Cursor control device with printed touch sensor

Abstract

A touch sensor for a cursor control device includes a support layer, a first printed layer, and a second printed layer. The support layer includes a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The first printed layer includes a first conductive ink and is printed on the first surface of the support layer. The first printed layer includes a printed surface opposite the support layer, and the printed surface of the first printed layer defines a touch area of the touch sensor. The second printed layer includes a second conductive ink and is printed on the printed surface of the first printed layer. The second printed layer is electrically connected to the first printed layer and forms a border around the touch area.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 924,791, filed October 23, 2019, entitled PRINTABLE CAPACITIVELY-COUPLEDANALOG TOUCH SENSOR, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to cursor control devices, and more particularly to cursor control devices for vehicles. Background Technology

[0004] Computer systems may include cursor control devices that allow users to control the position of the cursor on the monitor. Some cursor control devices (such as mouse cursor control devices) require relatively large amounts of space to change the cursor position and / or may have many loose components. While such cursor control devices may be suitable for environments such as offices, schools, or homes, they are not suitable for use on mobile vehicles such as airplanes. Specifically, during vehicle movement, components may become loose and move, resulting in unintentional cursor movement. Additionally, vehicles may not have the space available to allow the movement of the cursor control device. Existing cursor control devices may also be difficult to customize, require complex assembly, and may be difficult to repair and / or remove as needed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The terms “invention,” “the invention,” “this invention,” and “the present invention” as used in this patent are intended to broadly refer to all the subject matter of this patent and the following patent claims. Statements containing these terms should be understood not to limit the subject matter described herein or to limit the meaning or scope of the following patent claims. Embodiments of the invention covered by this patent are defined by the following claims, not by the content of this invention. This summary is a high-level overview of various aspects of the invention and introduces some concepts further described in the following detailed description section. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used in isolation to define the scope of the claimed subject matter. The subject matter should be understood by referring to the appropriate portions of the entire specification of this patent, any or all of the drawings, and each claim.

[0006] According to some embodiments, a touch sensor for a cursor control device includes a support layer, a first printed layer, and a second printed layer. The support layer includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The first printed layer includes a first conductive ink and is printed on the first surface of the support layer. The first printed layer includes a printed surface opposite to the support layer, and the printed surface of the first printed layer defines a touch area of ​​the touch sensor. The second printed layer includes a second conductive ink and is printed on the printed surface of the first printed layer. The second printed layer is electrically connected to the first printed layer and forms a boundary around the touch area.

[0007] In some embodiments, the resistivity of the second conductive ink in the second printed layer may be less than the resistivity of the first conductive ink in the first printed layer. In various embodiments, the second printed layer may form a continuous boundary around the touch area and may not cover the touch area. The support layer may also include a radiating planar layer on the second surface, and the support layer may include an electrically insulating substrate.

[0008] In various embodiments, the support layer may be a first support layer having a flexible substrate, and the adhesive layer may be on a second surface of the first support layer. The touch sensor may also include a second support layer. The second support layer may be rigid relative to the first support layer and may include a first surface and a second surface. The first support layer may be assembled with the second support layer such that the adhesive layer contacts the first support layer and bonds the first support layer to the second support layer. In some embodiments, the second support layer may include an electrically insulating substrate. In various embodiments, the touch sensor may also include at least one wire electrically connected to a second printed layer, and the at least one wire may be connected to another device.

[0009] According to some embodiments, a cursor control device for a vehicle includes a housing and a touch sensor supported on the housing. The touch sensor includes a support layer, a first printed layer, and a second printed layer. The support layer includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and the first printed layer includes a first conductive ink printed on the first surface of the support layer. The first printed layer includes a printed surface opposite to the support layer, and the printed surface of the first printed layer defines a touch area of ​​the touch sensor. The second printed layer includes a second conductive ink and is printed on the printed surface of the first printed layer. The second printed layer is electrically connected to the first printed layer, and the resistivity of the second printed layer is less than the resistivity of the first printed layer.

[0010] In some embodiments, the second printed layer may form a continuous boundary around the touch area and may not cover the touch area. In various embodiments, the support layer may include an electrically insulating substrate. The touch sensor may also include a radiating plane layer on a second surface of the support layer, and the radiating plane layer may be electrically connected to the first and second printed layers via the support layer.

[0011] In various embodiments, the touch sensor may further include a protective layer, which may comprise electrically insulating ink printed on the touch area of ​​the first printed layer and within a boundary defined by the second printed layer. In some embodiments, the support layer may be an adhesive layer on a first support layer having a flexible substrate and a second surface of the first support layer, and the touch sensor may further include a second support layer. In various embodiments, the second support layer may be rigid relative to the first support layer and may include a first surface and a second surface. The first support layer may be assembled with the second support layer such that the adhesive layer contacts the first support layer and bonds the first support layer to the second support layer.

[0012] In some embodiments, the touch sensor may include a plurality of wires electrically connected to the second printed layer and extending away from the touch sensor. In some embodiments, the housing may include a base, a support surface extending upward from the base at an angle, and a palm rest, and the touch sensor may be supported on the support surface.

[0013] According to some embodiments, a method of assembling a touch sensor for a cursor control device includes: providing a support layer having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; and printing a first conductive ink on the first surface of the support layer. Printing the first conductive ink on the first surface forms a first printed layer having a printed surface, and the printed surface defines a touch area of ​​the touch sensor. The method includes printing a second conductive ink on the printed surface as a boundary surrounding the touch area. Printing the second conductive ink forms a second printed layer, and the second printed layer does not cover the touch area of ​​the printed surface.

[0014] In some embodiments, providing a support layer may include a printed support layer. In various embodiments, printing at least one of a first conductive ink or a second conductive ink includes at least one of contact printing or non-contact printing. In some embodiments, printing the second conductive ink may include printing the second conductive ink on a printing surface as a continuous boundary surrounding the touch area.

[0015] In various embodiments, the support layer may be a first support layer having a flexible substrate and an adhesive layer on the second surface, and the method may include positioning the first support layer on the second support layer after printing a first conductive ink and after printing a second conductive ink on the first support layer. In some embodiments, the second support layer may be rigid relative to the first support layer and may include an insulating substrate. Positioning the first support layer may include bonding the adhesive layer to the second support layer such that the adhesive layer bonds the first support layer to the second support layer.

[0016] The various embodiments described herein may include additional systems, methods, features, and advantages that may not necessarily be explicitly disclosed herein, but will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. All such systems, methods, features, and advantages are intended to be included within this disclosure and protected by the appended claims. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a cursor control device with a printed touch sensor according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 An exploded side view of the printed touch sensor layers.

[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Exploded perspective view of the printed touch sensor.

[0020] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A top view of the printed touch sensor.

[0021] Figure 5 This is an exploded side view of another embodiment of a printed touch sensor for a cursor control device according to an embodiment.

[0022] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Exploded perspective view of the printed touch sensor.

[0023] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A top view of the printed touch sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The subject matter of embodiments of the invention is specifically described herein to satisfy legal requirements, but this description is not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the claims. The claimed subject matter may be implemented in other ways, may include different elements or steps, and may be used in conjunction with other existing or future techniques. Except where the order of the steps or the arrangement of the elements is explicitly described, this description should not be construed as implying any particular order or arrangement of the steps or elements. Directional references such as “up,” “down,” “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “forward,” and “backward” are intended to refer to orientations illustrated and described in the accompanying drawings (or drawings) to which the components and orientations are referenced.

[0025] The described embodiments of the present invention provide touch sensors for cursor control devices. In some embodiments, the cursor control devices are used in vehicles, including but not limited to aircraft. While touch sensors and cursor control devices are discussed for use with aircraft, they are by no means limited thereto. Rather, embodiments of touch sensors and cursor control devices may be used as needed in any type of vehicle or otherwise, or may be used in other environments or applications not involving vehicles.

[0026] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, such as Figure 1 As shown, the cursor control device 100 includes a housing 102 and a touch sensor 104 supported on the housing 102. The cursor control device 100 is designed for use in the cockpit of an aircraft, but as mentioned, the touch sensor 104 and / or the cursor control device 100 can be used in other types of vehicles and / or applications that do not involve vehicles.

[0027] The housing 102 includes a base 106 and a support surface 108 extending upward at an oblique angle or other angle relative to the plane of the base 106. In some embodiments, a touch sensor 104 is supported on the support surface 108. Optionally, the cursor control device 100 may include a palm rest 110, various buttons or switches 112, and / or other desired components. Figure 1 The specific cursor control device 100 illustrated should not be considered limiting, and the touch sensor 104 can be provided as needed on various other cursor control devices having other shapes, sizes, components, or component arrangements. When the cursor control device 100 is located in a specific location (including but not limited to, in an aircraft), a user can use the cursor control device 100 by engaging at least the touch sensor 104 (e.g., using the user's (multiple) fingers) to interact with a computer display (…). Figure 1 Move and / or position the cursor on the screen (not shown in the figure).

[0028] like Figure 2 and 3As illustrated, a touch sensor 104 typically includes a first printed layer 114, a second printed layer 116, and at least one of a rigid support layer 118 or a flexible support layer 120 (or both). In various embodiments, the first printed layer 114 provides a touch area with uniform resistance, and the second printed layer 116 provides a boundary for the distributed resistance around the touch area. A touch sensor 104 having a first printed layer 114 and a second printed layer 116 may not have the moving portion required to move or change the position of the cursor on the screen. Compared to existing touch sensors, the touch sensor 104 may also have a reduced thickness, a reduced number of components, and improved structure for customization, assembly, maintenance, and removal. As a non-limiting example, the first printed layer 114 and the second printed layer 116 may allow the touch sensor 104 to be assembled with a reduced thickness while providing at least the same and, in some cases, improved functionality compared to existing touch sensors. As another non-limiting example, the first printed layer 114 and the second printed layer 116 can allow for the provision of a functional touch sensor 104 while omitting materials or components typically found in existing touch sensors, including but not limited to resistors, indium tin oxide layers, etc. As an additional non-limiting example, the first printed layer 114 and the second printed layer 116 can allow for improved assembly and customization, as specific conductive inks can be selected for layers 114, 116 as needed and depending on the application, and a type of conductive ink can be easily changed or replaced as needed during the assembly process. The printed layers 114, 116 can also allow optical features (and other features) to be incorporated as sublayers into the layers, which can improve the appearance and functionality of the touch sensor 104 compared to existing sensors. As another non-limiting example, the first printed layer 114 and the second printed layer 116 can allow for improved assembly and / or removal, as the printed layers 114, 116 can be assembled separately from other components of the cursor control device 100 (and can be mass-produced immediately), and later assembled with the cursor control device 100 as needed. Figures 1 to 4 The specific shape of the illustrated touch sensor 104 should not be considered a limitation of the present disclosure, as the touch sensor 104 can have various suitable shapes as needed. In some embodiments, the touch sensor 104 may have a shape that facilitates movement of the corresponding cursor on the screen associated with the touch sensor 104.

[0029] The first printed layer 114 and the second printed layer 116 each comprise printable conductive ink. In various cases, the conductive ink may comprise a polymer filled with semiconductors, although various other compositions or types of printable conductive inks may be used. In various embodiments, the resistivity of the conductive ink in the first printed layer 114 and / or the second printed layer 116 may be tunable / adjustable to have a desired resistivity as needed. Optionally, the resistivity may be adjusted or tuned depending on the specific application of the touch sensor 104.

[0030] In some examples, the conductive ink of the first printed layer 114 is different from the conductive ink of the second printed layer 116. In some examples, the first printed layer 114 has a first conductive ink, and the second printed layer 116 has a second conductive ink, such that the resistivity of the first printed layer 114 is greater than the resistivity of the second printed layer 116. In a non-limiting example, the first conductive ink may be, for example... Conductive inks such as M 2023POL E&C (Henkel AG, Düsseldorf, Germany) and the second conductive ink can be such as Conductive inks such as M 2010RS E&C (Henkel AG, Düsseldorf, Germany).

[0031] Although the first printed layer 114 and the second printed layer 116 are in Figure 2 and 3 Each is illustrated as a single layer, but in some embodiments, the first printed layer 114 and / or the second printed layer 116 may include one or more sublayers in thickness and / or along length and / or width. In embodiments with sublayers, at least one feature of one sublayer may optionally differ from that of another sublayer. As a non-limiting example, the first sublayer of the first printed layer 114 may include an image or logo, such that the image or logo may appear in a portion of the first printed layer 114 (e.g., in a portion of the touch area 124). As another non-limiting example, the first sublayer of the first printed layer 114 may include a diffuse pattern and / or optical modifications to diffuse glare and / or otherwise provide a particular surface appearance. As yet another non-limiting example, the first sublayer of the first printed layer 114 may include a texture or surface modification, and the second sublayer may be flat and / or smooth to provide a particular feel in different areas of the touch area 124. Various other features and / or sublayers may be used as needed. In some cases, at least one sublayer with different features may be the top layer, although this is not necessary in other examples.

[0032] A first printed layer 114 is printed on a rigid support layer 118 or a flexible support layer 120 and is electrically connected to the rigid support layer 118 or the flexible support layer 120 (e.g., capable of sending / receiving electrical signals) (discussed in detail below), and a second printed layer 116 is printed on the first printed layer 114 and is electrically connected to the first printed layer 114. Figure 2 and 3 In one embodiment, the first printed layer 114 is printed on the flexible support layer 120. Figures 5 to 7 In this embodiment, the first printed layer 114 is printed on the rigid support layer 118. The first printed layer 114 and the second printed layer 116 can be assembled as needed using various suitable contact or non-contact printing techniques, and the printing technique used to print the first printed layer 114 need not be the same as the technique used to print the second printed layer 116. Suitable printing techniques for assembling the first printed layer 114 and / or the second printed layer 116 include, but are not limited to, screen printing, flexographic printing, gravure printing, offset printing, laser direct writing, aerosol jet printing, inkjet printing, other contact printing techniques, other non-contact printing techniques, or combinations thereof.

[0033] Reference Figure 2 and 3 The first printed layer 114 includes a printed surface 122, which is opposite to the support layer on which the first printed layer 114 is printed (in Figure 2 and 3 (In the middle, opposite to the flexible support layer 120). A portion of the printed surface 122 defines a touch area 124 of the touch sensor 104, which a user can touch and engage to move a cursor on the screen of the associated display. Figure 2 and 3 As illustrated, a second printed layer 116 is printed on a printed surface 122 such that the second printed layer 116 forms a boundary around the touch area 124 and defines the limit of the touch area 124. In some embodiments, and as shown... Figure 3 As best illustrated in the diagram, the second printed layer 116 forms a continuous boundary around the touch area 124 of the printed surface 122 of the first printed layer 114. In various embodiments, the second printed layer 116 is printed on the first printed layer 114 such that the second printed layer 116 does not cover the touch area 124.

[0034] Optionally, and as Figures 2 to 4As illustrated, the touch sensor 104 includes a protective layer 126 covering a touch area 124 of a printed surface 122 of a first printed layer 114. In embodiments with the protective layer 126, a second printed layer 116 may surround the protective layer 126 on the printed surface 122. In some embodiments, the protective layer 126 is made of various materials suitable for protecting the touch area 124 from abrasion and / or contamination. Optionally, the protective layer 126 may be made of an electrically insulating material. In some cases, the protective layer 126 may be a printable electrically insulating ink printed on the touch area 124 of the first printed layer 114. However, in other embodiments, the protective layer 126 does not need to be printed and can be formed by various other suitable techniques for forming the protective layer as needed. In other embodiments, the protective layer 126 may be omitted (see, for example...). Figures 5 to 7 ).

[0035] As mentioned, the touch sensor 104 includes at least one of a rigid support layer 118 or a flexible support layer 120. Figures 2 to 4 In one embodiment, the touch sensor 104 includes a rigid support layer 118 and a flexible support layer 120. Figures 5 to 7 Another embodiment of touch sensor 504 is illustrated, which is substantially similar to touch sensor 104 except that the flexible support layer 120 is omitted. Similarly, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the touch sensor may omit the rigid support layer 118 and include the flexible support layer 120.

[0036] The rigid support layer 118 and the flexible support layer 120 may each be freely adapted to receive and support at least the first printed layer 114 and the second printed layer 116 by means of materials. In various embodiments, the rigid support layer 118 may be made of a material that is more rigid than the material of the flexible support layer 120. As some non-limiting examples, the rigid support layer 118 may be made of a variety of materials, including but not limited to glass, reinforced polymers (with or without flame retardants), acrylic, polycarbonate, other desired materials, or combinations thereof. The flexible support layer 120 may be made of a variety of materials, including but not limited to polymers such as polyimide, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polycarbonate, polydimethylsiloxane, polyurethane, thermoplastic polyurethane, and / or other suitable flexible materials or combinations of desired materials. In one non-limiting example, the rigid support layer 118 may be an etched or printed circuit board (PCB) or glass, and the flexible support layer 120 may be a polyethylene terephthalate film. In some embodiments, at least one support layer may be a dielectric layer or an electrically insulating layer. Figures 2 to 4 In one embodiment, the rigid support layer 118 is glass and is an electrically insulating layer.

[0037] The rigid support layer 118 and / or the flexible support layer 120 may each be formed via various suitable techniques or processes as needed. In some non-limiting examples, the rigid support layer 118 and / or the flexible support layer 120 may optionally be formed via a printing technique similar to or different from the printing technique used to print the first printed layer 114 and / or the second printed layer 116. In other embodiments, the rigid support layer 118 and / or the flexible support layer 120 do not need to be formed by a printing technique. The rigid support layer 118 and / or the flexible support layer 120 do not need to be formed using the same technique.

[0038] In various embodiments, the rigid support layer 118 includes a first surface 128 and a second surface 130 opposite to the first surface 128. Similarly, the flexible support layer 120 includes a first surface 132 and a second surface 134 opposite to the first surface 132. In some embodiments, the thickness of the rigid support layer 118 is greater than the thickness of the flexible support layer 120. In various embodiments, the thickness of the rigid support layer 118 and / or the thickness of the flexible support layer 120 may be predetermined based on the intended use of the touch sensor 104.

[0039] As mentioned earlier, in Figures 2 to 4 In one embodiment, a first printed layer 114 is printed on a first surface 132 of the flexible support layer 120. In various embodiments, an adhesive layer 136 is optionally disposed on a second surface 134 of the flexible support layer 120. In other embodiments, the adhesive layer 136 may be omitted from the flexible support layer 120. The adhesive layer 136 may be a variety of suitable materials for bonding the flexible support layer 120 to another component such as a rigid support layer 118. In some embodiments, printing the first printed layer 114 on the flexible support layer 120 (instead of the rigid support layer 118) may allow printed layers 114, 116 to be printed, punched, or otherwise formed and later applied to a target location (e.g., in a cockpit). In this embodiment, the adhesive layer 136 may be on the bottom surface of the flexible support layer 120 (i.e., opposite the printed layer), such that the touch sensor 104 may be a “sticker” that can be positioned at different locations as needed. Figures 2 to 4 In one embodiment, the adhesive layer 136 contacts and engages the second surface 134 of the flexible support layer 120 and the first surface 128 of the rigid support layer to bond the flexible support layer 120 (and the printed layer) to the rigid support layer 118.

[0040] Optionally, and as Figure 2 and 3As best illustrated, touch sensor 104 may include a radiating plane layer 138 attached to a second surface 130 of rigid support layer 118. The radiating plane layer 138 may reflect or otherwise provide electrical signals to a printed layer that interacts with a user's finger when touch sensor 104 is used, such that a user touch of touch sensor 104 can be converted into another electrical signal for moving a cursor on an associated display, and / or the radiating plane 138 may serve as a return path for the signal (e.g., when a user's finger touches a touch area). In these embodiments, the radiating plane layer 138 may be capacitively coupled to a first printed layer 114 and / or a second printed layer 116 via rigid support layer 118 (and / or flexible support layer 120). The radiating plane layer 138 may be made of various materials suitable for providing signals for interaction with a user's finger when touch sensor 104 is touched. As a non-limiting example, the radiating plane layer 138 may include a metal such as copper. As another non-limiting example, the radiating plane layer 138 may include a printable conductive ink, such as... M2001RS E&C (Henkel, Düsseldorf, Germany). When the touch sensor 104 is used, the radiating plane layer 138 can receive electrical signals (e.g., from control circuitry or other suitable controllers) capacitively coupled to the first printed layer 114 and / or the second printed layer 116. In the absence of user touch, the signals affect all areas equally, while user touches anywhere will cause an imbalance that can be measured and used to control the cursor position on the associated display screen.

[0041] like Figure 3 As best illustrated in the drawings, in various embodiments, touch sensor 104 may include an electrical connector 140 extending from touch sensor 104. In various aspects, the electrical connector(s) 140 may electrically connect touch sensor 104 to another component, such that touch sensor 104 can send and receive signals from the other component. As a non-limiting example, the electrical connector(s) 140 may electrically connect touch sensor 104 to a controller of cursor control device 100. For clarity of the drawings, the electrical connectors 140 have been respectively... Figure 2 and 4 Omitted in .

[0042] Multiple electrical connectors 140 can be attached to various locations on the touch sensor 104 as needed, thereby covering different numbers of areas, and / or in various other configurations or patterns as required. In some embodiments, the multiple electrical connectors 140 may be attached to a second printed layer 116 (see, for example...). Figure 3In some embodiments, if the rigid support layer 118 is a PCB, then the (plural) electrical connectors 140 may optionally be attached to pads on the PCB. In various embodiments, and as... Figure 3 As illustrated, the plurality of electrical connectors 140 may be attached to the corner of the touch sensor 104; however, in other embodiments, the plurality of electrical connectors 140 need not be located at the corner of the touch sensor 104. As a non-limiting example, in some embodiments, the plurality of electrical connectors 140 may be arranged as needed in a linear pattern, a circular pattern, or at non-corner portions of the touch sensor (e.g., along an edge or at an interior location). The plurality of electrical connectors 140 may be attached to the touch sensor 104 via various suitable attachment mechanisms as needed. Figure 3 In one embodiment, the electrical connector 140 is attached to the touch sensor using conductive epoxy resin.

[0043] exist Figure 3 In this example, two electrical connectors 140 are shown, but in other examples, any number of electrical connectors 140 may be used as needed to electrically connect the touch sensor 104 to other devices or components as required. As a non-limiting example, the touch sensor 104 may include a single electrical connector 140, three electrical connectors 140, four electrical connectors 140, or more than four electrical connectors 140. Figure 3 In this embodiment, the electrical connector 140 is wire 142; however, in other embodiments, other suitable electrical connectors may be used as needed. As a non-limiting example, in other embodiments, the touch sensor 104 may include one or more conductive flaps or copper traces instead of wire 142.

[0044] Figures 5 to 7 Another embodiment of touch sensor 504 is illustrated, which is substantially similar to touch sensor 104 except that the flexible support layer 120 and protective layer 126 are omitted. Figures 5 to 7 In one embodiment, the first printed layer 114 is printed on the first surface 128 of the rigid support layer 118.

[0045] A method for assembling a touch sensor is also provided. (See reference...) Figures 2 to 4 In various embodiments, the method may include providing a support layer having a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and printing a first conductive ink on the first surface of the support layer to form a first printed layer 114.

[0046] In some embodiments, providing a support layer may include providing a flexible support layer 120. In these embodiments, printing the first conductive ink includes printing on a first surface 132 of the flexible support layer 120. In various embodiments, providing a support layer may include providing a rigid support layer 118, and printing the first conductive ink includes printing on a first surface 128 of the rigid support layer 118. Printing the first conductive ink to form a first printed layer 114 on the flexible support layer 120 or the rigid support layer 118 may include, but is not limited to, screen printing, flexographic printing, gravure printing, offset printing, laser direct writing, aerosol jet printing, inkjet printing, other contact printing techniques, other non-contact printing techniques, or combinations thereof. Optionally, providing a support layer may include printing the support layer via a printing technique that may be the same as or different from the printing technique used to print the first printed layer 114.

[0047] The method includes printing a second conductive ink on a first printed layer 114 to form a second printed layer 116. Printing the second conductive ink may utilize a printing technique that is the same as or different from the printing technique used to print the first printed layer 114. In various embodiments, printing the second conductive ink may include forming the second printed layer 116 as a boundary around the touch area 124 of the first printed layer 114, and in some embodiments, this boundary is a continuous boundary.

[0048] In embodiments where the first conductive ink is printed on the flexible support layer 120, the method may include attaching the flexible support layer 120 to the rigid support layer 118 (or other suitable location) after forming the first printed layer 114 and the second printed layer 116. Optionally, the method includes printing a protective layer 126 on at least the touch area 124 of the first printed layer 114. Optionally, in various embodiments, the radiating planar layer 138 may be assembled with the rigid support layer 118 before printing the first printed layer 114 and / or the second printed layer 116, or the radiating planar layer 138 may be attached after printing the first printed layer 114 and / or the second printed layer 116.

[0049] A collection of exemplary embodiments is provided below, including at least some exemplary embodiments explicitly listed as "illustrative," with additional descriptions of various example embodiments provided in accordance with the concepts described herein. These examples are not intended to be mutually exclusive, exhaustive, or limiting; and this disclosure is not limited to these examples but covers all possible modifications and variations within the scope of the published claims and their equivalents.

[0050] Description 1. A touch sensor for a cursor control device, the touch sensor comprising: a support layer including a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a first printed layer including a first conductive ink, wherein the first printed layer is printed on the first surface of the support layer and includes a printed surface opposite to the support layer, and wherein the printed surface of the first printed layer defines a touch area of ​​the touch sensor; and a second printed layer including a second conductive ink, wherein the second printed layer is printed on the printed surface of the first printed layer and is electrically connected to the first printed layer, and wherein the second printed layer forms a boundary around the touch area.

[0051] Note 2. A touch sensor according to any of the foregoing or subsequent descriptions or combinations thereof, wherein the resistivity of the second conductive ink of the second printed layer is less than the resistivity of the first conductive ink of the first printed layer.

[0052] Note 3. A touch sensor according to any of the foregoing or subsequent descriptions or combinations thereof, wherein the second printed layer forms a continuous boundary around the touch area and does not cover the touch area.

[0053] Note 4. A touch sensor according to any of the foregoing or subsequent descriptions or combinations thereof, wherein the touch sensor further includes a radiating plane layer on the second surface of the support layer, and wherein the support layer includes an electrically insulating substrate.

[0054] Note 5. A touch sensor according to any of the foregoing or subsequent descriptions or combinations thereof, wherein the support layer is a first support layer including a flexible substrate, and wherein the touch sensor further includes: an adhesive layer on a second surface of the first support layer and a second support layer, wherein the second support layer is rigid relative to the first support layer and includes a first surface and a second surface, and wherein the first support layer and the second support layer are assembled such that the adhesive layer contacts the first support layer and bonds the first support layer and the second support layer together.

[0055] Note 6. A touch sensor according to any of the foregoing or subsequent descriptions or combinations thereof, wherein the second support layer includes an electrically insulating substrate.

[0056] Note 7. The touch sensor according to any of the foregoing or subsequent descriptions or combinations thereof also includes at least one wire electrically connected to the second printed layer.

[0057] Description 8. A cursor control device for a vehicle, the cursor control device comprising: a housing; and a touch sensor supported on the housing, the touch sensor comprising: a support layer including a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a first printed layer including a first conductive ink, wherein the first printed layer is printed on the first surface of the support layer and includes a printed surface opposite to the support layer, and wherein the printed surface of the first printed layer defines a touch area of ​​the touch sensor; and a second printed layer including a second conductive ink, wherein the second printed layer is printed on the printed surface of the first printed layer and is electrically connected to the first printed layer, and wherein the resistivity of the second printed layer is less than the resistivity of the first printed layer.

[0058] Note 9. A cursor control device according to any of the foregoing or subsequent descriptions or combinations thereof, wherein the second printed layer forms a continuous boundary around the touch area and does not cover the touch area.

[0059] Note 10. A cursor control device according to any of the foregoing or subsequent descriptions or combinations thereof, wherein the support layer includes an electrically insulating substrate.

[0060] Note 11. A cursor control device according to any of the foregoing or subsequent descriptions or combinations thereof, wherein the touch sensor further includes a radiating plane layer on the second surface of the support layer, wherein the radiating plane layer is electrically connected to the first and second printed layers via the support layer.

[0061] Note 12. A cursor control device according to any of the foregoing or subsequent descriptions or combinations thereof, wherein the touch sensor further includes a protective layer comprising electrically insulating ink printed on the touch area of ​​a first printed layer and within a boundary defined by a second printed layer.

[0062] Note 13. A cursor control device according to any of the foregoing or subsequent descriptions or combinations thereof, wherein the support layer is a first support layer including a flexible substrate, and wherein the touch sensor further includes: an adhesive layer on a second surface of the first support layer, a second support layer, wherein the second support layer is rigid relative to the first support layer and includes a first surface and a second surface, and wherein the first support layer and the second support layer are assembled such that the adhesive layer contacts the first support layer and bonds the first support layer and the second support layer together.

[0063] Note 14. A cursor control device according to any of the foregoing or subsequent descriptions or combinations thereof, wherein the touch sensor further includes a plurality of wires electrically connected to the second printed layer and extending away from the touch sensor.

[0064] Note 15. A cursor control device according to any of the foregoing or subsequent descriptions or combinations thereof, wherein the housing further includes: a base; a support surface extending upward from the base at an angle; and a palm rest, wherein a touch sensor is supported on the support surface.

[0065] Description 16. A method of assembling a touch sensor for a cursor control device, the method comprising: providing a support layer including a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; printing a first conductive ink on the first surface of the support layer, wherein printing the first conductive ink on the first surface forms a first printed layer including a printed surface, and wherein the printed surface defines a touch area of ​​the touch sensor; and printing a second conductive ink on the printed surface as a boundary surrounding the touch area, wherein printing the second conductive ink forms a second printed layer, and wherein the second printed layer does not cover the touch area of ​​the printed surface.

[0066] Note 17. The method according to any of the foregoing or subsequent descriptions or combinations thereof, wherein the support layer provided includes a printed support layer.

[0067] Note 18. The method according to any of the foregoing or subsequent descriptions or combinations thereof, wherein printing at least one of the first conductive ink or the second conductive ink includes at least one of touch printing or non-touch printing.

[0068] Note 19. The method according to any of the foregoing or subsequent descriptions or combinations thereof, wherein the support layer is a first support layer comprising a flexible substrate having an adhesive layer on a second surface, and wherein the method further comprises: positioning the first support layer on a second support layer after printing a first conductive ink and after printing a second conductive ink on the first support layer, wherein the second support layer is rigid relative to the first support layer and comprises an electrically insulating substrate, and wherein positioning the first support layer comprises bonding the adhesive layer to the second support layer such that the adhesive layer bonds the first support layer to the second support layer.

[0069] Note 20. The method according to any of the foregoing or subsequent descriptions or combinations thereof, wherein printing the second conductive ink includes printing the second conductive ink on a printing surface as a continuous boundary surrounding the touch area.

[0070] Description 21. A touch sensor for a cursor control device, the touch sensor comprising: a first layer including a touch area comprising conductive ink; an adjacent second layer including a resistive boundary comprising conductive ink; and a third layer including an electrically insulating material.

[0071] Note 22. In any of the foregoing or subsequent descriptions or combinations thereof, the resistivity of the conductive ink is tunable or adjustable.

[0072] Note 23. A touch sensor according to any of the foregoing or subsequent descriptions or combinations thereof, wherein the first layer and the second layer are in electrical contact.

[0073] Note 24. A touch sensor according to any of the foregoing or subsequent descriptions or combinations thereof, wherein the first layer comprises a plurality of sublayers, and wherein the topmost sublayer of the plurality of sublayers comprises an image or diffuse pattern to diffuse glare or produce a particular surface appearance or feel.

[0074] Note 25. A touch sensor according to any of the foregoing or subsequent descriptions or combinations thereof, wherein the third layer is a substrate and comprises a rigid material having a predetermined thickness.

[0075] Note 26. A touch sensor according to any of the foregoing or subsequent descriptions or combinations thereof, wherein the third layer comprises a thin, flexible material with or without a contact adhesive, which may be printed, die-cut or otherwise formed and subsequently applied to a target substrate.

[0076] Note 27. A touch sensor according to any of the foregoing or subsequent descriptions or combinations thereof, wherein the touch sensor has an electrical connection (e.g., a wire attachment).

[0077] Note 28. A touch sensor according to any of the foregoing or subsequent descriptions or combinations thereof, wherein the electrical connection is made at the corner of the touch sensor.

[0078] Note 29. A touch sensor according to any of the foregoing or subsequent descriptions or combinations thereof, wherein the electrical connection comprises epoxy resin wires, and wherein the first and second layers are supported on the third layer.

[0079] Note 30. A touch sensor according to any of the foregoing or subsequent descriptions or combinations thereof, wherein the first layer is between the second and third layers.

[0080] Note 31. A touch sensor according to any of the foregoing or subsequent descriptions or combinations thereof, wherein the electrical connection comprises copper traces, and wherein the first and second layers are supported on the third layer.

[0081] Note 32. A touch sensor according to any of the foregoing or subsequent descriptions or combinations thereof, wherein the second layer is between the first and third layers.

[0082] Note 33. A touch sensor according to any of the foregoing or subsequent descriptions or combinations thereof also includes an insulating layer applied to the surface above the touch area.

[0083] Note 34. A touch sensor according to any of the foregoing or subsequent descriptions or combinations thereof, wherein the third layer is an etched circuit board.

[0084] Note 35. A touch sensor according to any of the foregoing or subsequent descriptions or combinations thereof, wherein the radiating plane is attached to the back of the third layer.

[0085] Description 36. A touch sensor comprising: a first layer including a touch area comprising conductive ink; an adjacent second layer including a resistive boundary comprising conductive ink; and a third layer supporting the first and second layers, wherein the touch sensor includes electrical connections.

[0086] Note 37. A touch sensor according to any of the foregoing or subsequent descriptions or combinations thereof, wherein the electrical connection comprises epoxy resin wires, and wherein the first and second layers are supported on the third layer.

[0087] Note 38. A touch sensor according to any of the foregoing or subsequent descriptions or combinations thereof, wherein the first layer is between the second and third layers.

[0088] Note 39. A touch sensor according to any of the foregoing or subsequent descriptions or combinations thereof, wherein the electrical connection comprises copper traces, and wherein the first and second layers are supported on the third layer.

[0089] Note 40. A touch sensor according to any of the foregoing or subsequent descriptions or combinations thereof, wherein the second layer is between the first and third layers.

[0090] Different arrangements of components depicted in the accompanying drawings or described above, as well as components and steps not shown or described, are possible. Similarly, some features and sub-combinations are useful and can be used without reference to other features and sub-combinations. Embodiments of the invention are described for illustrative and not limiting purposes, and alternative embodiments will become apparent to the reader of this patent. Therefore, the invention is not limited to the embodiments depicted above or in the accompanying drawings, and various embodiments and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A touch sensor (104, 504) for a cursor control device (100), the touch sensor (104, 504) comprising: The first support layer (120) includes a first surface (132) and a second surface (134) opposite to the first surface (132). The second support layer (118) includes a third surface (128) and a fourth surface (130) opposite to the third surface (128). A first printed layer (114) includes a first conductive ink, wherein the first printed layer (114) is printed on the first surface (132) of the first support layer (120) and includes a printed surface (122) opposite to the first support layer (120), and wherein the printed surface (122) of the first printed layer (114) defines a touch area (124) of the touch sensor (104, 504). A second printed layer (116) comprising a second conductive ink, wherein the second printed layer (116) is printed on the printed surface (122) of the first printed layer (114) and is electrically connected to the first printed layer (114), and wherein the second printed layer (116) forms a boundary around the touch area (124); and A radiating plane layer (138) on the fourth surface (130) of the second support layer (118), wherein the radiating plane layer (138) is capacitively connected to the first printed layer (114) and the second printed layer (116).

2. The touch sensor (104, 504) according to claim 1, wherein the resistivity of the second conductive ink in the second printed layer (116) is less than the resistivity of the first conductive ink in the first printed layer (114).

3. The touch sensor (104, 504) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second printed layer (116) forms a continuous boundary around the touch area (124) and does not cover the touch area (124).

4. The touch sensor (104, 504) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support layer (118, 120) comprises an electrically insulating substrate.

5. The touch sensor (104, 504) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first support layer (120) includes a flexible substrate; and The touch sensors (104, 504) also include: An adhesive layer (136) is provided on the second surface (134) of the first support layer (120), wherein: The second support layer (118) is rigid relative to the first support layer (120); and The first support layer (120) and the second support layer (118) are assembled such that the adhesive layer (136) contacts the first support layer (120) and bonds the first support layer (120) to the second support layer (118).

6. The touch sensor (104, 504) according to claim 5, wherein the second support layer (118) comprises an electrically insulating substrate.

7. The touch sensor (104, 504) according to claim 1 or 2 further includes at least one wire (142) electrically connected to the second printed layer (116).

8. A cursor control device (100) for a vehicle, the cursor control device (100) comprising: Outer shell (102); as well as A touch sensor (104, 504) supported on the housing (102), the touch sensor (104, 504) comprising: The first support layer (120) includes a first surface (132) and a second surface (134) opposite to the first surface (132). The second support layer (118) includes a third surface (128) and a fourth surface (130) opposite to the third surface (128). A first printed layer (114) includes a first conductive ink, wherein the first printed layer (114) is printed on the first surface (132) of the first support layer (120) and includes a printed surface (122) opposite to the first support layer (120), and wherein the printed surface (122) of the first printed layer (114) defines a touch area (124) of the touch sensor (104, 504). A second printed layer (116) comprising a second conductive ink, wherein the second printed layer (116) is printed on the printed surface (122) of the first printed layer (114) and electrically connected to the first printed layer (114), and wherein the resistivity of the second printed layer (116) is less than the resistivity of the first printed layer (114); and A radiating plane layer (138) on the fourth surface (130) of the second support layer (118), wherein the radiating plane layer (138) is capacitively connected to the first printed layer (114) and the second printed layer (116).

9. The cursor control device (100) according to claim 8, wherein the second printed layer (116) forms a continuous boundary around the touch area (124) and does not cover the touch area (124).

10. The cursor control device (100) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the support layer (118, 120) comprises an electrically insulating substrate.

11. The cursor control device (100) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the touch sensor (104, 504) further comprises a protective layer (126), wherein the protective layer (126) comprises electrically insulating ink printed on the touch area (124) of the first printed layer (114) and within the boundary defined by the second printed layer (116).

12. The cursor control device (100) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein: The first support layer (120) includes a flexible substrate; and The touch sensors (104, 504) also include: An adhesive layer (136) on the second surface (134) of the first support layer (120), wherein the second support layer (118) is rigid relative to the first support layer (120); and The first support layer (120) and the second support layer (118) are assembled such that the adhesive layer (136) contacts the first support layer (120) and bonds the first support layer (120) to the second support layer (118).

13. The cursor control device (100) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the touch sensor (104, 504) further comprises a plurality of wires (142) electrically connected to the second printed layer (116) and extending away from the touch sensor (104, 504).

14. The cursor control device (100) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the housing (102) further comprises: Base (106); The supporting surface (108) extends upward from the base (106) at an angle; as well as Palm support (110). The touch sensors (104, 504) are supported on the support surface (108).

15. A method for assembling a touch sensor (104, 504) for a cursor control device (100), the method comprising: A first support layer (120) is provided, including a first surface (132) and a second surface (134) opposite to the first surface (132). A second support layer (118) is provided, including a third surface (128) and a fourth surface (130) opposite to the third surface (128). A radiating plane layer (138) is provided on the fourth surface (130) of the second support layer (118). A first conductive ink is printed on the first surface (132) of the first support layer (120), wherein printing the first conductive ink on the first surface (132) forms a first printed layer (114) including a printed surface (122), and wherein the printed surface (122) defines a touch area (124) of the touch sensor (104, 504); and A second conductive ink is printed on the printed surface (122) as a boundary surrounding the touch area (124), wherein the printing of the second conductive ink forms a second printed layer (116), and wherein the second printed layer (116) does not cover the touch area (124) of the printed surface (122).

16. The method of claim 15, wherein providing the first support layer (120) and the second support layer (118) comprises printing the first support layer (120) and the second support layer (118).

17. The method of claim 15 or 16, wherein printing at least one of the first conductive ink or the second conductive ink comprises at least one of touch printing or non-touch printing.

18. The method according to claim 15 or 16, wherein the first support layer (120) comprises a flexible substrate, and The method further includes: An adhesive layer (136) is provided on the second surface (134) of the first support layer (120). After printing the first conductive ink and after printing the second conductive ink on the first support layer (120), the first support layer (120) is positioned on the second support layer (118). The second support layer (118) is rigid relative to the first support layer (120) and includes an insulating substrate; and Positioning the first support layer (120) includes joining the adhesive layer (136) to the second support layer (118) such that the adhesive layer (136) bonds the first support layer (120) to the second support layer (118).

19. The method according to claim 15 or 16, wherein printing the second conductive ink comprises printing the second conductive ink on the printed surface (122) as a continuous boundary surrounding the touch area (124).

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