based on the comparison result.

[0233] Figure 24 illustrates an example of a method 2400 using an antenna. The method 2400 can be performed based on the description of the apparatus, module, and principles with reference to Figures 1-23. Method 2400 may include acquiring 2402 stored attributes, receiving 2404 input from an embedded antenna; comparing the input attributes of the input with the stored attributes 2406; and sending 2408 a command to trigger an embedded antenna-based response, at least in part based on the comparison result.

[0234] Figure 25 illustrates an example of a method 2500 using an antenna. The method 2500 can be performed based on the description of the apparatus, module, and principles with reference to Figures 1-24. The method 2500 may include receiving an input from an embedded antenna 2502; comparing an input attribute of that input with a stored attribute 2504; sending a command 2506 to trigger an embedded antenna-based response, at least in part based on the comparison result; and modifying the stored attribute 2508 by acquiring a subsequent attribute and modifying the stored attribute based on that subsequent attribute.

[0235] It should be noted that the methods, systems, and apparatus described above are merely examples. It must be emphasized that various processes or components may be appropriately omitted, substituted, or added in various embodiments. For example, it should be understood that in alternative embodiments, the methods may be performed in a different order than described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Furthermore, features described with respect to certain embodiments may be combined in various other embodiments. Different aspects and components of embodiments may be combined in a similar manner. Additionally, it must be emphasized that technology is evolving; therefore, many components are exemplary in nature and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0236] Specific details are set forth in the specification to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques are shown without unnecessary detail in order to avoid obscuring the embodiments.

[0237] Additionally, it should be noted that embodiments can be described as processes shown as flowcharts or block diagrams. While each embodiment may be described as a sequential process, many operations can be performed in parallel or simultaneously. Furthermore, the order of operations can be rearranged. The process may have additional steps not included in the figures.

[0238] After describing several embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications, substitutions, and equivalents can be used without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the above-described components may simply be components of a larger system, wherein other rules may take precedence over or otherwise modify the application of the invention. Furthermore, multiple steps may be performed before, during, or after considering the above-described components. Therefore, the above description should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0089] Figure 1 shows an example of an electronic device according to the present invention. Figure 2 shows an example of a substrate having a first set of electrodes and a second set of electrodes according to the present invention. Figure 3 shows an example of a touchpad according to the present invention. Figure 4 shows an example of a touch screen according to the present invention. Figure 5 shows an example of a stack according to the present invention. Figure 6 shows an example of a user prompt according to the present invention. Figure 7 shows an example of a keystroke input according to the present invention. Figure 8 shows an example of a card input according to the present invention. Figure 9 shows an example of a tap input layer according to the present invention. Figure 10 shows an example of a capacitor module according to the present invention. Figure 11 shows an example of a capacitor module according to the present invention. Figure 12 shows an example of an antenna module according to the present invention. Figure 13 shows an example of an antenna module according to the present invention. Figure 14 shows an example of a capacitor module according to the present invention. Figure 15 shows an example of a module according to the present invention. Figure 16A shows an example of an electronic device according to the present invention. Figure 16B shows an example of an electronic device according to the present invention. Figure 17 shows an example of a method of using an antenna according to the present invention. Figure 18 shows an example of a method of using an antenna according to the present invention. Figure 19 shows an example of a method of using an antenna according to the present invention. Figure 20 shows an example of a method of using an antenna according to the present invention. Figure 21 shows an example of a method of using an antenna according to the present invention. Figure 22 shows an example of a method of using an antenna according to the present invention. Figure 23 shows an example of a method of using an antenna according to the present invention. Figure 24 illustrates an example of a method of using an antenna according to the present invention. Figure 25 illustrates an example of a method of using an antenna according to the present invention. While the invention may have various modifications and alternatives, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An antenna module, comprising: Embedded antenna; Processing resources and communicating with the embedded antenna; and a memory, communicating with the processing resource, wherein the memory includes programming instructions that, when executed, cause the processing resource to: receive input from the embedded antenna; compare input attributes of the input with storage attributes; and, at least in part based on the comparison result, send an instruction to trigger a response based on the embedded antenna, wherein the programming instructions further cause the processing resource to acquire the storage attributes, acquiring the storage attributes including recording capacitance characteristics using the embedded antenna.

2. The antenna module according to claim 1, further comprising: A set of capacitive sensing electrodes that communicate with the processing resource.

3. The antenna module according to claim 2, wherein, The response includes disabling the capacitance sensing electrode.

4. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein, The response includes increasing the power level of the embedded antenna.

5. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein, The response includes activating the embedded antenna.

6. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein, The response includes using the embedded antenna to resolve the modulation pattern from the external antenna device.

7. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein, The response includes rejecting the input from the embedded antenna as a signal from an external antenna device.

8. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein, The response includes disabling the embedded antenna.

9. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein, The response includes sending a polling signal using the embedded antenna.

10. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein, The response includes sending a command to cause the embedded antenna to send an interrogation signal.

11. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein, Acquiring the storage attributes includes: in response to receiving typed input from the keyboard, recording sensing features using the embedded antenna, wherein the keyboard is integrated into a device that also integrates the antenna module.

12. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein, Obtaining the storage attributes includes: in response to the camera receiving camera input, using the embedded antenna to record sensing features, wherein the camera is integrated into a device that also integrates the antenna module.

13. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein, Acquiring the storage attribute includes: in response to a tap on a device with the embedded antenna integrated, recording sensing features using the embedded antenna.

14. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein, Acquiring the storage attributes includes: in response to prompting a user to perform an operation using a device integrated with the antenna module, recording sensing features using the embedded antenna.

15. The antenna module according to claim 1, wherein, The programming instructions further include: modifying the storage attribute by obtaining subsequent attributes and modifying the storage attribute based on the subsequent attributes.

16. A computer program product for using an antenna module, the computer program product comprising a non-transient computer-readable medium storing instructions executable by a controller to: receive input from an embedded antenna integrated into the antenna module; compare input attributes of the input with stored attributes; and, at least in part based on the comparison result, send instructions to trigger a response based on the embedded antenna, wherein... The instructions are executed by the controller to further acquire the storage attributes, including recording capacitance characteristics using the embedded antenna.

17. The computer program product according to claim 16, wherein, The response includes disabling the capacitor electrodes that are also integrated into the antenna module.

18. A method of using an antenna module, comprising: From embedded antenna receiver input integrated into the antenna module; The input attributes are compared with the storage attributes; And sending instructions, at least in part, based on the comparison results, to trigger a response based on the embedded antenna, wherein the method further includes acquiring the storage attribute, which includes recording capacitance characteristics using the embedded antenna.

19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising: The storage attribute is modified by obtaining subsequent attributes and modifying the storage attribute based on the subsequent attributes.

Images