Projected capacitive touch screen with narrow frame design and manufacturing method thereof

Abstract

Some embodiments include fabricating a narrow bezel for a projected capacitive (PCAP) touchscreen. Some embodiments include a vertical electrode on a cover glass, coupled to a first set of traces within the narrow bezel, and a first insulating black mask (BM) layer printed on the cover glass, the first insulating black mask layer including a first opening above the electrode terminals of the vertical electrodes. Some embodiments further include portions of conductive black vias (BV) printed in the first opening, coupling the conductive BV to the electrode terminals and a first silver trace in the first set of silver traces. Some embodiments include combining the cover glass with a sensor glass, wherein the first set of silver traces substantially overlaps with a second set of silver traces on the sensor glass within the narrow bezel, wherein the sets of overlapping silver traces are separated by a shielding layer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to projected capacitive (PCAP) touch-sensitive systems, and more specifically to bezel design for PCAP touchscreens. Background Technology

[0002] For today's consumers, the ability to interact with computer applications via touch displays is ubiquitous. While several touch technologies support touch interaction, each has its own advantages and disadvantages, and is suited to specific environments, sizes, and applications. Projected capacitive (PCAP) technology is used to support the desired features of touch interaction in touch / display interface devices.

[0003] The method for arranging transmitter and receiver traces on the bezel of a PCAP touchscreen is to avoid overlap between the transmitter and receiver traces. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Systems, methods, combinations, sub-combinations, and other embodiments of glass / glass (2GS) or glass / film / film (GFF) projected capacitive (PCAP) touchscreens and their structures are provided. In a 2GS PCAP touchscreen, indium tin oxide (ITO) or its equivalent on the glass is patterned by printing silver ink and ablating the ITO and silver with a laser. Similarly, in a GFF PCAP touchscreen, a film is coated with ITO or its equivalent, patterned by printing silver ink, and ablated with a laser. In some embodiments, any transparent conductive film that can be ablated by a laser, such as a silver nanowire coating, is considered equivalent to ITO. Therefore, in the following description, "ITO" should be understood as an abbreviation for "ITO or its equivalent".

[0005] Some embodiments include fabricating a narrow bezel for a PCAP touchscreen. For example, the method may include arranging a first transparent electrode on a cover glass, the first transparent electrode being coupled to a first set of silver traces within the narrow bezel of the PCAP touchscreen. The method includes printing a first insulating black mask (BM) layer on the cover glass, wherein the first insulating BM layer includes a first opening above the electrode terminals of one or more vertical electrodes of the first transparent electrode, and a portion of a conductive black via (BV) printed in the first opening, wherein the portion of the conductive BV can be coupled to the electrode terminals of the vertical electrodes and to the first silver trace of the first set of silver traces. Some embodiments include arranging a second transparent electrode parallel to the first transparent electrode on a sensor glass, wherein the second transparent electrode can be coupled to a second set of silver traces. Some embodiments include combining a cover glass with a sensor glass, wherein the first set of silver traces substantially overlaps with the second set of silver traces within the narrow bezel of the PCAP touchscreen, and wherein the sets of overlapping silver traces are separated by a shielding layer.

[0006] Some embodiments of the cover glass include printing silver paste on portions of the conductive BV and a first insulating BM layer, where transmitter and receiver silver traces are required; and ablating excess silver paste using a laser. Ablating excess silver paste using a laser may include leaving a deposit of silver paste within the boundary of the portion of the conductive BV, wherein the deposit is coupled to the first silver trace, and / or defines remaining silver traces of the first set of silver traces. In some embodiments, laser ablation of the excess silver paste creates one or more second openings through the silver paste and the first insulating BM layer to the first layer, and some embodiments include printing a second insulating BM layer that fills the one or more second openings. In some embodiments, printing the second insulating BM layer includes printing a second insulating BM layer that covers the first set of silver traces, except for a third opening exposing leads of the first set of silver traces that may be coupled to a connector (e.g., a flexible cable connector).

[0007] Some embodiments of the sensor glass include printing silver paste on the sensor glass, where transmitter and receiver silver traces are required; and using a laser to ablate excess silver paste. Some embodiments further include printing an insulating layer to substantially overlap with the second set of silver traces, such that when the sensor glass assembly is bonded to the cover glass assembly, the insulating layer and the second set of silver traces are located within the narrow bezel of the PCAP touchscreen. In some embodiments, a shielding layer is printed on the insulating layer. In some embodiments, printing silver paste on the second layer may include printing ground silver traces, and the insulating layer may be printed around a third opening that exposes the ground silver traces to the shielding layer.

[0008] In some embodiments, the assembly or bonding of the cover glass and the sensor glass includes applying an adhesive between the cover glass assembly and the sensor glass assembly. The adhesive may be a solid optically clear adhesive (OCA), including but not limited to acrylic adhesives, silicone adhesives, polyvinyl butyral (PVB), or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA).

[0009] Further embodiments, features, and advantages of this disclosure, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of this disclosure, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0010] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form part of the specification, illustrate the present disclosure and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure and enable those skilled in the art to make and use the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 1A An exemplary embodiment of a projected capacitive (PCAP) touchscreen with a narrow bezel is shown according to the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 1B A PCAP touchscreen on a display device is shown;

[0013] Figure 1C A portion of a PCAP touchscreen with a narrow bezel is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 1D A portion of the PCAP touchscreen is shown;

[0015] Figure 2A A cross-section of a glass / glass (2GS) PCAP touchscreen according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0016] Figure 2B A cross-section of a glass / film / film (GFF) PCAP touchscreen according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0017] Figure 3A An example of a cover glass with a transparent electrode layer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0018] Figure 3B An example of a cover glass with vertical electrodes according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0019] Figure 4A An example of an insulating black mask (BM) printed on a cover glass and surrounding the electrical ends of a vertical electrode, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, is shown.

[0020] Figure 4B An example of a conductive black via (BV) printed on the electrode end of a vertical electrode according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0021] Figure 5A Examples of silver paste printed on portions of conductive BV and printed on insulating BM on cover glass according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown.

[0022] Figure 5B An example of ablation of excess silver paste according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0023] Figure 6 An example of printing according to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure to fill another insulating BM through the gaps in the cover glass is shown;

[0024] Figure 7A An example of a sensor glass with a transparent electrode layer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0025] Figure 7B An example of a sensor glass with horizontal electrodes according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0026] Figure 8AAn example of silver paste printed on a portion of sensor glass according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0027] Figure 8B An example of ablation of excess silver paste according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0028] Figure 9A An example of an insulating layer printed to cover silver traces on sensor glass according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0029] Figure 9B An example of a shielding layer printed on an insulating layer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0030] Figure 9C An exemplary sensor glass assembly having a shielding layer printed on an insulating layer is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 10 An example of a combination of a cover glass assembly and a sensor glass assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0032] Figure 11 An example of a method for manufacturing a cover glass assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0033] Figure 12 An example of a method for manufacturing a sensor glass assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0034] Figure 13 An example of a method for assembling a cover glass assembly and a sensor glass assembly according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; and

[0035] Figure 14 Example computer systems for implementing and / or using various embodiments are shown.

[0036] This disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, similar reference numerals generally denote the same or similar elements. Additionally, generally, the leftmost numeral in the reference numerals indicates the drawing in which the reference numeral first appears. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The following detailed description of this disclosure refers to the accompanying drawings illustrating exemplary embodiments consistent with this disclosure. These exemplary embodiments will fully reveal the general nature of this disclosure, and others can readily modify and / or adapt these exemplary embodiments to various applications without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure and without excessive experimentation, by applying the knowledge of those skilled in the art. Therefore, based on the teachings and guidance set forth herein, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning of the exemplary embodiments and their various equivalents. It should be understood that the wording or terminology herein is for descriptive purposes and not for limitation, and that the terminology or terminology of this specification will be interpreted by those skilled in the art based on the teachings herein. Therefore, the detailed description is not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0038] The described embodiments and references to "an embodiment," "embodiment," "example embodiment," etc., in the specification indicate that the described embodiments may include specific features, structures, or characteristics, but each embodiment does not necessarily include those specific features, structures, or characteristics. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, when a specific feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is understood that, to the knowledge of those skilled in the art, such a feature, structure, or characteristic may be implemented in conjunction with other embodiments, whether or not explicitly described.

[0039] Some embodiments include manufacturing a narrow bezel for the PCAP touchscreen. Figure 1A A projected capacitive (PCAP) touchscreen 105 with a narrow bezel 130 is illustrated according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The PCAP touchscreen 105 can be placed in front of a display device 110, such as a monitor, computing device, computer, laptop, tablet, and / or mobile computing device, to name just a few examples. The PCAP touchscreen 105 also includes a connector (not shown) for electrically coupling the PCAP touchscreen 105 to the display device 110. A user can interact with software applications on the display device 110 by touching the cover glass touch surface 137 of the touchscreen 105. Figure 1C The text further describes part 150 of the touchscreen 105. Figure 2A and Figure 2B The cross-section 120 of the PCAP touchscreen 105 is further described in the text.

[0040] Figure 1B A PCAP touchscreen 107 on a display device 110 with a cover glass touch surface 137 is shown. A portion 180 of the touchscreen 107 includes a wide bezel 140. Figure 1D The text further describes part 180 of the touchscreen 107.

[0041] Figure 1CA portion 150 of a PCAP touchscreen 105 with a narrow bezel 130 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The portion 150 includes a view area 152 where content on a user-visible display device 110 is visible. A first set of silver traces 154 substantially overlaps with a second set of silver traces 156, and this substantial overlap occurs within the narrow bezel 130. Furthermore, the first set of silver traces 154 is separated from the overlapping second set of silver traces 156 by a shielding layer 160. The shielding layer 160 may include an insulating layer. The shielding layer 160 and the insulating layer may be similar to shielding layer 960 and insulating layer 910 described below. Figure 1D A portion 180 of the PCAP touchscreen 107 is shown. Portion 180 includes a view area 182 where the content on the user-visible display device 110 is visible. View area 182 is smaller than view area 152. A first set of silver traces 184 does not overlap with a second set of silver traces 186 within the wide bezel 140. The overlap of the first set of silver traces 154 and the second set of silver traces 156, separated at least by a shielding layer 160, makes the narrow bezel 130 narrower than the wide bezel 140. Therefore, the height 158 ​​of the narrow bezel 130 is less than the height 188 of the wide bezel 140. The same applies when the width of the narrow bezel 130 is less than the width of the wide bezel 140 (not shown).

[0042] Figure 2A A cross-section 120A of a glass / glass (2GS) PCAP touchscreen 105 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. For illustrative purposes, Figure 2A This can be described using elements from the preceding figures. Cross-section 120A may include a cover glass 275, a transparent conductor 280, an adhesive 283, and a sensor glass 290. A user interacts with the touchscreen 105 by touching the cover glass touch surface 137. Touch information from the cover glass touch surface 137 is collected via the transparent conductors 280 and 285 and transmitted electronically to the display device 110. Other embodiments include, but are not limited to, a three-glass (3GS) solution, where the cover glass does not contain electrodes and there are two back glass panels, each with electrodes.

[0043] Figure 2B A cross-section 120B of a glass / film / film (GFF) PCAP touchscreen 105 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. For illustrative purposes, Figure 2B It can be described using elements from the preceding figures. Cross-section 120B may include cover glass 235, adhesive 243, transparent conductor 245, film 250, adhesive 253, transparent conductor 255, and film 260. A user interacts with the touchscreen 105 by touching the cover glass touch surface 237. Touch information from the cover glass touch surface 237 is collected via transparent conductors 245 and 255 and transmitted electronically to the display device 110.

[0044] Adhesive layers 243, 253, and 283 may be solid optically transparent adhesives (OCAs), which may be acrylic-based adhesives, silicone-based adhesives, polyvinyl butyral (PVB), ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), or any other suitable OCA that a person skilled in the art will recognize. Transparent conductors 245, 255, 280, and 285 are circuit layers that may include electrodes, wiring traces, and trace shielding made of materials such as indium tin oxide (ITO), carbon nanotubes, graphene, silver nanowires, silver, and / or metal mesh. Transparent conductors 245, 255, 280, and 285 are typically microscopically thin, but for clarity, they are shown in… Figure 2A and Figure 2B The drawing is not to scale. Furthermore, there are no air gaps between the adhesive and the glass (e.g., adhesive 283 and cover glass 275, adhesive 283 and sensor glass 290, adhesive 243 and cover glass 235) or the adhesive and the film (e.g., adhesive 253 and film 260); adhesive 243 adheres to the inner surfaces of cover glass 235 and transparent conductor 245, adhesive 253 adheres to film 250 and transparent conductor 255, and transparent conductor 255 adheres to film 260 without air gaps.

[0045] Figure 3A Example 300 of a cover glass 275 having a transparent conductor 280 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. For illustrative purposes, Figure 3A The elements from the preceding figures can be used for description. Example 300a is a plan view of portion 150 of the PCAP touchscreen 105, Example 300b is a cross-sectional view of plan view 300a taken at 302, Example 300c is a cross-sectional view of plan view 300a taken at 304, and Example 300d is an enlarged view of cross-sectional view 300c. To fabricate the narrow bezel 130 of the PCAP touchscreen 105, some embodiments include arranging a first transparent electrode on a first layer. In plan view 300a, a transparent conductor 280 may be arranged on a cover glass 275. Cross-sectional view 300b taken at 302 shows a cross-sectional transparent conductor 280' arranged on the cross-sectional cover glass 275'. Cross-sectional view 300c taken at 304 shows a cross-sectional transparent conductor 280' on the cross-sectional cover glass 275', and cross-sectional view 300d shows an enlarged view of cross-sectional view 300c.

[0046] Figure 3B Example 350 of a cover glass 275 having a vertical electrode 360 ​​according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. For illustrative purposes, Figure 3BThe figures can be described using elements from the preceding diagrams. Example 350a is a plan view of portion 150 of the PCAP touchscreen 105, example 350b is a cross-sectional view of plan view 350a taken at 352, example 350c is a cross-sectional view of plan view 350a taken at 354, and example 350d is an enlarged view of cross-sectional view 350c. In some embodiments, the first transparent electrode includes a vertical electrode. For example, a portion of the transparent conductor 280 may be removed to create a parallel electrode, such as a vertical or horizontal electrode. In plan view 350a, a vertical electrode 360 ​​is fabricated. Although six half-vertical electrodes 360 are shown, only two are labeled for simplicity. Each end of the vertical electrode 360 ​​is referred to as an electrode terminal. Cross-sectional view 350b taken at 352 shows the cross-sectional vertical electrode 360' arranged on the cross-sectional cover glass 275'. Cross-sectional view 350c, taken at 354, shows the cross-section of the transparent conductor 360” on the cover glass 275”, and cross-sectional view 350d shows an enlarged view of cross-sectional view 350c.

[0047] Figure 4A An example 400 is shown, illustrating an insulating black mask (BM) layer 410 printed on a cover glass 275 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and an opening 420 surrounding each electrode terminal of a vertical electrode 360. For illustrative purposes, Figure 4AThe figures can be described using elements from the preceding diagrams. Example 400a is a plan view of portion 150 of the PCAP touchscreen 105, example 400b is a cross-sectional view of plan view 400a taken at 402, example 400c is a cross-sectional view of plan view 400a taken at 404, and example 400d is an enlarged view of cross-sectional view 400c. To fabricate the narrow bezel 130 of the PCAP touchscreen 105, some embodiments include printing a first insulating BM layer on a first layer, wherein the first insulating BM layer includes a first opening above the electrode terminals of the vertical electrodes. In plan view 400a, the first insulating BM layer 410 may be printed on a cover glass 275 that marks the narrow bezel 130 on the touchscreen 105. The first insulating BM layer 410 may cover a portion of the vertical electrodes 360 but includes an opening 420 above each electrode terminal. In this example, six half-openings 420 are shown, but for simplicity, only two are labeled. Cross-sectional view 400b, taken at 402, shows a cross-sectional vertical electrode 360' disposed on the cross-sectional cover glass 275'. Furthermore, a first insulating BM layer 410' is shown at the end of the cross-sectional vertical electrode 360' and between the cross-sectional vertical electrodes 360'. Cross-sectional view 400c, taken at 404, shows a cross-sectional transparent conductor 360" on the cross-sectional cover glass 275" with the first insulating BM layer 410" added. Note that the cross-sectional opening 420" is the area exposing the cross-sectional cover glass 275". Cross-sectional view 400d shows an enlarged view of cross-sectional view 400c.

[0048] Figure 4B An example 450 of a conductive black via (BV) 460 printed on the electrode end of a vertical electrode 360 ​​according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. For illustrative purposes, Figure 4B The diagram can be described using elements from the preceding figures. Example 450a is a plan view of portion 150 of the PCAP touchscreen 105, example 450b is a cross-sectional view of plan view 450a taken at 452, example 450c is a cross-sectional view of plan view 450a taken at 454, and example 450d is an enlarged view of cross-sectional view 450c. To fabricate the narrow bezel 130 of the PCAP touchscreen 105, some embodiments include printing portions of conductive BV in the first opening, wherein portions of the conductive BV are coupled to electrode terminals. In plan view 450a, portions of conductive BV 460 may be printed in each opening 420, and portions of conductive BV 460 may be coupled to the electrode terminals of the vertical electrode 360 ​​and the first insulating BM layer 410.

[0049] Cross-sectional view 450b, taken at 452, shows a cross-sectional vertical electrode 360' arranged on the cross-sectional cover glass 275'. Opening 420 is filled, and a cross-sectional conductive BV 460' is shown on top of the cross-sectional vertical electrode 360'; a cross-sectional first insulating BM layer 410' is shown at the ends of the cross-sections of the cross-sections of the cross-sections of the cross-sections of the vertical electrode 360' and the conductive BV 460', and between them. Cross-sectional view 450c, taken at 454, shows a cross-sectional transparent conductor 360" on the cross-sectional cover glass 275", with the cross-sectional first insulating BM layer 410" added. Note that the cross-sectional opening 420" has been filled with the cross-section of the conductive BV 460". Cross-sectional view 400d shows an enlarged view of cross-sectional view 400c.

[0050] Figure 5A Example 500 of silver paste 510 printed on portions of conductive BV460 and on a first insulating BM layer 410 printed on cover glass 275, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, is shown. For illustrative purposes, Figure 5A The elements from the preceding figures can be used for description. Example 500a is a plan view of portion 150 of the PCAP touchscreen 105, example 500b is a cross-sectional view of plan view 500a taken at 502, example 500c is a cross-sectional view of plan view 500a taken at 504, and example 500d is an enlarged view of cross-sectional view 500c. To fabricate the narrow bezel 130 of the PCAP touchscreen 105, some embodiments include printing silver paste on portions of the conductive BV and on the first insulating BM layer, where transmitter or receiver silver traces are required. For example, silver paste 510 may be printed on portions of the conductive BV 460 and on areas of the first insulating BM layer 410 where transmitter, receiver, and / or ground silver traces are required. Although the oval label 510 of the silver paste includes a narrow portion of the silver paste 510, note that the silver paste 510 also includes the following unconventional pattern, including portions on the conductive BV 460.

[0051] Cross-sectional view 500b, taken at 502, shows the cross-sectional vertical electrode 360' arranged on the cross-sectional cover glass 275'. The cross-section of silver paste 510' is shown as a portion printed on the cross-section of conductive BV 460', which is shown on the cross-sectional vertical electrode 360'. The cross-sectional first insulating BM layer 410' is shown at the ends and between the cross-sections of the cross-sections of the cross-sections of the cross-sections of the cross-sections of the cross-sections of the cross-sections of the vertical electrode 360' and the conductive BV 460', and below some cross-sections of the silver paste 510'. Cross-sectional view 500c, taken at 504, shows the cross-sections of the cross-sectional transparent conductor 360" of the cross-section, the cross-sectional first insulating BM layer 410" of the cross-section, and the conductive BV 460" of the cross-section cover glass 275". The cross-sectional silver paste 510" is added on top of the cross-sectional conductive BV 460" and the cross-sectional first insulating BM layer 410" of the cross-section. Cross-sectional view 500d shows an enlarged view of cross-sectional view 500c.

[0052] Figure 5B An example 550 of ablation of excess silver paste 510 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. For illustrative purposes, Figure 5B This can be described using elements from the preceding figures. Example 550a is a plan view of portion 150 of the PCAP touchscreen 105, example 550b is a cross-sectional view of plan view 550a taken at 552, example 550c is a cross-sectional view of plan view 550a taken at 554, and example 550d is an enlarged view of cross-sectional view 550c. To fabricate the narrow bezel 130 of the PCAP touchscreen 105, some embodiments include ablating excess silver paste using a laser (not shown), which includes leaving a deposit of silver paste within the boundary of the portion of the conductive BV deposit coupled to the first silver trace, and remaining silver traces defining the first set of silver traces. For example, a laser can be used to remove excess silver paste 510 on the first insulating BM layer 410 to define the first set of silver traces 560. The first set of silver traces 560 can be equivalent to... Figure 1C The first set of silver traces 154. Furthermore, excess silver paste 510 can be removed using a laser to leave silver paste deposits 570 on the conductive BV460 portion. The silver paste deposits 570 are coupled to the first set of silver traces 560. Although six semi-silver paste deposits 570 are shown, only three are labeled for simplicity in the figures.

[0053] Cross-sectional view 550b, taken at 552, shows a cross-sectional vertical electrode 360' arranged on a cross-sectional cover glass 275'. In some embodiments, such as Figure 5A As shown in cross-sectional view 500b, laser ablation can remove excess silver paste 510', in order to... Figure 5BThe cross-section of the silver paste deposit 570' is shown in Figure 550b. The cross-section of the silver paste deposit 570' is shown on the portion of the conductive BV460' on the vertical electrode 360'. The first insulating BM layer 410' is shown at the ends of the cross-sections of the vertical electrode 360' and the conductive BV460' and between them.

[0054] Cross-sectional views 550c and 550d taken at 554 show the following on the cross-section of the cover glass 275”: a cross-section of the transparent conductor 360”; a cross-section of the first insulating BM layer 410”; and a cross-section of the conductive BV 460”. Laser ablation of the cross-section of the silver paste 510” produces a) a cross-section of the first set of silver traces 560” on the cross-section of the first insulating BM layer 410”; and b) a cross-section of the conductive BV 460” and the silver paste deposit 570” on the cross-section of the first insulating BM layer 410”.

[0055] Cross-sectional view 550d further illustrates that laser ablation not only removes excess silver paste to create a cross-section of silver paste deposit 570”, but also removes the portion of the first insulating BM layer down to the cover glass 275”. Therefore, the pattern left by laser ablation can... Figure 1A Visible within the narrow bezel 130. For example, laser ablation can remove excess cross-sectional silver paste 510” on the cover glass 275” when producing the first set of cross-sectional silver traces 560”, and the exposed portion of the cover glass 275” is marked as gap 565”. Although two gaps 565” are shown and marked for the sake of simplicity, other gaps 565” may also exist that are not shown in the figures.

[0056] Figure 6 Example 600 shows a printing of another insulating BM layer 610 to fill the gap 565” through the cover glass 275” according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. For illustrative purposes, Figure 6The elements from the preceding figures can be used for description. Example 600a is a plan view of portion 150 of the PCAP touchscreen 105, Example 600b is a cross-sectional view of plan view 600a taken at 602, Example 600c is a cross-sectional view of plan view 600a taken at 604, and Example 600d is an enlarged view of cross-sectional view 600c. To fabricate the narrow bezel 130 of the PCAP touchscreen 105, a gap is created through the silver paste and the first insulating BM layer to the first layer; and a second insulating BM layer is printed to fill the gap. Furthermore, printing the second insulating BM layer may include printing a second insulating BM layer covering the first set of silver traces, except for a second opening exposing the leads of the first set of silver traces for coupling with a connector. For example, the second insulating BM layer 610 can be printed to: a) cover the first set of silver traces 560 (e.g., the first set of silver traces 560”); b) cover a portion of the first insulating BM layer 410 (e.g., shown as 410”), except at the opening 620 where the connector can couple to the leads of the silver paste 510 (e.g., as shown). Figure 1A (c) The connector shown is connected to the flexible cable that couples the touchscreen 105 to the display device 110; and (d) fills the gap 565” created by laser ablation, as shown in cross-sectional views 600c and 600d.

[0057] A cross-sectional view 600b taken at 602 shows a cross-sectional vertical electrode 360' disposed on a cross-sectional cover glass 275'. A first insulating BM layer 410' is shown at the ends of the cross-sections of the cross-sections of the cross-sections of the vertical electrode 360' and the conductive BV 460', and between them. A cross-section of the silver paste deposit 570' is shown on the portion of the conductive BV 460' shown on the cross-section of the vertical electrode 360'.

[0058] Cross-sectional view 600d shows the cross-section of the second insulating BM layer 610” covering the first insulating BM layer 410”, the cross-section of the silver paste deposition 570”, the cross-section of the first set of silver traces 560”, and filling the gap 565”.

[0059] Figure 7A Example 700 of a sensor glass 290 having a transparent conductor 285 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. For illustrative purposes, Figure 7AThe elements from the preceding figures can be used for description. Example 700a is a plan view of portion 150 of the PCAP touchscreen 105, example 700b is a cross-sectional view of plan view 700a taken at 702, and example 700c is a cross-sectional view of plan view 700a taken at 704. To fabricate the narrow bezel 130 of the PCAP touchscreen 105, some embodiments include arranging a second transparent electrode parallel to the first transparent electrode on a second layer. For example, a transparent conductor 285 may be arranged on the sensor glass 290. Cross-sectional view 700b taken at 702 shows the cross-sectional transparent conductor 285' arranged on the cross-sectional sensor glass 290'. Cross-sectional view 700c taken at 704 shows the cross-sectional transparent conductor 285' on the cross-sectional sensor glass 290'.

[0060] Figure 7B Example 750 of a sensor glass 290 having a horizontal electrode 760 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. For illustrative purposes, Figure 7B This can be described using elements from the preceding figures. In some embodiments, the second transparent electrode includes a horizontal electrode. For example, a portion of the transparent conductor 285 can be removed to create a parallel electrode, such as a vertical or horizontal electrode. In this example, a horizontal electrode 760 is created. Although four horizontal electrodes 760 are shown, only two are labeled for simplicity. Each end of the horizontal electrode 760 is referred to as an electrode terminal. Example 750a is a plan view of a portion 150 of the PCAP touchscreen 105, example 750b is a cross-sectional view of plan view 750a taken at 752, and example 750c is a cross-sectional view of plan view 750a taken at 754. The cross-sectional view 750b taken at 752 shows the cross-sectional horizontal electrode 760' arranged on the cross-sectional sensor glass 290'. The cross-sectional view 750c taken at 754 shows the cross-sectional horizontal electrode 760' arranged on the cross-sectional sensor glass 290'.

[0061] Figure 8A An example 800 of silver paste 810 printed on a portion of sensor glass 290 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. For illustrative purposes, Figure 8AThe elements from the preceding figures can be used for description. Example 800a is a plan view of portion 150 of the PCAP touchscreen 105, example 800b is a cross-sectional view of plan view 800a taken at 802, and example 800c is a cross-sectional view of plan view 800a taken at 804. To fabricate the narrow bezel 130 of the PCAP touchscreen 105, some embodiments include printing silver paste on a second layer where transmitter or receiver traces are required, wherein the silver paste is coupled to a second transparent electrode. For example, silver paste 810 may be printed on portions of sensor glass 290 where transmitter, receiver, and / or ground traces are required, and silver paste 810 may be coupled to a horizontal electrode 760. Although the oval label of silver paste 810 only surrounds a portion of silver paste 810, note that silver paste 810 also includes areas with the same pattern. Cross-sectional view 800b taken at 802 shows the cross-sectional horizontal electrode 760' arranged on the cross-sectional sensor glass 290'. The cross-section of silver paste 810' is shown as a portion printed on the cross-section of horizontal electrode 760' and sensor glass 290'. A cross-section taken at 804 in Figure 800c shows the horizontal electrode 760' arranged on the cross-section of sensor glass 290'. The cross-section of silver paste 810' is shown as printed on sensor glass 290'.

[0062] Figure 8B An example 850 of excess silver paste 810 being ablated according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. For illustrative purposes, Figure 8B This can be described using elements from the preceding figures. Example 850a is a plan view of portion 150 of the PCAP touchscreen 105, example 850b is a cross-sectional view of plan view 850a taken at 852, and cross-sectional view 850c is an enlarged view of cross-sectional view 850b. Example 850d is a cross-sectional view of plan view 850a taken at 854, and cross-sectional view 850e is an enlarged view of cross-sectional view 850d. To fabricate the narrow bezel 130 of the PCAP touchscreen 105, some embodiments include using a laser (not shown) to ablate excess silver paste. For example, a laser can be used to remove portions of the silver paste 810 on the sensor glass 290 to define a second set of silver traces 860 (e.g., laser ablation can remove unwanted portions of the silver paste 810 to retain the second set of silver traces 860). In one example, the second set of silver traces 860 can be equivalent to... Figure 1C The second set of silver traces 156. A cross-sectional view 850b, taken at 852, shows the horizontal electrode 760' arranged on the cross-sectional sensor glass 290'. A cross-section of the silver paste 810' is shown on the portion of the cross-section of the horizontal electrode 760' and the sensor glass 290'. Cross-sectional view 800c is an enlarged view of cross-sectional view 850b, in which the space between the cross-sections of the silver paste 810' is visible.

[0063] Cross-sectional view 850d, taken at 854, shows the horizontal electrode 760” of the cross-section arranged on the cross-sectional sensor glass 290”, and also shows the cross-section of the silver paste 810” printed on the cross-sectional sensor glass 290”. Cross-sectional view 850e shows an enlarged view of the cross-section of the silver paste 810” on the cross-sectional sensor glass 290”, including the space on the cross-section of the cross-section of the cross-sectional sensor glass 290” where the silver paste 810” is not printed.

[0064] Figure 9A An example 900 is shown, illustrating an insulating layer 910 printed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure to cover a second set of silver traces 860 on a sensor glass. For illustrative purposes, Figure 9A The diagram can be described using elements from the preceding figures. Example 900a is a plan view of portion 150 of the PCAP touchscreen 105, example 900b is a cross-sectional view of plan view 900a taken at 902, and cross-sectional view 900c is an enlarged view of cross-sectional view 900b. Example 900d is a cross-sectional view of plan view 900a taken at 904, and cross-sectional view 900e is an enlarged view of cross-sectional view 900d. Example 900f is a cross-sectional view of plan view 900a taken at 906, spanning the insulating layer 910 and the opening 915.

[0065] To fabricate the narrow bezel 130 of the PCAP touchscreen 105, some embodiments include printing an insulating layer to substantially overlap with a second set of silver traces within the narrow bezel of the PCAP touchscreen. In some embodiments, printing silver paste on the second layer includes printing ground silver traces, and printing the insulating layer includes printing an insulator around a second opening exposing the ground silver traces. For example, the insulating layer 910 may be printed to substantially cover the second set of silver traces 860. Portions of the second set of silver traces 860 may remain uncovered, such as silver trace leads 920 and silver paste 810. Furthermore, the insulating layer 910 may include an opening 915 through which the ground silver trace 930 is exposed (e.g., not covered by the insulating layer 910).

[0066] Cross-sectional view 900b, taken at 902, shows the horizontal electrode 760' arranged on the cross-sectional sensor glass 290'. The cross-section of the silver paste 810' is shown in the cross-section of the portion of the horizontal electrode 760' and the sensor glass 290'. Cross-sectional view 900c is an enlarged view of a portion of 900b and shows the space between the cross-sections of the silver paste 810'. Note that the cross-section of the silver paste 810' includes the cross-sectional ground silver trace 930'.

[0067] The cross-sectional view 900d taken at 904 shows the cross-sectional insulating layer 910”, which fills the space between the cross-sections of the silver paste 810” on the cross-sectional sensor glass 290”, such that, for example, in Figure 1A These spaces are not visible within the narrow bezel 130. Cross-sectional view 900e is an enlarged view of the cross-section of the silver paste 810”, which includes the cross-sectional ground silver trace 930 covered by the cross-sectional insulating layer 910”.

[0068] The cross-sectional view 900f taken at 906 shows the cross-sectional opening 915”, which is shown as the space on the cross-sectional sensor glass 290” adjacent to the cross-sectional ground silver trace 930”, where the cross-sectional ground silver trace 930” is not covered by the cross-sectional insulating layer 910”. Instead, the remaining cross-section of the silver paste 810” is covered by the cross-sectional insulating layer 910”.

[0069] Figure 9B An example 950 of a shielding layer 960 printed on an insulating layer 910 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. For illustrative purposes, Figure 9B The diagram can be described using elements from the preceding figures. Example 950a is a plan view of portion 150 of the PCAP touchscreen 105, example 950b is a cross-sectional view of plan view 950a taken at 952, and cross-sectional view 950c is an enlarged view of cross-sectional view 950b. Example 950d is a cross-sectional view of plan view 950a taken at 954, and cross-sectional view 950e is an enlarged view of cross-sectional view 950d. Example 950f is a cross-sectional view of plan view 950a taken at 956, spanning the insulating layer 910 and the opening 915.

[0070] To fabricate the narrow bezel 130 of the PCAP touchscreen 105, some embodiments include printing a shielding layer on an insulating layer, wherein a second opening in the insulating layer exposes a ground silver trace to the shielding layer. For example, the shielding layer 960 can be printed to substantially cover the insulating layer 910. Furthermore, due to the opening 915 in the insulating layer 910, the shielding layer 960 can be coupled to the ground silver trace 930. For example, the shielding layer 960 can be equivalent to... Figure 1C The shielding layer is 160.

[0071] Cross-sectional view 950b, taken at 952, shows the horizontal electrode 760' arranged on the cross-sectional sensor glass 290'. The cross-section of the silver paste 810' is shown in the cross-section of the portion of the horizontal electrode 760' and the sensor glass 290'. Cross-sectional view 950c is an enlarged view of a portion of 950b and shows the space between the cross-sections of the silver paste 810'. Note that the cross-section of the silver paste 810' includes the cross-sectional ground silver trace 930'.

[0072] The cross-sectional view 950d taken at 954 shows a cross-sectional shielding layer 960” added to the cross-sectional insulating layer 910”, which fills the space between the cross-sections of the silver paste 810” on the cross-sectional sensor glass 290”, such that... Figure 1A These spaces are not visible within the narrow bezel 130. Cross-sectional view 950e is an enlarged view of the cross-section of the silver paste 810”, which includes the cross-sectional ground silver trace 930 covered by the cross-sectional insulating layer 910”. The cross-sectional shielding layer 960” is located on top of the cross-sectional insulating layer 910”.

[0073] The cross-sectional view 950f taken at 956 shows the cross-sectional opening 915”, which is shown as the space adjacent to the cross-sectional grounding silver trace 930” on the cross-sectional sensor glass 290”, where the cross-sectional shielding layer 960” is filled as shown. Figure 9A The cross-sectional opening 915” shown in 900f leaves space around the cross-sectional grounded silver trace 930”. Therefore, the cross-sectional shielding layer 960” can be coupled to a portion of the cross-section of the silver paste 810”, such as the grounded silver trace 930”. Conversely, the remaining cross-section of the silver paste 810” is coupled to the cross-sectional insulating layer 910”. Some portions of the cross-sectional insulating layer 910” covering the remaining cross-section of the silver paste 810” are coupled to the cross-sectional shielding layer 960”.

[0074] Figure 9C An exemplary sensor glass assembly 990 with a shielding layer 960y printed on an insulating layer 910y is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The sensor glass assembly 990 is synthesized like the sensor glass assembly 950, wherein portions such as silver paste 810 are oriented on different sides (e.g., reversed along the y-axis). Because the compositions are identical but have different orientations, the label of example 990 is identified by adding a “y”. Thus, plan view 990a includes, but is not limited to: sensor glass 290y, having a horizontal electrode 760y, silver paste 810y, and an insulating layer 910y coupled to the shielding layer 960y, wherein silver trace leads 920y can remain uncovered. Plan view 990a may be a portion 150 of a PCAP touchscreen 105, and example 990b is a cross-sectional view of plan view 990a taken at 952y.

[0075] The cross-sectional view 990b taken at 952y shows the horizontal electrode 760y' arranged on the cross-sectional sensor glass 290y'. The cross-section of the silver paste 810y' is shown on the portion of the cross-sectional horizontal electrode 760y' and the sensor glass 290y'. Note that the cross-section of the silver paste 810y' includes the cross-sectional ground silver trace 930y'.

[0076] Figure 10 Exemplary embodiments according to this disclosure are shown. Figure 6 Cover glass assembly 600 and Figure 9C Example 1000 of a combination of sensor glass assembly 990. For illustrative purposes, Figure 10 This can be described using elements from the preceding diagram. In some embodiments, combination 1000 is equivalent to... Figure 1C 150, of which the shielding layer 160 is equivalent to Figure 9C The shielding layer is 960y, which is not visible in the combination 1000.

[0077] To fabricate the narrow bezel 130 of the PCAP touchscreen 105, some embodiments include assembling a first layer and a second layer, wherein a first set of silver traces substantially overlaps with a second set of silver traces within the narrow bezel of the PCAP touchscreen, and wherein the sets of overlapping silver traces are separated by a shielding layer. Some embodiments further include applying an adhesive between the first and second layers. For example, a cover glass assembly 600 may be assembled with a sensor glass assembly 990, with an adhesive 283 between them. Figure 2A In other words, adhesive 283 can be sandwiched between the bottom cover glass assembly 600 and the top sensor glass assembly 990, as shown in assembly 1000. The vertical electrode 360 ​​is aligned with the horizontal electrode 760y, and the first set of silver traces 560 (not shown) of the cover glass assembly 600 substantially overlaps with the second set of silver traces 860y coupled to the second insulating BM layer 610, wherein the overlapping first set of silver traces 560 and the second set of silver traces 860y are separated by a shielding layer 960y and an insulating layer 910y. Cross-sectional view 1000, taken at 1002, shows a combination of cross-sectional view 600b taken at 602 and cross-sectional view 990b taken at 952y with adhesive 283 added. Therefore, these descriptions will not be repeated here.

[0078] Figure 11 An example of a method 1100 for manufacturing a cover glass assembly (e.g., cover glass assembly 600) for a narrow bezel 130 of a PCAP touchscreen 105 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. For illustrative purposes, Figure 11 It can be described using elements from the previous diagram.

[0079] In 1110, method 1100 includes disposing a first transparent electrode on a first layer. For example, method 1100 may include disposing a transparent conductor 280 onto a cover glass 275.

[0080] At 1120, method 1100 includes removing a portion of the first transparent electrode to form parallel oriented electrode pads (e.g., vertical electrode pads). For example, method 1100 may include removing a portion of the transparent conductor 280 to create one or more vertical electrodes 360 on the cover glass 275.

[0081] In method 1130, the method includes printing a first insulating black mask (BM) layer to form a narrow bezel on the periphery of the first layer, wherein the first insulating BM layer includes an opening above the electrode tip of the oriented electrode pad (e.g., a rectangular opening within the first insulating BM layer that exposes the tip of the electrode). For example, method 1130 may print a first insulating BM layer 410 on the periphery of the cover glass 275, wherein the first insulating BM layer 410 includes an opening 420 above the electrode tip of the vertical electrode 360.

[0082] In method 1100, method 1140 includes printing a portion of a conductive black via (BV) in an opening on the electrode end of the directional electrode pad. The portion of the conductive BV may overlap with the first insulating BM layer without contacting adjacent portions of the conductive BV. For example, method 1100 includes printing a portion of conductive BV 460 in an opening 420 such that the portion of conductive BV 460 is coupled to the electrode end of the vertical electrode 360. The portion of conductive BV 460 may extend beyond the opening 420 without contacting other portions of conductive BV 460.

[0083] In 1150, method 1100 includes printing silver paste on portions of the conductive BV and on a first insulating BM layer where transmitter, receiver, and / or ground silver traces are required. For example, method 1100 includes printing silver paste 510 on portions of the conductive BV 460 and on a first insulating BM layer 410 where transmitter, receiver, and / or ground silver traces are required.

[0084] In 1160, method 1100 includes using a laser to ablate excess silver paste to: a) define silver traces, and b) optionally leave a deposit of silver paste within the boundary of a portion of the conductive BV, wherein the deposit is coupled to the silver trace. For example, method 1100 includes using a laser to remove unwanted portions of the silver paste 510. Laser ablation can remove excess silver paste 510 to define a first set of silver traces 560 that may include a transmitter, receiver, and / or ground silver trace. Furthermore, in some embodiments, laser ablation can leave silver paste deposits 570 on one or more portions of the conductive BV 460, wherein each silver paste deposit 570 is coupled to the silver trace of the first set of silver traces 560.

[0085] In method 1170, method 1100 includes printing a second insulating BM layer on a first insulating BM layer along the border where a connector is required, wherein the second insulating BM layer includes an opening large enough to expose a portion of the silver trace (e.g., where the leads of the silver trace are to be coupled to a connector). Furthermore, the second insulating BM layer may expose a portion of the silver paste deposit. For example, method 1100 may include printing a second insulating BM layer 610 along a narrow border 130 where a connector is required (e.g., a connector for a flexible cable coupling a touchscreen 105 to a display device 110). The second insulating BM layer 610 includes an opening 620 that exposes a portion of the silver paste 510 or a first set of silver traces 560.

[0086] At 1180, method 1100 includes printing a second insulating BM layer to fill the opening formed by laser ablation, such that the second insulating BM layer is adjacent to the cover glass. For example, method 1100 may include printing a second insulating BM layer 610 to fill gap 565' or equivalent.

[0087] Figure 12 An example of a method 1200 for manufacturing a sensor glass assembly 950 for a narrow bezel 130 of a PCAP touchscreen 105 is shown according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. For illustrative purposes, Figure 12 It can be described using elements from the previous diagram.

[0088] In 1210, method 1200 includes arranging a second transparent electrode on the second layer. For example, method 1200 may include arranging a transparent conductor 285 on sensor glass 290.

[0089] In 1220, method 1200 includes removing a portion of the second transparent electrode to form parallel oriented electrode pads (e.g., horizontal electrode pads). For example, method 1200 may include removing a portion of the transparent conductor 285 to form a second electrode or horizontal electrode 760 on the sensor glass 290.

[0090] In 1230, method 1200 includes printing silver paste on the second layer in areas where transmitter, receiver, and / or ground silver traces are required. For example, method 1200 may include printing silver paste 810 on areas of sensor glass 290 where transmitter, receiver, and / or ground silver traces are required.

[0091] At 1240, method 1200 includes using a laser to ablate excess silver paste to define silver traces. For example, method 1200 may include using a laser to ablate portions of silver paste 810 to define a second set of silver traces 860 that may include transmitter, receiver, and / or ground silver traces.

[0092] In method 1200, at 1250, the method includes printing an insulating layer on a second layer to substantially cover the defined silver traces, wherein the insulating layer includes an opening that exposes a portion of the grounded silver trace. For example, method 1200 includes printing an insulating layer 910 on sensor glass 290 that substantially covers a second set of silver traces 860, which may include a transmitter, a receiver, and / or a grounded silver trace. The insulating layer 910 may include an opening 915 that exposes the grounded silver trace 930 of the silver paste 810.

[0093] In 1260, method 1200 includes printing a shielding layer on an insulating layer. For example, method 1200 may include printing a shielding layer 960 on an insulating layer 910, wherein the shielding layer 960 is coupled to a ground silver trace 930 due to an opening 915.

[0094] Figure 13 An example of a method 1300 for assembling a cover glass assembly and a sensor glass assembly according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. For illustrative purposes, Figure 13 It can be described using elements from the previous diagram.

[0095] In method 1300, method 1310 includes assembling a cover glass with a sensor glass, wherein the silver traces of the cover glass overlap with the silver traces of the sensor glass, wherein the overlapping silver traces are separated by a shielding layer and an insulating layer, and the overlap occurs within a narrow bezel (e.g., outside the view area). For example, method 1300 may include assembling a cover glass assembly 600 with a sensor glass assembly 990, wherein a first set of silver traces 560 substantially overlaps with a second set of silver traces 860y, wherein the overlapping silver traces are separated by a shielding layer 960y and / or an insulating layer 910y. The overlapping silver traces are: located within a second insulating BM layer 610; within a narrow bezel 130; and outside the view area. Figure 1C Within the view area 152.

[0096] In method 1320, the silver traces of the cover glass and the silver traces of the sensor glass are placed nearby to share a common connector. For example, method 1300 may place a first set of silver traces 560 or silver paste 510 near a second set of silver traces 860y to share a common connector.

[0097] In method 1300, an adhesive layer is applied between the second insulating BM layer of the cover glass and the shielding layer of the sensor glass. For example, method 1300 may include applying adhesive 283 between the cover glass assembly 600 and the sensor glass assembly 990. In another example, adhesive 283 may be between the second insulating BM layer 610 and the shielding layer 960y.

[0098] For example, one or more well-known computer systems can be used, such as Figure 14 The computer system 1400 shown is used to implement various embodiments. The computer system 1400 can be any known computer capable of performing the functions described herein (e.g., the PCAP touchscreen 105 and / or display device 110 of FIG. 1). As described above, the computer system 1400 can be internal or external to the PCAP touchscreen 105 and / or display device 110. For example, a portion of the computer system 1400 can be included as the PCAP touchscreen 105 and / or display device 110. Furthermore, the PCAP touchscreen 105 can be used in conjunction with another computer system 1400. In another example, the computer system 1440 can be used to perform… Figures 11 to 13 Methods 1100, 1200 and / or 1300 described herein.

[0099] Computer system 1400 includes one or more processors (also referred to as central processing units or CPUs), such as processor 1404. Processor 1404 is connected to communication infrastructure or bus 906. Each of the one or more processors 1404 may be a graphics processing unit (GPU). In embodiments, a GPU is a processor that is a dedicated electronic circuit designed to process mathematically intensive applications. GPUs may have a parallel architecture, which is efficient for parallel processing of large blocks of common mathematically intensive data such as computer graphics applications, images, and videos. Computer system 900 also includes user input / output devices, such as monitors, keyboards, pointing devices, etc., that communicate with communication infrastructure 1406 via user input / output interface 1402.

[0100] Computer system 1400 also includes main or primary memory 1408, such as random access memory (RAM). Main memory 1408 may include one or more levels of cache. Main memory 1408 stores control logic (i.e., computer software) and / or data. Computer system 1400 may also include one or more secondary storage devices or memories 1410. For example, secondary storage 1410 may include hard disk drive 1412 and / or removable storage device or drive 1414. Removable storage drive 1414 may be a floppy disk drive, magnetic tape drive, optical disk drive, optical storage device, magnetic tape backup device, and / or any other storage device / drive.

[0101] The removable storage drive 1414 can interact with the removable storage unit 1418. The removable storage unit 1418 includes a computer-usable or readable storage device on which computer software (control logic) and / or data are stored. The removable storage unit 1418 can be a floppy disk, magnetic tape, optical disc, DVD, optical storage disc, and / or any other computer data storage device. The removable storage drive 1414 reads from and / or writes to the removable storage unit 1418 in a known manner.

[0102] According to an exemplary embodiment, auxiliary storage 1410 may include other means, tools, or other methods for allowing computer system 1400 to access computer programs and / or other instructions and / or data. Such means, tools, or other methods may include, for example, removable storage unit 1422 and interface 1420. Examples of removable storage unit 1422 and interface 1420 may include a program box and box interface (e.g., a program box and box interface found in video game devices), a removable storage chip (e.g., EPROM or PROM) and associated receptacle, a memory stick and USB port, a memory card and associated memory card slot, and / or any other removable storage unit and associated interface.

[0103] Computer system 1400 may further include a communication or network interface 1424. Communication interface 1424 enables computer system 1400 to communicate and interact with any combination of remote devices, remote networks, remote entities, etc. (individually and commonly referred to by reference numeral 1428). For example, communication interface 1424 may allow computer system 1400 to communicate with remote device 1428 via communication path 1426, which may be wired and / or wireless, and may include any combination of LAN, WAN, Internet, etc. Control logic and / or data may be transmitted to and from computer system 1400 via communication path 1426.

[0104] In embodiments, tangible, non-transitory means or articles of art, including tangible, computer-usable or readable media on which control logic (software) is stored, are also referred to herein as computer program products or program storage devices. This includes, but is not limited to, computer system 1400, main memory 1408, secondary memory 1410, and removable storage units 1418 and 1422, as well as tangible articles embodying any combination thereof. When executed by one or more data processing devices (e.g., computer system 1400), this control logic causes such data processing devices to operate as described herein.

[0105] For purposes of explanation, specific terminology has been used in the foregoing description to provide a thorough understanding of this disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details are not required for practicing the contents of this disclosure. Therefore, for purposes of illustration and description, the foregoing description of specific embodiments of this disclosure is presented. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit this disclosure to the precise forms disclosed, and it will be apparent that many modifications and variations can be made in accordance with the foregoing teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of this disclosure and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize this disclosure and various embodiments with various modifications suitable for the particular intended use. The appended claims and their equivalents are intended to define the scope of this disclosure.

[0106] Based on the teachings contained in this disclosure, it will be helpful to those skilled in the art to use [the following methods]: Figure 14 It will be apparent that embodiments of this disclosure can be made and used with data processing devices, computer systems, and / or computer architectures other than those shown. Specifically, embodiments may be implemented using software, hardware, and / or operating systems other than those described herein.

[0107] It should be understood that the detailed description portion, rather than the abstract portion, is intended to be used to interpret the claims. The abstract portion may set forth one or more, but not all, exemplary embodiments of this disclosure and is therefore not intended to limit this disclosure and the appended claims in any way.

[0108] The present disclosure has been described above using functional building blocks that illustrate implementations of specified functions and their relationships. For ease of description, the boundaries of these functional building blocks are arbitrarily defined herein. Alternative boundaries can be defined as long as the specified functions and their relationships are properly performed.

[0109] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes can be made to the form and details therein without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure should not be limited to any of the exemplary embodiments described above. Furthermore, the claims should be defined only by their description and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a narrow bezel for a projected capacitive PCAP touchscreen, comprising: A first transparent electrode is disposed on the first layer, and the first transparent electrode is coupled to a first silver trace in a first set of silver traces within the narrow bezel of the PCAP touch screen. A first insulating black mask BM layer is printed on the first layer, wherein the first insulating BM layer includes a first opening above the electrode end of the first transparent electrode; A portion of a conductive black via BV is printed in the first opening, wherein the portion of the conductive BV is coupled to the electrode end and coupled to the first silver trace; A second transparent electrode is arranged parallel to the first transparent electrode on the second layer, and the second transparent electrode is coupled to the second silver trace in the second set of silver traces; An insulating layer is printed on the second layer to overlap with the second set of silver traces within the narrow bezel of the PCAP touchscreen; A shielding layer is printed on the insulating layer; and The first layer and the second layer are assembled, wherein the first set of silver traces overlaps with the second set of silver traces within the narrow bezel of the PCAP touchscreen, and wherein the sets of overlapping silver traces are separated by the shielding layer and the insulating layer.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Silver paste is printed on the portion of the conductive BV and the first insulating BM layer, and it is desired to form transmitter and receiver silver traces in the first insulating BM layer. as well as Use a laser to ablate excess silver paste.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, Using the laser to ablate excess silver paste includes: A deposit of the silver paste is left within the boundary of the portion of the conductive BV, wherein the deposit is coupled to the first silver trace; and Limit the remaining silver traces of the first set of silver traces.

4. The method according to claim 2, wherein, Using the laser to ablate excess silver paste includes: A gap is created through the silver paste and the first insulating BM layer to the first layer; and A second insulating BM layer is printed to fill the gap.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein, The printed second insulating BM layer covers the portion of the first insulating BM layer except for the second opening, which exposes the leads of the first set of silver traces for coupling with the connector.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: A second silver paste is printed on the second layer on which the silver traces of the transmitter and receiver are to be formed; as well as A laser is used to ablate the excess second silver paste.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein, Printing the second silver paste on the second layer includes printing a grounding silver trace; and wherein printing the insulating layer includes printing the insulating layer around a second opening that exposes the grounding silver trace to the shielding layer.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The assembly includes applying an adhesive between the first layer and the second layer.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The adhesive is a solid optically transparent adhesive (OCA), including: acrylic adhesives, silicone adhesives, polyvinyl butyral (PVB), or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA).

10. A projection capacitive PCAP touchscreen with a narrow bezel, comprising: The first layer includes a first transparent electrode, which is coupled to a first silver trace in a first set of silver traces within the narrow bezel of the PCAP touchscreen. A first insulating black mask BM layer on the first layer, wherein the first insulating BM layer includes a first opening above the electrode end of the first transparent electrode; In a portion of the conductive black via BV in the first opening, wherein the portion of the conductive BV is coupled to the electrode end and coupled to the first silver trace; A second layer parallel to the first layer, the second layer including a second transparent electrode coupled to a second silver trace in a second set of silver traces; An insulating layer on the second layer, which overlaps with the second set of silver traces within the narrow bezel of the PCAP touchscreen; The shielding layer on the insulating layer; and The first layer and the second layer are assembled, wherein the first set of silver traces overlaps with the second set of silver traces within the narrow bezel of the PCAP touchscreen, and wherein the sets of overlapping silver traces are separated by the shielding layer and the insulating layer.

11. The PCAP touchscreen of claim 10, further comprising: The silver paste printed on the portion of the conductive BV and the first insulating BM layer is intended to form transmitter and receiver silver traces in the first insulating BM layer. as well as Excess silver paste ablated by laser.

12. The PCAP touchscreen according to claim 11, wherein, Laser ablation of excess silver paste includes: The silver paste is deposited within the boundary of the portion of the conductive BV, wherein the deposit is coupled to the first silver trace; and Limit the remaining silver traces of the first set of silver traces.

13. The PCAP touchscreen according to claim 11, wherein, Laser ablation of excess silver paste includes: The gap between the silver paste and the first insulating BM layer to the first layer; and A second insulating BM layer fills the gap.

14. The PCAP touchscreen according to claim 13, wherein, The printed second insulating BM layer covers the portion of the first insulating BM layer except for the second opening, which exposes the leads of the first set of silver traces for coupling with the connector.

15. The PCAP touchscreen of claim 10, further comprising: A second silver paste is printed on the second layer on which the silver traces of the transmitter and receiver are to be formed; as well as Excess second silver paste ablated by laser.

16. The PCAP touchscreen according to claim 15, wherein, The second silver paste printed on the second layer includes a grounded silver trace; and wherein the insulating layer is printed around a second opening that exposes the grounded silver trace to the shielding layer.

17. The PCAP touchscreen according to claim 10, wherein, The assembly of the first layer and the second layer includes an adhesive between the first layer and the second layer.

18. The PCAP touchscreen according to claim 17, wherein, The adhesive is a solid optically transparent adhesive (OCA), including: acrylic adhesives, silicone adhesives, polyvinyl butyral (PVB), or ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA).

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