Configuration recognized by a touch-sensitive sensor matrix

Abstract

The invention relates to a construct (10, 11) for detection by a touch-sensitive sensor matrix (40), comprising: - an electrically conductive structure (12), wherein the electrically conductive structure (12) comprises a ring-shaped touch surface (13) and a marking (15, 16, 17); and - an electrically insulating substrate material (14), the electrically conductive structure (12) being attached to the electrically insulating substrate material (14) or the electrically conductive structure (12) being embedded in the electrically insulating substrate material (14). The invention further relates to a method for detecting a construct (10, 11) on a touch-sensitive sensor matrix, a method for manufacturing the construct (10, 11), a set of constructs and a system comprising the construct (10, 11).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a configuration detectable by a touch-sensing sensor matrix, such as a touch-sensing screen. The configuration includes a conductive structure and an electrically insulating substrate material, the conductive structure being disposed on or embedded in the electrically insulating substrate material. Furthermore, the invention includes a set of such configurations, a method of manufacturing the configuration, a system including the configuration and a control processing unit, and a method of identifying the configuration on a touch-sensing sensor matrix or a touch-sensing screen. Background Technology

[0002] Today, touchscreens are used in various fields. They are found in devices such as smartphones, tablets, and various types of machines. One advantage of these touchscreens is that they allow for input and output through the screen. Touchscreens are typically able to detect the location of a finger touching the screen.

[0003] Many touch-sensitive screens use capacitive touchscreens. In these cases, two transparent wire grids are typically placed within the glass, arranged orthogonally to each other. The upper wire grid continuously sends electrical signals to the lower wire grid. When a finger touches the screen, the capacitance of the insulating layer between the two transparent wire grids changes, and the signal at that point weakens. The processor then calculates the location of the signal drop and passes that location and the duration of the touch to the software on the device. The software then responds to the touch by performing a corresponding action.

[0004] These capacitive touchscreens can typically detect a large number of touches simultaneously (multi-touch displays), and they are not usually designed to detect objects placed on the touchscreen. Instead, such systems typically include filters to actively filter out touch data triggered by these objects.

[0005] The literature presents various active and passive input units that can be detected by a touch-sensitive screen, or methods for detecting passive input units via a touch-sensitive screen. For example, US 2010 / 0149119 A1 relates to an information processing device for monitoring capacitance changes in a capacitive touchscreen. These capacitance changes are caused by a conductive material that may encode pattern information, such as a two-dimensional (QR) code.

[0006] For smooth operation of a touch-sensitive screen using an input unit, at least one, at least two, or at least more of the following conditions must be met:

[0007] 1. Regardless of whether multiple input units are touched by the user, and regardless of the position and orientation of these input units on the touch-sensitive screen, it should be possible to determine whether these input units are currently on the touch-sensitive screen.

[0008] 2. Each input unit should be uniquely identifiable.

[0009] 3. The exact position and / or orientation of the input unit or multiple input units on the touch screen should be determinable.

[0010] 4. Changes in the position and orientation of rapidly moving input units should be detectable and without noticeable delay.

[0011] It has been found that many systems shown in the prior art fail to satisfactorily meet at least one, more than one, or all of these four conditions.

[0012] In some embodiments of touch-sensitive screens, the screen is provided with multiple rows and columns of electrode lines, each row including a control line and each column including a readout line. Using this so-called sensor matrix, capacitance can be measured by sequentially exciting each control line with an electrical pulse and measuring the response on each readout line. This measurement method is commonly referred to as mutual capacitance measurement. These corresponding sensors are often called mutually projective capacitive touch (mPCAP) sensors. The purpose of counter capacitance measurement is to measure the change in capacitance between the control line and the readout line, which can indicate the presence and extent of a touch. However, the charge generated by a touch that is not fully grounded may transfer from the control line to the readout line instead of completely to ground, which can distort the measurement signal. This effect is referred to in the literature as retransmission. Retransmission can even occur when two fingers are placed down.

[0013] Retransmissions in touch-sensitive screens can have several effects. First, retransmissions may cause the touch sensor control unit to interpret a single large touch as multiple touches. Second, retransmissions may reduce the amplitude of the touch signal, thereby reducing the accuracy of touch position estimation. For example, the touch sensor control unit may misinterpret a touch in the upper left part of the touch-sensitive screen as a touch in the upper center part of the touch-sensitive screen. Third, retransmissions may reduce the value of the touch amplitude in a way that produces a so-called "anti-touch" with a negative amplitude.

[0014] In literature and existing technology, these retransmission effects are mostly considered detrimental. For example, the published text US 9335 873 B2 attempts to offset the aforementioned retransmission effects.

[0015] Retransmission is described in more detail in Chapters 17 and 18 of "Projected Capacitive Touch - a practical guide for engineers" by Tony Gray, Springer 2019, ISBN 978-3-319-98391-2. Summary of the Invention

[0016] The object of this invention is to provide a structure that can be reliably detected and identified by a touch-sensing sensor matrix. Another object of this invention is to provide a method for detecting structures on a touch-sensing sensor matrix, which at least partially overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0017] The above-mentioned objectives are achieved through a construction, a set of constructions, and a system including a construction and control processing unit. Furthermore, a method for manufacturing a construction and a method for identifying a construction on a touch-sensitive screen are proposed. Further embodiments are derived from the features of the dependent claims and from the description and drawings.

[0018] According to the present invention, a structure for detection by a touch sensing sensor matrix is ​​provided, the structure comprising:

[0019] - At least one conductive structure, said conductive structure having an annular touch surface (annular contact surface) and at least one identifier, and

[0020] - An electrically insulating substrate material, wherein the conductive structure is disposed on or embedded in the electrically insulating substrate material.

[0021] In particular, the conductive structure is designed to cause a capacitance change when the structure is placed on a touch-sensitive sensor matrix, which is detected by multiple capacitive sensors in the touch-sensitive sensor matrix as sensor data, especially when the user is not touching the structure. In many cases, multiple touch-sensitive sensors are provided arranged adjacent to each other, which may also be referred to as a sensor layout or sensor matrix. Input can then be made, for example, by placing the structure on the sensor matrix or by touching the sensor matrix with the structure. Additionally, if output to the user is also required, an output unit such as a display screen can be provided. The sensor matrix may be a component of a touch-sensitive screen, which typically allows output through a display screen. However, output through the display screen is not mandatory. It is also conceivable to provide different types of feedback to the user, such as different visual, auditory, or tactile feedback. Since touch-sensitive screens are frequently used in practice, the term is frequently used in the following text. As used herein, the terms "touch-sensitive sensor matrix" and "touch-sensitive screen" are used interchangeably. In some embodiments, the sensor matrix is ​​rectangular. The sensor matrix may consist of M columns and N rows, in which case the number of sensors is M*N.

[0022] Conductive material (also known as electrically conductive material) located on the sensor matrix or touch-sensitive screen and extending across the multiple electrode lines (or wires) of the sensor matrix may capacitively couple with other grounded electrode lines (especially horizontal electrode lines). These cause signal changes similar to those of a finger. However, they have a lower signal-to-noise ratio, typically 1:3 to 1:20, due to the need to overcome the sensor glass of the touch-sensitive screen twice. The signal from the control line must cross the sensor glass once at the control line and once at the readout line. The sensor matrix may include multiple touch-sensitive capacitive sensors. Furthermore, the sensor matrix may be designed to detect multiple touches simultaneously (“multi-touch”).

[0023] The inventors have realized that the aforementioned retransmission effect can be used to provide improved detection or recognition of this structure. In fact, the same retransmission phenomenon can occur in conductive structures, triggering characteristic signals in a touch-sensitive sensor matrix or touch-sensitive screen. When the conductive structure is touched, the opposite signal triggered by the retransmission is weaker than the positive signal at the intersection of the electrode leads, which is covered by the conductive material of the conductive structure. If the conductive pattern is not touched, the strengths of the two signals are approximately equal because both signals must pass through the sensor glass (glass plate) of the touch-sensitive screen twice. The conductive structure can cause a rectangular shape when placed parallel to the sensor matrix, and all signals cancel each other out when there is no other capacitive coupling to ground (e.g., through a person).

[0024] Therefore, this conductive structure can induce characteristic capacitance patterns in a touch-sensitive screen.

[0025] The inventors have recognized that two conditions must be met: firstly, the conductive structure of the configuration must be reliably detected by a sensor matrix or touchscreen; secondly, the conductive structure must be identifiable. Identifying the conductive structure is particularly important when multiple conductive structures may be used or placed on a sensor matrix or touchscreen.

[0026] First, the range of variation of the multiple capacitance images triggered by the conductive structure should be as independent as possible of the orientation of the conductive structure relative to the sensor matrix, i.e., the rotation angle. This region can be used for coarse detection of the structure and / or positioning of the structure on the touch-sensitive screen.

[0027] Furthermore, the orientation of the conductive structure should be distinguishable. Other areas of the conductive structure should also change in a manner that does not resemble other variations of the conductive structure when the conductive structure is rotated, so that the conductive structure remains distinguishable regardless of its orientation on the touch-sensitive screen, even when rotated.

[0028] The first condition can be guaranteed by the aforementioned annular touch surface of the construction. This annular touch surface facilitates obtaining the position of the construction on the touch-sensitive screen (e.g., through thresholding, contour detection, template matching, and / or time variation) because a characteristic touch pattern is created within a square surrounding the annular touch surface of the sensor matrix and outside the annular touch surface; or, a characteristic touch pattern is created in a region inside the annular touch surface, which is independent or relatively less dependent on the orientation or rotation angle of the construction relative to the sensor matrix. The annular touch surface can be designed such that, for example, one or more negative signals are triggered in the sensor matrix at the center of the annular touch surface, where no conductive material is present. An imaginary square region of the sensor matrix with a width or length corresponding to the diameter of the annular touch surface can be defined. When the construction touches (contacts) the sensor matrix, the imaginary square surface can be located around the annular touch surface, such that the imaginary square surface surrounds the annular touch surface. The corners of the square surface are located outside the annular touch surface. At at least one or all corners of the square region, a negative signal can be triggered in the sensor matrix via the annular touch surface. The center of the annular touch surface and the corners of the square region are independent of the orientation of the structure on the sensor matrix. Therefore, these orientation-independent characteristic signals can be used to detect the position of the structure on the sensor matrix.

[0029] This second condition can be satisfied by the marking on the conductive structure. Therefore, the marking can be used to determine the orientation of the structure on the touch-sensitive screen. Furthermore, the marking can be configured to distinguish the conductive structure from other conductive structures, thus, in particular, distinguishing the structure from structures with different markings.

[0030] In one embodiment, the mark includes, or is at least one additional touch surface (touch surface). Therefore, in addition to a ring-shaped touch surface, a mark designed as a touch surface can be provided. This additional touch surface can, in particular, be electrically connected to the ring-shaped touch surface. This can increase signal strength or improve the signal-to-noise ratio.

[0031] The additional touch surface can be disposed, for example, inside the annular touch surface. Specifically, when multiple configurations are used, the outline of the conductive structure can be identical for each configuration. In this embodiment, the touch-sensitive screen can relatively quickly identify a pre-known configuration based on the outline of the conductive structure. This configuration can then be distinguished from other configurations by a provided marker (configuration identification), which is preferably located inside or within the annular touch surface.

[0032] For example, the marker includes at least two touch surfaces. By providing at least two touch surfaces, the number of distinguishable features can be increased. The at least two touch surfaces can be arranged at an angle to each other. An exemplary marker includes a first touch surface and a second touch surface. A first imaginary straight line passes through the center of the annular touch surface and the centroid of the first touch surface. A second imaginary straight line passes through the center of the annular touch surface and the centroid of the second touch surface. In particular, the first and second straight lines can form an angle of less than 180° and / or greater than 0°. The central angle between the first and second touch surfaces on the annular touch surface can be greater than 10° and / or less than 180°. In particular, angles greater than 20° are considered, as smaller angles may make these touch surfaces difficult to distinguish. The circumferential distance between the first and second touch surfaces on the annular touch surface is preferably greater than 5 mm. The circumferential distance between the first and second touch surfaces on the annular touch surface can be greater than the distance between adjacent sensors in a sensor matrix. Typically, the distance between adjacent sensors in a sensor matrix is ​​greater than 5 mm, for example, 7 mm.

[0033] The marker may include at least two touch surfaces of different sizes and / or two touch surfaces of different shapes. In this case, the shape is considered constant if the ratio of the width to the length of the touch surface remains the same as the touch area increases or decreases. Therefore, the touch surfaces of the marker may have different sizes when they are the same shape, and / or different shapes when they are the same size.

[0034] At least one touch surface may be adjacent to an annular touch surface. It may be specified that the boundary of the touch surface of the mark is defined by the arc of the annular touch surface.

[0035] Typically, within the annular touch surface, the ratio of conductive area to non-conductive area is less than 0.8, particularly less than 0.6, and preferably less than 0.3. This simplifies the touch-sensitive screen's recognition of markings. In fact, for example, if this ratio is greater than 0.8 for both different constructions, the markings in the two constructions may not be distinguishable, and the constructions themselves may not be indistinguishable from one another.

[0036] The outer diameter of the annular touch surface is preferably matched to the spacing of the sensor wires (electrode lead spacing) in the touch-sensitive screen. This outer diameter should be slightly larger than the sensor wire spacing. For most touch-sensitive screens, the sensor wire spacing is set in such a way that a fingertip with a width of approximately 10 mm can be reliably detected. Most capacitive touch-sensitive screens have multiple sensor wires spaced approximately 5 mm to 8 mm (e.g., 7 mm). Therefore, the outer diameter of the annular touch surface can, for example, be at least 10 mm. There is no maximum limit to the maximum value of this outer diameter, but it should be smaller than the lateral or longitudinal dimensions of the touch-sensitive screen. The width of the annular touch surface can be smaller than the maximum extent of at least one marked touch surface. Furthermore, the diameter of the area enclosed by the annular touch surface can be at least 7 mm, preferably at least 10 mm or at least 20 mm. Except for any markings present in the form of a touch surface, the annular touch surface is annular.

[0037] As described above, this mark can be configured to disrupt the rotational symmetry of a toroidal touch surface or conductive structure. Whether it's a toroidal touch surface or, in some embodiments, a conductive structure, the mark results in no rotational symmetry axis and / or at most a C0. S Symmetry (mirror symmetry) means that the two-dimensional touch pattern of the conductive structure does not have rotational symmetry. Mirror symmetry makes it very easy to detect the mirror axis, thus detecting the position of the conductive structure in a direction perpendicular to the mirror axis. When mirror symmetry exists, machine learning can be simplified and accelerated.

[0038] The marking can also be formed by the annular width of the annular touch surface (i.e., the difference between the outer radius and the inner radius). In this case, the annular touch surface can be identified by its annular width and distinguished from other annular touch surfaces. The annular width should be at least 2 mm, and / or, the annular width can be up to 50% of the outer diameter of the annular touch surface, preferably up to 20% of the outer diameter. In some embodiments, the annular width does not exceed half of the outer diameter minus 5 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the marking can be given by the diameter of the annular touch surface. In this case, the annular touch surface can be identified by its diameter and distinguished from other annular touch surfaces. The diameter here should be at least 10 mm. In practice, the size of the sensor matrix is ​​typically the upper limit of the aforementioned diameter.

[0039] The marking may include, or can be, an opening in a ring-shaped touch surface, as a substitute for or supplement to the aforementioned touch surface. In this case, the ring-shaped touch surface may be C-shaped or horseshoe-shaped. The opening may, for example, have an opening angle of at least 5°, and / or at least 10°, and / or at least 20°, and / or at least 30°. The opening may have an opening angle of up to 150°, and / or up to 120°, and / or up to 90°, and / or up to 60°, and / or up to 45°, and / or up to 40°, and / or up to 35°. The size of the opening angle can be selected based on the sensitivity of the touch-sensitive screen. The maximum value of the opening angle is to ensure that the ring-shaped touch surface can still be recognized. The minimum value of the opening angle depends on the sensitivity of the sensor matrix, such as the spacing between the sensor wires of the sensor matrix.

[0040] To increase the number of identifiable structures, at least two of the above-mentioned markers can be combined. Here, one of these markers can be set to determine the orientation of the conductive structure on the touch-sensitive screen, while the other marker can be set to distinguish that structure from other structures.

[0041] Furthermore, multiple conductive structures can be provided, each having an annular touch surface and at least one mark. Therefore, in this case, the configuration includes at least two annular touch surfaces and at least two marks. The number of marks is preferably greater than or equal to the number of conductive structures or the number of annular touch surfaces. Specifically, each conductive structure can be associated with at least one mark. Furthermore, each pair of conductive structures can have another mark associated with it.

[0042] If the construct has at least two conductive structures, at least one additional marker can be provided, characterized by the distance and / or orientation (rotation angle) of the at least two conductive structures relative to each other. In one embodiment, the at least two conductive structures are identical in shape and / or size. This can significantly reduce the amount of data required for machine learning, as only a few shapes of conductive structures need to be learned, and the different combinations of markers result in a large number of distinguishable objects. For example, two identical C-shaped touch surfaces can be provided, differing in shape and size. The rotation angle of these two C-shaped touch surfaces relative to each other can be used as a marker to distinguish this construct from others.

[0043] The conductive structure can be a substantially flat two-dimensional structure. In other words, the thickness of the conductive structure can be at least 10 times smaller than its length and / or width. This thickness depends particularly on the material used. If paint, ink, or varnish is used as the conductive structure, the typical thickness is approximately at least 0.01 mm and / or at most 0.1 mm. If ITO material is used, the thickness of the conductive structure can be considered to be at least 5 nm and / or at most 500 nm.

[0044] The conductive structure may include, or may be, a conductive paint or conductive varnish. For example, the conductive structure may be screen-printed onto a substrate material.

[0045] In one embodiment, the structure, and / or conductive structure, and / or substrate material has a transmittance of at least 75% in the visible wavelength range of 400 nm to 700 nm. Typically, this transmittance is at least 80%, and more particularly at least 85%.

[0046] In another embodiment, the conductive structure may particularly include, or be, indium tin oxide (ITO). ITO typically has a transmittance in the range of 80% to about 90%. ITO can be used as a plastic film that is conductive on one side and electrically insulating on the other. For example, ITO can be processed using a laser cutting machine.

[0047] In other embodiments, the conductive structure may include, for example, a metal foil or sheet, which may be particularly thin. Suitable conductive materials are, for example, copper, aluminum, or stainless steel.

[0048] The conductive structure can be printed, glued, or otherwise disposed onto the substrate material. The conductive structure can, for example, be tangibly, and securely and / or movably bonded to the substrate material.

[0049] The substrate material may include plastic or a polymeric material. Substrate materials include, for example, polymeric materials such as PET, polyacrylate, or polycarbonate. The choice of substrate material may depend on the material of the conductive structure. For example, if a conductive coating that cures at 60°C to 100°C is used, the substrate material must be able to withstand this temperature. For example, polycarbonate remains chemically stable at 60°C. Other materials such as textiles, paper, or cardboard are also possible substrate materials.

[0050] This structure can have a protective layer covering both the conductive material and the substrate material. The thickness of the protective layer should be chosen such that the conductive structure can still be detected through it. Alternatively, the substrate material can be designed as the protective layer.

[0051] The component may include a fastener configured to secure the construction to another element outside the construction. The fastener may, for example, be located on the side of the construction opposite the conductive structure. The fastener may also be located on the side of the conductive structure, for example, if the substrate material is designed as a protective layer. Therefore, the substrate material may be located either on the bottom or top surface of the construction. The bottom surface is typically used for contact sensor matrices / touchscreens. The bottom surface of the construction is generally substantially flat, i.e., a two-dimensional structure with essentially no large bumps or depressions. In one embodiment, the construction has an adhesive layer as a fastener.

[0052] The above-described structures can be produced, for example, by the following methods.

[0053] The method for creating this structure includes the following steps:

[0054] -Provide electrically insulating substrate materials

[0055] - Apply a conductive material to or into the substrate material.

[0056] - Form a conductive structure

[0057] - This structure is formed.

[0058] In an advantageous embodiment, the conductive material is a conductive paint or conductive varnish. In this case, the conductive material can be applied to the substrate material, for example, by screen printing. It is conceivable to use a material suitable for screen printing processes as the substrate material. When using a conductive coating agent such as paint or varnish, the conductive coating agent can be applied to the substrate material by roller coating, brush coating, and / or spray coating.

[0059] Alternatively, the conductive material can be applied as a layer or as a pre-formed layer onto the substrate material, for example, partially or completely covering the substrate material. The conductive structure can be formed by removing, particularly by scraping or laser cutting, a portion of the conductive layer. This conductive layer can be formed from ITO (see above).

[0060] Alternatively, a conductive layer, or conductive structure or conductive material is bonded to the substrate material.

[0061] For example, conductive structures can be tangibly, firmly, and / or dynamically bonded to the substrate material.

[0062] Furthermore, the present invention proposes a set of configurations. Each configuration in this set has a conductive structure of a different design. For example, each conductive structure has a differently configured marking and an identical annular touch surface. In one embodiment, the contour or boundary of each conductive structure in the set is identical, and this contour or boundary can be formed, in particular, by the contour or boundary of the annular touch surface. Different markings can then be provided within the annular touch surface. Each configuration in the set can be characterized by a different circumferential distance or central angle between a first touch surface and a second touch surface relative to each other. Each configuration in the set can be configured by a specific size or shape of multiple touch surfaces within the annular touch surface. In particular, each configuration in the set can be configured to generate a characteristic touch pattern in a sensor matrix or touch-sensitive screen that differs from the characteristic touch patterns of other configurations in the set. This characteristic touch pattern can also be referred to as a capacitance pattern. Alternatively, each configuration in the set can also have at least two conductive structures that are identical in shape and size, but can be distinguished by the rotation angle and / or distance between the at least two conductive structures relative to each other. Therefore, in this respect, additional markings including rotation angles and / or distances are provided.

[0063] It should be emphasized that, for example, features mentioned that are only relevant to this construction can also be claimed for use in this set of constructions, and vice versa. Furthermore, the aforementioned manufacturing process can also be used to manufacture this set of constructions.

[0064] An input element for a touch-sensitive sensor matrix and / or a touch-sensitive screen is also proposed. The input element has a housing and the aforementioned configuration disposed on the bottom surface of the housing. The configuration can be attached to the housing in such a way that the conductive structure touches (contacts) the sensor matrix or touch-sensitive screen when the input element is placed on it, or the conductive structure at least causes a change in capacitance in the sensor matrix or touch-sensitive screen. The input element can be designed as a passive input element without electronic components and without a power supply. Alternatively, the input element can be designed as an active input element with electronic components and / or a power supply. An example of an active input element is shown in publication WO2018 / 134418A1.

[0065] A system incorporating the above-described configuration is also proposed. This system further emphasizes a control processing unit for a sensor matrix or touch-sensitive screen. This control processing unit includes, for example, a communication unit, a processor, and / or a memory.

[0066] As described above, the conductive structure of this configuration is configured to cause capacitance changes when the configuration is placed on a touch-sensitive sensor matrix or touch-sensitive screen. These capacitance changes can be detected by the capacitive sensors of the sensor matrix or touch-sensitive screen and are used as sensor data. The control processing unit is designed to receive this sensor data and identify the configuration based on the conductive structure.

[0067] The control processing unit can be configured to receive sensor data detected by the capacitive sensors of the sensor matrix or the touch-sensitive screen. These capacitive sensors can detect capacitance changes caused by the conductive structure of a device in contact with the touch-sensitive screen, or by a structure placed on the touch-sensitive screen. This detection typically involves spatially resolving the magnitude of the resulting capacitance change.

[0068] Optionally, the control processing unit then creates a capacitance pattern for the constructed conductive structure, the capacitance pattern including a spatially resolved representation of at least two capacitance changes of different magnitudes, or a spatially resolved representation of at least three pairs of capacitance values ​​of different magnitudes, or a spatially resolved representation of a quantity derived from the aforementioned capacitance changes or capacitance values. All capacitance patterns can then be stored in memory.

[0069] Capacitive sensors can detect the magnitude of capacitance changes triggered at different locations within the conductive structure. Therefore, the magnitude of capacitance changes at different locations (not just one location where a capacitance change occurs) can be mapped onto a capacitance pattern (similar to a grayscale image). Thus, as described above, this capacitance pattern includes at least two capacitance changes of different magnitudes at different locations, and includes the relative positions of these capacitance changes, such as the spacing between them. Therefore, the at least two different capacitance changes typically contain information from at least two different black-and-white images with different capacitance change thresholds. In possible embodiments, the capacitance pattern is stored as a grayscale image with at least two gray levels, or as at least two black-and-white images with different thresholds.

[0070] For example, various adaptive thresholding methods can be used to set these thresholds, thereby calculating the threshold of a pixel based on multiple signals from its surroundings. In particular, these methods allow for the detection of multiple constructs whose conductive structures emit signals of varying intensities due to their design or orientation relative to the grid of the touch-sensitive screen (this possibility will be described in detail below). Adaptive thresholding can also be used to detect different regions of a single construct, where the conductive structures of that construct produce signals of varying intensities depending on different thresholds.

[0071] The touch-sensitive screen can be configured to detect capacitance changes of 10 pF or less. For example, in possible embodiments, capacitance changes of 3 pF, preferably 1 pF, and particularly preferably 0.1 pF can be detected. For example, the glass thickness of the touch-sensitive screen can be 4 mm or less.

[0072] Therefore, the capacitance pattern captures a differentiated feature image of the conductive structure. This feature image serves as both an identification feature, similar to a fingerprint, and allows for tracking of the structure on the touch-sensitive screen and detection of its orientation. The control processing unit can analyze and process the stored or tracked capacitance pattern using image processing methods. To determine the described capacitance pattern, at least the positions of the sensed capacitance changes relative to each other are recorded.

[0073] For example, a ring-shaped touch surface might trigger a stronger signal than a marker. The control processing unit can then be configured to determine in a first step that the ring-shaped touch surface is in contact with (touching) the touch-sensitive screen. The ring-shaped touch surface can be identified by its ring-shaped outline and / or its characteristic capacitance pattern through comparison with several previously known capacitance patterns. This allows for a relatively quick determination that the construct is placed on and / or fully in contact with the touch-sensitive screen. The ring-shaped touch surface can also be used to determine the position of the construct on the touch-sensitive screen as a first approximation. A marker can be detected and identified by another measurement using a different threshold. The identification of the construct or the marker can then be determined by comparison with several previously known patterns. With the aid of the marker, the orientation (rotation angle) of the construct on the touch-sensitive screen can also be determined.

[0074] Typically, capacitance changes triggered by a single configuration can be detected at at least five locations or at least five intersections within the sensor matrix. This number can be at least 10 locations or intersections, and / or at least 20 locations or intersections.

[0075] For example, a resolution of 35 square millimeters (mm) 2 At least one pixel, preferably, with a resolution of 15mm. 2 At least one pixel, particularly preferably, with a resolution of 6.8 mm. 2 At least one pixel. For example, the diagonal of a touch-sensitive screen can be between 10 inches and 100 inches. In one embodiment, the touch-sensitive screen has a diagonal of 55 inches, dimensions of 1220mm × 680mm, and 172 × 10⁵ pixels at which sensor data can be collected and thus conductive structures can be detected. The sensor area divided by the number of intersections provides a measurement of sensitivity.

[0076] As mentioned at the beginning, capacitive sensors can detect certain structures or objects even when they are not touched (they are passive). It has been found that, using the proposed control processing unit for touch-sensitive screens, the conductive structures of the aforementioned structures can still be detected and the capacitance patterns of these conductive structures can be recorded, even when the structures are not touched. This is achieved, in particular, by designing the capacitance patterns and using the capacitive sensors described herein.

[0077] The proposed control processing unit can also be adapted to determine the position of the structure on the touch-sensitive screen once the structure has been placed there. This position determination includes determining the relative position of the capacitance change caused by the structure (necessary for the capacitance pattern) and the absolute position of the input unit on the touch-sensitive screen. For this purpose, at least one point of the capacitance pattern is assigned to the position on the touch-sensitive screen where the corresponding capacitance change occurs. Accordingly, a grayscale image or one or more black-and-white images can be captured, covering not only the area causing the capacitance change but also the entire touch-sensitive screen. Typically, the position of the contour or outer edge of the annular touch surface on the touch-sensitive screen is detected to determine a position. For example, the position of the contour can be extracted from one of several captured black-and-white images. For example, the detection of the contour can be performed from a black-and-white image with a minimum threshold.

[0078] The conductive structure is detected across the entire touch-sensitive screen in multiple black-and-white images with a high threshold. Then, using markers, the orientation of the structure, in addition to its location, can be detected from these black-and-white images with the high threshold. Based on this threshold, different levels of contrast and detail are achieved, thereby allowing for better differentiation of the conductive structure by using multiple other thresholds.

[0079] The proposed control processing unit enables the detection of different conductive structures with different constructions. Since the capacitance changes triggered by different conductive structures with different constructions may differ from each other, the control processing unit is typically configured to respond to capacitance changes of varying degrees. It can be configured such that, in the first detection step, the control processing unit is adapted to use multiple predefined thresholds for multiple capacitance changes.

[0080] The control processing unit can be configured to compare the detected capacitance pattern of the construct with several previously known capacitance patterns. For example, in a first step, the control processing unit can record a coarse capacitance pattern using a small number of thresholds. This can improve speed. The recorded capacitance pattern can be compared with several known capacitance patterns, which, for example, are recorded using machine learning methods. For example, this comparison allows for the determination of a ring-shaped touch surface and / or the type of construct. This means that when the construct is placed, it is not necessary to fully measure the construct, but only to a degree that allows it to be assigned to a previously known type or construct.

[0081] Data about previously known constructions that may exist in the memory may include, for example, typical capacitance changes caused during placement, and other data that may be helpful in using the control processing unit. For example, it may be stored what type of capacitance change is specific to a particular construction during placement, release, rotation, or lifting. For example, the control processing unit may have information about what signals a particular construction triggers when it is released, moved, or rotated, and / or information about how the signals triggered by a construction change according to its orientation.

[0082] The control processing unit can be configured to determine the orientation of the structure from the capacitance pattern, particularly based on the markings of the conductive structure. As previously described, the position of the structure is detected by extracting the absolute position of the capacitance change caused by the structure relative to the overall size of the touch-sensitive screen from the sensor data. For example, while determining the position requires a single low-threshold black-and-white image, or requires the use of a minimum threshold grayscale image, determining the orientation may require using multiple images or multiple grayscale values, or requiring selection from multiple images.

[0083] Therefore, it is highly advantageous if a pattern with disrupted, preferably low, or low rotational symmetry, is identifiable in a black-and-white image used to determine orientation due to capacitance changes, or in a grayscale range used to determine orientation. Since some of the markings in the aforementioned construction disrupt the rotational symmetry of the annular touch surface, the markings are preferably used to determine the orientation of the construction. The markings are designed in such a way that the construction can be distinguished from other constructions even when it is rotated. In other words, these constructions can be distinguished from each other by providing different markings. Furthermore, the markings allow for the differentiation of different rotational positions of individual constructions. Therefore, the markings can be used to determine the orientation of the construction relative to the sensor matrix.

[0084] By using pre-known data generated by machine learning, it can be known a priori which threshold is suitable for obtaining patterns with the lowest possible symmetry for a given construction. Therefore, for a reusable construction, it is not necessary to re-examine the symmetry; only the aforementioned identification is required. Typically, the construction is touched at least during placement and movement, thus simplifying the detection of conductive structures. This aspect can also be utilized here. However, it should be emphasized that the construction is preferably designed to eliminate the need for the user to touch the device.

[0085] The control processing unit proposed in this paper can be configured to track the rotation and / or translation of the structure on the touch-sensitive screen once the structure has been placed on the screen. Similar to determining the position described above, this can be accomplished by evaluating sensor data.

[0086] As described above, the control processing unit can simultaneously detect multiple structures, such as a group of structures described above. Other possible structures typically have conductive structures designed differently from the structures described above (which may be referred to as the first structure), and these structures interact with the control processing unit in the same manner as the first structure.

[0087] In this way, it can be determined whether another object placed on the touch screen is at least one other structure, and thus it can be verified whether the at least one other structure has been placed on the touch screen.

[0088] For this other constructed conductive structure, the capacitor pattern is then created, stored, and / or compared with several previously known capacitor patterns.

[0089] These structures are then typically identified by the different designs of the conductive structures, and in particular by the different designs of the markings.

[0090] The control processing unit may be configured to control the touch-sensitive screen based on sensor data, or to receive input signals from the touch-sensitive screen, especially when the structure has been placed on the touch-sensitive screen.

[0091] Another system proposed in this paper includes a touch-sensitive screen (in particular the touch-sensitive screen described above), a control processing unit (in particular the control processing unit described above), and a structure (in particular the structure described above).

[0092] In such a system, the touch-sensitive screen includes multiple capacitive sensors for acquiring sensor data. The touch-sensitive screen can be designed as a table, for example, forming a desktop. The construction includes a conductive structure that causes a localized change in capacitance when the device is placed on the touch-sensitive screen, and this change in capacitance can be detected by the capacitive sensors of the touch-sensitive screen.

[0093] The control processing unit is configured to use capacitance changes to check whether a contact or placement of a structure has been detected. The control processing unit can create and store a capacitance pattern for the conductive structure of the input unit, the capacitance pattern including a spatially resolved representation of at least two capacitance changes of different magnitudes, or at least three pairs of capacitance values ​​of different magnitudes, or quantities derived therefrom.

[0094] It should be noted that the system may also include multiple sensor matrices or multiple touch-sensitive screens, for example, two touch-sensitive screens or ten touch-sensitive screens. Each of these touch-sensitive screens can be connected to the control processing unit via a cable, or, for example, if the touch-sensitive screens are located far from the control processing unit or do not require cables, they can also be connected wirelessly, such as via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or a cellular network. The control processing unit is typically configured to interact with the additional touch-sensitive screens in the same way as the first touch-sensitive screen. In such a scenario, interaction between the multiple touch-sensitive screens can also be provided; that is, an action affecting the first touch-sensitive screen will trigger another action related to another touch-sensitive screen.

[0095] A method using a touch-sensing sensor matrix as defined in this application or a system described above, the method comprising at least the following steps:

[0096] - Capacitive sensors detect changes in capacitance via a touch-sensitive sensor matrix, where these changes in capacitance are caused by a constructed conductive structure contacting the sensor matrix.

[0097] - Create a capacitor pattern for the conductive structure of this construction.

[0098] - Compare the recorded capacitance pattern with several previously known capacitance patterns.

[0099] - This construction is used to identify the touch-sensing sensor matrix.

[0100] In particular, the sensor matrix may be part of the previously described touch-sensitive screen.

[0101] In other words, sensor data can be generated using the capacitive sensors of the sensor matrix or touchscreen. Changes in capacitance detected by the capacitive sensors can be stored as sensor data. For example, contact (touch) between the structure and the sensor matrix or touchscreen can be achieved by placing the structure on it.

[0102] Specifically, the capacitance pattern includes a spatially resolved representation of at least two capacitance changes of different magnitudes, or at least three pairs of capacitance values ​​of different magnitudes, or quantities derived therefrom. The capacitance pattern can also be stored.

[0103] For example, the method also includes the following steps:

[0104] - Based on the constructed ring-shaped touch surface, detect the position of the structure on the sensor matrix or touch-sensitive screen, and / or

[0105] - Based on the constructed markers, detect the orientation of the construction on the sensor matrix or touch-sensitive screen.

[0106] The object described at the beginning is also implemented using this method. This method can verify the identification of the structure located on or placed on the touch-sensitive sensor matrix or touch-sensitive screen to determine the position and / or orientation of the structure on the sensor matrix or touch-sensitive screen, and in particular, since the movement of different structures on the sensor matrix or touch-sensitive screen can be used as input, this method allows different structures to be set for the sensor matrix or touch-sensitive screen.

[0107] It should be emphasized that the features mentioned, such as those only related to the construction, control processing unit and / or related features, can also be claimed for use in the method, and vice versa.

[0108] For possible detection of the structure and / or input elements by the sensor matrix or touch screen, see also European patent applications EP 18 168 536.3 and EP 18 701 453.5. Attached Figure Description

[0109] The invention is explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings are as follows:

[0110] Figure 1 It is a bottom view of the structure;

[0111] Figure 2 It is a bottom view with a different construction;

[0112] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the structure;

[0113] Figure 4 It has Figure 2 and Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the input element of the structure.

[0114] Figure 5 It is a three-dimensional view of the system, including input elements, a touch-sensitive screen, and a control processing unit;

[0115] Figure 6 These are various embodiments of the conductive structure;

[0116] Figure 7 This is another embodiment of the conductive structure;

[0117] Figure 8 These are bottom views of two different constructions;

[0118] Figure 9 It is captured by the touch-sensitive screen. Figure 8 Two types of capacitor patterns;

[0119] Figures 10-16 It is a capacitance pattern of the structure on the touch-sensitive screen when it is in different orientations, recorded by the touch-sensitive screen.

[0120] Figure 17 This is another embodiment of the conductive structure;

[0121] Figure 18 This is another embodiment of the conductive structure; and

[0122] Figure 19 This is another embodiment of the conductive structure. Detailed Implementation

[0123] In the accompanying drawings, repeated or similar features have the same reference numerals.

[0124] Figure 1 A bottom view of configuration 10 is shown, which is designed to be detected by touch-sensitive sensors. Configuration 10 includes a conductive structure 12 and an electrically insulating substrate material 14, the conductive structure 12 being deposited on or embedded in the electrically insulating substrate material 14. The electrically insulating substrate material 14 supports the conductive structure 12 and serves as a mechanical support for it. Furthermore, the electrically insulating substrate material 14 provides electrical insulation for the conductive structure 12. Specifically, configuration 10 can be detected by capacitive sensors when it contacts (touches) them. Here, the capacitive sensors are preferably part of a touch-sensitive screen 40 (see below).

[0125] For example, the electrically insulating substrate material 14 can be constructed as a plastic film, which is preferably made substantially of a soft, elastic material. In particular, the electrically insulating substrate material 14 may be, or is, a polymeric material. This polymeric material may include optically transparent materials such as polyacrylate, acrylic acid (polymethyl methacrylate, PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), polyphenylene ether (PPO), polyethylene (PE), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or combinations thereof. Thus, the electrically insulating substrate material 14 may have at least 75% light transmittance in the visible wavelength range of 400 nm to 700 nm. The electrically insulating substrate material 14 may also comprise, or be formed from, paper, paperboard, or fabric.

[0126] In the illustrated embodiment, the structure 10 is formed as a cover for an electronic input device, such as a mobile phone, or smartphone. The cover 10 can be fixedly or detachably attached to the electronic input device. In the assembled state, the cover 10 forms the bottom surface of the electronic input device. The cover 10 includes a cutout 18 to prevent the smartphone's camera from being obstructed. If the electrically insulating substrate material 14 and / or the conductive structure 12 comprises a transparent material, the cutout 18 can be omitted.

[0127] The conductive structure 12 has an annular touch surface 13 (contact surface) and markings 15, 16, and 17. Here, markings 15, 16, and 17 are designed to disrupt the rotational symmetry of the annular touch surface 13.

[0128] exist Figure 1 In this embodiment, the mark is provided in the form of two touch surfaces 15 and 16. These two touch surfaces 15 and 16 are arranged within and electrically connected to an annular touch surface 13. Therefore, the conductive structure 12 forms a configuration in which the conductive components 13, 15, and 16 are at least partially interconnected. This conductive structure 12 can be detected by a touch-sensitive capacitive sensor of the touchscreen 40 and will be combined with... Figure 5 Further discussion on this topic.

[0129] The touch surfaces 13, 15, and 16 of the structure 10 form a touch pattern on the bottom surface of the structure 10, wherein, in embodiments of the input element 20, the touch pattern is not symmetrical or has at most C S Symmetry, i.e., the two-dimensional touch pattern does not possess rotational symmetry. Inside the annular touch surface 13, the ratio of conductive area to non-conductive area is less than 0.8, particularly less than 0.6, and preferably less than 0.3. The outer diameter of the annular touch surface 13 is preferably greater than the spacing between adjacent conductor paths in the touch-sensitive screen 40. The outer diameter of the annular touch surface 13 is preferably at least 10 mm. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer diameter is approximately 42 mm.

[0130] exist Figure 1 In the example embodiments, touch surfaces 15 and 16 have the same shape and the same size. In other embodiments discussed below, two touch surfaces of different sizes and / or two different shapes may also be provided.

[0131] Figure 2 A bottom view of another structure 11 is shown, which has the same... Figure 1 The conductive structure of structure 10 is the same as that of conductive structure 12. With Figure 1 The difference is that here, the electrically insulating substrate material 14 is circular. This configuration 11 can be used as a stand-alone input element. Alternatively, this configuration 11 can be connected to the input element 20. The configuration 11 connected to the input element 20 will... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in the image.

[0132] Figure 3 and Figure 4 Cross-sectional views of construction 11 and construction 11 connected to input element 20 are shown respectively. For this purpose, construction 11 has an optional fastener 19 for securing construction 11 to the housing 21 of input element 20. For example, construction 11 can be fixedly or detachably connected to input element 20 via fastener 19. Depending on the application, the fastener can be a hook, eyelet, adhesive, Velcro, suction cup, etc. In the diagram... Figure 3 In this structure, the fastener 19 is designed as an optically transparent adhesive layer 19. This fastener is, for example, located on the side of construction 11 opposite to the conductive structure 12, but it can also be located on the same side of construction 11 as the conductive structure 12. Construction 11 is attached to the bottom surface of housing 21. Input element 20 is configured as an input element 20 of touch-sensitive screen 40. The input element 20 includes a housing 21 made substantially of non-conductive plastic, such as PU or rubber. Suitable materials include, for example, [material name missing].

[0133] Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 Examples of various conductive structures 1A-1J, 2A-2J, 3A-3J, 4A-4C, and 5A-5C are shown, which can be applied, for example, to... Figures 1 to 4 In structures 10 and 11, for simplicity, we will refer to them all as conductive structure 12. It is obvious that they can also be described as other conductive structures 1A-1J, 2A-2J, 3A-3J, 4A-4C, and 5A-5C. Furthermore, for clarity, not every structure shown in the figures is assigned a reference numeral.

[0134] The conductive structure 12 is configured to be detected by the touch-sensitive screen 40. Specifically, the conductive structure 12 is configured to cause a capacitance change when it is placed on the touch-sensitive screen 40, and these capacitance changes can be detected by the capacitive sensor of the touch-sensitive screen 40.

[0135] Figure 5 Two perspective views of system 100 are shown, the system including Figure 4 The input element 20 described herein also includes a touch-sensitive screen 40 and a control processing unit 30. Only configuration 10 or 11 may be provided, without input element 20. Alternatively, configuration 10 or 11 may be provided in addition to input element 20. Input element 20 will be mentioned below.

[0136] The input element 20 is placed on the touch-sensitive screen 40, or, as indicated by arrow 25, is placed downwards on the touch-sensitive screen 40.

[0137] The touch-sensitive screen 40 is connected to the control processing unit 30 via a cable 31, preferably a USB cable. Alternatively, a wireless connection can be provided between the display screen 40 and the control processing unit 30. The touch-sensitive screen 40 may also be referred to as a touchscreen, and in the illustrated embodiment, it is a capacitive touchscreen. The touch-sensitive screen 40 can also be used as a desktop, for example, in which case one or more table legs can be mounted to the touch-sensitive screen 40.

[0138] Furthermore, the touch-sensitive screen 40 is designed to detect multiple touches simultaneously (multi-touch display). This can be achieved using a person's finger or by touching the touch surfaces 13, 15, and 16 of the input elements 20. Additionally, the touch-sensitive screen 40 can simultaneously detect the touch surfaces 13, 15, and 16 of the multiple input elements 20.

[0139] The touch-sensitive screen 40 includes a sensor matrix with multiple rows and columns. Each column includes a vertical wire (conductor path), and each row includes a horizontal wire (conductor path); a capacitive sensor is placed at the intersection of each wire.

[0140] The conductive material of the conductive structure 12 typically extends across multiple wires in the sensor matrix and is usually capacitively coupled to other grounded wires, particularly horizontal wires. This conductive structure 12 can induce signal variations similar to those of a user's finger. However, its signal-to-noise ratio is low, typically between 1:3 and 1:20, due to the need to overcome the sensor glass twice.

[0141] For example, the diagonal of the touch-sensitive screen 40 can range from 5 inches to 100 inches. Figure 5 In one embodiment, the touch-sensitive screen 40 has a screen diagonal of 55 inches, a size of 1220mm × 680mm, and 172 × 105 pixels.

[0142] The control processing unit 30 is also configured to receive and estimate signals (touch signals) triggered by the touch surfaces 13, 15 and 16 of the input elements 20 in the touch-sensitive screen 40.

[0143] The placement of input element 20 on the touch-sensitive screen 40 is detected by the capacitive sensor of the touch-sensitive screen 40 due to the conductive structure 12 of structures 10 and 11. The corresponding sensor data generated by the capacitive sensor of the touch-sensitive screen is transmitted as an analog signal to a touch controller, which can be structurally integrated into the panel of the touch-sensitive screen 40 designed as a table. At the touch controller, this sensor data is digitized and interpolated at 0.1ms intervals, and then transmitted along with a timestamp via USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 to the control processing unit 30. At the control processing unit 30, this sensor data is received, stored, and further processed. Alternatively, the touch controller can also be part of the control processing unit 30, and the control processing unit 30 or multiple components of the control processing unit 30 can be integrated into the panel of the touch-sensitive screen 40 or into the housing of the touch-sensitive screen 40.

[0144] After the input element 20 or structure 10 or 11 is placed on the touch-sensitive screen 40, the control processing unit 30 creates and stores a capacitance pattern for the conductive structure 12 of the input element based on sensor data. The capacitance pattern includes a spatially resolved representation of at least two capacitance changes of different sizes, or a spatially resolved representation of at least three pairs of capacitance values ​​of different sizes, or a spatially resolved representation of values ​​derived from at least two capacitance changes of different sizes, or a spatially resolved representation of values ​​derived from at least three pairs of capacitance values ​​of different sizes.

[0145] During this process, the control processing unit 30 determines the position and orientation of the input element 20 on the touch-sensitive screen 40 based on the sensor data.

[0146] The control processing unit 30 is configured to control the touch-sensitive screen 40 based on sensor data. That is, for example, when the input element 20 moves along arrow 25 as shown in the figure, the contact is recorded by the control processing unit, and an operation can be performed in response. For example, the display of the touch-sensitive screen 40 can be changed based on the sensor data. For example, the control processing unit 30 can color-code the area of ​​the touch-sensitive screen 40 representing the environment of the placed input element 20, or can display writing in that area.

[0147] Based on the sensor data, other operations can also be initiated. For example, when the user changes the orientation or position of the input element 20 on the touch-sensitive screen 40, this is recorded and can then be used to perform an operation.

[0148] In summary, possible inputs to the control processing unit include input on the touch-sensitive screen itself (e.g., via a finger), as well as other inputs achieved through movement of the input element 20 or multiple input elements. On the other hand, the control processing unit 30 can perform a variety of possible operations. These operations include, for example, modifying the display of the touch-sensitive screen 40. Multiple operations can also be performed when multiple input elements 20 are used.

[0149] Figure 9 Two capacitance patterns are shown, illustrating sensor signals triggered by configurations 1A and 1J within the sensor matrix of the touch-sensitive screen 40. In these patterns, sensor signals from the capacitive sensors of the touch-sensitive screen 40 are displayed in a spatially resolved manner. The touch-sensitive screen 40 comprises a capacitance grid consisting of multiple electrically sensed conductor paths arranged orthogonally to each other. In this case, the horizontal sensed conductor paths are located in a first plane, and the vertical sensed conductor paths are located in a second plane spaced apart from the first plane, allowing capacitance to be measured at the intersections of the horizontal and vertical lines (which represent the projections of the sensed conductor path planes onto each other). When a finger, or the conductive structure 12 of the lowered configuration 10 or 11, approaches the grid, capacitance changes occur at the intersections located within the contact or proximity area. Therefore, these intersections represent pixels where spatially resolved capacitance changes can be detected. When the configuration 10 or 11 has been lowered, capacitance changes at some intersections are recorded, and if a change exceeds a certain threshold, it is marked in the image by drawing a shading line within a square area around the corresponding intersection. Therefore, the position of structure 10 or 11 placed on the touch-sensitive screen 40 can be detected.

[0150] Figure 9 The image shows data recorded via a touch-sensitive screen 40. Figure 8 The capacitive patterns of structures 1A and 1J are shown. For clarity, two square portions of the touch-sensitive screen 40 are shown. The length and width of these two square portions correspond to the diameter of the annular touch surface 13 of structures 1A and 1J plus one row and one column. The structure of the annular touch surface 13 is clearly visible in these images. Figure 9 In the diagram, the shadow line at the outermost edge 22 corresponds to the value measured between the wires of the sensor matrix under undisturbed conditions on the touch-sensitive screen 40. This outer boundary region has a width and length of one pixel. The conductive material (i.e., the conductive structure 12) causes a finer shadow line at locations with low retransmission. As mentioned above, signals triggered by retransmission are negative, and these signals... Figure 9 The center is represented by a thicker shadow line than the shadow line at edge 22. Therefore, a thicker shadow line will be produced at locations where there is no conductive material but retransmission is possible. Furthermore, in... Figure 9In the figures, the positions of touch surfaces 15 and 16 are indicated by reference numerals. Specifically, it can be seen that touch surfaces 15 and 16 of configuration 1A or 1J trigger positive signals in the sensor of the touch-sensitive screen 40, meaning the thickness of the shadow line is thinner than the shadow line at edge 22. It is also evident that touch surfaces 15 and 16 of configuration 1A are arranged at a central angle α of approximately 90° to each other. As a result, the characteristic negative signal triggered by retransmission is maximized between these touch surfaces 15 and 16 (upper right) and at the center of the annular touch surface 13. Touch surfaces 15 and 16 of configuration 1J are arranged approximately opposite each other and form a central angle α of approximately 170°. As a result, the negative signal triggered by retransmission is maximized around the center of the annular touch surface 13. Therefore, configurations 1A and 1J utilize the retransmission effect to assign values ​​to configurations 1A and 1J.

[0151] Figures 10-16 The capacitance patterns 200, 215, 230, 245, 260, 275, and 290 of a single structure 23 on the touch-sensitive screen 40 in different orientations are shown. Here, the structure 23 is 4 pixels away from the edge of the cropped image. Therefore, no signal is measured at this edge, i.e., the capacitance change at this edge is 0F. The structure 23 is distinguished by approximately 64 intersections (squares 8 pixels long and 8 pixels wide) on the touch-sensitive screen. Here, the structure and orientation of the structure 23 (specifically the conductive structure 12 of the structure 23) are shown in a simplified form on the right. Figure 9 Similarly, for negative signals (corresponding to retransmissions), the shadow lines of the capacitor pattern are thicker. For positive signals, the shadow lines of the capacitor pattern are thinner. Positive signals were measured particularly close to touch surfaces 13, 15, and 16. Negative signals were measured particularly at the center of ring structure 13 and at the corners of the squares on the outer side of ring structure 13. Figures 10-16 In the above, the relative orientations of structure 23 on the touch-sensitive screen 40 are 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, and 90°. It can be seen that the capacitance patterns 200, 215, 230, 245, 260, 275, and 290 are sufficiently different from each other to provide an indication of the orientation of structure 23 on the touch-sensitive screen 40. Since the selected markings of structure 23 exist in the form of two touch surfaces 15 and 16, the rotational symmetry of the annular touch surface 13 is broken, thus determining the orientation of structure 23 on the touch-sensitive screen 40. In other words, each orientation of structure 23 induces a characteristic capacitance pattern 200, 215, 230, 245, 260, 275, or 290 in the touch-sensitive screen 40, which has positive and negative signals distinguishable from other capacitance patterns.

[0152] It should be noted that detection can also be achieved when the user does not touch input element 20 and / or configuration 10 or 11. For example, since all other detection conductor paths in the grid, such as adjacent detection conductor paths, are grounded except for a horizontal detection conductor path and a vertical detection conductor path, this inference can still be made even if the area of ​​conductive structure 12 is located on a grounded detection conductor path. Since conductive structure 12 in typical configurations 10 and 11 extends over the area of ​​configuration 10 or 11 that includes multiple conductive leads of touch-sensitive screen 40, reliable detection by touch-sensitive screen 40 no longer requires the user to touch input element 20 or configurations 10 and 11.

[0153] In addition to detecting the location of the capacitance change, the magnitude of the capacitance change can also be detected to create a capacitance pattern for the conductive structure 12 of the construction 10 or 11, the capacitance pattern including a spatially resolved representation of the following: at least two capacitance changes of different magnitudes, or at least three pairs of capacitance values ​​of different magnitudes, or magnitudes derived therefrom. Figure 9 The diagram shows the capacitor pattern for constructing 1A and 1J.

[0154] For example, this is achieved by detecting capacitance changes using different thresholds, such that a signal is triggered at, for example, 10%, 20%, 30%, ..., 100% of the maximum value, or a corresponding negative signal is triggered due to retransmission. Figure 9 (The thick shadow line in the image). At least two such thresholds can be used.

[0155] For example, images can be captured at thresholds of 1pF and 2.5pF. This corresponds to 10% or 25% of the typical capacitance change of 10pF caused by a finger, which is used as the maximum value here.

[0156] This means that only a very small capacitance change is needed for the first signal, which is triggered at only 10% of its maximum value. This capacitance change is caused at multiple points when constructing a 1A or 1J contact (touch) of the touch-sensitive screen 40 (see...). Figure 9 Accordingly, Figure 9 The image shows the outline of the entire structures 1A and 1J. Therefore, this outline can be used to determine the position of structure 1A or 1J on the touch-sensitive screen 40, but it does not provide any information about the internal details of the conductive structure 12. For example, it is unclear where the top and bottom of structure 1A or 1J are, or the orientation of structure 1A or 1J on the touch-sensitive screen.

[0157] On the other hand, only the second signal is triggered when there is a capacitance change of at least 2.5 pF. This provides a more subtle and complex picture. The conductive structure 12 triggers the signal at this threshold, making the marks 15 and 16 clearly visible. The symmetry is broken by the marks 15 and 16, thereby allowing analysis of the orientation of constructions 1A or 1J in addition to their position. For example, by comparing with data from the memory of the control processing unit 30, it can be determined that the top and bottom of this construction are different and will not produce the same image after rotating 180°. The relative position between the signal strength in the circumferential direction of the annular touch surface 13 and the signal strength inside the annular touch surface 13 is crucial for the symmetry breaking. In addition to the symmetry breaking, the differences in the internal structures (i.e., marks 15 and 16) also allow the different constructions 1A and 1J to be distinguished.

[0158] As described above, the control processing unit 30 can compare the capacitance pattern with a plurality of previously known capacitance patterns to identify, for example, input element 20, configuration 1A or 1J, or structural type. For example, machine learning methods can be used to train the recognition. It should be noted that recognition typically cannot be based solely on the absolute value of the capacitance change, as this absolute value depends on whether configuration 1A or 1J or input element 20 is touched, the position of configuration 1A or 1J or input element 20 on the touch-sensitive screen, and the orientation of configuration 1A or 1J or input element 20.

[0159] Once the capacitive pattern is detected, the control processing unit 30 can track the movement of the configuration 1A or 1J or the input element 20 based on the sensor data, such as rotation and / or translation on the touch-sensitive screen 40.

[0160] When multiple input elements 20 and / or multiple structures 10 and 11 are used, it is also advantageous to form groups of structures 10 and 11. Each structure 10 or 11 in this group has a conductive structure 12 with a different configuration. For example, Figure 6 Conductive structures 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H, and 1J are shown, and are designated as group 1 herein. The first touch surface 15 and the second touch surface 16 of the conductive structures 1A-1J in group 1 are arranged differently relative to each other. Touch surfaces 15 and 16 have the same size and shape but are located at different positions within the annular touch surface 13. Specifically, conductive structures 15 and 16 of 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H, and 1J are all spaced apart from each other such that the circumferential distance between the first touch surface 15 and the second touch surface 16 on the annular touch surface 13 is at least as large as the distance between adjacent sensor wires in the sensor matrix.

[0161] For comparison, Figure 8 The image is enlarged again in the middle. Figure 6 Conductive structures 1A and 1J are provided. In conductive structure 1A, a first imaginary straight line 6 passes through the center M of the annular touch surface 13 and the centroid of the first touch surface 15. Furthermore, a second imaginary straight line 7 passes through the center M of the annular touch surface 13 and the centroid of the second touch surface 16. The first straight line 6 and the second straight line 7 form an angle α less than 180° and greater than 0°, wherein angle α in conductive structure 1A is approximately 90°. This angle α can be understood as a central angle. Figure 6 The conductive structures 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H, and 1J shown have angles α of 90°, 100°, 110°, 120°, 130°, 140°, 150°, 160°, and 170°, respectively. Therefore, group 1 includes a total of nine different conductive structures. For example, if the diameter of the annular touch surface is 42 mm and the circumferential distance between the first touch surface 15 and the second touch surface 16 is 7 mm, then the central angle α is approximately 20° or a multiple of 20° (e.g., 40°, 60°, 80°, 100°, 120°, 140°, or 160°).

[0162] Figure 6 The diagram also shows conductive structures 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, and 2J, which are designated as group 2. The conductive structures 2A-2J in group 2 differ in the dimensions of touch surfaces 15 and 16. Here, group 2 contains three different sizes of first touch surfaces 15 and three different sizes of second touch surfaces 16. By combining these different dimensions, there are a total of nine different conductive structures 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, and 2J. Furthermore, the centers of gravity of these touch surfaces 15 are located at the same position within the annular touch surface 13, and the centers of gravity of these touch surfaces 16 are also located at the same position within the annular touch surface 13; in other words, the angle α of all conductive structures 2A-2J is the same.

[0163] Figure 6 The diagram also shows nine different structures 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, 3G, 3H, and 3J forming group 3. The conductive structures of group 3 differ in both size and shape. The conductive structures of group 3 have a single touch surface 15 located within an annular touch surface 13.

[0164] Conductive structures 3A-3J, 3B-3H, 3C-3G, and 3D-3F can be formed. The touch surfaces 15 of these conductive structure pairs are complementary in shape and together form a circle that completely fills the annular touch surface 13. The outlines of the touch surfaces 15 of conductive structures 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3F, 3G, 3H, and 3J are all defined by two arcs, one of which is defined by the inner arc of the annular touch surface 13. The outer edge of the touch surface 15 of conductive structure 3E is defined by a straight line and an arc. The touch surface 15 of conductive structure 3E forms a semicircle and can form a circle that completely fills the annular touch surface 13 with another conductive structure 3E.

[0165] Figure 7 The diagram also shows three different conductive structures 4A, 4B, and 4C forming group 4. The conductive structures in group 4 differ in size and shape. Each conductive structure in group 4 has a single touch surface 15 located within an annular touch surface 13. Similar to group 3, in group 4, conductive structures 4A and 4C are complementary in shape and together form a circle that completely fills the annular touch surface 13. The touch surface 15 of conductive structure 4B forms a semicircle and can form a circle that completely fills the annular touch surface 13 together with another conductive structure 4B. The outlines of the touch surfaces 15 of conductive structures 4A, 4B, and 4C are all defined by straight lines and arcs.

[0166] For all groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, each conductive structure 12 in each group has the same annular touch surface 13. However, the conductive structures within each group 1, 2, 3, or 4 differ in their markings 15 and 16. At most, each conductive structure 12 has a mirror-symmetric plane, but not rotational symmetry.

[0167] Figure 7 Group 5, which has three different conductive structures 5A, 5B, and 5C, is also shown. The conductive structure of group 5 differs from that of groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 in that the marking 17 of conductive structure 5 is an opening 17 of an annular touch surface. For example, the opening 17 has an opening angle β of at least 10° and / or at most 45°.

[0168] exist Figure 17The diagram shows group 8 with six different conductive structures 8A-8F, which are C-shaped or horseshoe-shaped. The conductive structures 8A-8F in group 8 differ from those in groups 1-5 in that the annular width 24 and diameter 26 of the annular structure 13 are used as markers. Therefore, different diameters 26 and different annular widths 24 can be used to create further variations. Furthermore, conductive structures 8A-8F can have openings 17 with different opening angles, similar to conductive structures 5A-5C. Therefore, the openings of conductive structures 8A and 8F also have different opening angles or different sizes. Variations in the annular width 24 and diameter 26, or vice versa, are selected to be distinguishable by the touch-sensitive screen 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the diameter varies from 40 mm to 45 mm. The annular width varies from 2 mm to 8 mm.

[0169] Figure 18 Group 9 is shown, featuring six different conductive structures 9A-9F. The conductive structures 9A-9F differ from conductive structures 8A-8F only in that, similar to groups 1-4, they additionally provide a protrusion as a marker 15. Multiple pairs of 8A, 9A; 8B, 9B; 8C, 9C; 8D, 9D; 8E, 9E; and 8F, 9F can be formed, and the structure of each pair can be distinguished by the presence or absence of the marker 15. The protrusion 15 may have a fixed diameter, for example, 12 mm. Although the markers 15 in group 9 are all located opposite the center of the opening 17, it is also conceivable that the markers 15 may be located in other positions within the C-shape, and that the markers 15 and the C-shape can be combined with each other.

[0170] Figure 19 Group 50 of configurations 50A-50F are shown, which differ in the orientation of their conductive structures. Each configuration 50A-50F has two conductive structures 12, each conductive structure 12 including an opening (see [link]). Figure 7 The annular touch surface 13 of the opening 17) is such that each conductive structure 12 is C-shaped or horseshoe-shaped. The two conductive structures 12 of each structure 50A-50F have a predetermined distance 27 between them, which is determined by the length of the connection distance between the centers of the two annular touch surfaces 13.

[0171] Each touch surface 13 also has a predetermined diameter and a predetermined annular width (thickness). The difference between configurations 50A-50F lies only in that the rotation angle 28 of the plurality of conductive structures 12 and openings 17 relative to each other is different, and therefore this rotation angle 28 is configured as a marker. The C-shaped touch surfaces 13 thus have different orientations relative to each other. Preferably, the C-shaped touch surfaces 13 are configured such that the rotation angle 28 of 22.5° can also be distinguished. The distance 27 (not shown) between the conductive structures can also be varied.

[0172] The advantage of using conductive structures of the same shape is that detection only requires identifying one structure and its rotation angle 28. For example, to train a machine learning algorithm, only one set of data (C) can be collected (relative to multiple different positions in the sensor matrix), and then the six combinations shown can be derived. This reduces the workload of data acquisition, training, and identification, especially when hundreds of combinations are used due to the small rotation angle 28.

[0173] exist Figure 19 In the example shown, the same C structure is used twice, and a distinguishable combination is created by rotating these two C structures 90° relative to each other. The total number of distinguishable combinations on a touch-sensitive screen is as follows:

[0174] -90° means 4 angles, or 4^2 combinations, in which each conductive structure and its corresponding structure rotated 180° appear twice. These 4 conductive structures combine when rotated 180° (the second C in all those combinations is rotated exactly 180°), and therefore cannot be used. This produces (4^2-4) / 2 = 6 distinguishable combinations.

[0175] -45° means 8 angles, which is (8^2-8) / 2=28.

[0176] -22.5° means 16 angles, which is (16^2-16) / 2=120.

[0177] -12.5° means 32 angles, which is (32^2-32) / 2=496.

[0178] although Figure 19 The conductive structures 12 are identical (i.e., identical in shape and size), but there can still be a large number of distinguishable patterns due to variations in the rotation angle 28.

[0179] The location of the combined conductive structure can be the center of the connection portion. The rotation angle 28 can be determined from the direction of the connection vector. Combinations of more than two C-shaped touch surfaces 13 are also conceivable. In another embodiment, in addition to the rotation angle 28, the diameter 26, the annular width 26, and / or the spacing 27 can be varied and combined.

[0180] For at least groups 1, 2, 5, 8, 9, and 50, the diameter of the area enclosed by the annular touch surface 13 can be at least 7 mm, preferably at least 10 mm, which is substantially defined by the spacing of the sensor wires in the sensor matrix of the touch-sensitive screen 40. In some embodiments, for example, the diameter can be in the range of 30 mm to 50 mm. The annular touch surface 13 is annular except for any markings of the form of touch surfaces 15 and 16 within it.

[0181] A method using a touch sensing sensor matrix 40 as defined in this application or a system 100 as described above, comprising at least the following steps:

[0182] - A change in capacitance is detected by a capacitive sensor in the touch-sensitive sensor matrix 40, wherein the change in capacitance is caused by the conductive structure 12 of the configuration 10 contacting the sensor matrix;

[0183] - Create a capacitor pattern for the conductive structure 12 of construction 10;

[0184] - Compare the recorded capacitance pattern with several previously known capacitance patterns;

[0185] - Identify the configuration 10 on the touch sensing sensor matrix 40.

[0186] The method also includes steps such as:

[0187] -Based on the annular touch surface 13 with this structure, detect the position of the structure 10 on the sensor matrix or touch-sensitive screen 40, and / or

[0188] - Based on the markers 15 and 16 of the structure 10, detect the orientation of the structure 10 on the sensor matrix or touch screen 40.

[0189] The above description may lead to other steps.

[0190] The above-described structure 10 or 11 can be manufactured, for example, by the following methods.

[0191] The method of manufacturing the structure 10 or 11 includes the following steps:

[0192] - Provides electrically insulating substrate material 14;

[0193] - Apply conductive material to or into substrate material 14;

[0194] - Forming a conductive structure 12;

[0195] - Formation structure 10 or 11.

[0196] In an advantageous embodiment, the conductive material is a conductive paint or conductive varnish. In this case, the conductive material can be applied to the substrate material 14, for example, by screen printing. The substrate material 14 is then considered to be a material that can be used in the screen printing process. When using a conductive coating agent such as paint or varnish, the conductive coating agent can be applied to the substrate material 14 by roller coating, brush coating, and / or spray coating.

[0197] Alternatively, a conductive material can be applied to a substrate material as a layer or as a prefabricated layer, for example, partially or completely covering the substrate material. The conductive structure 12 can be formed by removing a portion of the conductive layer, particularly by scraping or laser cutting. This conductive layer can be formed from ITO (see above).

[0198] List of reference numerals

[0199] 1. Conductive structure

[0200] 1A-1J Conductive Structure

[0201] 2. Conductive structure

[0202] 2A-2J conductive structure

[0203] 3. Conductive Structure

[0204] 3A-3J conductive structure

[0205] 4. Conductive Structure

[0206] 4A-4C conductive structure

[0207] 5. Conductive Structure

[0208] 5A-5C conductive structure

[0209] 6 First straight line

[0210] 7. Second straight line

[0211] 8. Conductive Structure

[0212] 8A-8F conductive structure

[0213] 9. Conductive Structure

[0214] 9A-9F Conductive Structure

[0215] 10. Construction

[0216] 11 Construction

[0217] 12 Conductive Structure

[0218] 13. Circular touch surface

[0219] 14 Substrate Materials

[0220] 15 Touching the surface

[0221] 16 Touch the surface

[0222] 17 Opening

[0223] 18 Incisions

[0224] 19 Adhesive layer

[0225] 20 Input Elements

[0226] 21. Outer shell

[0227] 22. The shadow line at the outermost edge

[0228] 23 Construction

[0229] 24. Ring width

[0230] 25. Direction of movement

[0231] 26 diameter

[0232] 30 Control Processing Units

[0233] 31 Connection

[0234] 40 Touchscreen

[0235] 50 Construction

[0236] 50A-50F Construction

[0237] 100 System

[0238] 200 Construct 23 Capacitor pattern at 0°

[0239] 215 Construct the capacitor pattern at 15° in section 23.

[0240] 230 Construct the capacitor pattern at 30°.

[0241] 245 Construct the capacitor pattern at 45° in section 23.

[0242] 260 Construct 23 of the capacitor pattern at 60°

[0243] 275 Construct 23 of the capacitor pattern at 75°

[0244] 290 Construct the capacitor pattern at 90° for 23

[0245] α Central angle

Claims

1. A construct (10, 11) to be detected by a touch-sensitive sensor matrix (40), the construct comprising: - at least one electrically conductive structure (12) having a ring-shaped touch surface (13) and at least one marking, and - an electrically insulating substrate material (14), the electrically conductive structure (12) being arranged on the electrically insulating substrate material (14) or embedded in the electrically insulating substrate material (14); wherein the ring-shaped touch surface (13) is designed to cause a change in capacitance even if a user does not touch the construct, but when the construct is placed in contact on the touch-sensitive sensor matrix (40), the change in capacitance being detected by a capacitive sensor of the touch-sensitive sensor matrix (40) as sensor data; wherein a length or a width of a square area of the touch-sensitive sensor matrix (40) corresponds to a diameter of the ring-shaped touch surface (13); the square area being located around the ring-shaped touch surface (13) when the construct (10, 11) is placed in contact on the touch-sensitive sensor matrix (40); wherein the ring-shaped touch surface (13) is designed to trigger at least one negative signal by retransmission at a position in the touch-sensitive sensor matrix (40) corresponding to at least one corner point of the square area, to trigger at least one negative signal by retransmission at a position in the touch-sensitive sensor matrix (40) corresponding to a center of the ring-shaped touch surface (13) without electrically conductive material, and to trigger at least one positive signal at a position in the touch-sensitive sensor matrix (40) corresponding to an area of the ring-shaped touch surface (13) overlapping the touch-sensitive sensor matrix (40).

2. The construction (10, 11) according to claim 1, characterized in that The marking comprises, or is, at least one touch surface (15, 16) in electrically conductive connection with the ring-shaped touch surface (13).

3. The construction (10, 11) according to claim 2, wherein The at least one touch surface (15, 16) is located inside the ring-shaped touch surface (13).

4. The construction (10, 11) according to any one of claims 2-3, wherein, The marking comprises at least two touch surfaces (15, 16) of different sizes and / or two touch surfaces (15, 16) of different shapes.

5. The construction (10, 11) according to any one of claims 1-3, comprising a first touch surface and a second touch surface, wherein, A circumferential distance between the first touch surface and the second touch surface on the ring-shaped touch surface (13) is greater than 5 mm.

6. The construction (10, 11) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The electrically conductive structure (12) is applied to the electrically insulating substrate material (14) by screen printing.

7. The construction (10, 11) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, An outer diameter of the ring-shaped touch surface (13) is at least 10 mm.

8. The construction (10, 11) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The marking is configured to destroy a rotational symmetry of the ring-shaped touch surface (13).

9. The construction (10, 11) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The marking comprises, or is, an opening (17) of the ring-shaped touch surface (13).

10. The construction (10, 11) according to claim 9, wherein The opening (17) has an opening angle (β) of at least 30° and / or at most 150°, and / or wherein the ring-shaped touch surface (13) is C-shaped or horseshoe-shaped due to the opening (17).

11. The construction (50A-50F) according to any one of claims 1-3, comprising at least two electrically conductive structures (12), each electrically conductive structure having a loop-shaped touch surface (13) and at least one marker; each pair of electrically conductive structures (12) having another marker associated therewith.

12. The construct of claim 11, wherein, The other marker comprises a rotation angle (28) and / or a distance (27) of the pair of electrically conductive structures (12) relative to each other.

13. The construct (50A-50F) of claim 11, wherein, The at least two electrically conductive structures (12) are identical in shape and / or size.

14. The construct (50A-50F) of claim 13, wherein, Each electrically conductive structure is C-shaped or horseshoe-shaped.

15. The construction according to any one of claims 1-3, comprising another marker, the other marker comprising a loop-shaped width (24) and / or a diameter (26) of the loop-shaped touch surface (13).

16. The construction (10, 11) according to any one of claims 1-3, comprising a fixing member (19) configured to fix the construction (10, 11) to another element (20) different from the construction (10, 11).

17. A set of constructions (10, 11) according to any one of claims 1-16, characterized in that Each construction (10, 11) has electrically conductive structures (12) of a different configuration.

18. A set of the configurations (10, 11) according to claim 17, characterized in that, Each electrically conductive structure (12) has a different configuration of markers and a same loop-shaped touch surface (13).

19. A method of manufacturing a construction (10, 11) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, the method comprising the steps of: - providing an electrically insulating substrate material (14); - applying an electrically conductive material onto or into the electrically insulating substrate material (14); - forming the electrically conductive structures (12); - forming the construction (10, 11).

20. The method of claim 19, wherein, The electrically conductive material is an electrically conductive paint or varnish, and the electrically conductive material is applied onto the electrically insulating substrate material (14) by screen printing.

21. An inductive system comprising a construction (10, 11) according to any one of claims 1-16, and a control processing unit (30), - wherein the electrically conductive structures (12) of the construction (10, 11) are designed to cause a change in capacitance when the construction (10, 11) is placed on the touch-sensitive sensor matrix (40), the change in capacitance being detected by capacitive sensors of the touch-sensitive sensor matrix (40) as sensor data, - wherein, the control processing unit (30) being configured to receive the sensor data and to identify the construction (10, 11) based on the electrically conductive structures (12).

22. A method of detecting a construction (10, 11) according to any one of claims 1-16 on a touch-sensitive sensor matrix, the method comprising the steps of: - detecting a change in capacitance by capacitive sensors of the touch-sensitive sensor matrix (40), wherein the change in capacitance is caused by the electrically conductive structures (12) of the construction (10, 11) contacting the touch-sensitive sensor matrix (40); - creating a pattern of capacitances for the electrically conductive structures (12) of the construction (10, 11). - comparing said capacitance pattern with a plurality of previously known capacitance patterns; - based on said comparison, identifying said configuration (10, 11) on said touch sensitive sensor matrix (40).

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