Touch sensor pattern with floating plate

Abstract

In various examples, there is a device for sensing a touch event. The device has a plurality of transmitting electrodes arranged to carry a signal, each of the transmitting electrodes including a transmitting body portion and a transmitting bridge portion. The device has a plurality of receiving electrodes arranged to receive a signal via electrostatic coupling with the transmitting electrodes, each of the receiving electrodes including a receiving body portion and a receiving bridge portion. Each transmitting bridge portion in the transmitting bridge portion and each receiving bridge portion in the receiving bridge portion are arranged to intersect, so that a gap is formed between the transmitting bridge portion and the receiving bridge portion. One or more floating conductive material regions are positioned near the transmitting body portion and the receiving body portion, each region including one or more conductive material members extending into the gap.

Description

Background Art

[0001] In recent years, touch screens have been widely developed as the preferred input method for a large number of electronic products and electronic devices. For example, most consumer smartphones and tablet personal computers (PCs) now all use touch screen technology to enable novel ways of interaction between users and devices. The most common types of touch screen technology include resistive and capacitive systems; however, other less common systems also use infrared technology, surface acoustic wave technology, and near-field imaging technology. In the development of touch screens, accuracy and responsiveness are constant considerations.

[0002] The embodiments described below are not limited to implementations that solve any or all deficiencies of known touch screen technology. Summary of the invention

[0003] A simplified summary of the present disclosure is presented below to provide the reader with a basic understanding. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. The sole purpose of this summary is to present a selection of the concepts disclosed herein in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that will be presented below.

[0004] In various examples, there is a device for sensing a touch event. The device has a plurality of transmitting electrodes arranged to carry a signal, each of the transmitting electrodes including a transmitting body portion and a transmitting bridge portion. The device has a plurality of receiving electrodes arranged to receive a signal via electrostatic coupling with the transmitting electrode, each of the receiving electrodes including a receiving body portion and a receiving bridge portion. Each transmitting bridge portion in the transmitting bridge portion and each receiving bridge portion in the receiving bridge portion are arranged to cross so that a gap is formed between the transmitting bridge portion and the receiving bridge portion. One or more floating conductive material regions are positioned near the transmitting body portion and the receiving body portion, each region including one or more conductive material members extending into the gap.

[0005] Many of the accompanying features will be better understood by referring to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings as they become better appreciated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] This specification will be better understood by reading the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0007] Figure 1 A computing device including a touch screen is shown;

[0008] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an electrode arrangement of a touch sensor such as used in a touch screen;

[0009] Figure 3A is a schematic diagram of an alternative electrode arrangement of a touch screen;

[0010] Figure 3B is a schematic diagram of a portion of an electrode arrangement of a touch screen;

[0011] Figure 4A is a diagram of the arrangement of transmitting electrodes and receiving electrodes;

[0012] Figure 4B is a diagram of an arrangement of transmitting and receiving electrodes and conductors;

[0013] Figure 5 is a circuit diagram of the touch sensor arrangement;

[0014] Figure 6 is a circuit diagram of the touch sensor arrangement;

[0015] Figure 7 is a circuit diagram of the touch sensor arrangement;

[0016] Figure 8 is a graph of simulated voltage traces of a touch sensor circuit;

[0017] Fig.9A is a plan view of a device for sensing a touch event;

[0018] Fig. 9B is a schematic plan cross-sectional view of a device for sensing a touch event;

[0019] Fig. 9C is a schematic plan view of a device for sensing a touch event as viewed from below;

[0020] Fig.9D is a schematic side view of an apparatus for sensing a touch event;

[0021] Fig.10 is a plan view of a device for sensing a touch event;

[0022] Fig.11 is a schematic plan view of a device for sensing a touch event; and

[0023] Fig.12 is a plan view of a device for sensing a touch event.

[0024] Fig.13 is a flow chart of a method of sensing a touch event.

[0025] Like reference numerals are used to designate like parts in the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The detailed description provided below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings is intended to describe the present example and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present example may be constructed or used. The description illustrates the functions of the example and the order of operations for constructing the example and operating the example. However, the same or equivalent functions and order may be implemented by different examples.

[0027] Electronic devices such as tablet computers, smart phones, smart watches, and others often include touch screens or touch panels to display information and receive one or more user inputs made by touching the display. The touch panel area is also used as a track pad on laptop computers and other devices.

[0028] Figure 1 An example of a tablet device 100 including a touch screen 110 is shown. A variety of technologies can be used to produce touch screens, however, touch screens typically include a mutual capacitance touch sensor having a capacitive sensing medium, which includes a plurality of crossed row electrodes and column electrodes, which are typically referred to as transmitting electrodes and receiving electrodes. Mutual capacitance is a capacitance generated between two objects or conductors holding a charge, where a current flowing in one conductor flows into another conductor. Therefore, a drive signal voltage can be applied to the transmitting electrode, and a mutual capacitance is generated at each electrode intersection where the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode intersect. When a conductor (such as a human finger 120 or a conductive pen 130) approaches the touch screen 110, the electromagnetic field at each intersection is disturbed, and the mutual capacitance is changed. This change in capacitance can be recorded to a location on the touch screen 110 to determine the location of the touch event. In the location of the specified touch event, the coordinates of the touch event are calculated based on the measured capacitance change, and interpolation is used to calculate the coordinates of the following user input location, such that the user input location is located within a single cell of the grid rather than at the intersection of the grid.

[0029] Accuracy and responsiveness are key issues to consider in the design of touch screens. It would be advantageous to design a touch sensor circuit that can distinguish between touch events and non-touch events (i.e., capacitance changes at each intersection) in a robust and responsive manner. In the case where a touch panel sensor is included in a touch screen, another issue is the concern about visibility on the touch screen. The touch panel sensor is designed so that the touch panel sensor does not interfere with the display of images on the touch display. Electrodes are typically made of transparent materials, but in some cases, the area on the substrate that carries the electrodes may be visible through the touch panel display. The present disclosure is intended to address the above disclosed issues and improve the functionality of a touch sensor, or to improve the functionality of a computing device that includes a touch sensor.

[0030] Figure 2The electrodes of the touch sensor are shown in more detail. A plurality of transmitting electrodes Tx0, Tx1, Tx2, Tx3, Tx4 are arranged substantially parallel to each other, and are arranged perpendicular to a plurality of receiving electrodes Rx0, Rx1, Rx2, Rx3, Rx4. The transmitting electrodes and receiving electrodes are arranged in a regular grid pattern commonly referred to as a matrix pattern, however other patterns such as columnar patterns and stripe patterns can also be envisioned. It is understood that the horizontal orientation and vertical orientation of the transmitting electrodes and the receiving electrodes can be exchanged respectively without affecting the function. A plurality of receiving electrodes are positioned substantially parallel to each other, forming electrode intersections with the transmitting electrodes, such as at 220 and 210. The transmitting electrodes are coupled to a signal generating component 230. The signal generating component 230 is used to provide a drive signal voltage applied to the transmitting electrode, and the signal generating component 230 includes a signal generating circuit, such as a voltage source. The receiving electrode is coupled to a sensing component 240. The sensing component 240 includes a sensing circuit that is arranged to measure changes in mutual capacitance caused by a conductor such as a finger or a pen at each intersection 220, 210. In this case, the receiving electrode forms a bridge over the transmitting electrode at the intersection 220, 210, but it is understood that the transmitting electrode can cover the receiving electrode. As explained above, in the touch sensor arrangement, a drive signal voltage is applied to the transmitting electrode, generating mutual capacitance at the intersection 220, 210 between the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode. The touch event is positionally distinguishable between the intersections 220 and 210 by the difference in capacitance measured at each corresponding intersection. Each intersection can be individually addressed by the sensing component 240.

[0031] Figure 3A Another example of an electrode arrangement in a touch sensor is shown. In this example, each of the transmitting and receiving electrodes includes a series of repeating diamond-shaped conductive elements 310, 320, which are connected by bridge portions. The inclusion of diamond-shaped conductive elements 310, 320 increases the surface area of ​​the electrode and thus reduces the impedance of the electrode, thereby allowing for improved touch sensing performance. The intersection between the receiving electrode and the transmitting electrode is formed where each corresponding bridge portion overlaps, such as at 300. As above, each of the transmitting and receiving electrodes is coupled to a signal generating component and a sensing component, respectively.

[0032] Figure 3BThe intersection 300 is shown in more detail. As shown, the receiving electrode includes body portions 310, 312 connected by a bridge portion 315. Similarly, each of the transmitting electrodes includes body portions 320, 322 connected by a bridge portion 325. The intersection is formed at the location where the bridge portion 315 overlaps the bridge portion 325, and a mutual capacitance is formed between the two bridge portions 315, 325. As previously described, each of the intersections can be individually addressed in the following manner: the sensing component detects a change in the mutual capacitance between the transmitting bridge portion and the receiving bridge portion caused by a touch event (such as being approached by a conductor).

[0033] Figure 4A FIG. 4 shows an example of mutual capacitance between the transmitting electrode 400 and the receiving electrode 410. The transmitting electrode 400 and the receiving electrode 410 are arranged as follows: Figure 2 and FIG. 3A to FIG. 3B Typically, the electrodes 400 and 410 are separated by an air gap or by a dielectric substrate to allow a junction capacitance C to be formed between the electrodes 400 and 410. junc .

[0034] According to the present disclosure, a circuit modeling method is used to represent the mutual capacitance between the electrode 400 and the electrode 410, which is referred to herein as a "New Finger Effect Model".

[0035] It should be understood that the junction capacitance C between the electrode 400 and the electrode 410 junc can be modeled as a series of N interconnected virtual capacitors 422, 424, 426, 428 connected in series, each virtual capacitor having a value of N·C junc In this example, N is shown as 5, however it should be understood that N can include any number of capacitors connected to each other, including any number up to infinity.

[0036] The junction capacitance C junc Modeling as a series of interconnected virtual capacitors can be considered to be equivalent to placing N-1 conductive plates 421, 423, 425, 427 between electrode 400 and electrode 410. Each conductive plate 421, 423, 425, 427 is imagined to be placed perpendicular to the electric field lines between electrode 400 and electrode 410 so as not to affect the electric field and junction capacitance between electrode 400 and electrode 410. Each conductive plate 421, 423, 425, 427 has a substantially smaller thickness than the thickness of capacitors 422, 424, 426, 428.

[0037] Taking the plate area of ​​the capacitor to be infinite, the conductive plates 421, 423, 425, 427 are arranged parallel to the plates of the interconnected capacitors 420, 422, 424, 426, 428. In a finite plate capacitor, the electric field lines bend near the edges, and thus the virtual conductive plates also bend near the edges of the capacitor.

[0038] It should be understood that there are countless surfaces between electrodes 400 and 410 that are perpendicular to the electric field lines and therefore have a constant potential on these surfaces. This constant potential means that no energy is required to move charge across these surfaces, which allows the junction capacitance to be modeled as a conductive plate.

[0039] Figure 4B The effect of an approaching conductor 430 (such as a finger or pen) on the capacitance between the electrode 400 and the electrode 410 is shown, and a "new finger effect model" is presented in conjunction with the conductor. When the conductor approaches, some of the virtual conductive plates between the electrode 400 and the electrode 410 are coupled to the conductor 430. The conductor 430 thus forms a capacitive coupling with each of the conductive plates 421, 423, 425, 427 and with the electrodes 400 and 410, thereby forming conductor capacitances 440, 442, 444, 446, 448, 450.

[0040] Figure 5 An equivalent circuit diagram illustrating the above-described effect of conductor capacitances 440 to 450 in a touch sensor arrangement is shown. Figure 5 It is shown that a conductor 500 (such as a human finger or a pen) forms capacitive coupling 531, 532, 533, ... between an electrode 510 and an electrode 520. Figure 5 The circuit shown also includes a signal generating component in the form of a voltage source 550, which represents the signal sent to the transmit electrode, and a sensing component 560, which includes a transimpedance amplifier as seen in a touch sensor arrangement. The presence of the conductor 500 generates a capacitive coupling 531, 532, 533, ... between each of the interconnected capacitors 541, 542, 543, ..., which represents a capacitive coupling between the conductor 500 and the equivalent conductive plates of the interconnected capacitors.

[0041] It will be appreciated that since conductor 500 is grounded, there is no effect on the signal levels at electrodes 510, 520, since electrode 510 is connected to an ideal voltage source and electrode 520 is a virtual ground for the transimpedance amplifier.

[0042] Figure 6 An equivalent circuit diagram of a touch sensor electrode arrangement with a single virtual conductive plate between a transmitting electrode point 610 and a receiving electrode point 620 is shown. The circuit includes providing a signal voltage Vac The circuit also uses N=2 to model the capacitance between the transmitting electrode point 610 and the receiving electrode point 620, that is, two equal interconnected capacitors 650 and 660, each with 2·C junc Capacitance value.

[0043] from Figure 6 It can be seen that in the absence of the conductor, the circuit operates like a voltage divider at point X. The input of transimpedance amplifier 640 is modeled as a virtual ground. Since the capacitances of capacitors 650 and 660 are equal, the voltage between capacitors 650 and 660 at point X is divided in half and equals V ac / 2.

[0044] Therefore, in the absence of a conductor, the current flowing through the transimpedance amplifier 640 is calculated as:

[0045]

[0046] In words, this can be expressed as follows: The current flowing through the transimpedance amplifier is equal to the voltage across the bottom capacitor (given by subtracting the voltage at virtual ground V from the voltage at point x) divided by the voltage at 2·C junc Given the impedance of the bottom capacitor, this can be simplified to the voltage of the AC current source times the angular frequency times the junction capacitance.

[0047] The effect of an approaching conductor can be seen from Figure 7 see.

[0048] Figure 7 The equivalent circuit diagram of the touch sensor electrode arrangement with a single virtual conductive plate between electrodes 710 and 720 is shown. The circuit includes a signal voltage V AC The circuit also uses N=2 to model the capacitance between electrodes 710 and 720, i.e., two equal interconnected capacitors 750 and 760, each with 2·C junc The capacitance value of Figure 7There is a conductor in the electrode 710, and the effect of the conductor is also modeled. The approaching conductor produces a capacitive coupling 770 between the electrode 710 and the ground, a capacitive coupling 790 between the electrode 720 and the ground, and a capacitive coupling 780 between the capacitor 750, the capacitor 760 and the ground connected to each other. It should be understood that the capacitive coupling 770 between the electrode 710 and the ground caused by the conductor will not affect the current seen at the transimpedance amplifier 740, because the capacitance to the electrode 710 is a load of the voltage source 730 and will not affect the output of the voltage source 730 (assuming that the voltage source 730 is an ideal voltage source). Similarly, the capacitive coupling 790 between the electrode 720 and the ground will not affect the current seen at the transimpedance amplifier 740, because the capacitive coupling 790 is equivalent to the capacitive coupling between the ground and the virtual ground. The voltage across the capacitive coupling 790 will therefore be close to zero, and therefore no current will be drawn.

[0049] However, the capacitive coupling caused by the conductor at 780 will affect the current seen at the transimpedance amplifier 740. For example, to simplify the calculation, assume that the capacitance at 780 is C finger =2·C junc This is equal to 2·C junc The capacitor 750 connected in parallel with the capacitor 760 and the capacitive coupling 780 is equal to 4·C junc The voltage divider produces a voltage at point X with an amplitude of V AC / 3. Therefore, the current seen at the transimpedance amplifier can be calculated as:

[0050]

[0051] In words, the current at the transimpedance amplifier is equal to the voltage across the bottom capacitor (given by subtracting the voltage at virtual ground V from the voltage at point x) divided by 2·C junc Given the impedance of the bottom capacitor, this simplifies to two-thirds the voltage of the AC current source times the angular frequency times the junction capacitance.

[0052] The current seen at the transimpedance amplifier 740 when the conductor is present is therefore less than when the conductor is not present. Thus, a touch event can be detected more robustly by measuring the drop in current at the transimpedance amplifier.

[0053] Figure 8 They are shown respectively as Figure 6 and Figure 7 The two simulated voltage output traces 810 and 820 of the circuit are shown. junc =0.6PF (picofarad), C finger =1pF, F = 100kHz (kilohertz), Vac =15V(volts), R f =20KΩ (kilo ohms) for simulation. As shown in the figure, the amplitude of the simulated voltage output track 820 corresponding to the touch sensor electrode arrangement with the conductor present is less than the amplitude of the simulated voltage output track 810 corresponding to the touch sensor electrode arrangement without the conductor present. The difference in voltage amplitude can be used to determine a touch event on the touch sensor electrode arrangement. It can therefore be seen that by maximizing the capacitance between the approaching conductor and the area between the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode, a higher sensitivity for touch event detection can be obtained. In response to the increase in sensitivity, touch events are therefore detected more robustly and more accurately.

[0054] Fig.9A A plan view of a device for sensing a touch event is shown. The device uses the "new finger effect model" described above and includes a transmitting electrode 910, a receiving electrode 920, and one or more suspended conductive material regions 930, 940, 950, 960.

[0055] The transmitting electrode 910 includes a transmitting main body portion 912 and a transmitting bridge portion. The receiving electrode 920 similarly includes a receiving main body portion 922 and a receiving bridge portion 924. The transmitting electrode 910 and the receiving electrode 920 include conductive elements capable of carrying signals, such as indium tin oxide, copper or aluminum. In this example, the transmitting electrode 910 and the receiving electrode 920 are positioned, for example, in a grid pattern or a matrix pattern so that they are substantially perpendicular to each other. However, it should be appreciated that the transmitting electrode 910 and the receiving electrode 920 may also work without being arranged vertically.

[0056] The device includes a plurality of transmitting electrodes 910 and a plurality of receiving electrodes 920. In addition, the transmitting electrode 910 may include a plurality of transmitting body parts and a plurality of transmitting bridge parts. Similarly, the receiving electrode 920 may include a plurality of receiving body parts and a plurality of receiving bridge parts.

[0057] The transmitting electrode 910 is arranged to carry a signal. The signal is provided by a signal generating component (such as a signal generating circuit including a voltage source). The receiving electrode 920 is arranged to receive a signal via coupling with the transmitting electrode 910. The receiving electrode 920 is coupled to a signal sensing component in use, such as a signal sensing circuit including a transimpedance amplifier. The signal sensing component is arranged to detect changes in the signal received at the receiving electrode. The signal coupling between the transmitting electrode 910 and the receiving electrode 920 is obtained via the electrostatic coupling between the transmitting electrode 910 and the receiving electrode 920, which will be explained below. In this way, the electrodes are arranged to provide mutual capacitance coupling between the transmitting electrode 910 and the receiving electrode 920 to be used as a touch sensor.

[0058] The transmission bridge portion 914 and the reception bridge portion 924 are arranged to cross each other so that a gap is formed between the transmission bridge portion 914 and the reception bridge portion 924 .

[0059] The gap includes a three-dimensional area defined by the edges of the transmit bridge portion 914 and the receive bridge portion 924. The gap includes a three-dimensional area having a height and a width and a depth, the height and the width respectively including the lengths of the transmit bridge portion 914 and the receive bridge portion 924, and the depth including the height difference between the transmit bridge portion 914 and the receive bridge portion 924.

[0060] The transmission bridge portion 914 is physically separated from the receiving bridge portion 924. The transmission bridge portion 914 and the receiving bridge portion 924 form an electrode intersection, thereby allowing mutual capacitance to be formed between the bridge portions. As previously described, when a touch event is detected, the change in mutual capacitance can be measured by the sensing component. In some configurations, there is therefore an air gap between the transmission bridge portion 914 and the receiving bridge portion 924. In some other configurations, there is a substrate such as a dielectric in addition to the gap between the transmission bridge portion 914 and the receiving bridge portion 924.

[0061] Although the transmission bridge portion 914 is shown as being below the receiving bridge portion 924, it should be understood that in some examples, the configuration of the transmission bridge portion 914 and the receiving bridge portion 924 is in other orders. In one example, the receiving bridge portion 924 is located below the transmission bridge portion 914. Although the transmission bridge portion 914 is shown as being the same width as the transmission main body portion 912, it should be understood that the transmission bridge portion 914 and the transmission main body portion 912 can be any width relationship relative to each other. Similarly, although the transmission bridge portion 914 is shown as being thinner than the width of the receiving main body portion 922, the receiving bridge portion 924 can be any width relationship relative to the receiving main body portion 922. In some examples, the surface area of ​​the transmission main body portion 912 is greater than the surface area of ​​the transmission bridge portion 914 to reduce impedance. Similarly, in some examples, the surface area of ​​the receiving main body portion 922 is greater than the surface area of ​​the receiving bridge portion 924.

[0062] In one example, the transmitting body portion 912 and the transmitting bridge portion 914 include a flat material area that includes electrodes, that is, the transmitting body portion 912 and the transmitting bridge portion 914 are arranged in the same plane. In this configuration, the receiving body portion 922 is positioned in the same plane as the transmitting body portion 912 and the transmitting bridge portion 914. This is conducive to obtaining a single-layer, compact, flat construction of the touch panel sensor, which is easier and cheaper to manufacture and is useful for deployment when there are space and size constraints.

[0063] In some configurations, the transmitting body portion 912 and the receiving body portion 922 are positioned in the same plane. In this case, when viewed from the side, the transmitting body portion 912 and the receiving body portion 922 have substantially the same height. In some other configurations, the transmitting body portion 912 is in a separate plane relative to the receiving body portion 922, so that the transmitting body portion 912 has a higher or lower side height than the receiving body portion 922. The overall size and shape of the touch panel sensor are configured in this way so that it is suitable for use in devices with specific size and shape requirements.

[0064] One or more floating conductive material regions 930, 940, 950, 960 are positioned adjacent to the transmit body portion 912 and the receive body portion 922. For example, the regions 930, 940, 950, 960 may be placed in a gap between the transmit body portion 912 and the receive body portion 922.

[0065] Each of the floating conductive material regions 930, 940, 950, 960 includes a connecting member 932, 942, 952, 962 of floating conductive material that is arranged to extend into the gap between the transmit bridge portion 914 and the receive bridge portion 924. In a configuration where the receive bridge portion 924 covers the transmit bridge portion 914, the members 932, 942, 952, 962 of floating conductive material may be positioned such that the members 932, 942, 952, 962 of floating conductive material extend directly below the receive bridge portion 924.

[0066] Each of the floating conductive material regions 930, 940, 950, 960 may be connected to more members of floating conductive material 934, 944, 954, 964 that extend into gaps between other adjacent nodes of the transmit and receive bridge portions.

[0067] By extending the floating conductive material area 930, 940, 950, 960 into the gap between the transmitting bridge portion 914 and the receiving bridge portion 924, when a conductor such as a pen or a human finger approaches, a capacitive coupling is formed between the conductor and the floating conductive material area. As previously described, the area between the transmitting electrode 910 and the receiving electrode 920 is modeled as a series of interconnected capacitors. By including a floating conductive material area in the gap between the transmitting electrode 910 and the receiving electrode 920, this is equivalent to increasing the capacitive coupling between the conductor and the interconnected capacitors between the transmitting electrode 910 and the receiving electrode 920. Therefore, any current that can be seen at the transimpedance amplifier coupled to the receiving electrode 920 is greatly reduced, which allows a larger signal change to be seen when the conductor approaches, and advantageously allows a higher sensitivity to be achieved when detecting a touch event. This can also be achieved even if the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode are long and thin, and are positioned substantially perpendicular to each other. The touch event is therefore detected more robustly in response to the increased sensitivity.

[0068] One or more of the transmit electrode 910, receive electrode 920 and floating conductive material regions 930, 940, 950, 960 comprise a conductive and substantially transparent material such as indium tin oxide (ITO). Advantageously, this allows the device to be used with a user interface or display, such as a mobile phone or flat panel display.

[0069] In the example, the surface area of ​​a single floating conductive material region in the floating conductive material regions 930, 940, 950, 960 is substantially greater than the surface area of ​​the transmitting bridge portion 914 or the surface area of ​​the receiving bridge portion 924, so that the capacitive coupling between the floating conductive material regions 930, 940, 950, 960 and the conductor is maximized, thereby achieving higher touch sensitivity. The arrangement of the floating conductive material regions 930, 940, 950, 960 therefore seeks to maximize the use of the space between the transmitting electrode 910 and the receiving electrode 920. In addition, this arrangement advantageously allows the device to be substantially transparent. This is because the substrate area supporting the electrode and the floating conductive material area are substantially covered by the same type of transparent material (electrode material and floating conductive material), which provides a uniform transparency level of the touch sensor. However, the uncovered area of ​​the substrate has potential visibility due to not being covered by any conductive material. These areas are the areas between the electrodes and the floating conductive area. Since the uncovered area is substantially thinner than the conductor electrodes and the floating material, the end user does not notice the uncovered area and the end user has a uniform perception of the display.

[0070] Fig. 9BA plan cross-sectional view of the device is shown. As shown, the floating conductive material regions 930, 940, 950, 960 are arranged to include members 932, 942, 952, 962 that extend into the gap between the transmit bridge portion 914 and the receive bridge portion 924. The members 932, 942, 952, 962 are also arranged to extend directly below the receive bridge portion 924. Each floating conductive material region 930, 940, 950, 960 is electrically insulated from the transmit electrode 910 and the receive electrode 920.

[0071] Fig. 9C A plan view of the device is shown from below. As shown, the receiving bridge portion is arranged to span the transmitting bridge portion 914. In addition, members 932, 942, 952, 962 are arranged to extend into the gap between the receiving bridge portion 924 and the transmitting bridge portion 914.

[0072] Fig.9D 910 and 920. A side view of the device is shown. As shown, the receiving body portion 922 is arranged on the same plane as the transmitting body portion 912. The receiving bridge portion 924 is arranged to cross and cover the transmitting bridge portion 914, and to form a gap between the transmitting bridge portion 914 and the receiving bridge portion 924. The members 932, 942 of floating conductive material are arranged to extend into the gap to maximize the capacitive coupling between the conductor and the area between the transmitting electrode 910 and the receiving electrode 920.

[0073] In many examples, the apparatus includes a plurality of transmit electrodes 910, a plurality of receive electrodes 920, and a plurality of floating conductive material regions 930, 940, 950, 960, arranged in a repeating pattern as above.

[0074] Despite 9A to 9D The floating conductive material region in FIG. 1 is shown as a rectangle, and it should be understood that various shapes of floating conductive regions and various configurations of floating conductive material regions can be used. For example, Fig.10An apparatus for sensing a touch event is shown that includes a transmitting electrode 1010 and a receiving electrode 1020. The transmitting electrode similarly includes a transmitting body portion 1012 and a transmitting bridge portion 1014, and the transmitting bridge portion 1014 is arranged to cross the receiving electrode 1020 so that a gap is formed between the transmitting bridge portion 1014 and the receiving bridge portion 1024, and the receiving electrode 1020 similarly includes a receiving body portion 1022 and a receiving bridge portion 1024. Floating conductive material regions 1030, 1040, 1050, 1060 are also provided in the form of hexagons, and these floating conductive material regions include conductive material members extending into the gap between the transmitting bridge portion 1014 and the receiving bridge portion 1024. In this configuration, the floating conductive material region is hexagonal.

[0075] Each floating conductive material region 1030, 1040, 1050, 1060 may be connected to more floating conductive material members 1034, 1044, 1054, 1064 that extend into gaps between other adjacent junctions of the transmit and receive bridge portions. Thus, some or all of the floating conductive material regions may have more than one member that is routed toward more than one intersection of the transmit and receive electrodes.

[0076] Fig.11 An apparatus for sensing a touch event is shown that includes a transmitting electrode 1110 and a receiving electrode 1120. The transmitting electrode similarly includes a transmitting body portion 1112 and a transmitting bridge portion 1114, and the transmitting bridge portion 1114 is arranged to cross the receiving electrode 1120 so that a gap is formed between the transmitting bridge portion 1114 and the receiving bridge portion 1124, and the receiving electrode 1120 similarly includes a receiving body portion 1122 and a receiving bridge portion 1124. Floating conductive material regions 1130, 1140, 1150, 1160 are also provided, and these floating conductive material regions include conductive material members extending into the gap between the transmitting bridge portion 1114 and the receiving bridge portion 1124. In this configuration, the floating conductive material region is triangular.

[0077] Each floating conductive material region 1130, 1140, 1150, 1160 may be connected to more floating conductive material members 1134, 1144, 1154, 1164 that extend into gaps between other adjacent nodes of the transmit bridge portion and the receive bridge portion (not shown).

[0078] Fig.12A device for sensing a touch event is shown. The device includes a transmitting electrode 1210 arranged to carry a signal, the transmitting electrode 1210 including a transmitting main body portion and a transmitting bridge portion. The device further includes a receiving electrode 1220, which is arranged to receive a signal via electrostatic coupling with the transmitting electrode 1210, and the receiving electrode 1220 includes a receiving main body portion and a receiving bridge portion. The transmitting electrode 1210 and the receiving electrode 1220 are arranged to cross so that a gap is formed between the transmitting bridge portion and the receiving bridge portion. The device further includes one or more floating conductive material regions 1230, 1240, 1250, 1260 positioned near the transmitting main body portion and the receiving main body portion, each region including a conductive material member extending into the gap. The device further includes a sensing component 1270, which is coupled to the receiving electrode 1220 and is arranged to detect changes in the signal received at the receiving electrode 1220. The sensing component 1270 may include one or more transimpedance amplifiers, analog-to-digital converters, and digital signal processors. The apparatus further comprises a signal generating component coupled to the transmitting electrode 1210 and arranged to provide a signal. The signal generating component may comprise a voltage source.

[0079] Each floating conductive material region 1230, 1240, 1250, 1260 may be connected to more floating conductive material members that extend into gaps between other adjacent nodes of the transmit bridge portion and the receive bridge portion.

[0080] Fig.13 is a flow chart of a method for sensing a touch event, comprising: transmitting 1300 a signal via one or more transmit electrodes; forming 1302 an electrostatic coupling between the transmit electrode and a receive electrode at a gap, the gap being formed between the transmit electrode and the receive electrode at a location where the transmit electrode crosses the one or more receive electrodes; receiving 1304 a signal via the one or more receive electrodes; and detecting 1306 a change in the received signal when a conductor is introduced toward the gap, and increasing sensitivity to the change due to one or more floating conductive material regions being positioned proximate the transmit electrode and the receive electrode, each region including a conductive material member extending into the gap 1308. The touch event is detected in response to the change in the received signal exceeding a threshold amount, and is accomplished with increased sensitivity due to the conductive material member extending into the gap.

[0081] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for sensing a touch event is provided. The method includes the following operations: sending a signal via one or more sending electrodes, which are arranged to cross one or more receiving electrodes so that a gap is formed between the sending electrode and the receiving electrode, and an electrostatic coupling is formed between the sending electrode and the receiving electrode; and receiving a signal via one or more receiving electrodes, wherein one or more floating conductive material regions are positioned near the sending electrode and the receiving electrode, and each region includes a conductive material member extending into the gap.

[0082] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method comprising the method described above and as shown in FIG. 9- Fig.12 A touch screen of any of the devices shown.

[0083] Alternatively or in addition to other examples described herein, examples include any combination of the following:

[0084] A device for sensing a touch event, comprising:

[0085] a plurality of transmit electrodes arranged to carry a signal, each of the transmit electrodes comprising a transmit body portion and a transmit bridge portion;

[0086] a plurality of receiving electrodes arranged to receive signals via electrostatic coupling with the transmitting electrode, each of the receiving electrodes comprising a receiving body portion and a receiving bridge portion;

[0087] wherein each of the transmitting bridge parts and each of the receiving bridge parts are arranged to cross each other so that a gap is formed between the transmitting bridge parts and the receiving bridge parts;

[0088] and one or more floating conductive material regions positioned adjacent the transmitting body portion and the receiving body portion, each region including a conductive material member extending into the gap.

[0089] The device described above, wherein for each of the regions, the surface area of ​​the floating conductive material region is greater than the surface area of ​​the transmitting bridge portion.

[0090] The device described above, wherein for each of the regions, the surface area of ​​the floating conductive material region is greater than the surface area of ​​the receiving bridge portion.

[0091] The device described above, wherein the transmitting main body part and the receiving main body part are arranged in the same plane.

[0092] The device described above, wherein the one or more floating conductive material regions and the transmitting body portion are arranged in the same plane.

[0093] The device described above, wherein the one or more floating conductive material regions are arranged in the same plane as the receiving body portion.

[0094] The apparatus described above, wherein a plurality of transmit electrodes and a plurality of receive electrodes and one or more floating conductive material regions are arranged in a repeating pattern.

[0095] The device described above, wherein the plurality of transmitting electrodes and the plurality of receiving electrodes and the one or more floating conductive material regions are arranged to minimize the exposed area of ​​the substrate supporting the plurality of transmitting electrodes and the plurality of receiving electrodes and the one or more floating conductive material regions.

[0096] The device described above, wherein some or all of the floating conductive material regions have more than one component, and these components are routed toward more than one intersection of the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode.

[0097] The device described above, wherein the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode are substantially perpendicular to each other and are elongated.

[0098] The apparatus described above comprises a sensor coupled to a receiving electrode, the sensor being arranged to detect changes in a signal received at the receiving electrode.

[0099] The device described above, wherein the transmitting body part and the receiving body part are not arranged in the same plane.

[0100] The device described above is integrated with a touch screen.

[0101] The apparatus described above is integrated with a computing device.

[0102] A device for sensing a touch event, comprising:

[0103] a plurality of transmit electrodes arranged to carry a signal, each of the transmit electrodes comprising a transmit body portion and a transmit bridge portion;

[0104] a plurality of receiving electrodes arranged to receive signals via electrostatic coupling with the transmitting electrode, each of the receiving electrodes comprising a receiving body portion and a receiving bridge portion;

[0105] wherein each of the transmitting bridge parts and each of the receiving bridge parts are arranged to cross each other so that a gap is formed between the transmitting bridge parts and the receiving bridge parts;

[0106] one or more floating conductive material regions positioned proximate the transmitting body portion and the receiving body portion, each region including a conductive material member extending into the gap;

[0107] and a sensing mechanism coupled to the receiving electrode and arranged to detect a change in a signal received at the receiving electrode.

[0108] A method for sensing a touch event, comprising:

[0109] transmitting a signal via one or more transmitting electrodes;

[0110] forming an electrostatic coupling between the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode at the gap, the gap being formed between the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode at a location where the transmitting electrode intersects with one or more receiving electrodes;

[0111] receiving a signal via one or more receiving electrodes;

[0112] detecting changes in the received signal when a conductor is introduced toward the gap; increasing sensitivity to the changes as a result of one or more regions of floating conductive material being positioned proximate the transmit electrode and the receive electrode, each region including one or more members of conductive material extending into the gap;

[0113] And in response to the increased sensitivity, detecting a touch event.

[0114] The method described above includes forming an electrostatic coupling in a single plane including a transmitting electrode and a receiving electrode.

[0115] The method described above includes: forming electrostatic coupling between the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode at positions in different planes.

[0116] The method described above is performed in a touch screen device.

[0117] The method described above is executed in a computing device.

[0118] As used herein, the term "computer" or "computing-based device" is used to refer to any device having processing capabilities to enable execution of instructions. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that such processing capabilities may be included in many different devices and therefore the terms "computer" and "computing-based device" each include personal computers (PCs), servers, mobile phones (including smart phones), tablet computers, set-top boxes, media players, game consoles, personal digital assistants, wearable computers, and many other devices.

[0119] It will be apparent to the skilled person that any range or device value given herein may be extended or modified without losing the effect sought.

[0120] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it should be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

[0121] It is understood that the benefits and advantages described above may be related to one embodiment or to several embodiments. The embodiments are not limited to embodiments that solve any or all of the problems described, or embodiments that have any or all of the benefits and advantages described. It should be further understood that "a" item refers to one or more of those items.

[0122] The operations of the methods described herein may be performed in any suitable order, or simultaneously where appropriate. In addition, individual modules may be deleted from any method without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein. Various aspects of any example described above may be combined with various aspects of any other example described to form further examples without losing the effect sought.

[0123] As used herein, the term "comprising" means including the identified method modules or elements, but such modules or elements do not constitute an exclusive list and the method or apparatus may contain additional modules or elements.

[0124] It will be appreciated that the above description is given by way of example only and that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art. The above description, examples and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of the exemplary embodiments. Although various embodiments have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or referring to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art may make numerous changes to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of this specification.

Claims

1. A device for sensing a touch event, comprising: a plurality of transmitting electrodes arranged to carry a signal, each of the transmitting electrodes comprising a transmitting body portion and a transmitting bridge portion; a plurality of receiving electrodes arranged to receive the signal via electrostatic coupling with the transmitting electrode, each of the receiving electrodes comprising a receiving body portion and a receiving bridge portion; wherein each of the transmitting bridge parts and each of the receiving bridge parts are arranged to cross each other, so that a gap is formed between the transmitting bridge parts and the receiving bridge parts; as well as One or more floating conductive material regions, the one or more floating conductive material regions are positioned near the transmitting body portion and the receiving body portion, each region includes one or more connecting members of conductive material extending into the gap, the surface area of ​​each of the one or more connecting members is smaller than the surface area of ​​the corresponding floating conductive material region, and the connecting member extends from the corresponding floating conductive material region. 2 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein for each of the regions, the surface area of ​​the floating conductive material region is greater than the surface area of ​​the transmitting bridge portion. 3 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein for each of the regions, a surface area of ​​the floating conductive material region is greater than a surface area of ​​the receiving bridge portion. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the transmitting body portion and the receiving body portion are arranged in the same plane.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more floating conductive material regions and the transmitting body portion are arranged in a same plane.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more floating conductive material regions and the receiving body portion are arranged in a same plane. 7 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of transmit electrodes and the plurality of receive electrodes and the one or more floating conductive material regions are arranged in a repeating pattern.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the plurality of transmitting electrodes and the plurality of receiving electrodes and the one or more floating conductive material regions are arranged to minimize an exposed area of ​​a substrate supporting the plurality of transmitting electrodes and the plurality of receiving electrodes and the one or more floating conductive material regions.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein some or all of the floating conductive material regions have more than one member that is routed toward more than one intersection of a transmit electrode and a receive electrode.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode are perpendicular to each other and are elongated.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, comprising a sensor coupled to the receive electrode, the sensor being arranged to detect a change in a signal received at the receive electrode.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the transmitting body portion and the receiving body portion are not arranged in the same plane.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, integrated with one of a touch screen or a computing device.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more connecting members of adjacent floating conductive material regions extend directly beneath the receiving bridge portion in a non-abutting arrangement to form a gap between ends of the one or more connecting members and ends of the receiving bridge portion.

15. A device for sensing a touch event, comprising: a plurality of transmitting electrodes arranged to carry a signal, each of the transmitting electrodes comprising a transmitting body portion and a transmitting bridge portion; a plurality of receiving electrodes arranged to receive the signal via electrostatic coupling with the transmitting electrode, each of the receiving electrodes comprising a receiving body portion and a receiving bridge portion; wherein each of the transmitting bridge parts and each of the receiving bridge parts are arranged to cross each other, so that a gap is formed between the transmitting bridge parts and the receiving bridge parts; one or more floating conductive material regions, the one or more floating conductive material regions being positioned proximate the transmitting body portion and the receiving body portion, each region comprising one or more connecting members of conductive material extending into the gap, each of the one or more connecting members having a surface area less than a surface area of ​​a corresponding floating conductive material region, the connecting members extending from the corresponding floating conductive material region; as well as A sensing mechanism is coupled to the receive electrode and is arranged to detect a change in a signal received at the receive electrode.

16. A method for sensing a touch event, comprising: transmitting a signal via one or more transmitting electrodes; forming an electrostatic coupling between the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode at a gap, wherein the gap is formed between the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode at a location where the transmitting electrode intersects with one or more receiving electrodes; receiving the signal via the one or more receiving electrodes; and detecting a change in the received signal when a conductor is introduced toward the gap; as well as Sensitivity to the changes is improved as a result of one or more floating conductive material regions being positioned proximate the transmit electrode and the receive electrode, each region including one or more connecting members of conductive material extending into the gap, each of the one or more connecting members having a surface area less than a surface area of ​​a corresponding floating conductive material region from which the connecting member extends.

17. The method according to claim 16, comprising: The electrostatic coupling is formed in a single plane including the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode.

18. The method according to claim 16, comprising: The electrostatic coupling is formed at positions where the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode are in different planes.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein the method is performed in a touch screen device.

20. The method of claim 16, performed in a computing device.

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