Method for setting touch area of electronic paper touchpad, integrated device and electronic system

Abstract

This invention relates to a method, integrated apparatus, and electronic system for setting the touch area of ​​an electronic paper touchpad. The method for setting the touch area of ​​the electronic paper touchpad includes: having an electronic paper display included in the electronic paper touchpad indicate a pre-defined first touch area in a first display format; detecting events through multiple touch electrodes included in the electronic paper touchpad; setting a second touch area based on the detected event; and having the electronic paper display indicate the second touch area in a second display format.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to electronic paper touch screens, and more particularly to the touch area of ​​electronic paper touch screens. Background Technology

[0002] Current laptops typically feature a hinged design with a top and bottom panel. The top panel houses the screen, while the bottom panel contains the keyboard and touchpad. For example... Figure 1 The surface of the lower panel 100 shown has an upper half that is a keyboard area 110 with multiple keys, and a touchpad 120 in the center of the lower half. The sides of the touchpad 120 are typically areas for the user to place their hands when typing on the keyboard area 110.

[0003] exist Figure 1 In the current design, the user cannot control the position and size of the touchpad 120. Therefore, when typing on the keyboard area 110, the touchpad 120 may be accidentally touched. When using the touchpad 120, its small size makes it difficult to operate. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a device and system that allows users to freely adjust the position and size of the touchpad 120, enabling them to adjust it at will and clearly know its location, thereby improving the user experience and input efficiency. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a control method for an electronic paper touchpad is provided. The control method includes: having an electronic paper display included in the electronic paper touchpad indicate a touch area; detecting events corresponding to external objects via multiple touch electrodes included in the electronic paper touchpad; when an event is detected, determining whether the location of the event is within the touch area; when the location of the event is determined to be within the touch area, reporting the event to a host computer; and when the location of the event is determined to be outside the touch area, not reporting the event to the host computer.

[0005] Preferably, to avoid interference below the electronic paper touchpad and to avoid interference from below the electronic paper touchpad, the touch electrode sequentially includes multiple first electrodes parallel to a first axis, multiple second electrodes parallel to a second axis, and multiple third electrodes parallel to the first axis. The distance between the multiple third electrodes and the electronic paper display is greater than the distance between the multiple first electrodes and the electronic paper display. The event is detected by mutual capacitance sensing between the multiple first electrodes and the multiple second electrodes, and by connecting the multiple third electrodes to ground potential or DC potential. Preferably, to increase the probability and sensitivity of event detection, the event detection further includes: causing the potential of each electrode in the electronic paper display corresponding to the touch area to fluctuate.

[0006] Preferably, to detect a pressure touch event, the electronic paper touchpad further includes an elastic insulating layer between the plurality of second electrodes and the plurality of third electrodes, and the detection of the event further includes: detecting the event by using mutual capacitance sensing between the plurality of second electrodes and the plurality of third electrodes. Preferably, to avoid interference, the detection of the event further includes: connecting the plurality of first electrodes to ground potential or DC potential.

[0007] Preferably, to detect an event, the touch electrode sequentially includes multiple first electrodes parallel to a first axis, multiple second electrodes parallel to a second axis, and multiple third electrodes parallel to the first axis. The multiple second electrodes and the multiple third electrodes are located on the same electrode layer. The event is detected by mutual capacitance sensing between the multiple second electrodes and the multiple third electrodes. Preferably, to increase the probability and sensitivity of event detection, the event detection further includes: causing the potential of each electrode in the electronic paper display corresponding to the touch area to fluctuate. Preferably, to increase the probability and sensitivity of event detection, the event detection further includes: causing the potential of the multiple first electrodes to fluctuate.

[0008] Preferably, to detect a pressure touch event, the electronic paper touchpad further includes an elastic insulating layer between the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes, and the detection of the event further includes: detecting the event by mutual capacitance sensing between the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes. Preferably, to avoid interference, the detection of the event further includes: connecting each electrode in the electronic paper display corresponding to the touch area to a ground potential or a DC potential.

[0009] Preferably, in order to clearly indicate the touch area, the control method further includes one or any combination of the following: causing the electronic paper display to display a color inside the touch area, causing the electronic paper display to display another color outside the touch area; causing the electronic paper display to display a brightness inside the touch area, causing the electronic paper display to display another brightness outside the touch area; and causing the electronic paper display to display a graphic outside the touch area.

[0010] Preferably, in order to provide complete user input functionality, the electronic paper display further includes a keyboard area displaying multiple keys, the keyboard area being further away from the user than the touch area.

[0011] Preferably, to facilitate the use of similar settings across multiple computers, the control method further includes: reading a parameter set corresponding to the user and setting the position and size of the touch area according to the parameter set; and when no parameter set corresponding to the user is read, setting the position and size of the touch area according to a preset parameter set.

[0012] Preferably, in order to facilitate users to use similar settings across multiple computers to accommodate electronic paper touchpads of different sizes, the position and shape of the touchpad are set according to the proportional position and proportional length of one side of the electronic paper touchpad and its adjacent side.

[0013] Preferably, to facilitate touch operation with the user's dominant hand, the touch area includes a side that is not parallel to any edge of the electronic paper touchpad.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an electronic system is provided, comprising: an electronic paper touchpad; a touch processing device; an electronic paper controller; and a host connected to the touch processing device and the electronic paper controller. The electronic paper controller is used to cause an electronic paper display included in the electronic paper touchpad to indicate a touch area. The touch processing device further comprises: a connection network to be respectively connected to a plurality of touch electrodes included in the electronic paper touchpad; a driving circuit connected to the connection network; a sensing circuit connected to the connection network; an interface module connected to the host; and a processor, wherein the processor is used to execute instructions stored in non-volatile memory for: causing the driving circuit, the sensing circuit, and the connection network to detect events corresponding to external objects through the plurality of touch electrodes; when the event is detected, determining whether the location of the event is within the touch area; when the location of the event is determined to be within the touch area, reporting the event to the host; and when the location of the event is determined to be outside the touch area, not reporting the event to the host.

[0015] Preferably, to avoid interference below the electronic paper touchpad and to avoid interference from below the electronic paper touchpad, the touch electrode sequentially includes multiple first electrodes parallel to a first axis, multiple second electrodes parallel to a second axis, and multiple third electrodes parallel to the first axis. The distance between the multiple third electrodes and the electronic paper display is greater than the distance between the multiple first electrodes and the electronic paper display. The event detection involves the driving circuit, the sensing circuit, and the connection network using mutual capacitance sensing between the multiple first electrodes and the multiple second electrodes to detect the event, and connecting the multiple third electrodes to ground potential or DC potential. Preferably, to increase the probability and sensitivity of event detection, the event detection further includes: the electronic paper controller causing the potential of each electrode in the electronic paper display corresponding to the touch area to fluctuate.

[0016] Preferably, to detect a pressure touch event, the electronic paper touchpad further includes an elastic insulating layer between the plurality of second electrodes and the plurality of third electrodes. The detection of the event further includes: having the driving circuit, the sensing circuit, and the connection network detect the event by performing mutual capacitance sensing using the plurality of second electrodes and the plurality of third electrodes. Preferably, to avoid interference, the detection of the event further includes: connecting the plurality of first electrodes to ground potential or DC potential.

[0017] Preferably, to detect an event, the touch electrode sequentially includes multiple first electrodes parallel to a first axis, multiple second electrodes parallel to a second axis, and multiple third electrodes parallel to the first axis. The multiple second electrodes and the multiple third electrodes are located on the same electrode layer. Event detection is achieved by the driving circuit, the sensing circuit, and the connection network using mutual capacitance sensing between the multiple second electrodes and the multiple third electrodes to detect the event. Preferably, to increase the probability and sensitivity of event detection, the event detection further includes: the electronic paper controller causing the potential of each electrode in the electronic paper display corresponding to the touch area to fluctuate. Preferably, to increase the probability and sensitivity of event detection, the event detection further includes: causing the potential of the multiple first electrodes to fluctuate.

[0018] Preferably, to detect a pressure touch event, the electronic paper touchpad further includes an elastic insulating layer between the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes. The detection of the event further includes: having the driving circuit, the sensing circuit, and the connection network detect the event by performing mutual capacitance sensing using the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes. Preferably, to avoid interference, the step of detecting the event further includes: the electronic paper controller connecting each electrode in the electronic paper display corresponding to the touch area to a ground potential or a DC potential.

[0019] Preferably, in order to clearly indicate the touch area, the electronic paper controller is further configured to: cause the electronic paper display to display one color inside the touch area, cause the electronic paper display to display another color outside the touch area; cause the electronic paper display to display one brightness inside the touch area, cause the electronic paper display to display another brightness outside the touch area; and cause the electronic paper display to display a graphic outside the touch area.

[0020] Preferably, in order to provide full user input functionality, the electronic paper controller is further configured to: cause the electronic paper display to display a keyboard area, the keyboard area displaying multiple keys, the keyboard area being further away from the user than the touch area.

[0021] Preferably, to facilitate the use of similar settings across multiple computers, the host is further configured to: read a parameter set corresponding to the user, and instruct the touch processing device and the electronic paper controller to set the position and size of the touch area according to the parameter set; and when no parameter set corresponding to the user is read, instruct the touch processing device and the electronic paper controller to set the position and size of the touch area according to a preset parameter set.

[0022] Preferably, in order to facilitate users to use similar settings across multiple computers to accommodate electronic paper touchpads of different sizes, the position and shape of the touchpad are set according to the proportional position and proportional length of one side of the electronic paper touchpad and its adjacent side.

[0023] Preferably, to facilitate touch operation with the user's dominant hand, the touch area includes a side that is not parallel to any edge of the electronic paper touchpad.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an integrated device for controlling an electronic paper touchpad is provided, comprising: a connection network for connecting to a plurality of touch electrodes included in the electronic paper touchpad; a driving circuit connected to the connection network; a sensing circuit connected to the connection network; an interface module connected to a host computer; a second connection network for connecting to a plurality of electrodes of an electronic paper display included in the electronic paper touchpad; a control circuit connected to the second connection network; and a processor, wherein the processor is configured to execute instructions stored in non-volatile memory for: causing the control circuit to mark a touch area on the electronic paper display through the second connection network; causing the driving circuit, the sensing circuit, and the connection network to detect events corresponding to external objects through the plurality of touch electrodes; when an event is detected, determining whether the location of the event is within the touch area; when the location of the event is determined to be within the touch area, reporting the event to the host computer; and when the location of the event is determined to be outside the touch area, not reporting the event to the host computer.

[0025] Preferably, to avoid interference below the electronic paper touchpad and to avoid interference from below the electronic paper touchpad, the touch electrode sequentially includes multiple first electrodes parallel to a first axis, multiple second electrodes parallel to a second axis, and multiple third electrodes parallel to the first axis. The distance between the multiple third electrodes and the electronic paper display is greater than the distance between the multiple first electrodes and the electronic paper display. The event detection involves the driving circuit, the sensing circuit, and the connection network using mutual capacitance sensing between the multiple first electrodes and the multiple second electrodes to detect the event, and connecting the multiple third electrodes to ground potential or DC potential. Preferably, to increase the probability and sensitivity of event detection, the event detection further includes: the second connection network causing the potential of each electrode in the electronic paper display corresponding to the touch area to fluctuate.

[0026] Preferably, to detect a pressure touch event, the electronic paper touchpad further includes an elastic insulating layer between the plurality of second electrodes and the plurality of third electrodes. The detection of the event further includes: having the driving circuit, the sensing circuit, and the connection network detect the event by using mutual capacitance sensing between the plurality of second electrodes and the plurality of third electrodes. Preferably, to avoid interference, the detection of the event further includes: connecting the plurality of first electrodes to ground potential or DC potential.

[0027] Preferably, to detect an event, the touch electrode sequentially includes multiple first electrodes parallel to a first axis, multiple second electrodes parallel to a second axis, and multiple third electrodes parallel to the first axis. The multiple second electrodes and the multiple third electrodes are located on the same electrode layer. Event detection is achieved by the driving circuit, the sensing circuit, and the connection network using mutual capacitance sensing between the multiple second electrodes and the multiple third electrodes. Preferably, to increase the probability and sensitivity of event detection, event detection further includes causing the second connection network to fluctuate the potential of each electrode in the electronic paper display corresponding to the touch area. Preferably, to increase the probability and sensitivity of event detection, event detection further includes causing the potential of the multiple first electrodes to fluctuate.

[0028] Preferably, to detect a pressure touch event, the electronic paper touchpad further includes an elastic insulating layer between the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes. The detection of the event further includes: having the driving circuit, the sensing circuit, and the connection network detect the event by performing mutual capacitance sensing between the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes. Preferably, to avoid interference, the detection of the event further includes: having the second connection network connect each electrode in the electronic paper display corresponding to the touch area to a ground potential or a DC potential.

[0029] Preferably, in order to clearly indicate the touch area, the control circuit is further configured to: cause the electronic paper display to display one color inside the touch area, cause the electronic paper display to display another color outside the touch area; cause the electronic paper display to display one brightness inside the touch area, cause the electronic paper display to display another brightness outside the touch area; and cause the electronic paper display to display a graphic outside the touch area.

[0030] Preferably, in order to provide complete user input functionality, the control circuit is further configured to: display a keyboard area on the electronic paper display, the keyboard area displaying multiple keys, the keyboard area being further away from the user than the touch area.

[0031] Preferably, to facilitate the use of similar settings across multiple computers, the processor is further configured to: receive a parameter set corresponding to the user from the host, and set the position and size of the touch area according to the parameter set; and when no parameter set corresponding to the user is received, set the position and size of the touch area according to a preset parameter set.

[0032] Preferably, in order to facilitate users to use similar settings across multiple computers to accommodate electronic paper touchpads of different sizes, the position and shape of the touchpad are set according to the proportional position and proportional length of one side of the electronic paper touchpad and its adjacent side.

[0033] Preferably, to facilitate touch operation with the user's dominant hand, the touch area includes a side that is not parallel to any edge of the electronic paper touchpad.

[0034] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an electronic system is provided, comprising: the above-described electronic paper touchpad, integration device, and host.

[0035] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for setting a touch area of ​​an electronic paper touchpad is provided. The method includes: causing an electronic paper display included in the electronic paper touchpad to mark a pre-defined first touch area in a first display format; detecting an event through a plurality of touch electrodes included in the electronic paper touchpad; setting a second touch area based on the detected event; and causing the electronic paper display to mark the second touch area in a second display format.

[0036] Preferably, in order to report to the host when setting the touch area, the setting method further includes: notifying the host to enter the setting mode before detecting the event; and notifying the host to leave the setting mode after setting the second touch area, and transmitting the second touch area to the host.

[0037] Preferably, to allow the user to continuously adjust the new touch area, the setting method further includes: re-executing the detection step to obtain a new event; when a new event is detected again, setting a third touch area based on the new event; causing the electronic paper display to mark the third touch area in the first display format; after the detection step is executed again and no new event is detected for a certain number of times or an instruction to leave the setting mode is received, setting the second touch area as the third touch area, and then performing the above-mentioned step of causing the electronic paper display to mark the second touch area in the second display format.

[0038] Preferably, to accommodate the slow update speed of electronic paper displays, the setting method satisfies one or any combination of the following conditions: the position of one side of the first touch area and the corresponding position of the second touch area differ by an integer multiple of N pixels on the first axis, where N is a positive integer greater than 1; the position of the other side of the first touch area and the corresponding position of the other side of the second touch area differ by an integer multiple of M pixels on the second axis, where M is a positive integer greater than 1; the position of one side of the first touch area and the corresponding position of the third touch area differ by an integer multiple of N pixels on the first axis; and the position of the other side of the first touch area and the corresponding position of the other side of the third touch area differ by an integer multiple of M pixels on the second axis.

[0039] Preferably, to avoid the touch area being set to an excessively small area, the setting method satisfies one or any combination of the following conditions: when the second touch area is smaller than a predetermined area, the second touch area is set as the first touch area; when the third touch area is smaller than the predetermined area, the third touch area is set as the first touch area; when one side of the second touch area is shorter than a predetermined length, the second touch area is set as the first touch area; and when one side of the third touch area is shorter than the predetermined length, the third touch area is set as the first touch area.

[0040] Preferably, in order to highlight that the electronic paper touchpad is in a setting mode, the first display format includes one or any combination of the following: causing the corresponding area to flash periodically; causing the edge of the corresponding area to flash periodically; causing graphics or text to be displayed in the corresponding area; and causing graphics or text to flash periodically in the corresponding area.

[0041] Preferably, in order to set the touch area, the setting method further includes one of the following steps: when one event is detected, determining the position of the second touch area based on the detected event; when another event is detected, determining the position of the third touch area based on the detected event; when two events are detected, determining the size of the second touch area based on the detected events; when two events are detected, determining the size of the third touch area based on the detected event; when two events are detected, determining the position and size of the second touch area based on the detected events; when two events are detected, determining the position and size of the third touch area based on the detected event.

[0042] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an electronic system is provided, comprising: an electronic paper touchpad; a touch processing device; an electronic paper controller; and a host connected to the touch processing device and the electronic paper controller. The host executes computer instructions stored in non-volatile memory for: instructing the electronic paper controller to control the electronic paper display included in the electronic paper touchpad to indicate a pre-defined first touch area in a first display format; instructing the touch processing device to detect events through a plurality of touch electrodes included in the electronic paper touchpad; instructing the touch processing device to set a second touch area based on the detected event; and instructing the electronic paper controller to control the electronic paper display to indicate the second touch area in a second display format.

[0043] Preferably, in order to report to the host when setting the touch area, the host is further configured to: enter the setting mode before detecting the event; and leave the setting mode after setting the second touch area.

[0044] Preferably, to allow the user to continuously adjust the new touch area, the host is further configured to: cause the touch processing device to perform the detection again to obtain a new event; when the touch processing device detects the new event again, set a third touch area according to the new event; cause the electronic paper controller to control the electronic paper display to mark the third touch area in the first display format; when the touch processing device performs the detection again and fails to detect a new event a certain number of times or receives an instruction to leave the setting mode, set the second touch area as the third touch area, and then perform the above-mentioned action of causing the electronic paper controller to control the electronic paper display to mark the second touch area in the second display format.

[0045] Preferably, to accommodate the slow update speed of electronic paper displays, the electronic system satisfies one or any combination of the following conditions: the position of one side of the first touch area differs from the corresponding position of the second touch area by an integer multiple of N pixels on the first axis, where N is a positive integer greater than 1; the position of the other side of the first touch area differs from the corresponding position of the other side of the second touch area by an integer multiple of M pixels on the second axis, where M is a positive integer greater than 1; the position of one side of the first touch area differs from the corresponding position of the third touch area by an integer multiple of N pixels on the first axis; and the position of the other side of the first touch area differs from the corresponding position of the other side of the third touch area by an integer multiple of M pixels on the second axis.

[0046] Preferably, to avoid the touch area being set to be too small, the electronic system satisfies one or any combination of the following conditions: when the second touch area is smaller than a predetermined area, the second touch area is set as the first touch area; when the third touch area is smaller than the predetermined area, the third touch area is set as the first touch area; when one side of the second touch area is shorter than a predetermined length, the second touch area is set as the first touch area; and when one side of the third touch area is shorter than the predetermined length, the third touch area is set as the first touch area.

[0047] Preferably, in order to highlight that the electronic paper touchpad is in a setting mode, the first display format includes one or any combination of the following: causing the corresponding area to flash periodically; causing the edge of the corresponding area to flash periodically; causing graphics or text to be displayed in the corresponding area; and causing graphics or text to flash periodically in the corresponding area.

[0048] Preferably, in order to set the touch area, the host is further configured to: when one event is detected, determine the position of the second touch area based on the detected event; when another event is detected, determine the position of the third touch area based on the detected event; when two events are detected, determine the size of the second touch area based on the detected events; when two events are detected, determine the size of the third touch area based on the detected event; when two events are detected, determine the position and size of the second touch area based on the detected events; when two events are detected, determine the position and size of the third touch area based on the detected event.

[0049] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an integrated apparatus for setting the touch area of ​​an electronic paper touchpad is provided, comprising: a connection network for connecting to a plurality of touch electrodes included in the electronic paper touchpad; a driving circuit connected to the connection network; a sensing circuit connected to the connection network; an interface module connected to a host computer; a second connection network for connecting to a plurality of electrodes of an electronic paper display included in the electronic paper touchpad; a control circuit connected to the second connection network; and a processor, wherein the processor is configured to execute instructions stored in non-volatile memory for: causing the control circuit to control the electronic paper display to indicate the existing first touch area in a first display format; causing the connection network, the driving circuit, and the sensing circuit to detect events through the plurality of touch electrodes; setting a second touch area based on the detected events; and causing the control circuit to control the electronic paper display to indicate the second touch area in a second display format.

[0050] Preferably, in order to report to the host when setting the touch area, the processor is further configured to: notify the host to enter the setting mode before detecting the event; and notify the host to leave the setting mode after setting the second touch area, and transmit the second touch area to the host.

[0051] Preferably, in order to allow the user to continuously adjust the new touch area, the processor is further configured to: cause the connection network, the driving circuit and the sensing circuit to perform the detection step again to obtain a new event; when a new event is detected again, set a third touch area according to the new event; cause the electronic paper display to mark the third touch area in the first display format; when the detection step is performed again and no new event is detected for a certain number of times or an instruction to leave the setting mode is received, set the second touch area as the third touch area, and then execute the step described above whereby the control circuit controls the electronic paper display to mark the second touch area in the second display format.

[0052] Preferably, to accommodate the slow update speed of electronic paper displays, the integrated device satisfies one or any combination of the following conditions: the position of one side of the first touch area differs from the corresponding position of the second touch area by an integer multiple of N pixels on the first axis, where N is a positive integer greater than 1; the position of the other side of the first touch area differs from the corresponding position of the other side of the second touch area by an integer multiple of M pixels on the second axis, where M is a positive integer greater than 1; the position of one side of the first touch area differs from the corresponding position of the third touch area by an integer multiple of N pixels on the first axis; and the position of the other side of the first touch area differs from the corresponding position of the other side of the third touch area by an integer multiple of M pixels on the second axis.

[0053] Preferably, to avoid the touch area being set to be too small, the integrated device satisfies one or any combination of the following conditions: when the second touch area is smaller than a predetermined area, the second touch area is set as the first touch area; when the third touch area is smaller than the predetermined area, the third touch area is set as the first touch area; when one side of the second touch area is shorter than a predetermined length, the second touch area is set as the first touch area; and when one side of the third touch area is shorter than the predetermined length, the third touch area is set as the first touch area.

[0054] Preferably, in order to highlight that the electronic paper touchpad is in a setting mode, the first display format includes one or any combination of the following: causing the corresponding area to flash periodically; causing the edge of the corresponding area to flash periodically; causing graphics or text to be displayed in the corresponding area; and causing graphics or text to flash periodically in the corresponding area.

[0055] Preferably, in order to set the touch area, the processor is further configured to: when one event is detected, determine the position of the second touch area based on the detected event; when another event is detected, determine the position of the third touch area based on the detected event; when two events are detected, determine the size of the second touch area based on the detected events; when two events are detected, determine the size of the third touch area based on the detected event; when two events are detected, determine the position and size of the second touch area based on the detected events; and when two events are detected, determine the position and size of the third touch area based on the detected event.

[0056] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an electronic system is provided, comprising: the above-described electronic paper touchpad, integration device, and host.

[0057] The mechanism for setting the touch area provided by this invention allows users to freely adjust the position and size of the touch area on the e-paper touchpad according to their usage habits. This enhances the user experience, accelerates input efficiency, and avoids the consequences and damage caused by accidental touches on the touchpad.

[0058] The touch mechanism of the electronic paper touchpad provided by this invention allows users to freely use multi-finger input and can also detect events such as proximity, contact, and pressure. This increases the user's input options and enhances the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0059] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the bottom surface of an existing notebook computer.

[0060] Figure 2A This is a schematic diagram of an input device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 2B for Figure 2A The illustrated embodiment shows a diagram in which rectangular region 230A is replaced by rectangular region 230B.

[0062] Figure 2C for Figure 2A The illustrated embodiment shows a diagram in which rectangular region 230A is replaced by rectangular region 230C.

[0063] Figure 2D This is a schematic diagram showing the absence of the rectangular region 230.

[0064] Figure 2E This is a schematic diagram of an input device 200 that lacks a keyboard area 110.

[0065] Figure 3AThis is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an electronic paper touch panel 220 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 3B This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an electronic paper touch panel 220 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of an electronic paper display 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0068] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of an electronic system 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of an electronic system 600 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] Figure 7 This is a block diagram of a touch processing device 520 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] Figure 8 This is a block diagram of an integrated device 620 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0072] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method 900 for an electronic paper touchpad according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of setting the touch area of ​​an electronic paper touchpad according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for setting a touch area according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] [Explanation of Key Component Symbols]

[0076] 100: Bottom panel 110: Keyboard area

[0077] 120: Touchpad 200: Input device

[0078] 220: Electronic paper touchpad; 230: Rectangular area or touch area

[0079] 230A: Rectangular area or touch area 230B: Rectangular area or touch area

[0080] 230C: Rectangular area or touch area 230E: Rectangular area or touch area

[0081] 230X: Rectangular area or touch area 230Y: Rectangular area or touch area

[0082] 230Z: Rectangular area or touch area; 300: Electronic paper display

[0083] 310: First insulating layer; 320: Touch electrode

[0084] 321: First electrode layer; 322: Second electrode layer

[0085] 323: Third electrode layer; 324: Fourth electrode layer

[0086] 330: Second insulating layer; 340: Elastic insulating layer

[0087] 350: Third insulating layer; 360: Elastic insulating layer

[0088] 410: Transparent protective layer; 420: First electronic paper electrode layer

[0089] 430: Display molecular layer; 440: Second electronic paper electrode layer

[0090] 450: Protects the underlying layer; 500: Electronic system

[0091] 510: Main unit; 520: Touch processing device

[0092] 530: Electronic paper controller; 600: Electronic system

[0093] 620: Integration device; 710: Network connection

[0094] 720: Drive circuit; 730: Sensing circuit

[0095] 740: Processor; 750: Interface Module

[0096] 810: Network connection 820: Control circuit

[0097] 900: Control method 1100: Setting method Detailed Implementation

[0098] Please refer to Figure 2A The diagram shown is a schematic representation of an input device 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The input device 200 may include a keyboard area 110 and an electronic paper touchpad 220. The electronic paper touchpad 220 is typically positioned closer to the user, while the keyboard area 110 is positioned further away from the user. Figure 2A As shown, the surface of the input device 200 is divided into two areas.

[0099] The electronic paper touchpad 220 includes an electronic paper display with more than two colors. Figure 2AIn the illustrated electronic paper touchpad 220, a rectangular area 230A displays a lighter color, while other areas display a darker color. Beneath the electronic paper display of the touchpad 220 are multiple touch electrodes. These electrodes can be used to detect the pressure of one or more fingers and / or a stylus.

[0100] exist Figure 2A In the illustrated embodiment, only proximity press events occurring within the rectangular area 230A are input to the host computer to which the input device 200 is connected. In this invention, proximity press events include proximity events, contact events, and / or pressure events detected by the touch processing device connected to the touch electrodes when an external conductive object (such as a finger or passive stylus) approaches, touches, and / or presses the electronic paper touchpad 220.

[0101] The electronic paper display of the input device 200 can use different colors to mark the rectangular area 230A. Users can use different input methods to set the area and position of the rectangular area 230A within the electronic paper touchpad 220. In one embodiment, the host computer can display a graphic representing the electronic paper touchpad 220 and the rectangular area 230A on the screen. Users can use a mouse and / or keyboard to adjust the graphic to set the area and position of the rectangular area 230A. In another embodiment, the host computer can display a graphic representing the electronic paper touchpad 220 and the rectangular area 230A on a touchscreen. Users can use their fingers or a stylus to adjust the graphic on the touchscreen to set the area and position of the rectangular area 230A. In one embodiment, the host computer or the integrated device controlling the electronic paper touchpad 220 allows the user to directly adjust and set the area and position of the rectangular area 230A on the electronic paper touchpad 220.

[0102] Please refer to Figure 2B As shown, it is Figure 2A The illustrated embodiment shows a diagram where rectangular region 230A is replaced by rectangular region 230B. (See diagram for reference.) Figure 2B As shown, the rectangular regions 230A and 230B have different positions, horizontal axis lengths, vertical axis lengths, and length-to-short side ratios.

[0103] Please refer to Figure 2C As shown, it is Figure 2A The illustrated embodiment shows a diagram where rectangular region 230A is replaced by rectangular region 230C. (See diagram for reference.) Figure 2C As shown, since the user may only use their right hand to operate the electronic paper touchpad 220, the long and short sides of the rectangular area 230C are not parallel to the long and short sides of the electronic paper touchpad 220, and there is an angle between the two long sides.

[0104] Please refer to Figure 2D As shown, this is a schematic diagram lacking the rectangular region 230. Figure 2D In the embodiment shown, the rectangular area 230 is removed in order to disable the touch function of the electronic paper touchpad 220.

[0105] As described above, the parameters of the rectangular area 230 can include a flag indicating whether the area exists, its position, tilt angle, side length, adjacent side length, adjacent side length ratio, color within the area, color outside the area, percentage of side length, percentage of adjacent side length, etc., forming a parameter group. In one embodiment, the parameter group of the rectangular area 230 can follow the user. For example, when a user logs in on multiple computers, the position and size of the rectangular area 230 on these computers are specified according to the parameter group corresponding to the user. In another embodiment, when different computers have electronic paper touchpads 220 of different sizes, the position and size of the rectangular area 230 can be set using the proportions in the parameter group. For example, when the size of the electronic paper touchpad 220 is small and cannot be set using the position specified in the parameter group, the rectangular area 230 can be set at 1 / 10 to 4 / 10 of the horizontal axis and 2 / 100 to 98 / 100 of the vertical axis of the electronic paper touchpad 220 according to the length proportions in the parameter group.

[0106] This invention does not limit the touch area to a rectangular area. The touch area can also be trapezoidal or any quadrilateral. Any corner enclosed by two sides of the touch area can be modified into an arc shape.

[0107] Please refer to Figure 2E As shown, this is a schematic diagram of an input device 200 lacking a keyboard area 110. In the previous... Figures 2A to 2D In the embodiments shown, a keyboard area 110 is included. However, Figure 2E In the embodiment shown, the input device 200 does not have a keyboard area 110, but may only have an electronic paper touchpad 220.

[0108] Please refer to Figure 3A The diagram shown is a cross-sectional view of an electronic paper touchpad 220 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3A The illustrated embodiment includes, in sequence, an electronic paper display 300, a first insulating layer 310, a first electrode layer 321, a second insulating layer 330, a second electrode layer 322, an elastic insulating layer 340, a third electrode layer 323, and a third insulating layer 350. Those skilled in the art will understand that, for ease of explanation, Figure 3A The embodiments shown may omit certain layers or elements.

[0109] The electronic paper display 300 can be an existing monochrome dual-color or three-color or higher display. It will be... Figure 4 The general structure of the electronic paper display 300 is described below. The first electrode layer 321 includes multiple first electrodes parallel to a first axis. Similarly, the second electrode layer 322 includes multiple second electrodes parallel to a second axis. The third electrode layer 323 includes multiple third electrodes parallel to the first axis. The first axis and the second axis can be perpendicular to each other. For example, the first axis can be the direction of the long side of the surface of the electronic paper touch panel 220, and the second axis can be the direction of the short side of the surface of the electronic paper touch panel 220, or vice versa.

[0110] exist Figure 3A In one embodiment, the number of first electrodes and third electrodes is the same, and they are located in corresponding upper and lower positions. That is, the overlap area between a second electrode and the upper first electrode and the lower third electrode are located in corresponding upper and lower positions of the multilayer structure. In another embodiment, the number of first electrodes and third electrodes may be different, and they are not located in corresponding upper and lower positions of the multilayer structure. That is, the overlap area between a second electrode and the upper first electrode and the lower third electrode may not be located in corresponding upper and lower positions of the multilayer structure.

[0111] exist Figure 3A In the illustrated embodiment, a proximity event can be detected using the mutual capacitance sensing mechanism between the first electrode layer 321 and the second electrode layer 322. The second electrode emits a drive signal, causing the first electrode to generate a corresponding drive signal, or vice versa. When an external conductive object approaches or contacts a first electrode, the change in the sensing signal can be detected, further detecting the proximity event. During proximity event detection, all third electrodes of the third electrode layer 323 can be connected to ground potential or DC potential to avoid interference. Alternatively, the potential of each electrode within the rectangular area 230 of the electronic paper display 300 can be made to float, so that a nearby external conductive object can interfere with the sensing signal of the first electrode.

[0112] exist Figure 3A In the illustrated embodiment, the mutual capacitance sensing mechanism between the second electrode layer 322 and the third electrode layer 323 can be used to detect pressure touch events. The second electrode emits a drive signal, causing the third electrode to generate a corresponding drive signal, or vice versa. When an external conductive object applies downward pressure, the elastic insulating layer 340 deforms due to the force. This change in the sensing signal can then be detected, further detecting the pressure touch event. When detecting a pressure touch event, all the first electrodes of the first electrode layer 321 can be connected to ground potential or DC potential to avoid interference. Similarly, the electrodes within the rectangular area 230 of the electronic paper display 300 can be connected to ground potential or DC potential to avoid interference.

[0113] Please refer to Figure 3B The diagram shown is a cross-sectional view of an electronic paper touchpad 220 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3B The illustrated embodiment includes, in sequence, an electronic paper display 300, a first insulating layer 310, a first electrode layer 321, an elastic insulating layer 360, a fourth electrode layer 324, and a third insulating layer 350. Those skilled in the art will understand that, for ease of explanation, Figure 3B The embodiments shown may omit certain layers or elements.

[0114] The fourth electrode layer 324 includes multiple second electrodes parallel to the second axis and multiple third electrodes parallel to the first axis. Each second electrode intersects with the multiple third electrodes, but they are not coupled together, and their multiple intersection points form multiple detection areas. A certain second electrode can cross the multiple third electrodes in a bridging manner, and vice versa.

[0115] exist Figure 3B In the illustrated embodiment, the mutual capacitance sensing mechanism in the fourth electrode layer 324 can be used to detect proximity events. A drive signal is emitted from the second electrode, causing the third electrode to generate a sensing signal corresponding to the drive signal, or vice versa. When an external conductive object approaches or contacts a certain third electrode, the change in the sensing signal can be detected, further detecting the proximity event. When detecting a proximity event, the potential of all the first electrodes in the first electrode layer 321 can be fluctuated, or the potential of each electrode within the rectangular area 230 of the electronic paper display 300 can be fluctuated, so that a nearby external conductive object interferes with the sensing signal of the third electrode.

[0116] exist Figure 3B In the illustrated embodiment, the mutual capacitance sensing mechanism between the first electrode layer 321 and the fourth electrode layer 324 can be used to detect pressure touch events. A drive signal is emitted from the second electrode, causing the first electrode to generate a corresponding drive signal, or vice versa. When an external conductive object applies downward pressure, the elastic insulating layer 360 deforms due to the force. This change in the sensing signal can then be detected, further detecting the pressure touch event. When detecting pressure touch events, the electrodes within the rectangular area 230 of the electronic paper display 300 can be connected to ground potential or DC potential to avoid interference.

[0117] exist Figure 3BIn one variation of the illustrated embodiment, the positions of the first electrode layer 321 and the fourth electrode layer 324 are interchanged. In other words, in this variation, the electronic paper touch panel 220 sequentially includes the electronic paper display 300, the first insulating layer 310, the fourth electrode layer 324, the elastic insulating layer 360, the first electrode layer 321, and the third insulating layer 350. The fourth electrode layer 324 includes multiple third electrodes parallel to the first axis and multiple second electrodes parallel to the second axis.

[0118] Please refer to Figure 4 The diagram shown is a cross-sectional view of an electronic paper display 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electronic paper display 300 may include a transparent protective layer 410, a first electronic paper electrode layer 420, a display molecule layer 430, a second electronic paper electrode layer 440, and a protective underlayer 450. Figure 3A and Figure 3B In one embodiment, the protective underlayer 450 is closest to the first insulating layer 310. In another embodiment, the protective underlayer 450 may be the first insulating layer 310.

[0119] The display molecular layer 430 contains molecules or capsules of two or more colors. When there is a voltage signal of a certain modulated form between the electrode of the first electronic paper electrode layer 420 and the corresponding electrode of the second electronic paper electrode layer 440, the position of the molecules or capsules in the display molecular layer 430 between the two electrodes can be controlled. When a molecule or capsule of a certain color is closer to the transparent protective layer 410, that color will be displayed at that location.

[0120] exist Figure 3A and Figure 3BIn this embodiment, when proximity events and pressure events are detected, the corresponding electronic paper electrodes of the rectangular area 230 can be controlled. For example, when a proximity event is detected, the potential of the electrodes of the first electronic paper electrode layer 420 and the second electronic paper electrode layer 440 corresponding to the rectangular area 230 can be made to float. Similarly, when a pressure event is detected, one or both of the electrodes of the first electronic paper electrode layer 420 and the second electronic paper electrode layer 440 corresponding to the rectangular area 230 can be connected to ground potential or DC potential to avoid electromagnetic interference from other objects. However, for other areas of the non-rectangular area 230, display control can be implemented during the detection of proximity or pressure events, or during the intervals between detection events, to prevent the position of molecules or capsules from being misaligned due to pressure from a hand or other object. Accordingly, the display color of the non-touch area can be kept consistent, or the display image of the non-touch area can be maintained. For example, the electronic paper display 300 can display the manufacturer's logo or other patterns. When a hand presses on the screen, it may cause logos or other patterns to become distorted. Therefore, the display images in these non-touch areas can be updated periodically. In addition, the touch electrodes in the non-touch areas and the electrodes of the electronic paper display 300 can be connected to ground or DC potential to avoid interfering with touch detection in the rectangular area 230.

[0121] To synchronize the display control and touch detection of the e-paper touchpad, please refer to... Figure 5 The diagram shown is a block illustration of an electronic system 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electronic system 500 includes the aforementioned input device 200 and host computer 510, which execute operating systems and applications to control all hardware of the electronic system 500. The electronic system 500 also includes a touch processing device 520 for connecting to the touch electrodes 320, and an electronic paper controller 530 for connecting to the electronic paper display 300. The touch processing device 520 and the electronic paper controller 530 can be connected to the host computer 510 via industrial interfaces such as I2C, PCI, PCI-E, and USB.

[0122] The touch electrode 320 may include Figure 3A and Figure 3B The diagram shows multiple first electrodes, multiple second electrodes, and multiple third electrodes. The touch processing device 520 can use the aforementioned touch electrodes 320 to detect proximity and pressure events in the rectangular area 230. However, since the touch processing device 520 cannot control the operation of the electronic paper display 300, the host computer 510 must execute the driver program for the input device 200 to control the touch processing device 520 and the electronic paper controller 530 respectively.

[0123] In this embodiment, the touch processing device 520 and the electronic paper controller 530 must be triggered by hardware or software interrupt signals to cause the host 510 to execute the driver program to meet the aforementioned control requirements. These interrupt signals increase the load on the host's input / output. Please refer to... Figure 6 The diagram shown is a block illustration of an electronic system 600 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electronic system 600 includes an integrated device 620, which replaces the touch processing device 520 and the electronic paper controller 530. The integrated device 620 is connected to the touch electrode 320 and the electronic paper display 300, and can coordinately execute the aforementioned control steps without the need for intervention from the driver program executed by the host 510.

[0124] Please refer to Figure 7 The diagram shown is a block illustration of a touch processing device 520 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The touch processing device 520 includes a connection network 710, a driving circuit 720, a sensing circuit 730, a processor 740, and an interface module 750.

[0125] The touch processing device 520 can be implemented within a single integrated circuit, which may contain one or more chips. Alternatively, multiple integrated circuits and interconnecting circuit boards supporting these integrated circuits can be used to implement the touch processing device 520. The touch processing device 520 can also be implemented on the same integrated circuit as the host 510, or on the same chip as the host 510. In other words, the present invention does not limit the implementation of the touch processing device 110.

[0126] The connection network 710 is used to connect the aforementioned multiple first electrodes, multiple second electrodes, and / or third electrodes respectively. The connection network 710 can accept control commands from the processor 740 to connect the driving circuit 710 to any one or more touch electrodes, and also to connect the sensing circuit 730 to any one or more touch electrodes. The connection network 710 may include a combination of one or more multiplexers (MUX) to implement the aforementioned functions.

[0127] The drive circuit 720 may include components such as a clock generator, frequency divider, frequency multiplier, phase-locked loop, power amplifier, DC-DC voltage converter, rectifier, and / or filter. It is used to provide drive signals to one or more touch electrodes via the connection network 710 according to the control commands of the processor 740. Various analog or digital signal modulation methods can be applied to the drive signals to transmit certain information. These modulation methods include, but are not limited to, frequency modulation (FM), phase modulation (PMT), amplitude modulation (AM), double-sideband modulation (DSB), single-sideband modulation (SSB-AM), vestigial sideband modulation (VSB), amplitude shift modulation (ASK), phase shift modulation (PSK), quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM), frequency shift modulation (FSK), continuous phase modulation (CPM), code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), quadrature frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), and pulse width modulation (PWM). The drive signal may contain one or more square waves, sine waves, or any modulated waveform. The drive circuit 720 may contain one or more channels, each of which can be connected to any one or more touch electrodes through the connection network 710.

[0128] The sensing circuit 730 may include components such as an integrator, sampler, clock generator, frequency divider, frequency multiplier, phase-locked loop, power amplifier, multiplier, DC-DC voltage converter, rectifier, and / or filter. It is used to sense one or more touch electrodes via the connection network 710 according to the control commands of the processor 740. When a touch signal is emitted through one touch electrode, another touch electrode can sense the touch signal. The sensing circuit 730 can cooperate with the modulation method performed by the driving circuit 720 to demodulate the driving signal sensed by the other touch electrode to recover the information carried by the driving signal. The sensing circuit 730 may include one or more channels, each channel being connected to one or more touch electrodes via the connection network 710. Simultaneously, each channel can perform sensing and demodulation.

[0129] In one embodiment, the driving circuit 720 and sensing circuit 730 may include an analog front-end (AFE) circuit. In another embodiment, in addition to the analog front-end circuit, the driving circuit 720 and sensing circuit 730 may include a digital back-end (DBE) circuit. When the driving circuit 720 and sensing circuit 730 only include analog front-end circuits, the digital back-end circuit can be implemented within the processor 740.

[0130] The processor 740 may include a digital signal processor (DSP) for connecting the analog front-end circuits of the aforementioned drive circuit 720 and sensing circuit 730, and may also connect the digital back-end circuits of the aforementioned drive circuit 720 and sensing circuit 730. The processor 740 may include an embedded processor, non-volatile memory, and volatile memory. The non-volatile memory may store a general operating system or a real-time operating system, and applications running under that operating system. The aforementioned operating system and applications contain multiple instructions and data. After these instructions are executed by the processor (including the embedded processor and / or DSP), they can be used to control other modules of the touch processing device 520, including the connection network 710, the drive circuit 720, the sensing circuit 730, and the interface module 750. For example, the processor 740 may include commonly used 8051 series processors, Intel's i960 series processors, ARM's Cortex-M series processors, etc. This invention does not limit the type or number of processors included in the processor 740.

[0131] The aforementioned instructions and data can be used to implement the various steps mentioned in this invention, as well as the processes and methods comprised of these steps. Some instructions can operate independently within the processor 740, such as arithmetic and logic operations. Other instructions can be used to control other modules of the touch processing device 520; these instructions may include the processor 740's input / output interface for controlling other modules. Other modules can also provide information to the operating system and / or application executed by the processor 740 through the processor 740's input / output interface. Those skilled in the art should possess general knowledge of computer organization and architecture and can understand that the processes and methods mentioned in this invention can be implemented using the aforementioned modules and instructions.

[0132] The aforementioned interface module 750 may include various serial or parallel buses, such as Universal Serial Bus (USB), Integrated Circuit Bus (ICB), etc. 2 C) Input / output interfaces based on industry standards such as PCI, PCI-Express, and IEEE 1394. The touch processing device 520 is connected to the host 510 via an interface module 750.

[0133] The connection network 710 is used to receive instructions from the processor 740 to connect one or more touch electrodes 320 to the driving circuit 720 or the sensing circuit 730. The software or hardware executed by the processor 740 can cause the driving circuit 720 and the sensing circuit 730 to perform proximity and pressure event detection of the rectangular area 230 using the mutual capacitance sensing method described above. Alternatively, the touch electrodes 320 in non-touch areas can be connected to ground potential or DC potential to avoid interfering with touch detection of the rectangular area 230.

[0134] Before detecting proximity or pressure events, the processor 740 can notify the driver executed by the host 510 through the interface module 750. The driver will then instruct the electronic paper controller 530 to perform the aforementioned potential control on the corresponding electrodes of the electronic paper display 300.

[0135] During the detection of proximity and / or pressure events, the processor 740 can notify the driver executed by the host 510 through the interface module 750. The driver then instructs the electronic paper controller 530 to control the display of the electronic paper display 300 so that the rectangular area 230 displays one color and the other areas display another color.

[0136] Please refer to Figure 8 The diagram shown is a block illustration of an integrated device 620 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Like the touch processing device 520, the integrated device 620 also includes the aforementioned connection network 710, driving circuit 720, sensing circuit 730, processor 740, and interface module 750. However, to control the electronic paper display 300, the integrated device 620 also includes a second connection network 810 and a control circuit 820. The second connection network 810 can connect one or more electrodes of the electronic paper display 300 to the control circuit 820. The software or hardware executed by the processor 740 can control the second connection network 810 and the control circuit 820 to control the potential of each electrode of the electronic paper display 300.

[0137] Before detecting a proximity event or pressure event, the processor 740 can automatically control the potential of the corresponding electrodes in the second connection network 810 and the control circuit 820 as described above. During the detection of a proximity event and / or pressure event, the processor 740 can automatically control the display so that the rectangular area 230 displays one color and other areas display another color.

[0138] exist Figure 5In the illustrated embodiment, after the host 510 is powered on, the corresponding driver for the input device 200 causes the touch processing device 520 and the electronic paper controller 530 to set the rectangular area 230. Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, after the host 510 is powered on, the corresponding driver for the input device 200 instructs the integrated device 620 to set the rectangular area 230. When no user logs into the host 510, the rectangular area 230 can be set using a preset parameter set. When a user logs into the host 510, the rectangular area 230 can be set using the parameter set corresponding to that user.

[0139] As previously mentioned, users can set all or part of the parameters of this parameter group in various ways. For example, a user can directly input two proximity events at different times or simultaneously on the electronic paper touchpad 220, and the corresponding driver of the input device 200 will use the coordinates of these two proximity events as the two opposite vertices of the rectangular area. In one embodiment, before inputting two proximity events, the user can first input a specific gesture within the original rectangular area. When the processor 740 of the touch processing device 520 or the integrated device 620 detects this gesture, it can cause the touch processing device 520 or the integrated device 620 to enter the setting mode.

[0140] Once the setup mode is entered, the touch processing device 520 or the integrated device 620 can stop reporting points to the host 510 until the setup mode ends. While in setup mode, the driver can instruct the electronic paper controller 530 to display a setup animation or prompt on the electronic paper display 300. The purpose of this setup animation or prompt is to inform the user that the input device 200 or the electronic paper touchpad 220 has entered setup mode.

[0141] For example, the electronic paper display 300 can display prompt text within the rectangular area 230, or it can cause part or all of the rectangular area 230 to flash, or part or all of the boundary lines of the rectangular area 230 to flash, or other parts of the non-rectangular area to flash, display text or other dynamic patterns. Specific visual effects in the setting mode are usually used to mark the extent of the rectangular area 230 and to indicate to the user that they are currently in setting mode.

[0142] In one embodiment, the user can move the rectangular area 230 by dragging. That is, the user can move the rectangular area 230 with a single finger while keeping its shape and size unchanged. Since the electronic paper display 300 has a slow update speed, the rectangular area 230 can be moved a fixed distance at a time. For example, the rectangular area 230 can be moved N pixels at a time along the horizontal axis and M pixels at a time along the vertical axis, where N and M are positive integers. When the rectangular area 230 moves, the unit area of ​​change in the electronic paper display 300 is not individual pixels, but rather areas of size N x M pixels.

[0143] In another embodiment, the user can use two fingers to zoom in and out to set the size and position of the rectangular region 230. For example, the two proximity events corresponding to the two fingers can represent the corresponding vertices of the rectangular region 230. Alternatively, the distance between the two proximity events corresponding to the two fingers can represent the distance between the corresponding vertices of the rectangular region 230, but the center position of the rectangular region 230 remains unchanged. Similarly, the user can zoom in or out by N or M pixels at a time.

[0144] In one embodiment, a user can use a single finger to drag and move one side of the rectangular area 230. Similarly, the user can move a distance of N or M pixels at a time.

[0145] To prevent users from accidentally setting the rectangular area 230 too small and being unable to recover, the previous parameter set can be automatically recovered when the area of ​​the rectangular area 230 is too small or when the side length of a certain side is too short.

[0146] To avoid difficulties for users in setting up the device, or to make the most of the short axis area of ​​the e-paper touchpad 220, users can only set the size and position of the rectangular area 230 parallel to the horizontal axis or a certain axis. The size and position of the rectangular area 230 parallel to another axis or vertical axis are fixed.

[0147] In some embodiments, the aspect ratio of the rectangular area 230 may correspond to the aspect ratio of the main display screen. Therefore, the user cannot set the aspect ratio of the rectangular area 230, and when the length of one side is changed by the user, the length of the adjacent side will automatically change accordingly.

[0148] exist Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the integrated device 620 can perform the above-described setting method itself, only needing to notify the host 510's driver before entering the setting mode, and notify the host 510's driver of the updated parameter set after leaving the setting mode. However, in Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the above-described setting method must be executed by the host 510's driver controlling the touch processing device 520 and the electronic paper controller 530.

[0149] In one embodiment, the electronic paper display 300 may have multiple light sources or multiple waveguide mechanisms around or under it to provide illumination. The light sources or multiple waveguide mechanisms under the rectangular area 230 can be turned on, or the light sources or waveguide mechanisms around the rectangular area 230 can be turned on to further indicate the position of the rectangular area 230.

[0150] Please refer to Figure 9 The diagram shown is a flowchart illustrating a control method 900 for an electronic paper touchpad according to an embodiment of the present invention. This control method 900 can be applied to the aforementioned electronic system 700 or electronic system 800. The control method 900 can begin from step 910.

[0151] Step 910: Instruct the electronic paper display to indicate the touch area. This touch area can be the aforementioned rectangular area 230, or an area of ​​other shapes. The touch area can be set according to a preset parameter set, or it can be set according to the user's parameter set. Step 910 may include one or any combination of the following: instructing the electronic paper display to display one color inside the touch area and another color outside the touch area; instructing the electronic paper display to display one brightness level inside the touch area and another brightness level outside the touch area; instructing the electronic paper display to display a graphic outside the touch area.

[0152] Step 920: Detect events using multiple touch electrodes. This invention can... Figure 3A or Figure 3B The illustrated embodiments and their associated detection steps are used to detect proximity events, contact events, and / or pressure events. The event referred to in this step can be any one of the proximity events, contact events, and pressure events described above, or any combination thereof.

[0153] Step 930: Determine if an event was detected? If no event was detected, the process returns to step 920. If an event was detected, the process proceeds to step 940.

[0154] Step 940: Determine if the event is within the marked area. If it is within the touch area, proceed to step 950. Otherwise, proceed to step 960.

[0155] Step 950: Report the event to the host.

[0156] Step 960: Do not report the event to the host.

[0157] Please refer to Figure 10 The diagram shown illustrates the process of setting the touch area of ​​an electronic paper touchpad according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 The illustrated embodiment includes touch areas 230X, 230Y, and 230Z. Touch areas 230Y and 230Z are the same size but different in position. The position and size of touch area 230X are different from the other two touch areas 230Y and 230Z.

[0158] When a user wants to adjust the first touch area 230X, they can enter the settings mode. The e-paper display will then highlight the touch area being adjusted using different display formats. The user can use a two-finger pinch gesture to adjust the position and / or size of the touch area, creating a temporary third touch area 230Y. Next, the user can use a single-finger drag gesture to adjust the position of the touch area, creating the final second touch area 230Z. Alternatively, the user may directly adjust the first touch area 230X into the final second touch area 230Z in one step, without needing a temporary third touch area 230Y. However, the user may also create multiple third touch areas 230Y before finally adjusting to the second touch area 230Z.

[0159] Once the user is satisfied with the temporary touch area, they can issue a command to leave the setting mode, or wait for a period of time without inputting into the e-paper touchpad. The e-paper touchpad will then set the last touch area as the new touch area and return to its normal display format.

[0160] Please refer to Figure 11 The diagram shown is a flowchart illustrating a method 1100 for setting a touch area according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 In the illustrated embodiment, the setting method 1100 can be implemented by a driver executed by the host. Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the setting method 1100 can be implemented by a processor included in the integrated device.

[0161] Optional step 1105: Notify the host to enter the setup mode. Then, the process proceeds to step 1110.

[0162] Step 1110: Instruct the electronic paper display to mark the initial touch area in the first display format. For example... Figure 10 In this embodiment, the initial touch area is a first touch area 230X. The first display format may be to make the corresponding area flash periodically; to make the edges of the corresponding area flash periodically; to display graphics or text within the corresponding area; and to make graphics or text flash periodically within the corresponding area.

[0163] Step 1120: Similar to step 920, detect events using multiple touch electrodes.

[0164] Step 1130: Determine if an event has been detected. If yes, proceed to step 1140. Otherwise, proceed to step 1160.

[0165] Step 1140: Based on the detected events, set a temporary touch area. For example... Figure 10 In this embodiment, the temporary touch area can be touch area 230Y or touch area 230Z. To accommodate the slow update speed of electronic paper displays, the movement of the touch area can be an integer multiple of N pixels on the first axis and an integer multiple of M pixels on the second axis, where N and M are positive integers greater than one. The pixels referred to here are pixels of the electronic paper display. To avoid the touch area being set too small, the size of the touch area cannot be smaller than a predetermined area or the length of one side cannot be smaller than a predetermined length. This step may include one of the following steps: when one event is detected, determining the position of the temporary touch area based on the detected event; when two events are detected, determining the size and / or position of the temporary touch area based on the two detected events.

[0166] Step 1150: Instruct the electronic paper display to mark the temporary touch area in the first display format. Then, the process returns to step 1120.

[0167] Step 1160: Determine whether the number of undetected events has reached a certain number, or whether an instruction to leave the set mode has been received. If the above determination is true, the process proceeds to step 1170. Otherwise, the process returns to step 1120.

[0168] Step 1170: Set the temporary touch area as the new touch area.

[0169] Step 1180: The new touch area can be reported back to the host, and the setup mode can be exited.

[0170] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a control method for an electronic paper touchpad is provided. The control method includes: having an electronic paper display included in the electronic paper touchpad indicate a touch area; detecting events corresponding to external objects via multiple touch electrodes included in the electronic paper touchpad; when an event is detected, determining whether the location of the event is within the touch area; when the location of the event is determined to be within the touch area, reporting the event to a host computer; and when the location of the event is determined to be outside the touch area, not reporting the event to the host computer.

[0171] Preferably, to avoid interference below the electronic paper touchpad and to avoid interference from below the electronic paper touchpad, the touch electrode sequentially includes multiple first electrodes parallel to a first axis, multiple second electrodes parallel to a second axis, and multiple third electrodes parallel to the first axis. The distance between the multiple third electrodes and the electronic paper display is greater than the distance between the multiple first electrodes and the electronic paper display. The event is detected by mutual capacitance sensing between the multiple first electrodes and the multiple second electrodes, and by connecting the multiple third electrodes to ground potential or DC potential. Preferably, to increase the probability and sensitivity of event detection, the event detection further includes: causing the potential of each electrode in the electronic paper display corresponding to the touch area to fluctuate.

[0172] Preferably, to detect a pressure touch event, the electronic paper touchpad further includes an elastic insulating layer between the plurality of second electrodes and the plurality of third electrodes, and the detection of the event further includes: detecting the event by using mutual capacitance sensing between the plurality of second electrodes and the plurality of third electrodes. Preferably, to avoid interference, the detection of the event further includes: connecting the plurality of first electrodes to ground potential or DC potential.

[0173] Preferably, to detect an event, the touch electrode sequentially includes multiple first electrodes parallel to a first axis, multiple second electrodes parallel to a second axis, and multiple third electrodes parallel to the first axis. The multiple second electrodes and the multiple third electrodes are located on the same electrode layer. The event is detected by mutual capacitance sensing between the multiple second electrodes and the multiple third electrodes. Preferably, to increase the probability and sensitivity of event detection, the event detection further includes: causing the potential of each electrode in the electronic paper display corresponding to the touch area to fluctuate. Preferably, to increase the probability and sensitivity of event detection, the event detection further includes: causing the potential of the multiple first electrodes to fluctuate.

[0174] Preferably, to detect a pressure touch event, the electronic paper touchpad further includes an elastic insulating layer between the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes, and the detection of the event further includes: detecting the event by mutual capacitance sensing between the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes. Preferably, to avoid interference, the detection of the event further includes: connecting each electrode in the electronic paper display corresponding to the touch area to a ground potential or a DC potential.

[0175] Preferably, in order to clearly indicate the touch area, the control method further includes one or any combination of the following: causing the electronic paper display to display a color inside the touch area and causing the electronic paper display to display another color outside the touch area; causing the electronic paper display to display a brightness inside the touch area and causing the electronic paper display to display another brightness outside the touch area; causing the electronic paper display to display a graphic outside the touch area.

[0176] Preferably, in order to provide complete user input functionality, the electronic paper display further includes a keyboard area displaying multiple keys, the keyboard area being further away from the user than the touch area.

[0177] Preferably, to facilitate the use of similar settings across multiple computers, the control method further includes: reading a parameter set corresponding to the user and setting the position and size of the touch area according to the parameter set; and when no parameter set corresponding to the user is read, setting the position and size of the touch area according to a preset parameter set.

[0178] Preferably, in order to facilitate users to use similar settings across multiple computers to accommodate electronic paper touchpads of different sizes, the position and shape of the touchpad are set according to the proportional position and proportional length of one side of the electronic paper touchpad and its adjacent side.

[0179] Preferably, to facilitate touch operation with the user's dominant hand, the touch area includes a side that is not parallel to any edge of the electronic paper touchpad.

[0180] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an electronic system is provided, comprising: an electronic paper touchpad; a touch processing device; an electronic paper controller; and a host connected to the touch processing device and the electronic paper controller. The electronic paper controller is used to cause an electronic paper display included in the electronic paper touchpad to indicate a touch area. The touch processing device further comprises: a connection network to be respectively connected to a plurality of touch electrodes included in the electronic paper touchpad; a driving circuit connected to the connection network; a sensing circuit connected to the connection network; an interface module connected to the host; and a processor, wherein the processor is used to execute instructions stored in non-volatile memory for: causing the driving circuit, the sensing circuit, and the connection network to detect events corresponding to external objects through the plurality of touch electrodes; when the event is detected, determining whether the location of the event is within the touch area; when the location of the event is determined to be within the touch area, reporting the event to the host; and when the location of the event is determined to be outside the touch area, not reporting the event to the host.

[0181] Preferably, to avoid interference below the electronic paper touchpad and to avoid interference from below the electronic paper touchpad, the touch electrode sequentially includes multiple first electrodes parallel to a first axis, multiple second electrodes parallel to a second axis, and multiple third electrodes parallel to the first axis. The distance between the multiple third electrodes and the electronic paper display is greater than the distance between the multiple first electrodes and the electronic paper display. The event detection involves the driving circuit, the sensing circuit, and the connection network using mutual capacitance sensing between the multiple first electrodes and the multiple second electrodes to detect the event, and connecting the multiple third electrodes to ground potential or DC potential. Preferably, to increase the probability and sensitivity of event detection, the event detection further includes: the electronic paper controller causing the potential of each electrode in the electronic paper display corresponding to the touch area to fluctuate.

[0182] Preferably, to detect a pressure touch event, the electronic paper touchpad further includes an elastic insulating layer between the plurality of second electrodes and the plurality of third electrodes. The detection of the event further includes: having the driving circuit, the sensing circuit, and the connection network detect the event by performing mutual capacitance sensing using the plurality of second electrodes and the plurality of third electrodes. Preferably, to avoid interference, the detection of the event further includes: connecting the plurality of first electrodes to ground potential or DC potential.

[0183] Preferably, to detect an event, the touch electrode sequentially includes multiple first electrodes parallel to a first axis, multiple second electrodes parallel to a second axis, and multiple third electrodes parallel to the first axis. The multiple second electrodes and the multiple third electrodes are located on the same electrode layer. Event detection is achieved by the driving circuit, the sensing circuit, and the connection network using mutual capacitance sensing between the multiple second electrodes and the multiple third electrodes to detect the event. Preferably, to increase the probability and sensitivity of event detection, the event detection further includes: the electronic paper controller causing the potential of each electrode in the electronic paper display corresponding to the touch area to fluctuate. Preferably, to increase the probability and sensitivity of event detection, the event detection further includes: causing the potential of the multiple first electrodes to fluctuate.

[0184] Preferably, to detect a pressure touch event, the electronic paper touchpad further includes an elastic insulating layer between the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes. The detection of the event further includes: having the driving circuit, the sensing circuit, and the connection network detect the event by performing mutual capacitance sensing using the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes. Preferably, to avoid interference, the step of detecting the event further includes: the electronic paper controller connecting each electrode in the electronic paper display corresponding to the touch area to a ground potential or a DC potential.

[0185] Preferably, in order to clearly indicate the touch area, the electronic paper controller is further configured to: cause the electronic paper display to display one color inside the touch area, cause the electronic paper display to display another color outside the touch area; cause the electronic paper display to display one brightness inside the touch area, cause the electronic paper display to display another brightness outside the touch area; and cause the electronic paper display to display graphics outside the touch area.

[0186] Preferably, in order to provide full user input functionality, the electronic paper controller is further configured to: cause the electronic paper display to display a keyboard area, the keyboard area displaying multiple keys, the keyboard area being further away from the user than the touch area.

[0187] Preferably, to facilitate the use of similar settings across multiple computers, the host is further configured to: read a parameter set corresponding to the user, and instruct the touch processing device and the electronic paper controller to set the position and size of the touch area according to the parameter set; and when no parameter set corresponding to the user is read, instruct the touch processing device and the electronic paper controller to set the position and size of the touch area according to a preset parameter set.

[0188] Preferably, in order to facilitate users to use similar settings across multiple computers to accommodate electronic paper touchpads of different sizes, the position and shape of the touchpad are set according to the proportional position and proportional length of one side of the electronic paper touchpad and its adjacent side.

[0189] Preferably, to facilitate touch operation with the user's dominant hand, the touch area includes a side that is not parallel to any edge of the electronic paper touchpad.

[0190] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an integrated device for controlling an electronic paper touchpad is provided, comprising: a connection network for connecting to a plurality of touch electrodes included in the electronic paper touchpad; a driving circuit connected to the connection network; a sensing circuit connected to the connection network; an interface module connected to a host computer; a second connection network for connecting to a plurality of electrodes of an electronic paper display included in the electronic paper touchpad; a control circuit connected to the second connection network; and a processor, wherein the processor is configured to execute instructions stored in non-volatile memory for: causing the control circuit to mark a touch area on the electronic paper display through the second connection network; causing the driving circuit, the sensing circuit, and the connection network to detect events corresponding to external objects through the plurality of touch electrodes; when an event is detected, determining whether the location of the event is within the touch area; when the location of the event is determined to be within the touch area, reporting the event to the host computer; and when the location of the event is determined to be outside the touch area, not reporting the event to the host computer.

[0191] Preferably, to avoid interference below the electronic paper touchpad and to avoid interference from below the electronic paper touchpad, the touch electrode sequentially includes multiple first electrodes parallel to a first axis, multiple second electrodes parallel to a second axis, and multiple third electrodes parallel to the first axis. The distance between the multiple third electrodes and the electronic paper display is greater than the distance between the multiple first electrodes and the electronic paper display. The event detection involves the driving circuit, the sensing circuit, and the connection network using mutual capacitance sensing between the multiple first electrodes and the multiple second electrodes to detect the event, and connecting the multiple third electrodes to ground potential or DC potential. Preferably, to increase the probability and sensitivity of event detection, the event detection further includes: the second connection network causing the potential of each electrode in the electronic paper display corresponding to the touch area to fluctuate.

[0192] Preferably, to detect a pressure touch event, the electronic paper touchpad further includes an elastic insulating layer between the plurality of second electrodes and the plurality of third electrodes. The detection of the event further includes: having the driving circuit, the sensing circuit, and the connection network detect the event by using mutual capacitance sensing between the plurality of second electrodes and the plurality of third electrodes. Preferably, to avoid interference, the detection of the event further includes: connecting the plurality of first electrodes to ground potential or DC potential.

[0193] Preferably, to detect an event, the touch electrode sequentially includes multiple first electrodes parallel to a first axis, multiple second electrodes parallel to a second axis, and multiple third electrodes parallel to the first axis. The multiple second electrodes and the multiple third electrodes are located on the same electrode layer. Event detection is achieved by the driving circuit, the sensing circuit, and the connection network using mutual capacitance sensing between the multiple second electrodes and the multiple third electrodes. Preferably, to increase the probability and sensitivity of event detection, event detection further includes causing the second connection network to fluctuate the potential of each electrode in the electronic paper display corresponding to the touch area. Preferably, to increase the probability and sensitivity of event detection, event detection further includes causing the potential of the multiple first electrodes to fluctuate.

[0194] Preferably, to detect a pressure touch event, the electronic paper touchpad further includes an elastic insulating layer between the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes. The detection of the event further includes: having the driving circuit, the sensing circuit, and the connection network detect the event by performing mutual capacitance sensing between the plurality of first electrodes and the plurality of second electrodes. Preferably, to avoid interference, the detection of the event further includes: having the second connection network connect each electrode in the electronic paper display corresponding to the touch area to a ground potential or a DC potential.

[0195] Preferably, in order to clearly indicate the touch area, the control circuit is further configured to: cause the electronic paper display to display one color inside the touch area, cause the electronic paper display to display another color outside the touch area; cause the electronic paper display to display one brightness inside the touch area, cause the electronic paper display to display another brightness outside the touch area; and cause the electronic paper display to display a graphic outside the touch area.

[0196] Preferably, in order to provide complete user input functionality, the control circuit is further configured to: display a keyboard area on the electronic paper display, the keyboard area displaying multiple keys, the keyboard area being further away from the user than the touch area.

[0197] Preferably, to facilitate the use of similar settings across multiple computers, the processor is further configured to: receive a parameter set corresponding to the user from the host, and set the position and size of the touch area according to the parameter set; and when no parameter set corresponding to the user is received, set the position and size of the touch area according to a preset parameter set.

[0198] Preferably, in order to facilitate users to use similar settings across multiple computers to accommodate electronic paper touchpads of different sizes, the position and shape of the touchpad are set according to the proportional position and proportional length of one side of the electronic paper touchpad and its adjacent side.

[0199] Preferably, to facilitate touch operation with the user's dominant hand, the touch area includes a side that is not parallel to any edge of the electronic paper touchpad.

[0200] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an electronic system is provided, comprising: the above-described electronic paper touchpad, integration device, and host.

[0201] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method for setting a touch area of ​​an electronic paper touchpad is provided. The method includes: causing an electronic paper display included in the electronic paper touchpad to mark a pre-defined first touch area in a first display format; detecting an event through a plurality of touch electrodes included in the electronic paper touchpad; setting a second touch area based on the detected event; and causing the electronic paper display to mark the second touch area in a second display format.

[0202] Preferably, in order to report to the host when setting the touch area, the setting method further includes: notifying the host to enter the setting mode before detecting the event; and notifying the host to leave the setting mode after setting the second touch area, and transmitting the second touch area to the host.

[0203] Preferably, to allow the user to continuously adjust the new touch area, the setting method further includes: re-executing the detection step to obtain a new event; when a new event is detected again, setting a third touch area based on the new event; causing the electronic paper display to mark the third touch area in the first display format; after the detection step is executed again and no new event is detected for a certain number of times or an instruction to leave the setting mode is received, setting the second touch area as the third touch area, and then performing the above-mentioned step of causing the electronic paper display to mark the second touch area in the second display format.

[0204] Preferably, to accommodate the slow update speed of electronic paper displays, the setting method satisfies one or any combination of the following conditions: the position of one side of the first touch area and the corresponding position of the second touch area differ by an integer multiple of N pixels on the first axis, where N is a positive integer greater than 1; the position of the other side of the first touch area and the corresponding position of the other side of the second touch area differ by an integer multiple of M pixels on the second axis, where M is a positive integer greater than 1; the position of one side of the first touch area and the corresponding position of the third touch area differ by an integer multiple of N pixels on the first axis; and the position of the other side of the first touch area and the corresponding position of the other side of the third touch area differ by an integer multiple of M pixels on the second axis.

[0205] Preferably, to avoid the touch area being set to an excessively small area, the setting method satisfies one or any combination of the following conditions: when the second touch area is smaller than a predetermined area, the second touch area is set as the first touch area; when the third touch area is smaller than the predetermined area, the third touch area is set as the first touch area; when one side of the second touch area is shorter than a predetermined length, the second touch area is set as the first touch area; and when one side of the third touch area is shorter than the predetermined length, the third touch area is set as the first touch area.

[0206] Preferably, in order to highlight that the electronic paper touchpad is in a setting mode, the first display format includes one or any combination of the following: causing the corresponding area to flash periodically; causing the edge of the corresponding area to flash periodically; causing graphics or text to be displayed in the corresponding area; and causing graphics or text to flash periodically in the corresponding area.

[0207] Preferably, in order to set the touch area, the setting method further includes one of the following steps: when one event is detected, determining the position of the second touch area based on the detected event; when another event is detected, determining the position of the third touch area based on the detected event; when two events are detected, determining the size of the second touch area based on the detected events; when two events are detected, determining the size of the third touch area based on the detected event; when two events are detected, determining the position and size of the second touch area based on the detected events; when two events are detected, determining the position and size of the third touch area based on the detected event.

[0208] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an electronic system is provided, comprising: an electronic paper touchpad; a touch processing device; an electronic paper controller; and a host connected to the touch processing device and the electronic paper controller. The host executes computer instructions stored in non-volatile memory for: instructing the electronic paper controller to control the electronic paper display included in the electronic paper touchpad to indicate a pre-defined first touch area in a first display format; instructing the touch processing device to detect events through a plurality of touch electrodes included in the electronic paper touchpad; instructing the touch processing device to set a second touch area based on the detected event; and instructing the electronic paper controller to control the electronic paper display to indicate the second touch area in a second display format.

[0209] Preferably, in order to report to the host when setting the touch area, the host is further configured to: enter the setting mode before detecting the event; and leave the setting mode after setting the second touch area.

[0210] Preferably, to allow the user to continuously adjust the new touch area, the host is further configured to: cause the touch processing device to perform the detection again to obtain a new event; when the touch processing device detects the new event again, set a third touch area according to the new event; cause the electronic paper controller to control the electronic paper display to mark the third touch area in the first display format; when the touch processing device performs the detection again and fails to detect a new event a certain number of times or receives an instruction to leave the setting mode, set the second touch area as the third touch area, and then perform the above-mentioned action of causing the electronic paper controller to control the electronic paper display to mark the second touch area in the second display format.

[0211] Preferably, to accommodate the slow update speed of electronic paper displays, the electronic system satisfies one or any combination of the following conditions: the position of one side of the first touch area differs from the corresponding position of the second touch area by an integer multiple of N pixels on the first axis, where N is a positive integer greater than 1; the position of the other side of the first touch area differs from the corresponding position of the other side of the second touch area by an integer multiple of M pixels on the second axis, where M is a positive integer greater than 1; the position of one side of the first touch area differs from the corresponding position of the third touch area by an integer multiple of N pixels on the first axis; and the position of the other side of the first touch area differs from the corresponding position of the other side of the third touch area by an integer multiple of M pixels on the second axis.

[0212] Preferably, to avoid the touch area being set to be too small, the electronic system satisfies one or any combination of the following conditions: when the second touch area is smaller than a predetermined area, the second touch area is set as the first touch area; when the third touch area is smaller than the predetermined area, the third touch area is set as the first touch area; when one side of the second touch area is shorter than a predetermined length, the second touch area is set as the first touch area; and when one side of the third touch area is shorter than the predetermined length, the third touch area is set as the first touch area.

[0213] Preferably, in order to highlight that the electronic paper touchpad is in a setting mode, the first display format includes one or any combination of the following: causing the corresponding area to flash periodically; causing the edge of the corresponding area to flash periodically; causing graphics or text to be displayed in the corresponding area; and causing graphics or text to flash periodically in the corresponding area.

[0214] Preferably, in order to set the touch area, the host is further configured to: when one event is detected, determine the position of the second touch area based on the detected event; when another event is detected, determine the position of the third touch area based on the detected event; when two events are detected, determine the size of the second touch area based on the detected events; when two events are detected, determine the size of the third touch area based on the detected event; when two events are detected, determine the position and size of the second touch area based on the detected events; when two events are detected, determine the position and size of the third touch area based on the detected event.

[0215] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an integrated apparatus for setting the touch area of ​​an electronic paper touchpad is provided, comprising: a connection network for connecting to a plurality of touch electrodes included in the electronic paper touchpad; a driving circuit connected to the connection network; a sensing circuit connected to the connection network; an interface module connected to a host computer; a second connection network for connecting to a plurality of electrodes of an electronic paper display included in the electronic paper touchpad; a control circuit connected to the second connection network; and a processor, wherein the processor is configured to execute instructions stored in non-volatile memory for: causing the control circuit to control the electronic paper display to indicate the existing first touch area in a first display format; causing the connection network, the driving circuit, and the sensing circuit to detect events through the plurality of touch electrodes; setting a second touch area based on the detected events; and causing the control circuit to control the electronic paper display to indicate the second touch area in a second display format.

[0216] Preferably, in order to report to the host when setting the touch area, the processor is further configured to: notify the host to enter the setting mode before detecting the event; and notify the host to leave the setting mode after setting the second touch area, and transmit the second touch area to the host.

[0217] Preferably, in order to allow the user to continuously adjust the new touch area, the processor is further configured to: cause the connection network, the driving circuit and the sensing circuit to perform the detection step again to obtain a new event; when a new event is detected again, set a third touch area according to the new event; cause the electronic paper display to mark the third touch area in the first display format; when the detection step is performed again and no new event is detected for a certain number of times or an instruction to leave the setting mode is received, set the second touch area as the third touch area, and then execute the step described above whereby the control circuit controls the electronic paper display to mark the second touch area in the second display format.

[0218] Preferably, to accommodate the slow update speed of electronic paper displays, the integrated device satisfies one or any combination of the following conditions: the position of one side of the first touch area differs from the corresponding position of the second touch area by an integer multiple of N pixels on the first axis, where N is a positive integer greater than 1; the position of the other side of the first touch area differs from the corresponding position of the other side of the second touch area by an integer multiple of M pixels on the second axis, where M is a positive integer greater than 1; the position of one side of the first touch area differs from the corresponding position of the third touch area by an integer multiple of N pixels on the first axis; and the position of the other side of the first touch area differs from the corresponding position of the other side of the third touch area by an integer multiple of M pixels on the second axis.

[0219] Preferably, to avoid the touch area being set to be too small, the integrated device satisfies one or any combination of the following conditions: when the second touch area is smaller than a predetermined area, the second touch area is set as the first touch area; when the third touch area is smaller than the predetermined area, the third touch area is set as the first touch area; when one side of the second touch area is shorter than a predetermined length, the second touch area is set as the first touch area; and when one side of the third touch area is shorter than the predetermined length, the third touch area is set as the first touch area.

[0220] Preferably, in order to highlight that the electronic paper touchpad is in a setting mode, the first display format includes one or any combination of the following: causing the corresponding area to flash periodically; causing the edge of the corresponding area to flash periodically; causing graphics or text to be displayed in the corresponding area; and causing graphics or text to flash periodically in the corresponding area.

[0221] Preferably, in order to set the touch area, the processor is further configured to: when one event is detected, determine the position of the second touch area based on the detected event; when another event is detected, determine the position of the third touch area based on the detected event; when two events are detected, determine the size of the second touch area based on the detected events; when two events are detected, determine the size of the third touch area based on the detected event; when two events are detected, determine the position and size of the second touch area based on the detected events; and when two events are detected, determine the position and size of the third touch area based on the detected event.

[0222] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an electronic system is provided, comprising: the above-described electronic paper touchpad, integration device, and host.

[0223] The mechanism for setting the touch area provided by this invention allows users to freely adjust the position and size of the touch area on the e-paper touchpad according to their usage habits. This enhances the user experience, accelerates input efficiency, and avoids the consequences and damage caused by accidental touches on the touchpad.

[0224] The touch mechanism of the electronic paper touchpad provided by this invention allows users to freely use multi-finger input and can also detect events such as proximity, contact, and pressure. This increases the user's input options and enhances the user experience.

[0225] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for setting the touch area of ​​an electronic paper touchpad, characterized in that, Include: The electronic paper display included in the electronic paper touchpad is configured to display the existing first touch area in a first display format; Events are detected through the multiple touch electrodes contained in the electronic paper touchpad; Based on the detected event, a second touch area is set; The electronic paper display shall indicate the second touch area in a second display format; Repeat the detection step to obtain new events; When a new event is detected again, a third touch area is set based on the new event; The electronic paper display shall indicate the third touch area in the first display format; as well as When the detection step is executed again and no new event is detected a certain number of times, or when an instruction to leave the setting mode is received, the second touch area is set as the third touch area, and then the above-mentioned step of making the electronic paper display mark the second touch area with the second display format is executed.

2. The setting method according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes: Before detecting the event, notify the host to enter setup mode; and After setting the second touch area, the host is notified to leave the setting mode and the second touch area is transmitted to the host.

3. The setting method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The setting method satisfies one or any combination of the following conditions: The position of one side of the first touch area and the corresponding position of the second touch area are separated by an integer multiple of N pixels on the first axis, where N is a positive integer greater than 1; The other side of the first touch area and the corresponding other side of the second touch area are separated by an integer multiple of M pixels on the second axis, where M is a positive integer greater than 1. The position of one side of the first touch area and the corresponding position of the third touch area differ from each other on the first axis by an integer multiple of N pixels; as well as The other side of the first touch area and the corresponding other side of the third touch area are separated by an integer multiple of M pixels on the second axis.

4. The setting method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The setting method satisfies one or any combination of the following conditions: When the second touch area is smaller than the predetermined area, the second touch area is set as the first touch area; When the third touch area is smaller than the predetermined area, the third touch area is set as the first touch area; When one side of the second touch area is shorter than the predetermined length, the second touch area is set as the first touch area; as well as When one side of the third touch area is shorter than the predetermined length, the third touch area is set as the first touch area.

5. The setting method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first display format includes one or any combination of the following: The corresponding area will flash periodically; Cause the edges of the corresponding area to blink periodically; Display graphics or text within the corresponding area; and Make the corresponding area flash graphics or text periodically.

6. The setting method according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes one of the following steps: When an event is detected, the position of the second touch area is determined based on the detected event. When the event is detected again, the position of the third touch area is determined based on the detected event. When two such events are detected, the size of the second touch area is determined based on the two detected events; When two more of the events are detected, the size of the third touch area is determined based on the first detected event. When two such events are detected, the position and size of the second touch area are determined based on the two detected events; as well as When two more of the events are detected, the position and size of the third touch area are determined based on the first detected event.

7. An electronic system, characterized in that, Include: Electronic paper touchpad; Touch processing device; Electronic paper controller; and A host computer connected to the touch processing device and the electronic paper controller, wherein the host computer executes computer instructions stored in non-volatile memory for: The electronic paper controller controls the electronic paper display included in the electronic paper touchpad to mark the existing first touch area in a first display format; The touch processing device detects events through the multiple touch electrodes contained in the electronic paper touchpad; The touch processing device is instructed to set a second touch area based on the detected event; The electronic paper controller instructs the electronic paper display to indicate the second touch area in a second display format; The touch processing device is instructed to perform the detection again to obtain a new event; When the touch processing device detects a new event again, it sets a third touch area based on the new event; The electronic paper controller instructs the electronic paper display to indicate the third touch area in the first display format; and When the touch processing device performs the detection again and fails to detect a certain number of new events or receives an instruction to leave the set mode, it sets the second touch area as the third touch area, and then executes the above-mentioned process of having the electronic paper controller control the electronic paper display to mark the second touch area in the second display format.

8. The electronic system according to claim 7, characterized in that, This host is more suitable for: Before detecting the event, enter the setup mode; and After setting the second touch area, exit the setting mode.

9. The electronic system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The electronic system satisfies one or any combination of the following conditions: The position of one side of the first touch area and the corresponding position of the second touch area are separated by an integer multiple of N pixels on the first axis, where N is a positive integer greater than 1; The other side of the first touch area and the corresponding other side of the second touch area are separated by an integer multiple of M pixels on the second axis, where M is a positive integer greater than 1. The position of one side of the first touch area and the corresponding position of the third touch area differ from each other on the first axis by an integer multiple of N pixels; as well as The other side of the first touch area and the corresponding other side of the third touch area are separated by an integer multiple of M pixels on the second axis.

10. The electronic system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The electronic system satisfies one or any combination of the following conditions: When the second touch area is smaller than the predetermined area, the second touch area is set as the first touch area; When the third touch area is smaller than the predetermined area, the third touch area is set as the first touch area; When one side of the second touch area is shorter than the predetermined length, the second touch area is set as the first touch area; as well as When one side of the third touch area is shorter than the predetermined length, the third touch area is set as the first touch area.

11. The electronic system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first display format includes one or any combination of the following: The corresponding area will flash periodically; Cause the edges of the corresponding area to blink periodically; Display graphics or text within the corresponding area; and Make the corresponding area flash graphics or text periodically.

12. The electronic system according to claim 7, characterized in that, This host is more suitable for: When an event is detected, the position of the second touch area is determined based on the detected event. When the event is detected again, the position of the third touch area is determined based on the detected event. When two such events are detected, the size of the second touch area is determined based on the two detected events; When two more of the events are detected, the size of the third touch area is determined based on the first detected event. When two such events are detected, the position and size of the second touch area are determined based on the two detected events; as well as When two more of the events are detected, the position and size of the third touch area are determined based on the first detected event.

13. An integrated device for setting the touch area of ​​an electronic paper touchpad, characterized in that, Include: A network is connected to the multiple touch electrodes contained in the electronic paper touchpad; The drive circuit connected to this connection network; Sensing circuitry connected to this network; Interface module connected to the host computer; The second connection network is respectively connected to multiple electrodes of the electronic paper display included in the electronic paper touchpad; Control circuitry connected to the second connection network; as well as A processor, wherein the processor is configured to execute instructions stored in non-volatile memory, for: The control circuit controls the electronic paper display to indicate the existing first touch area in a first display format; The connection network, the driving circuit, and the sensing circuit detect events through the multiple touch electrodes; Based on the detected event, a second touch area is set; as well as The control circuit controls the electronic paper display to indicate the second touch area in a second display format; The connection network, the driving circuit, and the sensing circuit are then instructed to repeat the detection step to obtain a new event. When a new event is detected again, a third touch area is set based on the new event; The electronic paper display shall indicate the third touch area in the first display format; as well as When the detection step is executed again and no new event is detected a certain number of times, or when an instruction to leave the set mode is received, the second touch area is set as the third touch area, and then the above-mentioned control circuit is executed to control the electronic paper display to mark the second touch area in the second display format.

14. The integrated device according to claim 13, characterized in that, This processor is more suitable for: Before detecting the event, notify the host to enter configuration mode; and After setting the second touch area, the host is notified to leave the setting mode and the second touch area is transmitted to the host.

15. The integrated device according to claim 13, characterized in that, The integrated device satisfies one or any combination of the following conditions: The position of one side of the first touch area and the corresponding position of the second touch area are separated by an integer multiple of N pixels on the first axis, where N is a positive integer greater than 1; The other side of the first touch area and the corresponding other side of the second touch area are separated by an integer multiple of M pixels on the second axis, where M is a positive integer greater than 1. The position of one side of the first touch area and the corresponding position of the third touch area differ from each other on the first axis by an integer multiple of N pixels; as well as The other side of the first touch area and the corresponding other side of the third touch area are separated by an integer multiple of M pixels on the second axis.

16. The integrated device according to claim 13, characterized in that, The integrated device satisfies one or any combination of the following conditions: When the second touch area is smaller than the predetermined area, the second touch area is set as the first touch area; When the third touch area is smaller than the predetermined area, the third touch area is set as the first touch area; When one side of the second touch area is shorter than the predetermined length, the second touch area is set as the first touch area; as well as When one side of the third touch area is shorter than the predetermined length, the third touch area is set as the first touch area.

17. The integrated device according to claim 13, characterized in that, The first display format includes one or any combination of the following: The corresponding area will flash periodically; Cause the edges of the corresponding area to blink periodically; Display graphics or text within the corresponding area; and Make the corresponding area flash graphics or text periodically.

18. The integrated device according to claim 13, characterized in that, This processor is more suitable for: When an event is detected, the position of the second touch area is determined based on the detected event. When the event is detected again, the position of the third touch area is determined based on the detected event. When two such events are detected, the size of the second touch area is determined based on the two detected events; When two more of the events are detected, the size of the third touch area is determined based on the first detected event. When two such events are detected, the position and size of the second touch area are determined based on the two detected events; as well as When two more of the events are detected, the position and size of the third touch area are determined based on the first detected event.

19. An electronic system, characterized in that, It includes: an integrated device for setting the touch area of ​​an electronic paper touchpad as described in any one of claims 13 to 18; and an electronic paper touchpad and a host connected to the integrated device.

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