Button provides

Abstract

Disclosed are an apparatus and method for providing power and / or data to a device at a touch panel, including a method for manufacturing a touch panel for a touch screen, comprising the following steps: drawing at least one line in a predetermined pattern on an adhesive layer above a transparent substrate including at least one through-hole, the line including a first portion extending above the substrate and another portion extending above an area of ​​a transparent support portion, the transparent support portion extending across at least one area of ​​the through-hole; providing touch electrodes for the touch panel of the touch screen via the first portion of the drawn line; and providing multiple electrical connectors for a user input device fixed at the through-hole via the other portion of the drawn line.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for indicating user preferences at a touch-sensitive panel. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a touch panel for a touch screen, the touch panel comprising a touch-sensitive area and one or more mechanical user input devices, such as buttons or joysticks, mounted on the touch panel within boundaries associated with the touch-sensitive area, whereby each button or joystick is electrically connected for power and / or data transmission purposes in a manner that is substantially invisible to the human eye.

[0002] Many input devices are known with which an operator can interact to provide input indicating a selection. For example, conventional input devices include mechanical input devices such as mechanical buttons or keys or joysticks or trackballs or sliders. Other types of input devices, such as touch screens or NFC readers, are also known. Touch screens are becoming increasingly popular, and these allow the user to make selections and indicate options by touching the surface of the touch panel at one or more locations associated with the area displayed on the underlying display screen. By associating the touch locations detected in the plane of the touch panel with the corresponding display locations in the plane of the underlying display, the user can select one or more options. Such selections can be used to indicate instructions or for many other purposes.

[0003] Traditionally, a touchscreen consists of a touch panel, a controller, and a software driver. A touch panel is a transparent panel with a touch-sensitive surface. The touch panel is positioned in front of a display so that the touch-sensitive surface covers the visible area of ​​the display. The touch panel and the associated screen are collectively referred to as a touchscreen or display device.

[0004] There are many different types of touch screen technologies available, including resistive, capacitive, infrared, and surface acoustic wave technologies.

[0005] Some users have expressed concern that touchscreens, and selections made using them, can easily and accidentally indicate unintended selections. That is, some have expressed concern that it is relatively easy to accidentally make unintended selections using a touchscreen. While touchscreen operation does not in many cases result in such errors, it would be desirable to alleviate this fear. Furthermore, it would be desirable to be able to combine touchscreen technology with other mechanical input devices. Where the use of a particular type of mechanical input device is well-known in a particular field and therefore familiar to human users, the mechanical input device could be utilized to make certain critical decisions or used in conjunction with touchscreen technology.

[0006] An example of a situation in which it is desirable to merge a touch screen display device with mechanical buttons is in the gaming industry. Certain gaming machines with game tokens are well known. These gaming machines or gaming devices with game tokens operate according to the rules of the game and allow human operators to place their tokens via a user interface that generally includes pictures and / or a display screen or a user interface in which users can indicate the game tokens they are placing and the choices they are making. Conventionally, such machines are mechanical button type machines, but a trend towards the use of touch screens has recently been observed in the gaming industry. However, when certain "large" game tokens are to be placed, there is still resistance for some users to use gaming devices with game tokens that are purely based on a touch screen.

[0007] In some conventional solutions to this problem, either a small touch screen is used that is surrounded by conventional mechanical buttons, or a large underlying LCD screen is covered with a small touch screen. In the latter solution, most of the area of ​​the underlying LCD screen is shielded, and the openings in the shielding are aligned with the touch screen. The mechanical buttons are placed to offset the active area of ​​the touch screen and cover the peripheral portion of the underlying display. These solutions are unacceptable for many reasons. First, with a small display and touch screen with conventional adjacent mechanical buttons, the user interface experience is limited, and most of the area of ​​the gaming surface provided to the user remains unused. In the latter case, when the buttons are outside the visible area, it is expensive to use a relatively large display, and the user experience is impaired due to large areas of unused "real estate".

[0008] Furthermore, there are often limitations on the techniques and devices available for receiving user input indicating user preferences and user selections of various options.

[0009] Furthermore, in the field of gaming devices, there is a constant need to provide new gaming devices that attract both new and existing users and provide a convenient and enjoyable environment for users to spend time and place gaming coins. In particular, many gaming devices typically provide users with limited facilities, which restricts the time period during which users can interact with the gaming device.

[0010] Any mechanical user input device (e.g., button or joystick) integrated within the active area of ​​the touch screen requires power and / or signaling to be provided to the mechanical device, and the signals generated in response to user activation need to be provided in some way from the user input device to the local controller. Typically, the electrical power supply and data signaling connections for such mechanical devices are provided by relatively long flexible wired connectors comprising metallized traces visible to the human eye. This has the disadvantage that the wiring is visible to the user of the device and is unsightly. This is aesthetically unpleasant and presents a limitation to providing a transparent display. Conventional wiring also obscures anything displayed on the display panel below the touch panel.

[0011] In more detail, in order to allow data and power to reach the button, according to the prior art, a flexible printed circuit (FPC) tail will be used to be inserted into the underside of the button, and the opposite end of the flexible tail will be inserted into the controller printed circuit board (PCB), which will supply power to the mechanical switch and process the data from the switch (on / off events). Most FPC flexible tails are made of copper and opaque polyimide. Other forms of low-visibility FPC tails made of transparent PET (polyester film) do exist, in which the conductive traces on the FPC are printed using silver-based conductive ink. However, the trace width using printed ink on such an FPC has a characteristic size of approximately 60 μm to 80 μm, which is actually very obvious when placed directly in front of an LCD. Such characteristic sizes are of course visible to the human eye and may cause a moire effect when placed in front of a powered LCD. Another problem with printing conductive traces on transparent PET film is that the depth feature size of the conductive traces is very shallow, about 1 μm, and this is linked to the fact that most conductive inks have a high electrical resistance compared to traditional copper traces / lines, making the printed traces undesirable in terms of having a high resistance, which means that the traces cannot be very long, are power inefficient, and are difficult to drive with electronic devices.

[0012] It is an object of the present invention to at least partially alleviate one or more of the above mentioned problems.

[0013] It is an object of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide one or more user input devices in the form of mechanical buttons or the like mounted in the touch panel of a touch screen, whereby power and / or data connections to and from the user input device are far less visible to a human user than is achievable using prior art techniques.

[0014] It is an object of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a user input device, such as a mechanical button, which appears transparent to the user or which appears to be effectively transparent to the user in all but a few limited positions.

[0015] It is an object of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a hybrid display device that combines a capacitive touch panel with an underlying display and combines the capacitive touch panel with one or more user input devices (such as buttons, joysticks, sliders, or the like) that protrude wholly or at least partially through the touch panel.

[0016] It is an object of some embodiments of the present invention to provide a display device comprising a display having a screen for displaying a graphical user interface.

[0017] It is an object of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a computer-implemented method that is capable of simultaneously receiving one or more actual touches from the surface of a transparent touch panel and presses or effective presses from a mechanical input device (such as a button or joystick or slider or dial or the like) located within the active area of ​​the touch panel.

[0018] An object of certain embodiments of the present invention is to provide a computer system that includes a processor configured to execute instructions and perform operations associated with the computer system, and the processor can receive signals from a touch panel and one or more mechanical input devices located within an active area of ​​the touch screen.

[0019] It is an object of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a method and apparatus for indicating user preferences at a touch sensitive panel.

[0020] It is an aim of certain embodiments of the present invention to enable a user of a device comprising a touch sensitive panel to provide manual input via hand movement to indicate a user preference, after which the user input can be used to make a selection of the indicated preference.

[0021] It is an object of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a releasably mountable user input device on a touch panel.

[0022] It is an object of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide a manual tool member for releasably mounting a user input device at a touch panel.

[0023] It is an object of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide one or more electronic devices at a touch panel.

[0024] It is an object of certain embodiments of the present invention to provide power and / or data to one or more electronic devices at a touch panel via one or more lines of the touch panel.

[0025] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for manufacturing a touch panel for a touch screen, comprising the following steps:

[0026] drawing at least one line in a predetermined pattern on an adhesive layer over a transparent substrate including at least one through-hole, the line including a first portion extending over the substrate and another portion extending over an area of ​​a transparent support portion, the transparent support portion extending across at least one area of ​​the through-hole;

[0027] providing a touch electrode for a touch panel of a touch screen via the first portion of the drawn line; and

[0028] A plurality of electrical connectors are provided for user input devices fixed at the through holes via the other portion of the drawn lines.

[0029] Where appropriate, the method further comprises: providing the transparent support portion by providing a transparent film on the adhesive layer on the first surface of the substrate;

[0030] The transparent film has a corresponding film aperture substantially aligned with each through-hole in the substrate and a remaining tail region extending beyond the region of the through-hole.

[0031] Where appropriate, the method further comprises securing a flexible connector strip comprising a plurality of first electrically conductive pads to the electrical connectors such that each pad is in respective electrical connection with at least one of the electrical connectors.

[0032] Where appropriate, the method further comprises securing a plurality of further conductive pads of the connector strip to respective electrical contacts of the user input device, each further conductive pad being connected to a respective one of the first conductive pads.

[0033] Where appropriate, the method further comprises drawing the lines in a pattern such that lines providing touch electrodes are interwoven with lines providing electrical connectors.

[0034] Where appropriate, the method further comprises drawing the lines in a pattern such that at each intersection, a line providing a touch electrode crosses a line providing an electrical connector substantially orthogonally.

[0035] Where appropriate, the method further comprises providing the transparent substrate by providing a glass substrate comprising at least one pre-cut through hole.

[0036] Where appropriate, the method further comprises drawing the lines in a pattern such that the lines of the further portion follow a substantially sinusoidal path or a maze-like path.

[0037] Where appropriate, the method further comprises the step of providing touch electrodes comprising cutting the previously drawn lines at a plurality of locations to thereby provide a plurality of X and Y touch electrodes.

[0038] Where appropriate, the step of providing the electrical connector comprises cutting the previously drawn line at a plurality of locations to thereby provide a plurality of lines of different lengths extending from an edge region of the substrate to a position above the transparent support portion within an imaginary boundary associated with an edge of a through hole in the substrate.

[0039] Where appropriate, the method further comprises providing a user input device at the through-hole by securing a mechanical button or joystick or the like to the substrate at the through-hole, whereby at least one contact switch of the user input device is electrically connected to at least one electrical connector provided via the other portion of the drawn line.

[0040] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a touch panel for a touch screen, comprising:

[0041] a plurality of touch electrodes provided by cutting segments of at least one line drawn on an adhesive layer over a transparent substrate including at least one through-hole;

[0042] a plurality of electrical connectors provided via cut segments of at least one line drawn on the layer; and

[0043] At least one user input device is each fixed at a corresponding through hole in the substrate, wherein each user input device includes at least one switch element electrically connected to at least one of the electrical connectors.

[0044] Where appropriate, the touch electrodes comprise a first set of electrodes extending across an area of ​​the substrate following a constant repeating path, and a further set of electrodes extending across the substrate following the same constant repeating path for a portion of the length of the further set of electrodes but proximate the through-hole including a modified path around the edge of the through-hole.

[0045] Where appropriate, the electrical connector comprises a drawn line segment extending across the edge of the through-hole of the substrate on the adhesive and beyond the area of ​​the adhesive layer above the area of ​​the transparent support.

[0046] Where appropriate, each electrical connector comprises at least one end portion of one or more segments of drawn wire, the one or more segments being electrically connected to pads of the flexible connector strip.

[0047] Where appropriate, a touch controller unit is connected to the end regions of the touch electrodes and the end regions of the electrical connector via respective connection elements at an edge region of the substrate.

[0048] Where appropriate, the touch panel further comprises: a user input device at each through-hole in the substrate, each user input device comprising a fascia member at a touch surface of the substrate, a base member spaced apart from but fixed to the fascia member, a user moving member between the fascia member and the base member when the user moving member is movable by a hand of a user of the touch panel; and

[0049] At least one switch element having a state selectable by movement of a user movable member, the at least one switch element being in electrical communication with a controller of the touch panel via at least one electrical connector.

[0050] Suitably, the touch panel is arranged to sense touch via an active area of ​​the touch panel and is arranged to also sense user input via movement of a user input device indicative of a user selection.

[0051] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a touch screen comprising: a display and a touch panel, the touch panel comprising a plurality of touch electrodes, the plurality of touch electrodes being provided by cut segments of at least one line drawn on an adhesive layer over a transparent substrate comprising at least one through-hole;

[0052] a plurality of electrical connectors provided via cut segments of at least one line drawn on the layer; and

[0053] At least one input device, each user input device is fixed at a corresponding through hole in the substrate, wherein each user input device includes at least one switch element electrically connected to at least one of the electrical connectors.

[0054] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine, an electronic game, an information kiosk, an ATM or a digital signage comprising the touch screen according to the third aspect of the present invention.

[0055] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a user input button for a touch panel, the touch panel comprising a transparent substrate, the transparent substrate comprising at least one through hole, the user input button comprising:

[0056] Exterior panel components;

[0057] base member;

[0058] a user movement member between the exterior panel member and the base member;

[0059] at least one switch element having a state selectable by movement of the user-movable member; and

[0060] a flexible connector strip comprising a first plurality of contact pads at a distal end of the flexible connector strip connected to an electrical connector provided via lines drawn on the adhesive layer, and further contact pads in respective electrical communication with the first contact pads connected to lines extending through the user input button to connect the switch element to the electrical connector.

[0061] Suitably, the user-movable member is a button member made from a transparent material.

[0062] Suitably, the button member is of glass or plastic and has a cross-section that provides a lensing effect.

[0063] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for mounting a user input button on a touch panel comprising at least one through hole, comprising:

[0064] an upper collar member positionable adjacent the through-hole on the upper surface of the touch panel;

[0065] a lower collar member positionable adjacent the through-hole on a lower surface of the touch panel;

[0066] a user input button comprising at least one recess in the button housing;

[0067] at least one securing element configured to secure the user input button to the upper collar member; and

[0068] A manual tool member comprising at least one elongated pin element, wherein insertion of each elongated pin element through a corresponding recess disengages the at least one securing element from the upper collar member for releasably mounting the user input button on the upper collar member.

[0069] Where appropriate, a portion of the upper collar member can be located within the through hole of the touch panel.

[0070] Where appropriate, a portion of the lower collar member may be located within the through-bore.

[0071] Where appropriate, the lower collar member is secured to the touch panel via a compression fitting between the portion of the lower collar member and an inner surface of the through-hole.

[0072] Where appropriate, the apparatus further comprises a transparent plate member locatable within the lower collar member.

[0073] Where appropriate, the touch panel further comprises at least one electrical contact proximate an edge of the through hole.

[0074] Suitably, the at least one fixing element comprises a biasing element.

[0075] Suitably, the hand tool member further comprises a handle portion arranged at an angle to the at least one elongate pin element.

[0076] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a user input button for a touch panel including at least one through hole, comprising:

[0077] a button housing comprising an exterior trim member and a base member;

[0078] a ring member positionable on the base member, the ring member including at least one switch element; and

[0079] a user movement member configured to selectively engage the at least one switch element in response to input from a user; wherein

[0080] The button housing further includes at least one recess configured to receive a tool for removing the user input button from the touch panel.

[0081] Suitably, the user input button further comprises: at least one fixing element.

[0082] Where appropriate, the user movement member is transparent or translucent.

[0083] Suitably, the user input button further comprises at least one biasing element arranged between the user moving member and the at least one switch element.

[0084] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of providing a user input button in a touch panel comprising at least one through hole, comprising:

[0085] fixing the upper collar member adjacent to at least one through-hole on the upper surface of the touch panel;

[0086] securing a lower collar member adjacent to the at least one through-hole on the lower surface of the touch panel;

[0087] inserting at least one elongated pin element of a manual tool member into a recess in a button housing of the user input button to engage at least one securing element;

[0088] positioning the user input button on the upper collar member via the manual tool member; and

[0089] The elongated pin element is removed from the recess, thereby securing the user input button to the upper collar member.

[0090] Where appropriate, the step of inserting the elongate pin element of the hand tool member into the recess in the button housing further comprises:

[0091] The securing element is pushed against a biasing force associated with the securing element.

[0092] Where appropriate, the step of securing the user input button to the upper collar member further comprises:

[0093] When the elongated portion of the tool is removed from the user input button, the at least one securing element is positioned into the recess in the upper collar member.

[0094] Where appropriate, the step of positioning the fixing element into the recess in the upper collar member further comprises:

[0095] When the fixation element returns to the neutral position via a biasing force associated with the fixation element, the hook portion of the fixation element is positioned into the recess in the upper collar member.

[0096] According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for providing an electronic device at a touch panel, comprising:

[0097] at least one line drawn on a surface of the touch panel to provide a first electrical connector;

[0098] a first electrical contact pad at a first region of the touch panel, the first electrical contact pad connected to a first end region of the first electrical connector; and

[0099] At least one electronic device is electrically connected to the first electrical contact pad for receiving power and / or data from the contact pad.

[0100] Where appropriate, the apparatus further comprises:

[0101] a further electrical contact pad connected to the at least one electronic device; and

[0102] At least one further electrical connector is connected to the further electrical contact pad.

[0103] Where appropriate, the first electrical contact pads are connected to a plurality of electrical connectors.

[0104] Where appropriate, the further electrical contact pad is connected to a plurality of electrical connectors.

[0105] Suitably, the first electrical connector provides a connection for the first electrical contact pad to a positive voltage and the further electrical connector provides a connection for the further electrical contact pad to ground.

[0106] Where appropriate, the apparatus further comprises:

[0107] a further electrical connector for providing power and / or data to the electronic device; and

[0108] A further electrical contact pad is connected to the first end region of the further electrical connector.

[0109] Where appropriate, the electronic device comprises at least one light emitting diode, or at least one user input device, or at least one speaker unit, or at least one tactile device, or at least one NFC reader, or a combination of the at least one light emitting diode, the at least one user input device, the at least one speaker unit, the at least one tactile device, and the at least one NFC reader.

[0110] Where appropriate, each electrical connector is an electrode of the touch panel.

[0111] Suitably, the first contact pad and the further contact pad comprise at least one tinned copper trace having one end folded back.

[0112] According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for providing an electronic device at a touch panel, comprising:

[0113] drawing at least one line at a surface of the touch panel to provide at least one first electrical connector;

[0114] drawing at least one line at a surface of the touch panel to provide at least one further electrical connector;

[0115] providing a first electrical contact pad at a first region of the touch panel, thereby connecting the first electrical contact pad to a first end region of the first electrical connector;

[0116] providing another electrical contact pad at another area of ​​the touch panel, thereby connecting the another electrical contact pad to the first end area of ​​the another electrical connector;

[0117] connecting an electronic device to the first electrical contact pad and the further electrical contact pad; and

[0118] An external device is connected to the distal end regions of the first electrical connector and the further electrical connector for providing power and / or data to the electronic device.

[0119] Where appropriate, a portion of the at least one line provides a touch electrode for the touch panel.

[0120] Where appropriate, the method further comprises:

[0121] The at least one line is drawn in a pattern such that at each intersection, the portion of the at least one line providing the touch electrode crosses substantially orthogonally with the line providing the electrical connector.

[0122] Where appropriate, the method further comprises:

[0123] The at least one line is drawn in a pattern such that the portion of the line providing the touch electrode follows a sinusoidal or maze-like pattern.

[0124] Where appropriate, the electronic device comprises at least one light emitting diode, or at least one user input device, or at least one speaker unit, or at least one tactile device, or at least one NFC reader, or a combination of the foregoing.

[0125] Where appropriate, the external device includes a power supply, an electronic controller, a touch panel controller, or a combination of the power supply, the electronic controller, and the touch panel controller.

[0126] Suitably, the first contact pad and the further contact pad comprise at least one tinned copper trace having one end folded back.

[0127] Suitably, the step of connecting an electronic device to the first electrical contact pad and the further electrical contact pad comprises:

[0128] The electronic device is soldered to the first electrical contact pad and the further electrical contact pad.

[0129] Where appropriate, the touch panel comprises a transparent substrate.

[0130] According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gaming machine, an electronic game, an information kiosk, an ATM or a digital signage comprising at least one user input button or at least one electronic device or a combination of the at least one user input button and the at least one electronic device.

[0131] Where appropriate, the gaming machine, electronic game, kiosk, ATM or digital signage also includes:

[0132] Touch panel.

[0133] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a hybrid display device that incorporates at least one capacitive touch panel having an active area and one or more user input devices (e.g., one or more buttons or dials or joysticks or sliders) within the active area or at least partially within the active area of ​​the touch panel.

[0134] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a touch panel and a touch screen, the touch screen comprising a touch panel, wherein the touch panel includes an active area capable of sensing a user touch via a capacitive coupling method and one or more user input devices in the form of buttons, joysticks, or the like, included within the active area and therefore within the area occupied by the underlying display. The user input devices are provided with power and / or data input / output electrical connections via a connector that is far less visible to the user than in the prior art. For certain embodiments, the connection mechanism is invisible to the human eye.

[0135] Certain embodiments of the present invention utilize one or more lines of a type drawn to provide a touch-sensitive area of ​​a touch panel to additionally provide power and / or data communication connections to a user input device mounted within the touch panel. The use of thin lines for both forming the touch-sensitive panel and providing power and / or data communication to the user input device provides a convenient manufacturing technique and means that the power and / or data communication connections to the user input device are virtually invisible to the user's eye.

[0136] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a touch panel for a touch screen, which includes a transparent capacitive sensing medium capable of detecting multiple touches simultaneously, together with at least one mechanical user input device (such as a button or a dial or a joystick or a slider) within the active area of ​​the touch panel that can also be used to provide user input signals.

[0137] Certain embodiments of the present invention enable mechanical buttons to be mounted / embedded within the touch-active area of ​​a projected capacitive touch sensor. Data and / or power are transferred to and from the mechanical buttons in a manner that is virtually invisible to the human eye.

[0138] Certain embodiments of the present invention utilize thin lines drawn on the substrate of a touch screen as part of a connection path to provide power and / or data connections to one or more buttons embedded in the touch screen.

[0139] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a computer-implemented method for simultaneously receiving one or more actual touches on a touch screen and simultaneous or temporally close presses, rotations, or slides on a mechanical input device within an active area of ​​the touch screen or touch panel.

[0140] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide an arcade game or gaming machine with chips, wherein a user can use a touch screen and / or buttons and / or a dial within an active area of ​​the touch screen to play a game or place chips.

[0141] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide computer systems for information kiosks, automated teller machines (ATMs), point-of-sale machines (POS), industrial machines, gaming machines, electronic gaming machines, vending machines, airline electronic ticket terminals, restaurant reservation terminals, customer service stations, etc. The electronic gaming machines may be tabletop games, stand-up cabinet games, or sit-down games.

[0142] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a method and apparatus for indicating a user preference at a touch-sensitive panel. The indicated user preference can be selected to automatically initiate a predetermined action after the identification or selection can be confirmed via further user input (perhaps, for example, by pressing a mechanical button and / or a virtual button displayed on a display of the touch screen or located in an area of ​​the touch panel).

[0143] Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a gaming device or electronic game that provides a convenient and enjoyable environment for a user.

[0144] Certain embodiments of the present invention utilize a set of 10μm insulated copper electrodes embedded within the touch panel's primary touch sensor xy array (which also utilizes 10μm copper electrodes). These are provided as dedicated electrodes for transmitting data and / or power to or from mechanical buttons or other such user input devices embedded within the primary touch active area of ​​the sensor. Optionally, data and / or power electrodes may also be provided for use by electronic devices provided at the touch panel (e.g., LEDs). The benefit of using 10μm insulated copper wire is that it has a very low resistance of approximately 200 Ohm / m, good conductivity, and a small feature size of approximately 10μm, thereby reducing the visibility of data and power connections to and from the mechanical buttons. Because the 10μm copper wire is also insulated, the electrodes can be drawn as part of the primary touch screen xy matrix drawing process without shorting these electrodes to the surrounding xy touch screen electrodes. The mechanical button power and data electrodes are interwoven within the primary xy touch sensor electrodes to minimize any optical visibility or moiré effects.

[0145] Certain embodiments of the present invention allow the user input device at the touch panel to be replaced. For example, if the user input device at the touch panel is damaged or malfunctions, certain embodiments of the present invention provide a way to replace the user input device without replacing the touch panel.

[0146] Certain embodiments of the present invention use electronic devices at a touch panel to provide visual cues to a user of the touch panel. For example, a light emitting diode at the touch panel can be used to indicate information to the user, such as indicating user preferences, indicating a request for user input, or indicating WiFi availability.

[0147] Certain embodiments of the present invention allow an electronic device to be provided at a touch panel such that the electronic device appears to float above the touch panel. Providing power via electrodes in the touch panel can provide the appearance of an electronic device with no visible external connectors.

[0148] Certain embodiments of the present invention will now be described below, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0149] Figure 1 An electronic gaming machine is shown having a touch screen including a plurality of mechanical buttons within an active area;

[0150] Figure 2 shows a cross section through a portion of a touch screen showing a touch panel that may be located above a display screen, wherein the touch panel incorporates buttons;

[0151] Figure 3The drive electrodes and sensor electrodes of the touch panel as well as the button electrical connectors and edge connectors are shown;

[0152] Figure 4 Shown in greater detail are touch electrodes serving as drive and sensor electrodes and electrical connectors, utilizing drawn lines around round through holes in a glass panel of a touch screen;

[0153] Figure 5 The touch electrodes and touch controller are schematically shown in more detail, as well as the connection to the host computer;

[0154] Figure 6 A grid of intersections is shown;

[0155] Figure 7 Non-excluded cells around the circular hole are shown;

[0156] Figure 8 showing a prohibited area in a virtual field associated with an active area;

[0157] Figure 9 Shows touch electrodes and electrical connectors around square through-holes in a glass panel of a touch screen;

[0158] Figure 10 Shows touch electrodes and electrical connectors around triangular through-holes in a glass panel of a touch screen;

[0159] Figure 11 shows a mechanical user input device in the form of a button in a touch panel and an exploded view of the button;

[0160] Figure 12 More details are shown with Figure 11 Connections for the buttons shown;

[0161] Figure 13 shows the various layers during manufacture before the button is mounted to the substrate;

[0162] Figure 14 An alternative user input device is shown releasably mounted at the touch panel;

[0163] Figure 15 showing an exploded view of a releasably mounted user input button;

[0164] Figure 16 An apparatus for mounting a releasably mounted user input button is shown;

[0165] Figure 17 shows an exploded view of an apparatus for providing releasably mountable user input buttons at a touch panel, viewed from the top side of the touch panel;

[0166] Figure 18 shows a top view and a cross-sectional view of a releasably mounted user input button provided at a touch panel;

[0167] Figure 19 Two hand tools for releasably mounting a user input button are shown;

[0168] Figure 20 A schematic diagram of a circuit for providing user input buttons at a touch panel is shown;

[0169] Figure 21 shows a user input button in conjunction with an electronic device in the form of a ring of LEDs;

[0170] Figure 22 shows an exploded view of a user input button incorporated into an electronic device at a touch panel;

[0171] Figure 23 A schematic diagram including circuitry for providing power and / or data to a user input device at a touch panel and an electronic device is shown;

[0172] Figure 24 A schematic diagram is shown including circuitry for providing power and / or data to one or more electronic devices at a touch panel, wherein the touch panel lacks any through-holes;

[0173] Figure 25 A method of providing an electronic device in an active area of ​​a touch panel is shown;

[0174] Figure 26 A gaming machine comprising a combination of a touch panel and user input buttons and electronic equipment provided at the touch panel is shown; and

[0175] Figure 27 A gaming machine including a combination of a touch panel and user input buttons and electronic devices provided at the touch panel is shown.

[0176] In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like parts.

[0177] Throughout this description, reference will be made to a display. The display is configured to display a graphical user interface (GUI) that provides user information to a user. The display device may optionally be a monochrome display, a color display, and may optionally be a liquid crystal display (LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, a quantum dot display, or the like.

[0178] Transparent touch panels are also referred to below. Transparent in this sense means that a human user can actually see completely through the panel. This can be achieved by using extremely thin electrodes (e.g., very fine diameter wires or substantially transparent materials (e.g., ITO or the like) to create electrodes that are provided on one side of the transparent substrate of the panel. The net effect is that a human user can see the displayed information unobstructed through the sensing and drive electrodes.

[0179] The touch panel of a touch screen recognizes one or more actual touches as a touch event or multiple touch events on the surface of the touch panel, and then outputs a signal representing this information to a host device. The host device can be a computer, such as a desktop, handheld, tablet computer, or laptop computer. The host device performs an action based on the touch event.

[0180] Figure 1 A table top arcade game machine 100 is shown. The arcade game machine 100 is an example of a device that can be used with certain embodiments of the present invention. Other such machines include kiosks, ATMs, industrial machines or displays or gaming machines, or the like.

[0181] The electronic gaming machine 100 includes legs 110 that form part of a lighted cabinet 120 that stands on a floor surface 130 and separates an upper gaming surface 135 from the floor surface 130. The upper gaming surface 135 is provided by a touch-sensitive surface 140 of a touch screen 150. The touch screen 150 includes a touch panel and an underlying display.

[0182] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated electronic gaming machine, the active area associated with the touch screen has four spaced apart buttons 160 located at the center of each of the four edges of the generally rectangular touch screen. It will be appreciated that certain embodiments of the present invention are not limited in the shape and size of the touch screen utilized, nor in the location of any mechanical user input devices (e.g., buttons within that touch screen). For example, the buttons may be located along a common edge or as shown. Figure 1 The illustrations are aligned at different edges or indeed alternatively or additionally in a corner region or in a center region of the touch screen.

[0183] Figure 1 The illustrated electronic gaming machine 100 also has four user supports 170 that extend outwardly from the upper surface as ears, and on which users can rest their elbows or arms or drinks. Figure 1 The electronic gaming machine shown has an illuminated area beneath the touch screen that enhances the aesthetic appeal of the machine. Figure 1 The electronic gaming machine 100 is shown having a display area that extends substantially across the entire top surface of the machine, but certain other embodiments of the present invention may be formed with a touch screen that forms only a portion of the top surface, allowing the remaining area of ​​the top surface to be used for other purposes and / or to display other images. Likewise, the touch screen may be vertical or angled relative to the floor.

[0184] like Figure 1 As shown, each button includes a transparent center portion, so that the button itself, located above the display of the touch screen, acts as a light guide. In this way, images displayed via the display of the touch screen can be conveyed to the user of the electronic gaming machine 100. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other types of buttons that do not act as light guides can certainly be utilized according to certain other embodiments of the present invention.

[0185] Figure 2 Shown in more detail Figure 1 The area of ​​the touch screen 150 is shown. In particular, Figure 2 The button 160 is shown in more detail. A button is an example of a mechanical user input device. The button 160 includes a central movable member or button actuator 200 that is movable relative to a button housing 210. The top of the button actuator 200 has an upper surface 215 that can be pressed by a user who moves the movable member relative to the housing. Figure 2 In the cross section shown, a micro switch 220 or other such switch element indicates a press. Multiple switch elements may be arranged at different circumferential positions. The button 160 passes through a through hole 225 in a glass substrate 230 of the touch panel of the touch screen. The substrate may be another rigid transparent material other than glass. A layer of adhesive 235 is provided on the lower surface of the substrate 230, which is an optically clear adhesive. The touch sensing surface 140 of the substrate (at Figure 2 The touch screen (shown as the upper surface) defines a plane that receives actual touches from a user who wishes to interact with the touch screen.

[0186] like Figure 2 As shown, the transparent film layer 240 is disposed under the adhesive layer 235 (at Figure 2 A portion of the film layer 240 includes a through hole having an edge that coincides with (and is therefore aligned with) the edge 245 of the through hole 225 in the substrate. However, a tail-shaped extension 250 of the film layer 240 extends beyond the edge 245 of the glass substrate and provides a transparent support portion. The transparent support portion extends over at least one area of ​​the through hole. The lower portion (at Figure 2The surface of the touch screen (in the orientation shown) is provided with an adhesive layer 260 that includes drawn lines thereon. The drawn lines provide touch electrodes for the touch panel of the touch screen and can also be used to help provide multiple electrical connectors for buttons (or other such user input devices) fixed at the through holes 225. Another film layer 270 covers the electrodes and adhesive. A first flexible cable 290 is provided at the edge to connect to the electrodes leading to the controller. Another flexible cable 280 is connected to the electrical connector provided by the drawn lines that are interlaced with the drawn lines that form the touch electrodes, and this other flexible cable 280 is connected to a micro switch or other switching element of the user input device that requires power supply and / or data transmission connection.

[0187] Thus, a grid of electrodes is provided on the lower surface of the substrate. The grid of electrodes is a grid of fine lines generated on the adhesive layer using a drawing technique. Where appropriate, the lines have a diameter in the region of 4 to 40 microns. Where appropriate, the diameter of the lines is 5 to 18 microns. Where appropriate, the lines are coated with a thin electrically insulating material. It will be appreciated that according to certain other embodiments of the present invention, other electrode formation techniques (e.g., by depositing an ITO layer or the like) may be used to create the electrode grid.

[0188] Therefore, the touch screen includes a relatively short, practically transparent flexible cable connecting the button output to the button controller. Unlike other prior art solutions, this is far less visible to the naked human eye than previously possible solutions. The button controller can be connected to a computer system hosting an electronic game machine. A display (not shown) is located below the touch panel. In this way, a human user can see the information displayed on the upper surface of the display through the touch panel located above the display. A user observing the displayed image or other such visual prompts touches a corresponding point on the upper surface of the touch panel and / or presses a button within the active area of ​​the touch panel, thereby providing user input that effectively makes a corresponding user selection.

[0189] Figure 3 A grid 300 of electrodes arranged in a predetermined pattern for a touch screen is shown. The touch panel shown is a capacitive sensing touch panel and includes touch electrodes that in turn include drive electrodes and sensor electrodes that are driven and read via corresponding connectors 305. Figure 3 As shown, all electrodes can be connected from a single side of the electrode grid, meaning that only a very thin surround is required for the touch panel. It will be appreciated that other connection strategies may also be utilized.

[0190] Figure 3The help shows how, in addition to the line segments that form the touch electrodes for the touch screen, other wire segments can be provided in a similar manner, with the other line segments traversing the active area of ​​the touch screen and then extending around the edge of the active area to the corresponding connectors. These lines are used to provide power and / or data communication to mechanical user input devices located at the through holes of the touch screen. In this way, power and / or data input / output can be provided using lines provided in the same manner as the lines for the touch electrodes. Relative to the prior art, for a considerable number of connections, the visibility of such connecting elements is greatly reduced by using such thin lines that are actually invisible to the naked eye. Line segments for touch electrodes and / or connectors can be provided by drawing a single line in a long path and then cutting the line at multiple locations to form separate segments.

[0191] like Figure 3 As shown, the touch electrodes have paths that do not pass through the areas where the buttons 190, 195 are located. In this sense, a first excluded area 310 is associated with a through-hole in the substrate 230 where the corresponding button 160 is located, and another excluded area 320 is associated with another through-hole in the substrate 230 where another button 160 is located. Figure 3 As shown, the path of the electrodes is different near and immediately around each excluded area relative to the path followed by the electrodes in areas of the active area where buttons of the touch panel are not located. The interior area of ​​the electrode array defines the active area 330 of the touch panel.

[0192] Figure 4 The help shows the path of the electrodes around the circular hole in the touch screen. For clarity, Figure 4 In FIG, the touch electrodes and the electrical connection electrodes are shown as terminating at adjacent edge regions. It is to be understood that once the drawn electrodes reach an edge region, they can be directly removed from that edge region (in a manner similar to the edge region). Figure 4 in a similar manner as shown) or fed around the edges to a common edge region (in a more similar manner to Figure 3 in the same manner as shown).

[0193] Figure 4 The edge 245 of the through hole 225 is shown in more detail. The edge portion 410 (for a circular hole) is an annular area that does not contain a touch electrode and directly surrounds the edge of the hole. Where appropriate, the edge portion is 1 to 3 mm wide. The drive electrodes and sensor electrodes that form part of the touch electrode extend generally vertically upward and downward and horizontally from left to right (in the Figure 4). It will be appreciated that other orientations may be utilized according to certain other embodiments of the present invention. While the touch electrodes do not intrude into the edge portion, wires associated with electrical connectors for user input devices do traverse the edge portion, extending above the surface of the tail-like extension 250 of the membrane layer 240 that provides the transparent support.

[0194] Figure 4 The path 420 of one particular wire that helps provide the electrical connection for the button is shown in greater detail.

[0195] exist Figure 4 The path 420 highlighted in FIG (and therefore wider than the other lines) is provided by a length of wire 430. The wire 430 has a first end region 435 at the edge of the touch screen. At the first end region 435, the wire has a sinusoidal or other maze-like shape. This introduces excess wire length, helping to overcome stress issues. Corresponding contact pads carried by the flexible tail connector (flexible cable 290) overlie the wire and are fixed in electrical contact with the wire. Because the wire 430 is drawn as an insulated wire, the insulation should first be removed from the first end region 435 of the wire before electrical connection to the contact pads of the flexible tail connector. As will be appreciated, this can be achieved in a variety of ways, such as by soldering (which burns off the insulation). In this way, the wire 430 is electrically connected to the flexible tail, and a connection to the onboard controller of the host can be established from the flexible tail. The wire 430 then takes a path in a linear manner away from the flexible tail at the edge towards the through hole in the button. The path 420 then turns left by approximately 90° (at Figure 4 ) in the orientation shown, continues forward a portion of the way and then turns right approximately 90°, leading to the area where the touch electrodes are provided. The path then extends from the area where the touch electrodes begin toward the edge surrounding the through-hole. Whenever a line 430 passes over (or under) a line forming part of a touch electrode, path 420 turns so that adjacent lines pass in a substantially orthogonal manner. This helps reduce undesirable coupling or interference effects. Near edge portion 410, line 430 turns and passes over (or under) the touch electrode having a path around the through-hole. Thus, line 430 generally turns toward the center of the through-hole area, where line 430 passes across the edge area to terminate at the other end area of ​​line 430, which is again sinusoidal (or maze-like in some other way) to introduce excessive line length. Here, the line is arranged above a transparent support provided by a tail-like extension of layer 240, which carries the upper surface of the adhesive. A short flexible tail (flexible cable 280) including a contact pad can be electrically connected to the end of line 430. In this manner, one end region 450 of the flexible cable 280 is secured to a corresponding end of any electrical connector, and the remaining end region 460 of the flexible cable 280 can be connected to the button.

[0196] Each drive electrode and sensor electrode in the electrode grid follows a repeating maze-like path. Each drive electrode intersects a sensor electrode at a corresponding intersection 450, and each intersection 450 defines the center of a corresponding cell with a corresponding cell index of the touch panel. Figure 4 As shown, the drive electrodes and sensor electrodes shown have an intersection that defines the respective center of the cell, which is offset from where it would be if the hole in the substrate was not positioned where it is, so that the electrode grid is not disturbed. Due to this offset position, there is a risk that a touch will be recognized at an incorrect location.

[0197] As shown, each touch electrode follows a maze-like path via two winding path portions separated by a substantially straight path portion where the intersection with another electrode occurs. From the second winding path portion, the electrode's path then turns substantially perpendicular to the edge proximate the touch electrode. The path then immediately turns left approximately 90° and then circles the aperture, maintaining a predetermined distance from the edge. When the winding path portion, which is substantially parallel to the aperture's edge, reaches a point corresponding to the point where it turns to track the edge, the path turns outward substantially perpendicular to the local edge at the turning point and then follows a short path portion extending perpendicular to the local edge area. After this straight portion extends for a predetermined distance, the electrode path returns to a common, repeating electrode path. That is, it follows an undisturbed path similar to the other paths followed by touch electrodes not proximate the aperture. Each touch electrode path has a shape that matches the undisturbed electrode path pattern to a point a predetermined distance from the edge of the aperture. Where appropriate, this distance is approximately 6 mm from the aperture edge. Where appropriate, this distance is between 3 mm and 7 mm from the edge of the aperture in the aperture.

[0198] The 8 electrodes at the button end terminate to a set of 8 pads (a small FPC tail consisting of a set of copper pads plated with about 8μm + / - 4μm tin to allow the copper wire electrodes to be soldered (laser, hot bar bonding, or hand soldered) and terminated to the pads. These 8 pads are then shorted together in two groups of four. At the other end of the set of 8 electrodes at the perimeter of the touch sensor, the 8 pads are also shorted together in two groups of four using solder to effectively create two thick traces (A and B) that travel to and from the button. The idea of ​​shorting multiple traces is to reduce the overall resistance of the electrodes to and from the button to help drive the electrodes and current to and from the button. The flexible tail at the perimeter of the sensor will then be connected to some controller electrodes that will supply power to and monitor data from the mechanical button. Of course, any desired number of different pads / wires can be utilized depending on the application.

[0199] The flexible pad at the end of the mechanical button is connected to a set of three micro switches within the mechanical button structure. These micro switches are wired in parallel, with electrode connection B terminating at all top ends of the micro switches and connection A connected to all bottom ends of the micro switches. Typically, an external electronic controller will supply voltage (typically 5V) to contact B, and contact A will be at ground potential. Pressing any one of the micro switches will short the voltage between the two contacts to ground, and the physical pressing of the switch will therefore be recorded by the controller electronics, which in turn will generate a button press function within the user GUI interface. There are multiple micro switches (three are shown) around the button to ensure that if the button is moved up and down or to the left or right, a switch activation or multiple activations will be read.

[0200] Figure 5 A grid of intersections of sensor and drive electrodes providing respective capacitive nodes associated with the center of the cell is schematically shown. GB2502601 (the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference) discloses suitable drawing techniques for providing an electrode grid and electrical connecting lines, and aspects of a controller cell usable according to embodiments of the present invention. Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing the components of the touch detector unit 500 is provided in more detail. The touch detector unit 500 is connected to the touch detector unit 500 via a flexible tail connector ( Figure 5 ) is connected to a multi-touch sensing panel 502 including X-plane and Y-plane insulated conductive lines.

[0201] The touch detector unit 500 includes a level generation circuit 503 that generates a voltage pulse signal. This voltage pulse signal is input to a multiplexer 504 connected to the X-plane insulated conductive lines of the multi-touch sensing panel 502 via a flexible tail connector. The multiplexer 504 selects one of the X-plane insulated conductive lines and sends the pulse signal generated by the level generation circuit 503 to the selected X-plane insulated conductive line. The energy from the voltage pulse signal is transferred to the Y-plane insulated conductive lines of the multi-touch sensing panel 502 through capacitive coupling.

[0202] The Y-plane insulated conductive lines are connected to one of multiplexers A, B, or C in multiplexer array 505 via flexible tail connectors. Each multiplexer is connected to a corresponding receiving circuit 506a, 506b, or 506c. While transmitting voltage pulse signals on the X-plane insulated conductive lines, each multiplexer in multiplexer array 505 is arranged to connect each Y-plane insulated conductive line to the receiving circuit 506a, 506b, or 506c to which it is connected. In this way, a complete scan of the multi-touch sensing panel is performed.

[0203] As in Figure 5As shown in more detail in FIG, each receiving circuit 506 includes an amplifier 507, a peak detector 508, peak detector charge and discharge switches 509, 510, and an analog-to-digital converter 511. The process involves measuring the voltage pulse signal on each Y-plane insulated conductive line and outputting it as a digital value to the microprocessor 512. Ultimately, the digital values ​​are sent to the microprocessor 512 for all intersections of the multi-touch sensing panel 502.

[0204] Once all the digital values ​​corresponding to the voltage pulses on each Y-plane insulated conductive line are input to the microprocessor 512, the microprocessor converts these values ​​into a suitable format and then outputs the multi-touch data corresponding to the multiple user touches detected on the multi-touch sensing panel 502 on the output line 513.

[0205] Optionally, before outputting the data to the host computer system, the microprocessor performs further processing to refine the data received from the receiving circuit. For example, the microprocessor may access a memory that stores a current list of excluded cells. This list is set during manufacturing, if appropriate. If the microprocessor determines that a touch is received at a cell whose index is currently listed in the list of excluded cells, the microprocessor ignores this touch and does not indicate a touch. In this way, according to certain embodiments of the present invention, the microprocessor can accommodate the presence of holes within the active area of ​​the multi-touch sensing panel 502. Optionally, the microprocessor may access a virtual field having an area corresponding to the active area of ​​the touch panel. The data for the virtual field is stored in memory and includes one or more exclusion zones corresponding to the locations on the active area of ​​the touch panel where buttons or other user input devices are located. The granularity of the virtual field is high. That is, the virtual field has many identifiable locations, allowing each exclusion zone to be a finely defined shape with any desired contour. The virtual field and the associated exclusion zones are stored in memory 520 associated with the microprocessor and are accessible to the microprocessor. In this way, the microprocessor can determine a possible touch and then compare the possible touch to the forbidden area of ​​the virtual field.If the interpolated touch falls within the forbidden area in the virtual field, the microprocessor ignores this as a possible touch event.

[0206] Figure 6 The help shows cell indices A1...J10 associated with the intersections of drive electrodes 1...10 and sensor electrodes A...J.

[0207] Figure 7 The help shows the cell indices in the area around the circular hole.

[0208] Figure 8Help shows how a virtual field associated with the active area of ​​a touch screen can include a prohibited area (in Figure 8 Two are shown in FIG. ). Each forbidden region corresponds to an area of ​​the touch screen where a user input device is located and cannot provide touch screen input signals. The granularity of the virtual field is high, meaning that the forbidden regions can have a variety of shapes, which can therefore define excluded areas for user input devices of various shapes.

[0209] Mechanical buttons can be of any shape or size. Touch screen electrodes are formed around the shape of the mechanical button cut out in the glass touch sensor to enable touch activation around the mechanical button hole. Figure 9 and Figure 10 , highlighting examples of square and triangular shaped holes for square or triangular mechanical buttons, respectively, and the associated touch electrode and button data / power electrode patterns around these devices.

[0210] Figure 11 A button 160 in the form of a circle is shown mounted to a glass substrate, and the touch sensitive surface 140 of the substrate is shown. Figure 11 The help shows the components of the button in exploded form. The button includes an exterior trim member 1100 surrounding the movable portion of the button. This may be transparent or may be patterned in some way. For example, a mirror-like coating may be applied. A plurality of threaded inserts (in Figure 11 1100. Each threaded insert 1120 is secured to the underside of the exterior fascia member 1100.

[0211] The button body is a user-movable member between the exterior trim member 1100 and the base member. The user-movable member has an upper surface 215 that a user can press to move the body. The body has radially outwardly extending ears 1125 (three shown) that help prevent the button body from falling out of the assembly. The body can be a transparent material and can be manufactured to have a cross-section that provides a lensing effect. This helps manipulate the illumination from the display so that a human observer appears to be seeing the display on or near the top surface area of ​​the button.

[0212] Figure 11 A cross-sectional view of, for example, only the glass substrate is shown, illustrating the shape and location of the through-hole 225. This may have a slightly flattened circumferential edge region at one location. The flattened edge 1130 helps provide a run-off point for the electrodes extending from the substrate above the transparent support.

[0213] A gasket 1140 is provided on the reverse side of the substrate to help prevent the ingress of contaminants and fluids. A set of micro switches 220 (on Figure 11Three micro switches are provided and connected by corresponding wires. The two ends of the internal button wire are located at the break in the circle of the wiring. The two ends are opposite but spaced apart. Their location and purpose are shown in Figure 12 are shown and described in more detail in .

[0214] The button also includes a base and screws (in Figure 11 Six are shown in FIG. 1 . Screws 1150 pass through corresponding openings in base 1160 and engage through through-holes in the base plate into threaded inserts 1120. By tightening the screws, this draws the button assembly together and holds it in place at the through-holes.

[0215] Figure 12 It shows how the three micro switches 220 are interconnected via wires so that if any one of the micro switches changes state due to a push, this will be recognized as a button push and can therefore be used to indicate a user selection. The wire has a conductive core which is Figure 12 The exposed section is exposed at the end 1200 of one of the end wires 1205. The exposed section is fixed to the four pads of the connector and can be used to short these pads together. The remaining end 1210 of the other wire 1215 is also used to short the four pads together to provide a first set A and another set B of contacts. This helps reduce the resistance in the paths of the connector.

[0216] Figure 13 Shows the glass substrate and the button before it is installed Figure 2 The layers shown.

[0217] Various construction techniques may be utilized to provide the touch electrodes and connector electrodes and electrical connections.

[0218] One possible construction process is described below:

[0219] 1. Using a roll lamination process, apply a layer of optically clear PSA (with a protective release liner) to the rear surface of the glass, approximately 4 mm back from the controller connection side edge and slightly overhanging the other three edges.

[0220] 2. Use a razor blade to trim the PSA back to the edge of the glass hole and to the edge of the glass on three sides without stepped PSA.

[0221] 3. On the laminate, position a plastic frame / clamp of the same thickness as the glass on all four sides around the perimeter of the glass. After removing the protective release liner from the first layer of PSA, use a roll lamination process to apply a layer of optically clear film and optically clear PSA (with a protective release liner) over the back surface of the glass / PSA, overhanging the frame / clamp by approximately 100 mm on the controller connection side edge and by approximately 50 mm on the other three edges.

[0222] 4. With the glass laminate and plastic frame / clamp positioned on a line drawing machine with a temporary backing block of the same thickness as the glass installed in the glass hole, secure the plastic clamp / frame to the bed using tape and place the overhanging optically clear film and optically clear PSA

[0223] Secure to the plastic jig / frame. In a single drawing process, lay out the touch sensor electrode wires and button electrical connection wires. The button electrical connection wires extend at one end to a flexible cable connection area outside the touch active area on the approximately 100mm overhanging optically transparent film and optically transparent PSA segment on the controller connection side edge, and at the other end connect to a flexible cable connection area on the optically transparent film and optically transparent PSA on the backing block in the glass hole. The touch sensor electrical connection wires extend to a flexible cable connection area outside the touch active area on the approximately 100mm overhanging optically transparent film and optically transparent PSA segment on the controller connection side edge.

[0224] 5. Lift, trim, and reposition the approximately 100mm overhang of the optically clear film on the controller connection side edge and the cut-away section of the protective release liner at the flexible cable connection area outside the touch-active area on the optically clear PSA segment, exposing the drawn wire connection area. Attach the flexible cable with the tinned pads, aligning the tinned pads with the drawn wire connection area.

[0225] 6. A laser reflow soldering process was used to establish electrical connections between the wires and the flexible cable at the approximately 100mm overhanging optically clear film on the controller connection side edge and the connection area outside the touch active area on the optically clear PSA segment.

[0226] 7. For each glass hole location, cut the film / PSA to form a tab of the desired final length and a few millimeters wider than the final width, and trim the excess film / PSA from the glass hole.

[0227] 8. Lift the protective release liner at the tab location and attach the flexible cable with the tinned pad to the film tab, aligning the tinned pad with the drawn wire connection area. For each glass hole location, cut the film / PSA to form a tab with the desired final length and a few millimeters wider than the final width, and trim the excess film / PSA from the glass hole.

[0228] 9. Lift the protective release liner at the tab location and attach the flexible cable with the tinned pads to the membrane tab, aligning the tinned pads with the drawn wire connection areas.

[0229] 10. Using a roll lamination process, remove the protective release liner and apply an encapsulation layer of optically clear film over the entire glass and overhang film PSA (covering the glass holes and film tabs with flex cables).

[0230] 11. Trim the film around the glass hole and cut the tab to the final width, cutting the film shorter than the tab length to expose a portion of the back (non-tin side) of the flex cable connection area.

[0231] 12. Use a manual reflow soldering process to create electrical connections between the wires on the tab at the hole locations and the flex cable.

[0232] 13. Use a blade to cut the film / PSA /

[0233] The film is trimmed to its final size and trimmed back to the edge of the glass on the other three sides.

[0234] As those skilled in the art will recognize, other methods of construction are possible.

[0235] Figure 14 An example of an apparatus 1400 for releasably mounting a user input device at a touch panel 1405 is shown. The apparatus includes a user input device, such as a user input button 1410, and a mounting collar 1420. The mounting collar may also include upper and lower collar members (not shown).

[0236] The user input button 1410 includes a button housing 1430 and a user movement member 1440. The button housing has an annular body for providing space for the user movement member to respond to input from the user. The button housing 1430 also includes at least one recess 1450 in the outer surface of the button housing. The at least one recess 1450 can provide an aperture through the housing body. Optionally, the user movement member is transparent so that information displayed on a display screen near the touch panel 1405 is visible through the user input button 1410.

[0237] One or more securing elements (not shown) can be partially disposed within the housing body and aligned with at least one recess 1450 such that a portion of the securing element protrudes from the housing body. The securing element is configured to engage with a recess in the mounting collar 1420 to secure the user input button 1410 to the mounting collar 1420.

[0238] Figure 15 An exploded view of an example embodiment of a user input button 1410 is shown. A button housing 1430 is shown in two parts, including a base member 1510 and an exterior trim member 1520. A portion of a recess 1450 in the button housing 1430 is shown in both the exterior trim member 1520 and the base member 1510. When the user input button 1410 is assembled, the portions of the recess 1450 provided in the base member 1510 and the exterior trim member 1520 align to provide a recess through the button housing 1430.

[0239] Plate member 1530 may be disposed between base member 1510 and exterior panel member 1520. Optionally, a gasket may be provided to prevent fluid from entering user input buttons 1410. User input devices provided at gaming machines may be susceptible to damage from spilled beverages. Plate member 1530 may be located on the gasket.

[0240] exist Figure 15 The plate member 1530 in the illustrated example is a printed circuit board that includes one or more switch elements 1540. Alternatively, the switch element 1540 may be disposed on or as part of the base member 1510. The switch element 1540 is positioned so that it can be actuated by the user-movable member 1440. In the illustrated example embodiment, actuation of the switch element 1540 by the user-movable member 1440 is provided by one or more tab elements 1550 of the user-movable member 1440. The user-movable member 1440 responds to input from the user. In the illustrated example embodiment, when the user presses downward on the user-movable member, at least one biasing element 1560 (e.g., a spring) is urged until the tab element 1550 actuates the switch element 1540. When the user then releases the user-movable member, the biasing element 1560 pushes the user-movable member back to a neutral position, disengaging the switch element 1540. One or more recesses may also be provided in the exterior trim member 1520 for positioning the tab element 1550 and aligning the tab element 1550 with the switch element 1540 .

[0241] Figure 16 An exploded view of a mounting collar 1420 at a through-hole in the touch panel 1405 is shown. The touch panel 1405 is shown having tab portions 1610 extending into the through-holes of the touch panel 1405. Each tab portion 1610 includes at least one electrical contact pad connected to an end region of at least one drawn line of the touch panel 1405. The at least one line provides one or more electrical connectors for providing power and / or data to user input buttons. It will be appreciated that multiple through-holes can be provided in the touch panel with corresponding user buttons, with corresponding mounting collars in each user button, etc. The plate member 1530 can also include pins on the lower surface, each pin contacting a corresponding electrical contact pad on each tab portion 1610.

[0242] Mounting collar 1420 includes a lower collar member 1620 and an upper collar member 1630. Optionally, lower collar member 1620 and upper collar member 1630 are made of metal, plastic, ceramic, a composite material, or a combination thereof. Lower collar member 1620 can be positioned adjacent to a through-hole on the lower surface of touch panel 1405. In the illustrated embodiment of mounting collar 1420, lower collar member 1620 includes a plurality of discrete ridges with an arcuate circumference to fit within the inner surface of the through-hole in touch panel 1405. Optionally, the discrete ridges provide a press-fit type of fixation between touch panel 1405 and lower collar member 1620. Alternatively, glue or resin can be added to lower collar member to secure lower collar member 1620 to touch panel 1405. The spaces between the separated ridges of the lower collar member 1620 provide space for the tab portion 1610 when the lower collar member 1620 is secured to the touch panel 1405 .

[0243] Upper collar member 1630 may be located adjacent to the through-hole on the upper surface of touch panel 1405 . Figure 16 The upper collar member 1630 is shown including a slotted portion that provides clearance for access by the user input button to contact the pad on the tab portion 1610. The upper collar member 1630 also includes one or more recesses for securing the user input button 1410 to the mounting collar 1420.

[0244] Figure 17 An exploded view of the apparatus 1400 for releasably mounting user input buttons 1410 to the touch panel 1405 is shown, viewed from the top surface of the touch panel 1405. A fastening element 1710 for retaining the user input buttons 1410 is shown, along with a securing element 1720 for releasably securing the user input buttons 1410 to the mounting collar 1420. Optionally, a disc member 1730 is disposed in the center of the upper collar member. The disc member helps prevent fluid from entering the gaming machine via the user input buttons 1410 and helps prevent components that may become loose from the user input buttons 1410 from falling through the through-holes of the touch panel 1405.

[0245] Figure 18Shown are A) a top view of a user input button 1410 at a touch panel 1405; B) an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the user input button 1410 secured to a mounting collar 1420 at the touch panel 1405; C) a cross-sectional view of the user input button secured to the mounting collar 1420 at the touch panel 1405; and D) a cross-sectional view of the user input button secured to the mounting collar 1420 at the touch panel 1405, including a cross-sectional view of at least one hand tool member for releasably mounting the user input button 1410 to the mounting collar 1420. The top view (A) shows at least one switch element 1540 in the user input button and at least one recess 1450 in the button housing. The at least one recess 1450 is configured to receive an elongated pin member of the hand tool member.

[0246] Cross-sectional view (B) shows the securing element 1810 partially disposed within the user input button 1410. Another portion of the securing element 1810 is located in a recess of the mounting collar 1420, thereby securing the user input button 1410 to the mounting collar 1420.

[0247] Cross-sectional view (C) shows the user input button 1410 fixed to the mounting collar 1420 by at least two fixing elements arranged opposite to each other across the through-hole of the touch panel 1405. In the exemplary embodiment, four fixing elements 1810 and recesses 1450 are arranged in the user input button 1410. Alternatively, a fewer or greater number of fixing elements 1810 and recesses 1450 may be provided in the user input button 1410.

[0248] Cross-sectional view (D) shows the user input button 1410 being installed to or released from the mounting collar 1420 using at least one manual tool member 1820 . Figure 18 The illustrated example of a manual tool assembly 1820 includes at least one elongated pin element. In the illustrated example, each tool carries two substantially parallel, spaced-apart pins. The at least one elongated pin element is inserted into the recess 1450 of the user input button 1410. Once inserted, the elongated pin element urges another portion of the securing element 1810 from the recess of the mounting collar 1420. By moving the other portion of the securing element 1810 from the recess of the mounting collar 1420, the user input button is released and can thus be removed from the mounting collar 1420.

[0249] Similarly, the user input button 1410 can be mounted to the mounting collar 1420 to move the securing element 1810 by positioning the user input button 1410 on the mounting collar 1420 with the manual tool member 1820, thereby positioning and securing the securing element 1810 in the recess of the mounting collar 1420 when the elongated pin member of the manual tool member 1820 is removed from the recess of the user input button 1410. The securing element 1810 includes a hooked end that is offset toward the radially outer edge of the user input button 1410. Moving the securing element 1810 with the pin of the manual tool member 1820 pushes the securing element radially inward toward the center of the user input button 1410. This movement allows the hooked end of the securing element to be removed from the recess in the upper collar member. Once the user input button 1410 is positioned on the upper collar member, removal of the pin and manual tool member 1820 allows the biased hooked end to return to the neutral position, thereby positioning the hooked end of the securing element 1810 into the recess of the upper collar member.

[0250] Figure 19 Two manual tool members 1820 are shown. Each manual tool member 1820 includes a handle portion that can be grasped by a user and at least one elongated pin element 1910. In the example shown, each handle supports two elongated pin elements 1910. The handle portion can be positioned offset or angled relative to the elongated pin elements 1910 to provide clearance between the handle portion and the touch panel 1405 during operation. In the example scenario shown, the two manual tool members 1820 are used to releasably mount the user input button 1410 at the touch panel 1405.

[0251] Figure 20 A schematic diagram of an example circuit for user input button 1410 is shown. The schematic diagram illustrates how switch element 1540 is connected to an electrical contact pad (tab portion 1610), which in turn is connected to the end region of electrode 2000 of the touch panel. When user input button 1410 is secured to mounting collar 1420, conductive element 2010 makes electrical contact with tab portion 1610. In the example embodiment, three switches are shown. Alternatively, more or fewer than three switches may be used.

[0252] Figure 21 There is shown a combined user input button and electronic device 2100. In the example shown, a plurality of LEDs are provided in the housing of the user input button. Figure 21 A transparent moving member is also shown to allow information displayed on the display screen below the buttons and touch panel to be visible to the user.

[0253] Figure 22An exploded view of a combined device 2100 of user input buttons and an electronic device at corresponding through-holes in a touch panel 2205 is shown. Combined device 2100 includes an exterior trim member 2210 and a base member 2220. A recess is provided in the top surface of the exterior trim member body. At least one switch element 2230 may be located on the base member. Base member 2220 and switch element 2230 are shown arranged adjacent to the through-holes on the lower surface of touch panel 2205. Base member 2220 includes at least one ridge configured to provide a press fit with the inner surface of the through-holes in touch panel 2205. A user movement member 2240 is disposed between switch element 2230 and exterior trim member 2210. The user movement member includes at least one tab member for actuating switch element 2230.

[0254] At least one electronic device 2250 may be disposed in a recess in the top surface of the body of the exterior panel member 2210. Figure 22 In the example shown, a printed circuit board (PCB) including at least one addressable RGB LED (in the form of a ring of LEDs) is positioned in a recessed portion of the exterior trim member 2210. A cover member 2260 is disposed on the top surface of the exterior trim member 2210. The cover member 2260 can be transparent. Alternatively, the cover member 2260 can be a diffuser. Fasteners are provided through the base member 2220 from the underside of the touch panel to hold the combined device 2100 together and secure the combined device 2100 to the touch panel 2205.

[0255] Power and / or data are provided to the combination device 2100 via electrodes in the touch panel 2205 connected to electrical contact pads 2270 extending into through-holes in the touch panel 2205. Each electrical contact pad 2270 can be connected to the end region of multiple electrodes in the touch panel. By connecting multiple electrodes to each contact pad, the current required to power the combination device 2100 can be distributed across the multiple electrodes. This is advantageous because thin wires can still be used in the touch panel to provide power and / or data, giving the combination device 2100 the appearance of floating.

[0256] Figure 23 A schematic diagram of an example circuit for providing power and / or data to the combination device 2100 via the electrodes of the touch panel 2205 is shown. Power and / or data is provided from an external device to the electrical contact strips 2305 at the touch panel via a flexible tail connector. Examples of external devices include a power supply, a signal modulator, or a touch controller, or the like.

[0257] A plurality of discrete electrodes 2310 may be provided in the touch panel to connect each electrical contact strip 2305 to a corresponding electrical contact pad 2270 at a through hole of the touch panel 2205, thereby enabling power to be supplied to the combined device 2100. For example, in order to provide sufficient power to the LEDs of the combined device 2100, the supply current needs to be distributed over a plurality of electrodes. Figure 23 In the example shown, ten electrodes are provided for providing power and / or data to the touch panel. For electrical contact pads 2270 provided for receiving user input from the switch element 2230 or transmitting data to the combination device 2100, only one electrode 2310 in the touch panel may be required between the electrical contact pads 2270 and the corresponding electrical contact strips 2305.

[0258] Figure 24 Another example of providing power and / or data to an electronic device on the surface of a touch panel 2405 is shown. The electronic device shown in the embodiment includes a printed circuit board (PCB) 2410 that includes a plurality of addressable RBG LEDs arranged in an arc. Other arrangements of LEDs and different electronic devices can optionally be integrated on the surface of the touch panel 2405. The PCB 2410 includes a plurality of electrical contacts soldered to electrical contact pads 2420 in the touch panel, each electrical contact being connected to an end region of at least one electrode 2430 in the touch panel for receiving power and / or data via the electrode 2430 in the touch panel. Figure 24 Three spaced-apart arcs with different numbers of LEDs are shown in FIG.

[0259] A distal end region of at least one electrode 2430 is connected to at least one electrical contact bar 2440. The electrical contact bar 2440 provides power and / or data from an external device to the electronic devices on the touch panel via the electrodes 2430 in the touch panel.

[0260] Figure 25 An example electrical contact pad or strip 2510 of the above-described embodiment is shown. The electrical contact pad or strip 2510 can be made of at least one tinned copper trace on a polyimide backing, with the end portion folded back on itself. The electrical contact pad or strip 2510 can be disposed on the same adhesive layer as the electrodes of the touch panel 2520 described in the embodiments disclosed above. A polyester layer 2530 can be disposed over the adhesive layer and the electrical contact pad or strip 2510. Folding back the end portion of the electrical contact pad or strip 2510 of this embodiment ensures that the tinned portion of the electrical contact pad abuts the polyester layer 2530. Connecting an electronic device to the electrical contact pad or strip 2510 requires soldering 2540 or other electrical connection processes, such as reflow soldering or welding, to remove portions of the polyester layer adjacent to the electrical contact pad or strip 2510.

[0261] Figure 26 An example of a gaming machine 2600 including a touch panel 2605 and at least one combination device 2100 provided at the touch panel 2605 is shown. Optionally, multiple combination devices, user input devices, electronic devices, or a combination thereof may be provided at the touch panel 2605. Optionally, multiple devices may be arranged at the touch panel 2605 of the gaming machine 2600 to allow multiple users to use the gaming machine 2600 simultaneously. Optionally, the gaming machine 2600 is an information console. For example, the gaming machine may be configured to receive information about user preferences via the touch panel 2605 and at least one combination device 2100. The two combination devices may be arranged at the touch panel 2605. Figure 26 , with the devices located at opposite ends of a central touch-sensitive area where images are displayed as part of a game.

[0262] Figure 27 Another example embodiment of a gaming machine 2700 is shown, including at least one touch panel 2705 in a first area of ​​the gaming machine 2700. Optionally, another touch panel 2710 may be provided in another area of ​​the gaming machine 2700. In the example embodiment shown, the combination device 2100 is shown at the at least one touch panel 2705. Alternatively, other types of combination devices, user input devices, and electronic devices, or combinations thereof, may be provided at the at least one touch panel 2705. An electronic device, such as an LED 2310, may be provided at the other touch panel 2710. Alternatively, other types of electronic devices, user input devices, and combination devices, or combinations thereof, may be provided at the other touch panel 2710. The gaming machine 2700 may also include other electronic devices in yet other areas of the gaming machine 2700, such as lighting devices 2720, speakers, haptics, and NFC devices. Optionally, the gaming machine 2700 is a kiosk or terminal that users can use to access information or make purchases at a store.

[0263] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "include" and their variations mean "including but not limited to", and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other parts, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural, unless the context requires otherwise. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, this specification should be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0264] Features, integers, characteristics or combinations described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) and / or all steps of any method or process so disclosed may be combined in any combination, except where at least some of the features and / or steps are mutually exclusive combinations. The invention is not limited to any details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) or to any novel step or any novel combination of steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0265] The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which were filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a touch panel for a touch screen, comprising the following steps: drawing at least one line in a predetermined pattern on an adhesive layer over a transparent substrate including at least one through-hole, the line having a diameter region of 4 to 40 micrometers, the line including a first portion extending over the substrate and another portion extending over a region of a transparent support portion, the transparent support portion extending over at least one region of the through-hole; providing a touch electrode for a touch panel of a touch screen via the first portion of the drawn line; as well as A plurality of electrical connectors are provided for user input devices fixed at the through holes via the other portion of the drawn line.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: providing the transparent support portion by providing a transparent film on the adhesive layer on the first surface of the substrate; thereby The transparent film has a corresponding film aperture substantially aligned with each through-hole in the substrate and a remaining tail region extending beyond the region of the through-hole.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising: A flexible connector strip including a plurality of first electrically conductive pads is secured to the electrical connectors such that each pad is electrically connected to a respective one of the electrical connectors.

4. The method according to claim 3, further comprising: A plurality of additional conductive pads of the connector strip are secured to corresponding electrical contacts of the user input device, each additional conductive pad being connected to a corresponding one of the first conductive pads.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising: The lines are drawn in a pattern such that lines providing touch electrodes are interwoven with lines providing electrical connectors.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising: The lines are drawn in a pattern such that at each intersection, a line providing a touch electrode crosses a line providing an electrical connector substantially orthogonally.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising: The transparent substrate is provided by providing a glass substrate comprising at least one pre-cut through hole.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising: The lines are drawn in a pattern such that the lines of the further portion follow a generally sinusoidal path or a maze-like path.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising: The step of providing touch electrodes includes cutting previously drawn lines at a plurality of locations, thereby providing a plurality of X and Y touch electrodes.

10. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, whereby the step of providing an electrical connector comprises cutting a previously drawn line at a plurality of locations to provide a plurality of lines of different lengths extending from an edge region of the substrate to a position above the transparent support within an imaginary boundary associated with an edge of a through hole in the substrate.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising: A user input device is provided at the through-hole by fixing a mechanical button or a joystick to the substrate at the through-hole, whereby at least one contact switch of the user input device is electrically connected to at least one electrical connector provided via the other portion of the drawn line.

12. A touch panel for a touch screen, comprising: a plurality of touch electrodes provided by cutting segments of at least one line drawn on an adhesive layer over a transparent substrate including at least one through-hole; a plurality of electrical connectors provided via cut segments of at least one line drawn on the layer, wherein the at least one line has a diameter region of 4 to 40 micrometers; as well as At least one user input device is each fixed at a corresponding through hole in the substrate, wherein each user input device includes at least one switch element electrically connected to at least one of the electrical connectors.

13. The touch panel according to claim 12, further comprising: The touch electrodes include a first set of electrodes extending across an area of ​​the substrate following a constant repeating path, and another set of electrodes extending across the substrate following the same constant repeating path for a portion of the length of the other set of electrodes, but including a modified path around the edge of the through-hole near the through-hole.

14. The touch panel according to any one of claims 12 to 13, further comprising: The electrical connector includes a drawn line segment extending across an edge of a through hole in the substrate on the adhesive and beyond an area of ​​the adhesive layer above an area of ​​the transparent support.

15. The touch panel according to claim 14, further comprising: Each electrical connector includes at least one end portion of one or more segments of drawn wire that are electrically connected to pads of the flexible connector strip.

16. The touch panel according to any one of claims 12 to 13, further comprising: A touch controller unit is connected to the end regions of the touch electrodes and the end regions of the electrical connector via corresponding connection elements at an edge region of the substrate.

17. The touch panel according to any one of claims 12 to 13, further comprising: a user input device at each through-hole in the substrate, each user input device comprising an exterior panel member at a touch surface of the substrate, a base member spaced apart from but secured to the exterior panel member, and a user moving member between the exterior panel member and the base member when the user moving member is movable by a hand of a user touching the panel; as well as At least one switch element having a state selectable by movement of a user movable member, the at least one switch element being in electrical communication with a controller of the touch panel via at least one electrical connector.

18. The touch panel according to any one of claims 12 to 13, further comprising: The touch panel is arranged to sense touch via an active area of ​​the touch panel and is arranged to also sense user input via movement of a user input device indicative of a user selection.

19. A touch screen comprising: monitor; as well as A touch panel according to any one of claims 12 to 18.

20. A gaming machine, electronic game, information kiosk, ATM or digital signage comprising the touch screen according to claim 19.

21. A user input button for a touch panel, the touch panel comprising a transparent substrate, the transparent substrate comprising at least one through hole, the user input button comprising: Exterior panel components; base member; a user movement member between the exterior panel member and the base member; at least one switch element having a state selectable by movement of the user-movable member; as well as a flexible connector strip comprising a first plurality of contact pads at a distal end of the flexible connector strip connected to an electrical connector provided via lines drawn on the adhesive layer of the touch panel, and further contact pads in respective electrical communication with the first contact pads connected to lines extending through the user input button to connect the switch element to the electrical connector, The wires have a diameter in the range of 4 to 40 micrometers.

22. The user input button of claim 21, wherein: The user movement member is a button member made of a transparent material.

23. The user input button of claim 22, wherein: The button member is glass or plastic and has a cross-section that provides a lensing effect.

Images