Touch, handwriting and fingerprint sensor with elastomeric spacer layer

Abstract

Use of a compliant, elastomeric layer between upper and lower substrates of the combination sensor can increase the sensitivity to applied pressure or force from a stylus, while increasing the lateral resolution for a given sensel pitch. The elastomeric material may have an index of refraction that is substantially similar to that of the upper and lower substrates. The elastomeric material may include open regions for the inclusion of force-sensitive resistors. With careful selection of the elastomeric and FSR materials, the loss of transmissivity that can accompany air gaps can be minimized.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 394,054, entitled “COMBINATION TOUCH, HANDWRITING AND FINGERPRINT SENSOR” (Attorney Docket No. QUALP045P / 102908P1) and filed on Oct. 18, 2010, which is hereby incorporated by reference and for all purposes. This application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled “COMBINATION TOUCH, HANDWRITING AND FINGERPRINT SENSOR” (Attorney Docket No. QUALP045A / 102908U1) and filed on Oct. 11, 2011, to U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled “FABRICATION OF TOUCH, HANDWRITING AND FINGERPRINT SENSOR” (Attorney Docket No. QUALP045B / 102908U2) and filed on Oct. 11, 2011, to U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled “TOUCH SENSOR WITH FORCE-ACTUATED SWITCHED CAPACITOR” (Attorney Docket No. QUALP045D / 102908U4) and filed on Oct. 11, 2011, to U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, entitled “WRAPAROUND ASSEMBLY FOR COMBINATION TOUCH, HANDWR...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a new technology that combines touch sensing, handwriting input, and fingerprint detection in a single device. The technology uses a combination of capacitive and resistive technologies to create a multi-feature user input sensor overlaid on a display. The device can detect handwriting input and fingerprints through a cover glass apparatus that includes a first substrate with electrodes and resistors, and a second flexible substrate with electrodes. The technology can be used in consumer devices like cell phones, e-readers, and tablets. The cover glass can also include a layer of elastomeric material and force-sensitive resistor material. The apparatus includes a display and processor for processing image data, and a memory device for storing and retrieving data. The technology allows for precise touch sensing and handwriting input on a touch screen.

Problems solved by technology

The increased use of touch screens in handheld devices causes increased complexity and cost for modules that now include the display, the touch panel and a cover glass.

Each layer in the device adds thickness and requires costly glass-to-glass bonding solutions for attachment to the neighboring substrates.

These problems can be further exacerbated for reflective displays when a frontlight also needs to be integrated, adding to the thickness and cost of the module.

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