Capacitive touch sensor using a non-crossing wire pattern

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to capacitive touch sensors utilizing non-crossing wire patterns. Systems and methods are provided for an interactive object including wires. The interactive object may include a capacitive touch sensor including two or more non-crossing wires forming at least a first wire pattern. The first wire pattern may include a first sequence, a second sequence, and a third sequence of two or more non-crossing wires with respect to a corresponding first input direction, a second input direction, and a third input direction. The interactive object may be configured to detect a touch input to the capacitive touch sensor based on a change in capacitance associated with the two or more non-crossing wires, identify at least one of the first wire sequence, the second wire sequence, or the third wire sequence based on the touch input to the capacitive touch sensor, and determine a corresponding gesture corresponding to the first sequence, the second sequence, or the third sequence of the two or more non-crossing wires.

Description

[0001] Division Explanation

[0002] This application is a divisional application of Chinese Patent Application No. 201980006527.6 with an application date of April 4, 2019. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to interactive objects including touch sensors. Background Art

[0004] Interactive objects include wires such as conductive yarns, which are incorporated into the interactive object to form a sensor, such as a capacitive touch sensor configured to detect touch inputs. The interactive object can process the touch input to generate touch data, which can be used to initiate functionality locally at the interactive object or on various remote devices wirelessly coupled to the interactive object. The interactive object can include wires for other purposes, such as strain sensors using conductive yarns and visual interfaces using wire optics.

[0005] For example, an interactive object can be formed by forming a grid or array of conductive yarns woven into an interactive fabric. Each conductive yarn can include a conductive wire (e.g., a copper wire) stranded, braided, or wound with one or more flexible yarns (e.g., polyester or cotton yarns). However, for traditional sensor designs having such wires, it may be difficult to detect a sufficient number of distinguishable inputs to provide a useful device. To detect complex and / or a greater number of inputs, complex array designs have traditionally been required. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be learned from the description, or may be learned by practice of the embodiments.

[0007] One example aspect of the present disclosure relates to a computing system including a capacitive touch sensor. The capacitive touch sensor includes two or more non-crossing wires that form at least a first wire pattern at least in a first region of the capacitive touch sensor. The first wire pattern includes a first line sequence of two or more non-crossing wires with respect to a first input direction, a second line sequence of two or more non-crossing wires with respect to a second input direction, and a third line sequence of two or more non-crossing wires with respect to a third input direction. The computing system includes one or more computer-readable media that store instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations. The operations include obtaining touch data indicative of a touch input to the capacitive touch sensor. The touch data is at least partially based on a change in capacitance associated with the two or more non-crossing wires. The operations include identifying at least one of the first line sequence, the second line sequence, or the third line sequence based on the touch data. The operations include determining a corresponding gesture corresponding to at least one of the first line sequence, the second line sequence, or the third line sequence.

[0008] Another example aspect of the present disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method for determining a user gesture. The method includes obtaining, by one or more computing devices, data indicative of a touch input to a capacitive touch sensor. The capacitive touch sensor includes two or more non-crossing wires that form at least a first line sequence, a second line sequence, and a third line sequence in a first region of the capacitive touch sensor. The method includes comparing, by one or more computing devices, the data indicative of the touch input with reference data corresponding to the first line sequence, the second line sequence, and the third line sequence. The method includes detecting, by one or more computing devices, a correspondence between the touch input and at least one of the first line sequence, the second line sequence, or the third line sequence based on comparing the data indicative of the touch input with the reference data. The method includes identifying, by one or more computing devices, a corresponding gesture corresponding to at least one of the first line sequence, the second line sequence, or the third line sequence based on detecting the correspondence. The method includes initiating, by one or more computing devices, one or more actions at least partially based on the corresponding gesture.

[0009] Another example aspect of the present disclosure relates to a computing device. The computing device includes one or more processors. The computing device includes one or more communication interfaces communicatively coupled to at least one capacitive touch sensor. The at least one capacitive touch sensor includes two or more non-crossing wires. The two or more non-crossing wires form at least a first wire sequence, a second wire sequence, and a third wire sequence at a first region of the at least one capacitive touch sensor. The computing device includes one or more computer-readable media storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations. The operations include detecting a touch input to the capacitive touch sensor based on a change in capacitance associated with the two or more non-crossing wires. The operations include identifying at least one of the first wire sequence, the second wire sequence, or the third wire sequence in response to the touch input to the capacitive touch sensor. The operations include determining a corresponding gesture corresponding to at least one of the first wire sequence, the second wire sequence, or the third wire sequence. The operations include initiating one or more actions at least in part based on the corresponding gesture.

[0010] Other example aspects of the present disclosure relate to systems, methods, interactive objects, fabrics, devices, tangible non-transitory computer-readable media, and storage devices for determining user gestures.

[0011] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the various embodiments will be better understood with reference to the following description and the appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the related principles. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which a detailed discussion of embodiments for a person of ordinary skill in the art is set forth in the specification, where:

[0013] Figure 1 A block diagram depicting an example computing environment including an interactive object including a capacitive touch sensor in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 2 A block diagram depicting an example system including an interactive object and a removable electronic module in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 3 An example of a wire integrated with an interactive fabric in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted;

[0016] Figure 4 An example of a wire pattern including non-crossing wires in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted.

[0017] Figure 5 Another example of a wire pattern including non - crossing wires according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted.

[0018] Figure 6 An example of a capacitive touch sensor including non - crossing wires configured to detect gestures in multiple input directions according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted.

[0019] Figure 7A An example of a gesture applied to a capacitive touch sensor according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted.

[0020] Figure 7B An example of a gesture applied along a general direction on a capacitive touch sensor according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted.

[0021] Figure 8 Another example of a capacitive touch sensor including non - crossing wires configured to detect gestures in multiple input directions according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted.

[0022] Figure 9 An example of a computing system configured to detect touch inputs to a capacitive touch sensor according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted.

[0023] Figure 10 A flowchart depicting an example method of determining a user gesture according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is depicted.

[0024] Figure 11 A flowchart depicting an example method of manufacturing an interactive fabric according to an example implementation of the present disclosure is depicted.

[0025] Figure 12 A block diagram of an example computing system that can be used to implement any type of computing device described herein is depicted. Detailed Description

[0026] Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments, one or more examples of which are shown in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of illustration of the embodiments and not limitation of the disclosure. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure. For example, features shown or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield yet another embodiment. Accordingly, aspects of the disclosure are intended to cover such modifications and variations.

[0027] Generally, the present disclosure relates to a capacitive touch sensor that includes a set of non-crossing wires capable of detecting user input along different directions. The non-crossing wires form a wire pattern where the non-crossing wires extend in one or more directions without overlapping. In this way, a simple sensor array that is not based on a grid can be constructed, but the simple sensor array is capable of detecting touch inputs along different directions, so that gestures having components in multiple dimensional directions can be recognized. The capacitive touch sensor may include non-crossing wires that form a first wire pattern at least in a first region of the touch input sensor. The first wire pattern at the first region of the touch input sensor may include a first line sequence of wires relative to a first input direction, a second line sequence of wires relative to a second input direction, and a third line sequence of wires relative to a third input direction. The wire pattern may define additional sequences relative to additional input directions. Each line sequence may include a particular order and / or number of non-crossing wires. In some examples, each sequence may include a particular spacing or distance between the non-crossing wires. For example, each line sequence may include a different line order, line number, and / or spacing between one or more of the lines in the sequence, etc.

[0028] According to some embodiments, an interactive object including a capacitive touch sensor can detect a multi-dimensional touch input to the set of non-crossing wires forming the capacitive touch sensor. The interactive object can identify at least a portion of a sequence of non-crossing wires based on the touch input and determine a corresponding gesture corresponding to the identified wire sequence. For example, each line sequence may be associated with a corresponding gesture. In this way, a particular one of a plurality of user gestures (e.g., in multiple dimensions) can be determined based on identifying the corresponding one of a plurality of different line sequences in response to a touch input.

[0029] According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, any type of wire may be used. For example, the wire may include a conductive spun yarn, a conductive fiber, an optical fiber filament, a flexible metal wire, etc. The conductive spun yarn of the interactive fabric may include: a conductive core that includes at least one conductive wire; and a covering layer that is constructed of a flexible spun yarn that covers the conductive core. The conductive core may be formed by twisting one or more flexible spun yarns (e.g., silk spun yarn, polyester spun yarn, or cotton spun yarn) with the conductive wire or by winding the flexible spun yarn around the conductive wire. In some embodiments, the conductive core may be formed by braiding a flexible spun yarn (e.g., silk) with the conductive wire. The covering layer may be formed by winding or braiding the flexible spun yarn around the conductive core. In some embodiments, the conductive spun yarn is implemented in a "double braid" structure, in which the conductive core is formed by braiding the flexible spun yarn with the conductive wire and then braiding the flexible spun yarn around the braided conductive core. According to embodiments of the disclosed technology, other types of wires may be used. For example, the wire may be used to transmit and / or emit light, such as in an in-line optical device application. Although many examples of conductive spun yarns are provided, it should be understood that according to example embodiments, any type of wire may be used with the capacitive touch sensor.

[0030] According to an example embodiment, the interactive object may include a capacitive touch sensor configured to receive touch input from one or more users. The capacitive touch sensor may include two or more non-crossing wires that form at least a first pattern at an area of the capacitive touch sensor. The first pattern may include any suitable pattern of lines formed in a non-crossing manner. For example, the non-crossing lines may form a wire pattern without intersecting, contacting, or crossing each other below or above in the area of the capacitive touch sensor. In this way, the capacitive touch sensor may be formed with a simplified architecture while being capable of detecting inputs in multiple directions. Such an architecture may reduce the cost of manufacturing a capacitive touch sensor that uses wires, while improving efficiency and reducing the space requirements of the capacitive touch sensor. For example, a capacitive touch sensor with crossing wires may utilize insulation to reduce interference between one or more crossing wires. Additionally, such a crossing architecture may utilize an increased number of wires and an increased number of circuit connections to enable detection of inputs in multiple directions. By including a capacitive touch sensor with two or more non-crossing wires, according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, a simplified sensor architecture capable of performing multi-dimensional input detection that typically requires a more complex architecture may be provided.

[0031] According to some embodiments, two or more non-crossing wires may be configured as a wire pattern at an area of a capacitive touch sensor. The two or more non-crossing wires may extend parallel to each other along a longitudinal axis defined by the capacitive touch sensor at a first portion of the capacitive touch sensor. Additionally, the two or more non-crossing wires may extend parallel to each other along a transverse axis defined by the capacitive touch sensor to form a second portion of the capacitive touch sensor at the area. A touch input applied at the area of the capacitive touch sensor may generate touch data that can be used to distinguish multiple gestures provided in different dimensions. For example, a swipe input on the wire pattern in opposite first and second directions may be recognized. For example, the first direction may generally be from left to right along the transverse axis. The second direction may generally be from right to left along the transverse axis. Additionally, a swipe input on the wire pattern in opposite third and fourth directions may be recognized. The third and fourth directions may be orthogonal to the first and second directions. For example, the third direction may generally be downward along the longitudinal axis. The fourth direction may generally be upward along the longitudinal axis. The capacitive touch sensor according to an example embodiment may be capable of recognizing fewer or more gestures than those described. The described capacitive touch sensor including non-crossing wires may form an array that can be used to detect various gesture inputs, authentication inputs, predefined keystrokes, movements, user-specific natural behaviors, etc. One or more machine learning models may be used to detect user input based on training the machine learning models using training data. Additionally, the touch sensor may be configured to detect analog and pseudo-force inputs from capacitance changes caused by finger distance.

[0032] According to some example embodiments, a wire pattern formed by two or more non-crossing wires may form a serpentine pattern at a first region of a capacitive touch sensor. For example, two or more non-crossing lines may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis at a first portion of the capacitive touch sensor. Two or more non-crossing lines may extend parallel to the transverse axis at a second portion of the capacitive touch sensor. Each wire may be formed continuously from the first portion to the second portion. Two or more non-crossing lines may extend parallel to the longitudinal axis at a third portion of the capacitive touch sensor. Each wire may be formed continuously from the second portion to the third portion. In the first region, two or more non-crossing lines may define a first line sequence with respect to a first input direction corresponding to the transverse axis and a second line sequence with respect to a second input direction corresponding to the transverse axis. In an example embodiment, the first input direction and the second input direction may be opposite directions along the transverse axis. In the first region, two or more non-crossing lines may further define a third line sequence with respect to a third input direction corresponding to the longitudinal axis and a fourth line sequence with respect to a fourth input direction corresponding to the longitudinal axis. In an example embodiment, the third input direction and the fourth input direction may be opposite directions along the longitudinal axis. In an example embodiment, the third input direction and the fourth input direction may be orthogonal to the first input direction and the second input direction.

[0033] In some examples, a wire pattern formed by two or more non-crossing wires may form a series of partial ellipses. For example, two or more non-crossing wires may form at least one outer ellipse and at least one inner ellipse (e.g., inside the outer ellipse) without crossing. For example, the inner ellipse may extend within the outer ellipse. Additionally or alternatively, the inner ellipse may extend uniformly offset from the center such that the spacing between each non-crossing wire varies depending on the orientation on the wire pattern.

[0034] Each sequence of lines (also referred to as a line sequence) may include one or more sequence features. One or more sequence features may include features such as, for example, a particular order of non-crossing wires, a particular number of non-crossing wires, one or more distances between two or more non-crossing wires, etc. For example, one or more of the sequence features may include a particular order of non-crossing wires in a set of non-crossing lines forming the capacitive touch sensor. For example, the sequence feature may include a particular order of non-crossing wires at a given portion of the wire pattern corresponding to a particular sequence. For example, each line sequence may include at least one order of non-crossing wires in a particular orientation on the wire pattern. In an example embodiment, each line sequence may include a different order of non-crossing wires forming the wire pattern. For example, the order of non-crossing wires may be with respect to the orientation on the capacitive touch sensor. In this way, in an example embodiment, a particular line sequence may be used to identify a particular orientation.

[0035] Additionally or alternatively, one or more sequence features of a particular line sequence may include one or more distances associated with a wire pattern. For example, one or more distances may include the spacing between two or more non-crossing wires at a given portion of a wire pattern corresponding to a particular sequence. For example, a wire pattern may include different distances between non-crossing wires at portions of a capacitive touch sensor corresponding to different wire sequences. By way of example, a first portion of a wire pattern corresponding to a first line sequence may have a different spacing between non-crossing wires compared to a second portion of a wire pattern corresponding to a second line sequence. For example, non-crossing wires forming the first portion of the wire pattern may be spaced apart by a first distance, while non-crossing wires forming the second portion of the wire pattern may be spaced apart by a second distance. In an example embodiment, each line sequence may include at least two non-crossing wires and the distance between two or more of the wires. Additionally or alternatively, each line sequence may include a particular order of two or more non-crossing lines and the distance between each of the two or more non-crossing lines in the particular order.

[0036] Additionally or alternatively, one or more sequence features for a particular line sequence may include a particular number of non-crossing wires in a set of non-crossing wires forming a wire pattern. For example, a sequence feature may include a particular number of non-crossing wires at a given portion of a wire pattern corresponding to a particular sequence. By way of example, a wire pattern may include different numbers of non-crossing wires in one or more portions of a capacitive touch sensor. For example, each line sequence may include a different number of non-crossing wires in a set of non-crossing wires forming a wire pattern. For example, in an example embodiment, each line sequence may include a particular number of wires, a particular number of wires in a particular order, and the spacing between each of the wires of that number.

[0037] In an example embodiment, non-crossing wires may form a wire pattern including at least a first sequence of non-crossing wires relative to a first input direction. The first sequence of non-crossing wires may extend in a direction orthogonal to the first input direction. By way of example, the first input direction may at least partially intersect the first sequence of non-crossing wires. The wire pattern may include at least a second sequence of non-crossing wires relative to a second input direction. In an example embodiment, the second sequence of non-crossing wires may extend in a direction orthogonal to the second input direction. By way of example, the second input direction may at least partially intersect the second sequence of non-crossing wires.

[0038] In an example embodiment, the first input direction and the second input direction may be opposite directions along a common axis. For example, non-crossing wires of a capacitive touch sensor may define a horizontal axis and a vertical axis corresponding to the wire pattern. In an example embodiment, the first sequence of wires and the second sequence of wires may each include a sequence of wires along the horizontal axis of the wire pattern. For example, the wire pattern may include a first sequence of wires with respect to a first input direction along a first lateral direction of the capacitive touch sensor. Additionally or alternatively, the wire pattern may include a second sequence of wires with respect to a second input direction along a second lateral direction of the capacitive touch sensor (e.g., opposite the first lateral direction). In this way, the wire pattern may include at least one sequence of wires with respect to each direction along a first (e.g., lateral) dimension.

[0039] The wire pattern may include at least a third sequence of non-crossing wires with respect to a third input direction. In an example embodiment, the third sequence of non-crossing wires may extend in a direction orthogonal to the third input direction. For example, the third input direction may at least partially intersect the third sequence of non-crossing wires. Additionally or alternatively, the non-crossing wires may form a wire pattern including at least a fourth sequence of non-crossing wires with respect to a fourth input direction. In an example embodiment, the fourth sequence of non-crossing wires may extend in a direction orthogonal to the fourth input direction. For example, the fourth input direction may at least partially intersect the fourth sequence of non-crossing wires.

[0040] In an example embodiment, the third input direction and the fourth input direction may be opposite directions along a common axis. For example, a third sequence of wires and a fourth sequence of wires may be defined with respect to the vertical axis. The wire pattern may include a third sequence of wires with respect to the third input direction in a first longitudinal direction. Additionally or alternatively, the wire pattern may include a fourth sequence of wires with respect to the fourth input direction in a second longitudinal direction (e.g., opposite the first longitudinal direction). The third input direction (e.g., longitudinal direction) may be orthogonal to the first input direction and the second input direction (e.g., lateral direction). In this way, the wire pattern may include at least one sequence of wires with respect to each direction along a second (e.g., longitudinal) dimension.

[0041] The wire pattern may include a sequence of any number of wires in any number of portions of the capacitive touch sensor. For example, the wire pattern may include one or more sequences of wires in addition to the first, second, third, and fourth sequences of wires. For example, the wire pattern may include at least a fifth and / or a sixth sequence of wires. For example, the wire pattern may include a fifth sequence of wires with respect to a fifth input direction. The fifth input direction may be between the first input direction and the third input direction. Additionally or alternatively, the wire pattern may include a sixth sequence of wires with respect to a sixth input direction. The fifth and sixth input directions may be opposite directions along a common axis.

[0042] According to an example embodiment, an interactive object and / or one or more computing devices in communication with the interactive object can detect a user gesture at least in part based on an input to a capacitive touch sensor. For example, the interactive object and / or one or more computing devices can implement a gesture manager that can identify one or more gestures in response to a touch input to the capacitive touch sensor. According to some example implementations, an interactive object including a capacitive touch sensor can include an internal electronic module integrated into the interactive object (e.g., a garment, a garment accessory, a hard object, etc.). The capacitive touch sensor can be directly attached to the internal electronic module or can be connected to the internal electronic module via one or more connector components. The internal electronic module can include electronic components such as a sensing circuit configured to detect a touch input to a wire. The internal electronic module can include one or more drivers and can supply power and / or control signals to the wire. In some embodiments, the internal electronic module may not include an on-board power supply. A removable electronic module can power the internal electronic module. In some examples, the sensing circuit includes a controller configured to detect a touch input, for example, when user pressure is applied to the wire. The internal electronic module can be configured to transmit touch input data to a computing device, such as a removable electronic module or one or more remote computing devices. In some examples, the controller includes a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) including a microprocessor. The printed circuit board can include contact pads for attaching to the wire.

[0043] In some embodiments, the removable electronic module includes a second subset of electronic components (e.g., a microprocessor, a power supply, or a network interface). The removable electronic module can be removably coupled to the interactive object via a communication interface. When the removable electronic module is coupled to the interactive object, the communication interface enables communication between the internal electronic module and the removable electronic module. In an example embodiment, the removable electronic module can be removably mounted to a rigid member on the interactive object. The connector can include a connection device for physically and electrically coupling to the removable electronic module. The internal electronic module can communicate with the connector. The internal electronic module can be configured to communicate with the removable electronic module when connected to the connector. A controller of the removable electronic module can receive information and send commands to the internal electronic module. The communication interface is configured to enable communication between the internal electronic module and the controller when the connector is coupled to the removable electronic module. For example, the communication interface can include a network interface integral with the removable electronic module. The removable electronic module can also include a rechargeable power supply. The removable electronic module can be removed from the interactive cable to charge the power supply. Once the power supply is charged, the removable electronic module can be placed back into the interactive cable and electrically connected to the connector.

[0044] An interactive object can detect a touch input to a capacitive touch sensor based on a change in capacitance associated with two or more non-crossing wires. For example, a user can activate one or more of two or more non-crossing wires by removing an object (e.g., a finger, a conductive stylus, etc.) from the capacitive touch sensor. For example, the capacitance associated with each of two or more non-crossing wires can change when touched by the user. The interactive object can generate data indicative of one or more activations (e.g., a change in capacitance) associated with at least one of the non-crossing wires forming the wire pattern.

[0045] In an example embodiment, a sensing circuit of an internal electronic module can generate touch data in response to a touch input. The touch data can include data indicative of the wire that was touched and optionally the time associated with the touch. The touch data can indicate a capacitance level associated with the touch. Data indicative of one or more touch input characteristics can be included in or determined from the touch data. One or more touch input characteristics can include, for example, the order of non-crossing wires, the number of non-crossing wires, or one or more times corresponding to one or more of the non-crossing wires. For example, each of one or more touch input characteristics can correspond to a particular touch input at a given portion of the capacitive touch sensor at a given time. For example, one or more times corresponding to one or more of the non-crossing wires can include a timestamp and / or a period of time associated with a change in capacitance in a particular wire. Additionally or alternatively, one or more times can correspond to one or more periods of time between changes in capacitance in two particular wires.

[0046] The interactive object (e.g., an internal electronic module and / or a removable electronic module) and / or one or more computing devices in communication with the interactive object can be configured to analyze the touch data to identify one or more touch input characteristics associated with the touch input. For example, the order in which two or more non-crossing wires are activated can be determined from the touch data. Additionally or alternatively, one or more times corresponding to a touch to one or more of the non-crossing wires can be determined. One or more times can correspond to a period of time between changes in capacitance associated with two or more non-crossing wires during a touch input to the capacitive touch sensor. In an example embodiment, each of one or more periods of time can correspond to a respective distance between at least one wire. In this way, at least one of the number of activated wires, the order of the activated wires, or the distance between at least one of the activated wires can be determined.

[0047] An interactive object and / or a computing device communicating with the interactive object can identify at least one line sequence based on a touch input. In an example embodiment, the at least one line sequence can be identified based on an activation number, an activation order, and / or a determined distance between activations. For example, at least one of a first line sequence, a second line sequence, or a third line sequence can be identified based on a touch input to a capacitive touch sensor. By way of example, the line sequence can include at least a portion of the first line sequence, the second line sequence, or the third line sequence.

[0048] An interactive object and / or a computing device communicating with the interactive object can identify at least one line sequence based at least in part on reference data. For example, the reference data can include data indicating one or more sequence features corresponding to the at least one line sequence. The reference data can be stored in a reference database in association with one or more sequences of lines. Additionally or alternatively, the reference database can include data indicating one or more gestures corresponding to each of the one or more sequences of lines. The reference database can be stored on the interactive object (e.g., in a memory on a capacitive touch sensor, a controller, or both) and / or on one or more remote computing devices remote from the interactive object.

[0049] An interactive object and / or a computing device communicating with the interactive object can compare touch data indicating a touch input with reference data corresponding to at least one line sequence. For example, the interactive object and / or the computing device communicating with the interactive object can compare touch input features of the touch input with reference data indicating one or more sequence features. By way of example, the touch input features can be compared with the sequence features stored in the reference database to determine a correspondence between the touch data and the one or more sequences of lines.

[0050] An interactive object and / or a computing device communicating with the interactive object can detect a correspondence between a touch input and at least one line sequence (e.g., a first sequence of lines, a second sequence of lines, or a third sequence of lines). For example, one or more correspondence features between touch data indicating the touch input and at least one of the line sequences (e.g., the first, second, or third line sequence) can be identified. By way of example, the correspondence features can include at least one touch input feature and at least one sequence feature that satisfy a matching criterion. A similarity between the touch data indicating the touch input and the corresponding line sequence can be determined. For example, the similarity between the touch input and the corresponding line sequence can be determined based on the number of correspondence features identified from the touch input features associated with the touch input and the corresponding sequence features. In some examples, the correspondence between the touch data indicating the touch input and the line sequence can be detected based on the corresponding line sequence associated with the largest number of correspondence features.

[0051] An interactive object and / or a computing device communicating with the interactive object can determine a corresponding gesture corresponding to a sequence of lines recognized in response to a touch input. For example, an identifier for each sequence of lines can be stored in a reference database together with an identification of the corresponding gesture. For example, a gesture corresponding to the detected sequence of lines can be recognized.

[0052] In an example embodiment, touch data indicative of a touch input can be input into a machine-learned gesture model configured to output a detection of at least one gesture corresponding to the detection of at least one sequence of lines. The machine-learned gesture model can generate data indicative of input features to identify the sequence of lines and output a gesture detection based on the touch data. The machine-learned gesture model can be trained using reference data as one or more constraints via one or more machine learning techniques. For example, the machine-learned gesture model can be trained based on physical constraints of a capacitive touch sensor to detect a particular gesture. The physical constraints can identify an order, number, spacing, etc. associated with a particular sequence. The machine-learned gesture model can be implemented in one or more of an internal electronic module, a removable electronic module, and / or one or more remote computing devices.

[0053] According to some embodiments, touch data indicative of a touch input and / or one or more touch features associated with the touch input can be input into a machine-learned gesture model. In response, the machine-learned gesture model can be configured to output data indicative of an inference or detection of a gesture based on a similarity between the touch data indicative of the touch input and one or more of the sequences stored in a reference database.

[0054] An interactive object and / or a computing device communicating with the interactive object can initiate one or more actions based on the detected gesture. For example, the detected gesture can be associated with a navigation command (e.g., up / down / sideways scrolling, page turning, etc.) in one or more user interfaces coupled to any of the interactive object and / or one or more remote computing devices (e.g., via a capacitive touch sensor, a controller, or both). Additionally or alternatively, the corresponding gesture can initiate one or more predefined actions using one or more computing devices, such as, for example, dialing a number, sending a text message, playing a recording, etc.

[0055] Embodiments of the disclosed technology provide a number of technical effects and benefits, particularly in the fields of computing technology, textiles, and the integration of both. In particular, embodiments of the disclosed technology provide improved techniques for detecting user gestures (e.g., in multiple dimensions). For example, using embodiments of the disclosed technology, a computing device can utilize a one-dimensional capacitive touch sensor to detect multi-dimensional user gestures. To this end, embodiments of the disclosed technology allow a capacitive touch sensor to define multiple sequences via two or more non-crossing wires, each sequence corresponding to at least one user gesture. In this way, the capacitive touch sensor can define a sequence of multiple lines in at least two dimensions; thereby, allowing the computing device to distinguish two-dimensional user gestures based on the line sequences. Moreover, embodiments of the disclosed technology can detect multi-dimensional motion without relying on the intersection of crossing conductive threads. Subsequently, this can reduce the hardware requirements by reducing the number of conductive threads required to detect motion on the capacitive touch sensor. The capacitive touch sensor can thus be formed more efficiently and with fewer conductive threads.

[0056] In addition, relative to conventional sensors that utilize wires, embodiments of the disclosed technology can enable a capacitive touch sensor to be formed with less insulation. For example, wires are typically provided with insulation to avoid direct contact between the lines. In a grid-based design where the lines directly cross, ensuring sufficient insulation can be challenging and may result in increased use of insulation materials. Embodiments of the disclosed technology provide a simplified architecture while maintaining the ability to detect gestures based on different input directions. By using a non-grid-based architecture according to an example embodiment, the challenges associated with insulating the wires from each other can be reduced. In this way, compared to previous capacitive touch sensors based on insulated conductive wiring or layering, the capacitive touch sensor can be formed more efficiently and may require less space.

[0057] Example aspects of the disclosed technology provide improvements to fabric computing technologies, such as wire-based capacitive touch sensors. For example, the systems and methods of the present disclosure provide an improved method for detecting multi-dimensional user gestures based on a one-dimensional sensor. For example, a capacitive touch sensor can include two or more non-crossing wires. The two or more non-crossing wires can form a wire pattern at least in a first region of the capacitive touch sensor. The pattern can define at least a first line sequence, a second line sequence, and a third line sequence at the first region. The sequences can be defined with respect to different input directions. The capacitive touch sensor can be coupled to one or more computing devices. The capacitive touch sensor can detect a touch input based on a change in capacitance associated with the two or more non-crossing wires. The one or more computing devices and / or the capacitive touch sensor can identify at least one line sequence associated with at least one of the first line sequence, the second line sequence, or the third line sequence based on a touch input to the capacitive touch sensor. Based on the identification, the one or more computing devices and / or the capacitive touch sensor can determine a corresponding gesture corresponding to at least one of the first line sequence, the second line sequence, and / or the third line sequence. In this way, example embodiments of the disclosed technology utilize a capacitive touch sensor that provides a number of technical improvements over prior capacitive touch sensors. For example, the capacitive touch sensor can detect multi-dimensional user gestures by defining one or more unique sequences corresponding to user gestures using non-crossing wires. By employing non-crossing lines, the capacitive touch sensor avoids problems inherent in crossing lines. Additionally, the capacitive touch sensor can reduce computational resources by requiring fewer wires to detect multi-dimensional user gestures. Subsequently, this can reduce costs and improve the efficiency of producing an effective wire-based capacitive touch sensor. Ultimately, embodiments of the disclosed technology provide a practical application that provides meaningful improvements to the manufacture and efficiency of wire-based capacitive touch sensors.

[0058] Figure 1FIG. 0 is an illustration of an example environment 100 in which an interactive object including a capacitive touch sensor 102 can be implemented. The capacitive touch sensor 102 includes two or more non-crossing wires formed in a wire pattern. Environment 100 includes a capacitive touch sensor 102, which is shown integrated in various interactive objects 104. The capacitive touch sensor 102 can be a fabric configured to sense touch inputs (e.g., multi-touch inputs). As described herein, a fabric can include any type of flexible woven material composed of a network of natural or man-made threads, commonly referred to as spun yarns or threads. A fabric can be formed by weaving, knitting, crocheting, knotting, pressing spun yarns together, or consolidating threads or filaments in a non-woven manner. In other examples, the capacitive touch sensor 102 can not be a fabric. For example, the wires can include a conductive film, a wire, or a plurality of conductive filaments. These wires can or can not be twisted, braided, or wound with flexible spun yarns. In some examples, glue, tape, or spun yarns using other stitching techniques can be used to secure the wires to non-conductive spun yarns or interactive objects.

[0059] In environment 100, the interactive objects 104 include “flexible” objects such as a shirt 104-1, a hat 104-2, a handbag 104-3, and shoes 104-6. Note, however, that the capacitive touch sensor 102 can be integrated in any type of flexible object made of fabric or a similar flexible material, such as clothing or apparel, clothing accessories, clothing containers, blankets, shower curtains, towels, sheets, bedspreads, or fabric casings for furniture, etc. Examples of clothing accessories can include sweat-absorbent elastic bands worn on the head, wrist, or biceps. Other examples of clothing accessories can be found in various wrist, arm, shoulder, knee, leg, and hip braces or compression sleeves. Headgear is another example of a clothing accessory, e.g., a visor, a hat, and an insulating balaclava. Examples of clothing containers can include waist or hip bags, backpacks, handbags, satchels, hanging garment bags, and tote bags. A clothing container can be worn or carried by a user, as in the case of a backpack, or can hold its own weight, as in the case of a rolling suitcase. The capacitive touch sensor 102 can be integrated within the flexible object 104 in a variety of different ways including weaving, stitching, gluing, etc.

[0060] In this example, object 104 also includes "hard" objects such as plastic cup 104-4 and hard smartphone case 104-5. However, it should be noted that hard object 104 can include any type of "hard" or "rigid" object made of non-flexible or semi-flexible materials such as plastic, metal, aluminum, etc. For example, to name just a few, hard object 104 can also include plastic chairs, water bottles, plastic balls, or automotive parts, etc. In another example, hard object 104 can also include clothing accessories such as chest plates, helmets, goggles, shin guards, and elbow guards. Alternatively, hard or semi-flexible clothing accessories can be embodied by shoes, non-slip shoes, boots, or sandals. Various different manufacturing processes can be used to integrate capacitive touch sensor 102 within hard object 104. In one or more embodiments, injection molding is used to integrate capacitive touch sensor 102 into hard object 104.

[0061] Capacitive touch sensor 102 enables a user to control object 104 integrated with capacitive touch sensor 102, or to control a variety of other computing devices 106 via network 108. Computing devices 106 are shown by way of various non-limiting example devices: server 106-1, smartphone 106-2, laptop 106-3, computing glasses 106-4, television 106-5, camera 106-6, tablet 106-7, desktop 106-8, and smartwatch 106-9, but other devices can also be used, such as home automation and control systems, audio or entertainment systems, household appliances, security systems, netbooks, and e-readers. Note that computing devices 106 can be wearable (e.g., computing glasses and smartwatches), non-wearable but mobile (e.g., laptops and tablets), or relatively immobile (e.g., desktops and servers).

[0062] Network 108 includes one or more of many types of wireless or partially wireless communication networks, such as local area network (LAN), wireless local area network (WLAN), personal area network (PAN), wide area network (WAN), intranet, Internet, peer-to-peer network, point-to-point network, mesh network, etc.

[0063] The capacitive touch sensor 102 can interact with the computing device 106 by transmitting touch data or other sensor data via the network 108. The computing device 106 uses the touch data to control the computing device 106 or an application on the computing device 106. As an example, consider that the capacitive touch sensor 102 integrated on the shirt 104-1 can be configured to control the user's smart phone 106-2 in the user's pocket, the television 106-5 in the user's home, the smart watch 106-9 on the user's wrist, or various other appliances in the user's residence, such as a thermostat, lights, music, etc. For example, the user may be able to slide up or down on the capacitive touch sensor 102 integrated within the user's shirt 104-1 to increase or decrease the volume on the television 106-5, increase or decrease the temperature controlled by the thermostat in the user's residence, or turn on and off the lights in the user's residence. Note that the capacitive touch sensor 102 can recognize any type of touch, tap, slide, hold, or strike gesture.

[0064] More specifically, consider Figure 2 , which shows an example system 200 that includes an interactive object 104 and a plurality of electronic modules. In system 200, the capacitive touch sensor 102 is integrated in the interactive object 104, which can be implemented as a flexible object (e.g., shirt 104-1, hat 104-2, or handbag 104-3) or a rigid object (e.g., plastic cup 104-4 or smart phone case 104-5).

[0065] The capacitive touch sensor 102 is configured to sense a touch input from a user when one or more fingers of the user's hand touch the capacitive touch sensor 102. The capacitive touch sensor 102 can be configured to sense single-touch, multi-touch, and / or full-hand touch inputs from the user. To be able to detect the touch input, the capacitive touch sensor 102 includes wires 202, which, as described below, can be coupled to the capacitive touch sensor 102 (e.g., in a serpentine pattern, oval pattern, etc.) to define a sequence of one or more lines relative to one or more corresponding input directions without crossing each other. It is worth noting that in the example embodiment, the wires 202 do not change the flexibility of the capacitive touch sensor 102, which enables the capacitive touch sensor 102 to be easily integrated within the flexible interactive object 104.

[0066] The interactive object 104 can include an internal electronic module 204 that is embedded within the interactive object 104 (e.g., a garment, a garment accessory, a plastic cup, etc.). In some embodiments, the internal electronic module 204 can be directly coupled to the wire 202. In other embodiments, the wire 202 can be attached to the internal electronic module 204 via one or more connector components. The internal electronic module 204 can be communicatively coupled to the removable electronic module 206 via a communication interface 222. The internal electronic module 204 contains a first subset of the electronic components of the interactive object 104, and the removable electronic module 206 contains a second, different subset of the electronic components of the interactive object 104. As described herein, the internal electronic module 204 can be physically and permanently embedded within the interactive object 104, while the removable electronic module 206 can be removably coupled to the interactive object 104.

[0067] The internal electronic module 204 can include electronic components, such as a sensing circuit 210 configured to detect a touch input to the wire 202. For example, the sensing circuit 210 can be coupled to the wire 202 that can be woven into the capacitive touch sensor 102. For example, wires from the wire 202 can be connected to the sensing circuit 210 using a flexible PCB, creping, conductive glue bonding, soldering, etc. In one embodiment, the sensing circuit 210 can be configured to detect a touch input of a user input on the capacitive touch sensor 102 that is pre-programmed to indicate a certain request. In one embodiment, when the wire 202 forms a wire pattern (e.g., a snake, a partial ellipse, or other pattern), the sensing circuit 210 can be configured to also detect the input direction of the touch input on the wire 202. For example, when an object such as a user's finger, a stylus, etc. touches the wire 202, the sensing circuit 210 can determine the direction of the touch by detecting a change in capacitance on the wire pattern of the capacitive touch sensor 102. Then, the touch input can be used to generate touch data that can be used to control the computing device 106. For example, the touch input can be used to determine various gestures, such as single-finger and multi-finger swipes (e.g., up swipe, down swipe, left swipe, right swipe).

[0068] The internal electronic module 204 may include one or more drivers and may provide power and / or control signals to the wire 202. In some embodiments, the internal electronic module 204 may not include an on-board power supply. Instead, the removable electronic module 206 may power the internal electronic module 204. In some examples, the sensing circuit 210 includes a controller configured to detect a touch input, such as when a user applies pressure to the wire 202. The internal electronic module 204 may be configured to transmit touch data indicative of the touch input to a computing device such as the removable electronic module 206 or one or more remote computing devices. In some examples, the controller includes a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) that includes a microprocessor. The printed circuit board may include a set of contact pads for attachment to the wire 202.

[0069] The communication interface 222 enables the transfer of power and data (e.g., touch data indicative of a touch input) between the internal electronic module 204 and the removable electronic module 206. In some implementations, the communication interface 222 may be implemented as a connector that includes a connector plug and a connector socket. The connector plug may be implemented at the removable electronic module 206 and configured to connect to the connector socket, which may be implemented at the interactive object 104.

[0070] In some embodiments, the removable electronic module 206 includes a second subset of electronic components (e.g., the microprocessor 212, the power supply 214, or the network interface 216). The removable electronic module 206 may be removably coupled to the interactive object 104 via the communication interface 222. When the removable electronic module 206 is coupled to the interactive object 104, the communication interface 222 enables communication between the internal electronic module 204 and the removable electronic module 206. In an example embodiment, the removable electronic module 206 may be removably mounted to a rigid member on the interactive object 104. The connector may include a connection device for physically and electrically coupling to the removable electronic module 206. The internal electronic module 204 may communicate with the connector. The internal electronic module 204 may be configured to communicate with the removable electronic module 206 when connected to the connector. The controller of the removable electronic module 206 may receive information and send commands to the internal electronic module 204. The communication interface 222 is configured to enable communication between the internal electronic module 204 and the controller when the connector is coupled to the removable electronic module 206. For example, the communication interface 222 may include the network interface 216 that is integral with the removable electronic module 206. The removable electronic module 206 may also include a rechargeable power supply 214. The removable electronic module 206 may be removed from the interactive object 104 to charge the power supply 214. Once the power supply 214 is charged, the removable electronic module 206 may be placed back into the interactive object 104 and electrically coupled to the connector.

[0071] The power supply 214 can be coupled to the sensing circuit 210 via the communication interface 222 to provide power to the sensing circuit 210 to enable the detection of touch inputs. In one or more embodiments, the communication interface 222 is implemented as a connector that is configured to connect the removable electronic module 206 to the internal electronic module 204 of the interactive object 104. When a touch input is detected by the sensing circuit 210 of the internal electronic module 204, data representing the touch input can be transmitted via the communication interface 222 to the microprocessor 212 of the removable electronic module 206. The microprocessor 212 can then analyze the touch data to generate one or more control signals, which can then be transmitted via the network interface 216 to the computing device 106 (e.g., a smart phone) to cause the computing device 106 to initiate specific functionality. Generally, the network interface 216 is configured to transmit data such as touch data to the computing device 106 over a wired, wireless, or optical network. By way of example and not limitation, the network interface 216 can transmit data over a local area network (LAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN), a personal area network (PAN) (e.g., Bluetooth TM ), a wide area network (WAN), an intranet, the Internet, a peer-to-peer network, a point-to-point network, a mesh network, etc. (e.g., over Figure 1 the network 108).

[0072] Although the internal electronic module 204 and the removable electronic module 206 are illustrated and described as including specific electronic components, it should be understood that these modules can be configured in a variety of different ways. For example, in some cases, the electronic components described as being included within the internal electronic module 204 can be implemented, at least in part, at the removable electronic module 206, and vice versa. Additionally, the internal electronic module 204 and the removable electronic module 206 can include electronic components other than those Figure 2 shown, such as sensors, light sources (e.g., of LEDs), displays, speakers, etc.

[0073] The wire 202 can include a conductive spun yarn, a conductive fiber, a conductive filament, an optical fiber filament, a flexible metal wire, etc. Figure 3Example 300 depicts a wire 202 implemented as a conductive thread in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. The conductive thread includes a conductive wire 310 combined with one or more flexible threads 308. The conductive wire 310 can be combined with the flexible thread 308 in a variety of different ways, such as by stranding the flexible thread 308 with the conductive wire 310, winding the flexible thread 308 around the conductive wire 310, knitting or weaving the flexible thread 308 to form a covering that covers the conductive wire 310, and so on. Stranding the conductive wire 310 with the flexible thread 308 makes the conductive thread 202 flexible and elastic, which enables the conductive thread 202 to be easily woven with non-conductive threads to form an interactive fabric or embroidered on an interactive fabric. A variety of different conductive materials such as copper, silver, gold, aluminum, or other materials coated with a conductive polymer can be used to implement the conductive wire 310. The flexible thread 308 can be implemented as any type of flexible thread or fiber, such as cotton, wool, silk thread, nylon, polyester, etc.

[0074] Combining the conductive wire 310 with the flexible thread 308 makes the wire 202 flexible and elastic, thereby enabling the wire 202 to be easily woven with one or more non-conductive wires (e.g., cotton, silk thread, or polyester). In one or more embodiments, the wire 202 includes: a conductive core that includes at least one conductive wire 310 (e.g., one or more copper wires); and a covering layer that is configured to cover the conductive core and is constructed of the flexible thread 308. In some cases, the conductive wire 310 of the conductive core is insulated. Alternatively, the conductive wire 310 of the conductive core is not insulated.

[0075] The conductive core can include at least one conductive wire and a covering layer constructed of a flexible thread that covers the conductive core. The conductive core can be formed by stranding one or more flexible threads (e.g., silk threads, polyester threads, or cotton threads) with the conductive wire or by winding the flexible thread around the conductive wire. In some embodiments, the conductive core can be formed by knitting the conductive wire with a flexible thread (e.g., silk). The covering layer can be formed by winding or knitting the flexible thread around the conductive core. In some embodiments, the conductive thread is implemented in a “double knitting” structure in which the conductive core is formed by knitting the flexible thread with the conductive wire and then knitting the flexible thread around the knitted conductive core. Although many examples are provided with respect to the conductive thread, it is to be understood that any type of wire can be used with the capacitive touch sensor 102 in accordance with the example embodiments. For example, the wire can be used to transmit and / or emit light, such as in an in-line optical device application.

[0076] The conductive wire 202 can be integrated with a non-conductive thread to form a fabric or textile. For example, the conductive wire can be stitched onto an interactive textile, or the conductive wire can be woven with non-conductive threads. In other examples, adhesives, tapes, threads, etc. can be used to secure the conductive wire 202 to the non-conductive thread, another substrate, and / or another surface of the interactive object 104. It should be understood that non-conductive threads are not necessary for integrating the conductive wire 202 with the interactive object 104.

[0077] The interactive object 104 can include a capacitive touch sensor 102 having two or more non-crossing wires configured to receive touch inputs from one or more users. The two or more non-crossing wires forming the capacitive touch sensor 102 can form at least a first wire pattern over the area of the capacitive touch sensor 102. The first wire pattern can include any suitable pattern of non-crossing conductive wires 202 formed in a non-crossing manner. In particular, consider Figure 4 , which depicts an example 400 of a capacitive touch sensor 102 including non-crossing conductive wires 202(a-e) configured to detect gestures in multiple input directions according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. The individual wires at the first region 420 forming the first wire pattern 410 do not overlap or otherwise cross each other. For example, the non-crossing individual wires 202(a-e) of the wire pattern 410 do not cross each other below or above at the first region 420 of the capacitive touch sensor 102. Also, the non-crossing individual wires 202(a-e) of the wire pattern 410 do not contact each other in other ways at the first region 420 of the capacitive touch sensor 102. Thus, the non-crossing manner of the wire pattern 410 provides that each individual wire 202(a-e) does not cross or contact each other below, above, or in other ways at the first region 420 of the capacitive touch sensor 102.

[0078] The capacitive touch sensor 102 can be formed with a simplified architecture while enabling detection of inputs in multiple directions. By including a capacitive touch sensor 102 having two or more non-crossing wires 202(a-e), an example embodiment according to the present disclosure can provide a simplified sensor architecture capable of multi-dimensional input detection that typically requires a more complex architecture. As described in detail below, Figure 4 only depicts one of the various methods for forming a capacitive touch sensor including non-crossing conductive wires capable of multi-dimensional input detection according to the described example embodiments.

[0079] Figure 4Depicts a wire pattern 410 defined by non-crossing wires 202(a-e). In this example, the non-crossing wires 202(a-e) form a serpentine pattern at a first region 420 of the capacitive touch sensor 102. As an example, the non-crossing wires 202(a-e) are parallel to each other and extend along a longitudinal axis 430 at a first portion 422 of the capacitive touch sensor 102. The non-crossing wires 202(a-e) are parallel to each other and extend along a transverse axis 440 at a second portion 424 of the capacitive touch sensor 102. Each non-crossing wire is formed continuously from the first portion 422 to the second portion 424. The non-crossing wires 202(a-e) are parallel to each other and extend along the longitudinal axis 430 at a third portion 426 of the capacitive touch sensor 102. Each non-crossing wire is formed continuously from the second portion 424 to the third portion 426. In some examples, the wires 202(a-e) may be isolated from touch inputs at regions outside the region 420. For example, a capacitive shielding layer may be formed above or otherwise cover the wires 202(a-e) outside the region 420.

[0080] Figure 5 Depicts another example 500 of a wire pattern including non-crossing wires according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. The wire pattern 510 includes a series of partial ellipses 550 / 555 defined by non-crossing wires 202(a-d). The non-crossing wires 202(a-d) define at least one partial outer ellipse 550 and at least one partial inner ellipse 555 without crossing. The partial inner ellipse 555 extends within the partial outer ellipse 550. The partial inner ellipse 555 extends uniformly offset from the partial outer ellipse 550. The center point 535 of the partial inner ellipse is different from the center point 530 of the partial outer ellipse. In particular, the center point 535 of the partial inner ellipse 555 is separated from the center point 530 of the partial outer ellipse 550 by a distance 540. In this way, as described in more detail below with reference to Figure 8 The spacing between each non-crossing wire 202(a-d) can be made to vary depending on the orientation on the wire pattern 510. In other examples, the wire pattern may include partial ellipses that are not offset from each other.

[0081] As described above, according to the present disclosure, various other wire patterns including non-crossing wires can be used to detect gestures in multiple crossing directions. Two or more non-crossing wires can be configured in any wire pattern in any region of the capacitive touch sensor.

[0082] Figure 6Depicts an exemplary capacitive touch sensor 102 that includes non-crossing wires 202(a - e). The wire pattern 410 defines a plurality of wire sequences 602 - 608 with respect to a longitudinal axis 430 and a transverse axis 440. A first wire sequence 602 is defined with respect to a first input direction 610 along the transverse axis 440, and a second wire sequence 604 is defined with respect to a second input direction 615 along the transverse axis 440. The first input direction 610 and the second input direction 615 are opposite directions along the transverse axis 440. At region 420, the non-crossing wires 202(a - e) also define a third wire sequence 606 with respect to a third input direction 620 along the longitudinal axis 430, and a fourth wire sequence 608 with respect to a fourth input direction 625 along the longitudinal axis 430. The third input direction 620 and the fourth input direction 625 are opposite directions along the longitudinal axis 430. Moreover, the third input direction 620 and the fourth input direction 625 are orthogonal to the first input direction 610 and the second input direction 615. Note that the input directions can be components of a motion that includes multiple directional components constituting a touch input. For example, the first input direction 610 can be one directional component of a touch input having multiple directional components, such as a directional component in a direction along the longitudinal axis.

[0083] A touch input applied at region 420 of the capacitive touch sensor 102 can generate touch data that can be used to distinguish multiple gestures provided in different dimensions. For example, a swipe input on the wire pattern 410 having opposite first and second directional components can be recognized. The first directional component can correspond to the first input direction 610 and generally can be from right to left along the transverse axis 440. The second directional component can correspond to the second input direction 615 and generally can be from left to right along the transverse axis 440. Additionally, a swipe input on the wire pattern 410 in opposite third and fourth directions can be recognized. The third and fourth directional components can be orthogonal to the first and second directional components. For example, the third directional component can correspond to the third input direction 620 and generally can be downward along the longitudinal axis 430, while the fourth directional component can correspond to the fourth input direction 625 and generally can be upward along the longitudinal axis 430. The capacitive touch sensor 102 according to an example embodiment may be capable of recognizing fewer or more gestures than those described.

[0084] Each line sequence includes one or more sequence features that can be used to detect one or more gestures. For example, one or more features of a particular sequence can include a particular order of non-crossing wires, a particular number of non-crossing wires, one or more distances between two or more non-crossing wires, etc. The particular order of non-crossing wires can be defined for the set of non-crossing wires forming the capacitive touch sensor 102. The particular order of non-crossing wires can be at a given portion of the wire pattern corresponding to a particular line sequence. Each line sequence can include an order of non-crossing wires in a particular direction on the wire pattern.

[0085] The first line sequence 602 has the order:

[0086] 202(e)-202(d)-202(c)-202(b)-202(a)-[202(a-e)]-202(e)-202(d)-202(c)-202(b)-202(a).

[0087] This sequence is relative to the first input direction 610. The first input direction 610 intersects at least partially with the first line sequence 602. The wire pattern 410 also includes a second line sequence 604. The second line sequence 604 has the order:

[0088] 202(a)-202(b)-202(c)-202(d)-202(e)-[202(a-e)]-202(a)-202(b)-202(c)-202(d)-202(e).

[0089] The second line sequence 604 is relative to the second input direction 615. The second input direction 615 intersects at least partially with the second line sequence 604. A touch input on the wire pattern 410 that includes a direction component in the second input direction 615 will be detected as the second line sequence 604. In this example, the order of the second sequence 604 is opposite to the order of the first sequence 602. However, the order of each sequence can be different in other ways.

[0090] In this example, the first input direction 610 and the second input direction 615 are opposite directions along the horizontal axis 440. The first line sequence 602 and the second line sequence 604 include the order of the lines along the horizontal axis 440 of the wire pattern 410. The wire pattern 410 defines the first line sequence 602 with respect to the first input direction 610 along the first lateral direction of the capacitive touch sensor 102. Additionally, the wire pattern 410 defines the second line sequence 604 with respect to the second input direction 615 along the second lateral direction (e.g., opposite to the first lateral direction) of the capacitive touch sensor 102. In this way, the wire pattern 410 defines at least one line sequence with respect to each direction in the first (e.g., lateral) dimension 440. The first line sequence 602 and the second line sequence 604 can be associated with corresponding gestures. For example, the first line sequence 602 can be associated with a swipe input on the wire pattern 410, where the swipe input has a direction component in the first lateral direction along the horizontal axis 440 of the wire pattern 410. Additionally or alternatively, the second line sequence 604 can be associated with a swipe input on the wire pattern 410, where the swipe input has a direction component in the second, opposite lateral direction along the horizontal axis 440 of the wire pattern 410.

[0091] Additionally, the wire pattern 410 includes a third line sequence 606. The third line sequence 606 has the order:

[0092] 202(e)-202(d)-202(c)-202(b)-202(a)-202(a)-202(b)-202(c)-202(d)-202(e)-202(e)-202(d)-202(c)-202(b)-202(a).

[0093] The third line sequence 606 is relative to a third input direction 620. The third input direction 620 at least partially intersects the third line sequence 606. A touch input on the pattern 410 that includes a direction component in the third input direction 620 will be detected as the third line sequence 606. The wire pattern 410 further includes a fourth line sequence 608. The fourth line sequence 608 has the order:

[0094] 202(a)-202(b)-202(c)-202(d)-202(e)-202(e)-202(d)-202(c)-202(b)-202(a)-202(a)-202(b)-202(c)-202(d)-202(e).

[0095] The fourth line sequence 608 is relative to the fourth input direction 625. The non-crossing wires 202(a-e) extend in a direction orthogonal to the fourth input direction 625. In this way, the fourth input direction 625 intersects at least partially with the fourth line sequence 608. A touch input on the pattern 410 including a direction component in the fourth input direction 625 will be detected as the fourth line sequence 608. In this example, the order of the fourth sequence 608 is opposite to the order of the third line sequence 606.

[0096] The third input direction 620 and the fourth input direction 625 are opposite directions along the longitudinal axis 430. The third line sequence 606 and the fourth line sequence 608 each include a line sequence along the longitudinal axis 430 of the wire pattern 410. The third input direction 620 (e.g., longitudinal) is orthogonal to the first input direction 610 and the second input direction 615 (e.g., transverse). In this way, the wire pattern 410 defines at least one line sequence with respect to opposite directions along the second longitudinal axis 430. The third line sequence 606 and the fourth line sequence 608 can be associated with corresponding gestures. For example, the third line sequence 606 can be associated with a swipe input on the wire pattern 410, where the swipe input has a direction component in a first longitudinal direction along the longitudinal axis 430 of the wire pattern 410. Additionally, or alternatively, the fourth line sequence 608 can be associated with a swipe input on the wire pattern 410, where the swipe input has a direction component in a second, opposite direction along the longitudinal axis 430 of the wire pattern 410.

[0097] In this example, each line sequence defined by the wire pattern 410 includes a different line order. As discussed in more detail below, the different line orders associated with each line sequence can be used to identify a specific line sequence in the wire pattern. A specific line sequence can be identified by only a portion of the wire pattern and / or a portion of the capacitive touch sensor 102. Although Figure 6 four line sequences are shown, it should be noted that the wire pattern can define any number of line sequences in any number of portions of the capacitive touch sensor 102. For example, the wire pattern 410 can define multiple line sequences in addition to the line sequences 602-608. By way of example, the wire pattern 410 can define at least a fifth and / or a sixth wire sequence. For example, the wire pattern 410 can define a fifth line sequence with respect to a fifth input direction. The fifth input direction can include a direction between the first input direction and the third input direction 610 / 620 (e.g., in a diagonal direction). Additionally or alternatively, the wire pattern 410 can define a sixth line sequence with respect to a sixth input direction. The sixth input direction can include the opposite direction along the common axis of the fifth input direction. In this way, the capacitive touch sensor 102 according to the example embodiments may be able to identify fewer or more gestures than those described.

[0098] Although not shown in Figure 6 , one or more features for a particular line sequence can include one or more distances associated with the wire pattern. For example, as discussed in more detail with reference to Figure 8 , one or more distances can include the spacing between two or more non-crossing wires at a given portion of the wire pattern corresponding to one or more line sequences. For example, the wire pattern can include different distances between non-crossing wires at portions of the capacitive touch sensor 102 corresponding to one or more different wire sequences. By way of example, a first portion of the wire pattern can have a different spacing between non-crossing wires than a second portion of the wire pattern. For example, the non-crossing wires forming the first portion of the wire pattern can be spaced apart by a first distance, while the wires forming the second portion of the wire pattern can be spaced apart by a second distance. In an example embodiment, each line sequence can include at least two non-crossing wires and the distance between two or more non-crossing wires. By way of example, the line sequence can include different distances depending on the input direction on the capacitive touch sensor 102. Additionally or alternatively, each line sequence can include a particular order of two or more non-crossing wires and / or a particular spacing between each of the two or more non-crossing wires in the particular order.

[0099] Additionally or alternatively, one or more features for a particular line sequence can include the particular number of non-crossing wires in a set of non-crossing wires forming the wire pattern. For example, the sequence feature can include the particular number of non-crossing wires at a given portion of the wire pattern corresponding to a particular line sequence. By way of example, the wire pattern can include different numbers of non-crossing wires in one or more portions of the capacitive touch sensor 102. For example, each line sequence can include a different number of non-crossing wires in the set of non-crossing wires forming the wire pattern. For example, in an example embodiment, each line sequence can include a particular number of wires, a particular number of wires in a particular order, and the spacing between each of the wires in that number. The sequence features associated with each line sequence can be used to identify gestures based on a touch input applied to the capacitive touch sensor 102.

[0100] Figure 7A Example 700 depicts a touch input 750 applied to the capacitive touch sensor 102 according to an example embodiment. The touch input 750 can be interpreted by the touch sensor 102 as a predefined gesture. For example, the touch input 750 can be interpreted as a horizontal swipe gesture in the L-to-R direction. In example 700, the touch input 750 includes a directional component along the horizontal axis 440 on the capacitive touch sensor 102. The touch input 750 is sensed by contact or proximity of the finger 760 with the non-crossing wires 202(a-e) at the wire pattern 410. For example, the touch input 750 can be detected as, e.g.,Figure 6 The second line sequence 604 shown. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, this second line sequence 604 can be associated with a specific gesture. In this way, the interactive object 104 can respond to detecting a horizontal swipe gesture performed in response to detecting a lateral movement having a direction component 615 as Figure 6 shown. Note that the size of the capacitive touch sensor 102 relative to the finger 760 can vary. For example, a stylus having a tip much smaller than the finger 760 can provide a touch input 750 that will also be detected as the second line sequence 604.

[0101] Figure 7B Depicts an example touch input 755 applied to the capacitive touch sensor 102 according to an example embodiment. In some examples, the touch input 755 can be interpreted as the same input gesture detected in response to Figure 7A the touch input 750 shown. For example, the touch input 755 can be detected as sharing many but not all of the exact features of the line sequence 604. However, the interactive object 104 can recognize the line sequence 604 from the touch input 755. In response to the touch input 755, the system can determine that a horizontal swipe gesture in the L-to-R direction has been performed.

[0102] Figure 8 Depicts another example 800 of a capacitive touch sensor 102 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, including non-crossing wires 202(a-d) forming a wire pattern 510 configured to detect gestures in multiple input directions. Figure 8 Includes an exemplary capacitive touch sensor 102 that includes non-crossing wires 202(a-d). The wire pattern 510 defines a plurality of line sequences 802-808 relative to the longitudinal axis 430 and the transverse axis 440. A first line sequence 802 is defined relative to a first input direction 610 along the transverse axis 440, and a second line sequence 804 is defined relative to a second input direction 615 along the transverse axis 440. The first input direction 610 and the second input direction 615 are opposite directions along the transverse axis 440. At the region 520, the non-crossing wires 202(a-d) also define a third line sequence 806 relative to a third input direction 620 along the longitudinal axis 430, and a fourth line sequence 808 relative to a fourth input direction 625 along the longitudinal axis 430. Each of the line sequences 802-808 includes one or more different sequence features, including different orders of the wires and / or different spacings between the wires.

[0103] Specifically, the wire pattern 510 defines a first wire sequence 802 that includes the order: 202(d)-202(c)-202(b)-202(a) with respect to the first input direction 610. The wire pattern 510 defines a second wire sequence 804 that includes a different order: 202(a)-202(b)-202(c)-202(d) with respect to the second input direction 615. Additionally, the wire pattern 510 defines a third wire sequence 806 that includes a different order: 202(d)-202(c)-202(c)-202(d) along the third input direction 620. The wire pattern 510 also includes a fourth wire sequence 808 that includes the order: 202(d)-202(c)-202(c)-202(d). The fourth wire sequence 808 includes the same order of non-crossing wires 202(a-d) as the third wire sequence 806. However, the spacing between each of the wires in the order of the non-crossing wires 202(a-d) is different. Specifically, the fourth wire sequence 808 includes a first spacing 810 between the non-crossing wires 202(d)-202(c). On the other hand, the third wire sequence 806 includes a second spacing 820 between the non-crossing wires 202(d)-202(c).

[0104] In this way, each wire sequence defined by the wire pattern 510 includes at least a different order and / or spacing between the non-crossing wires 202(a-d). As discussed in more detail below, the different orders and spacings between the wires associated with each wire sequence can be used to identify a particular wire sequence in the wire pattern. Each of the different orders and spacings of the wires shown above is taken on a particular portion of the wire pattern 510. However, a wire sequence can be identified by any portion of the wire pattern and / or any portion of the capacitive touch sensor 102.

[0105] Turning Figure 9 , an example computing system configured to determine a gesture based on a detected touch input to the capacitive touch sensor 102 in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The interactive object 104 and / or one or more computing devices in communication with the interactive object 104 can detect a user gesture based at least in part on the capacitive touch sensor 102. For example, the interactive object 104 and / or one or more computing devices can implement a gesture manager 910 that can recognize one or more gestures in response to a touch input 902 to the capacitive touch sensor 102.

[0106] The interactive object 104 can detect a touch input 902 to the capacitive touch sensor 102 based on a change in capacitance associated with the non-crossing wires 202. For example, a user can activate one or more non-crossing wires 202 by moving an object (e.g., a finger, a conductive stylus, etc.) over the capacitive touch sensor 102. For instance, the capacitance associated with each non-crossing wire 202 can change when touched by an object or when the object approaches the wire. As shown at (904), the sensing circuit 210 can detect a change in the capacitance associated with one or more of the non-crossing wires 202. The sensing circuit 210 can generate touch data 906 indicative of one or more activations (e.g., capacitance changes) associated with one or more of the non-crossing wires 202.

[0107] The sensing circuit 210 of the internal electronic module 204 can generate touch data in response to detecting the touch input 902, as shown at (906). The touch data can include data indicative of the touch input 902. For example, the touch data can include one or more touch input features associated with the touch input 902. In some examples, the touch data can identify the particular wire that was touched and the time associated with the touch of the wire. For instance, one or more times corresponding to one or more of the non-crossing wires 202 can include a timestamp and / or a time period associated with a change in the capacitance of one or more of the non-crossing wires. For example, one or more times can correspond to one or more time periods between capacitance changes of two particular wires.

[0108] The interactive object 104 (e.g., the internal electronic module 204 and / or the removable electronic module 206) and / or one or more computing devices communicating with the interactive object 104 can analyze the touch data to identify one or more touch input features associated with the touch input 902. The one or more touch input features can include, for example, the order of the non-crossing wires 202, the number of non-crossing wires 202, and / or one or more times corresponding to one or more of the non-crossing wires 202. For example, each of the one or more touch input features can correspond to a particular touch input 902 detected at a portion of the capacitive touch sensor 102 at a particular time. The interactive object 104 (e.g., the internal electronic module 204 and / or the removable electronic module 206) and / or one or more computing devices communicating with the interactive object 104 can include a gesture manager 910. The gesture manager 910 can be configured to analyze the touch data to determine a corresponding sequence of wires and / or a corresponding gesture.

[0109] In particular, at (908), gesture manager 910 can analyze touch data to identify the number of activated wires, the order of the activated wires, and / or the distance between at least two of the activated wires associated with touch input 902. For example, gesture manager 910 can identify the order in which non-crossing wires 202 are activated during touch input 902 to capacitive touch sensor 102. Additionally, gesture manager 910 can identify one or more times corresponding to each activation of non-crossing wires 202. The one or more times can correspond to the time period between activations (e.g., changes in capacitance) associated with at least two non-crossing wires 202 during touch input 902. Gesture manager 910 can determine the corresponding distance between at least two of non-crossing wires 202 based on the corresponding time periods between each activation. For example, the time period between activations of at least two non-crossing wires 202 can correspond to the corresponding distance between at least two of non-crossing wires 202. In this way, gesture manager 910 can determine the distance between at least two activated wires based on one or more times corresponding to one or more non-crossing wires 202. Gesture manager 910 can identify at least one line sequence at (908) based at least in part on the number of activated wires, the order of the activated wires, and / or the distance between at least two of the activated wires associated with touch input 902.

[0110] In some examples, gesture manager 910 can identify at least one line sequence based on reference data 920. Reference data 920 can include data indicating one or more sequence features corresponding to at least one line sequence. Reference data 920 can be stored in reference database 915 in association with one or more sequences of lines. Additionally or alternatively, reference database 915 can include data indicating one or more gestures corresponding to each of one or more line sequences. Reference database 915 can be stored on interactive object 104 (e.g., internal electronic module 204 and / or removable electronic module 206) and / or on one or more computing devices in communication with interactive object 104. Additionally or alternatively, reference database 915 can be stored remotely from interactive object 104 in one or more remote servers. In such a case, interactive object 104 can access remote database 915 via one or more communication interfaces (e.g., network interface 216).

[0111] The gesture manager 910 can compare touch data indicating a touch input 902 with reference data 920 corresponding to at least one line sequence. For example, the gesture manager 910 can compare touch input features associated with the touch input 902 with the reference data 920 indicating one or more sequence features. The gesture manager 910 can determine a correspondence between at least one touch input feature and at least one sequence feature. The gesture manager can detect a correspondence between the touch input 902 and at least one line sequence in the reference database 915 based on the determined correspondence between at least one touch input feature and at least one sequence feature.

[0112] For example, the gesture manager 910 can detect a correspondence between the touch input 902 and at least one of a first line sequence, a second line sequence, and / or a third line sequence. By way of example, the gesture manager 910 can identify one or more correspondence features between the touch data indicating the touch input 902 and at least one of a first line sequence, a second line sequence, and / or a third line sequence. The correspondence feature can include at least one touch input feature that meets a matching criterion and at least one sequence feature from the reference database 915. The gesture manager 910 can determine the similarity between the touch input 902 and the corresponding line sequence from the reference database 915 based on the correspondence feature. For example, the similarity between the touch input 902 and the corresponding line sequence can be determined based on the number of correspondence features identified between the touch input features associated with the touch input 902 and the corresponding sequence features associated with the corresponding line sequence. For example, the gesture manager 910 can detect the correspondence between the touch input 902 and the line sequence based on the corresponding line sequence associated with the largest number of correspondence features.

[0113] Additionally or alternatively, the gesture manager 910 may detect a correspondence between the touch input 902 and a line sequence based on one or more priority scores associated with each line sequence. For example, one or more sequence features in the reference database 915 may be associated with corresponding priority scores. By way of example, priority scores may be assigned to sequence features based on a level of distinctiveness. For example, higher priority scores may be assigned to less common sequence features in the reference database 915. For example, a first order of one or more non-crossing wires on a first part of a wire pattern may be associated with a higher priority score than a second order of one or more non-crossing wires on a second part of the wire pattern. By way of example, the first order may be associated with a higher priority score because it is associated with fewer line sequences than the second order. Also, a spacing between two non-crossing wires that is different for a single line sequence may be assigned a higher priority than a spacing between two non-crossing wires shared by multiple line sequences. In this way, sequence features may be weighted according to the level of distinctiveness. In an example embodiment, the gesture manager 910 may detect a correspondence between the touch input 902 and a line sequence based on the corresponding line sequence associated with the highest priority score. For example, the gesture manager 910 may aggregate the priority scores associated with each corresponding feature between the touch input 902 and one or more line sequences in the reference database 915. The gesture manager 910 may detect a correspondence between the touch input 902 and the line sequence associated with the highest aggregated score.

[0114] The gesture manager 910 may determine a corresponding gesture at (912) based on the touch input 902. For example, the gesture manager 910 may determine the corresponding gesture corresponding to the line sequence recognized in response to the touch input 902. By way of example, the identifier of each line sequence may be stored in the reference database 915 together with the identification of the corresponding gesture. The gesture manager 910 may utilize the reference database 915 to identify the corresponding gesture corresponding to the detected line sequence. For example, the gesture manager 910 may determine the corresponding gesture 912 by identifying the corresponding gesture associated with the detected line sequence from the reference database 915.

[0115] Additionally or alternatively, the gesture manager 910 may input the touch input 902 and / or touch data indicative of the touch input 902 into a machine-learned gesture model 925. The machine-learned gesture model 925 may be configured to output a detection of at least one line sequence, or alternatively, a gesture corresponding to at least one line sequence. The machine-learned gesture model 925 may generate data indicative of input features based on the touch input 902 and / or touch data indicative of the touch input 902. The machine-learned gesture model 925 may generate an output including data indicative of gesture detection. For example, reference data 920 may be used as one or more constraints to train the machine-learned gesture model 925 via one or more machine learning techniques. By way of example, one or more sequence features, line sequences, and / or one or more corresponding gestures may be used to train the machine-learned gesture model 925. For example, one or more sequence features matching one or more corresponding line sequences and / or one or more corresponding gestures may be used to train the machine-learned gesture model 925. In this way, the reference data 910 may be used as one or more constraints to train the machine-learned gesture model 925 via machine learning techniques such as backpropagation.

[0116] The machine-learned gesture model 925 may be implemented in one or more of the internal electronic module 204, the removable electronic module 206, and / or one or more remote computing devices. For example, the machine-learned gesture model 925 may be implemented in one or more remote computing devices coupled to the capacitive touch sensor 102. The machine-learned gesture model 925 may be trained to detect corresponding gestures based on the physical constraints of the capacitive touch sensor 102. The physical constraints may identify an order, number, spacing, etc. associated with a particular sequence of non-crossing wires defined by the wire pattern formed at the capacitive touch sensor 102.

[0117] According to some embodiments, the gesture manager 910 may input touch data indicative of the touch input 902 and / or one or more touch features associated with the touch input 902 into the machine-learned gesture model 925. In response, the machine-learned gesture model 925 may output data indicative of a similarity to one or more of the line sequences stored in the reference database 915. Additionally or alternatively, the machine-learned gesture model 925 may be configured to output data indicative of an inference or detection of a corresponding gesture based on a similarity between the touch data indicative of the touch input 902 and one or more of the line sequences stored in the reference database 915.

[0118] The interactive object 104 and / or a computing device communicating with the interactive object 104 may initiate one or more actions based on detected gestures. For example, the detected gestures may be associated with navigation commands (such as up / down / lateral scrolling, page turning, etc.) in one or more user interfaces coupled to any of the interactive object 104 and / or one or more remote computing devices (e.g., via the capacitive touch sensor 102, the controller, or both). Additionally or alternatively, the corresponding gestures may utilize one or more computing devices to initiate one or more predefined actions, such as, for example, dialing a number, sending a text message, playing a recorded sound, etc.

[0119] Figure 10 A flowchart depicting an example method for determining a gesture based on touch input in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. One or more portions of method 1000 may be implemented by a computing system including one or more computing devices such as, for example, the computing systems described with reference to other figures (e.g., the interactive object 104, the capacitive touch sensor 102, etc.). Each corresponding portion of method 1000 may be executed by any (or any combination) of one or more computing devices. Additionally, for example, one or more portions of method 1000 may be implemented as an algorithm on the hardware components of a device described herein (e.g., as shown in Figures 1 - 3 and / or 12) to detect gestures based on touch input. Figure 10 Elements are depicted for purposes of illustration and discussion as being executed in a particular order. Using the disclosure provided herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the elements of any method discussed herein may be adapted, rearranged, extended, omitted, combined, and / or modified in various ways without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. By way of example, elements / terms described with reference to other systems and figures are described Figure 10 , which is not meant to be limiting. One or more portions of method 1000 may additionally or alternatively be executed by other systems.

[0120] At (1002), touch data is obtained. For example, touch data indicating a touch input 902 to the capacitive touch sensor 102 can be obtained. The touch data can be at least partially based on a change in capacitance associated with two or more non-crossing wires 202. For example, a touch input 902 to the capacitive touch sensor 102 can be detected based on a change in capacitance associated with two or more non-crossing wires 202. Touch data indicating the touch input 902 can be generated in response to detecting a change in capacitance at the capacitive touch sensor 102. The touch data indicating the touch input 902 can include one or more touch input features associated with the touch input 902. One or more touch input features associated with the touch input 902 can be identified in response to detecting the touch input 902 to the capacitive touch sensor 102.

[0121] One or more touch input features can include at least one of the following: the order of two or more non-crossing wires 202, the number of two or more non-crossing wires 202, and / or one or more times corresponding to one or more of the two or more non-crossing wires 202. For example, the capacitive touch sensor 102 can include a wire pattern that defines one or more wire sequences. Each wire sequence can include one or more sequence features, such as the order of non-crossing wires, the number of non-crossing wires, and / or the spacing between two or more non-crossing wires. One or more touch input features can correspond to one or more sequence features of one or more wire sequences defined by a particular wire pattern.

[0122] At (1004), reference data 920 is obtained. For example, the reference data 920 can be stored in a reference database 915 and can be obtained by accessing the reference database 915. The reference data 920 can correspond to at least a first wire sequence, a second wire sequence, and / or a third wire sequence. For example, the reference data 920 can include data indicating one or more sequence features corresponding to at least one of the first wire sequence, the second wire sequence, and the third wire sequence.

[0123] At (1006), the touch data is compared with the reference data 920. For example, the touch data indicating the touch input 902 can be compared with the reference data 920 corresponding to at least a first wire sequence, a second wire sequence, and / or a third wire sequence. For example, comparing the touch data indicating the touch input 902 with the reference data 920 can include comparing the touch input features associated with the touch input 902 with the reference data 920. As an example, one or more touch input features can be compared with one or more sequence features corresponding to at least one of the first wire sequence, the second wire sequence, and the third wire sequence.

[0124] At (1008), a correspondence is detected between the touch input 902 and the reference data 920. For example, the correspondence between the touch input 902 and at least one of the first line sequence, the second line sequence, and / or the third line sequence can be detected based on comparing the touch data indicative of the touch input 902 with the reference data 920. For example, determining the correspondence between the touch input 902 and at least one of the first line sequence, the second line sequence, and / or the third line sequence based on comparing the touch data indicative of the touch input 902 with the reference data 920 can include determining one or more correspondence features.

[0125] For example, one or more correspondence features can be determined between the touch data indicative of the touch input 902 and at least one of the first line sequence, the second line sequence, and / or the third line sequence. The correspondence features can, for example, indicate a correspondence between at least one touch input feature and at least one sequence feature. For example, the correspondence features can indicate a touch input feature having a matching criterion and at least one sequence feature. The correspondence between the touch input 902 and at least one of the first line sequence, the second line sequence, and / or the third line sequence can be determined at least in part based on the number of correspondence features between the touch data indicative of the touch input 902 and each of the corresponding line sequences.

[0126] At least the first line sequence, the second line, or the third line sequence can be identified based on the touch data indicative of the touch input 902. For example, the first line sequence, the second line sequence, and / or the third line sequence can be identified in response to the touch input 902 to the capacitive touch sensor 102. For example, the first line sequence, the second line sequence, and / or the third line sequence can be identified based on the detected correspondence between the touch input 902 and the corresponding line sequence. Additionally or alternatively, the touch data indicative of the touch input 902 can be input into a machine-learned gesture model 925 that was previously trained using the reference data 920 as one or more constraints via one or more machine learning techniques. The machine-learned gesture model 925 can be configured to identify the first line sequence, the second line sequence, and / or the third line sequence in response to the touch input 902.

[0127] At (1010), a gesture corresponding to a line sequence is identified based on the detected correspondence. For example, a respective gesture corresponding to at least one of a first line sequence, a second line sequence, or a third line sequence can be determined. For example, a respective gesture corresponding to at least one of a first line sequence, a second line sequence, or a third line sequence can be identified based on detecting a correspondence between a touch input 902 and at least one of the respective line sequences. Additionally or alternatively, a machine-learned gesture model 925 can be configured to output a detection of a gesture based on a similarity between touch data indicative of the touch input 902 and reference data 920 associated with at least one of a first line sequence, a second line sequence, or a third line sequence. Touch data indicative of the touch input 902 can be input into the machine-learned gesture model 925 to obtain a respective gesture based on the touch input 902.

[0128] At (1012), one or more actions are initiated based on the identified gesture. For example, one or more computing devices can initiate one or more actions at least in part based on the respective gesture. For example, a detected gesture can be associated with a navigation command (e.g., up / down / sideways scrolling, page turning, etc.) in one or more user interfaces coupled to an interactive object 104 and / or any one of one or more remote computing devices (e.g., via a capacitive touch sensor 102, a controller, or both). Additionally or alternatively, the respective gesture can be used to initiate one or more predefined actions using one or more computing devices, such as dialing a number, sending a text message, playing a recording, etc.

[0129] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example method of fabricating a capacitive touch sensor 102 including two or more non-crossing wires 202 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In the example method 1100, a non-crossing wire pattern can be formed by positioning wires within the capacitive touch sensor 102.

[0130] At (1102), an object is provided. The object can include any of the interactive objects 104 previously referenced Figure 1 discussed. For example, the object can include a “flexible” object, including any type of flexible object made of fabric or a similar flexible material. Additionally or alternatively, the object can include a “hard” object, such as any type of “hard” or “rigid” object made of a non-flexible or semi-flexible material such as plastic, metal, aluminum, etc. Moreover, in some embodiments, the object can include any combination of “flexible” and “hard” objects, such as a shoe including a “flexible” fabric and a “hard” sole.

[0131] At (1104), two or more non-crossing conductors 202 are attached to an object to form at least a first conductor pattern at a first region of the capacitive touch sensor 102. The first conductor pattern defines a first line sequence of two or more non-crossing conductors, a second line sequence of two or more non-crossing conductors, and a third line sequence of two or more non-crossing conductors. At (1106), the first line sequence is defined relative to a first input direction. At (1108), the second line sequence is defined relative to a second input direction. And, at (1110), the third line sequence is defined relative to a third input direction.

[0132] For example, two or more non-crossing conductors 202 can extend along a longitudinal axis to define at least a first line sequence and a second line sequence at a first region of the capacitive touch sensor 102. The first input direction and the second input direction can be along a transverse axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. The first input direction and the second input direction can be opposite directions along the longitudinal axis.

[0133] Two or more non-crossing conductors 202 can extend along the transverse axis to define a third line sequence relative to a third input direction at a first region of the capacitive touch sensor 102. The third input direction can be orthogonal to the first input direction and the second input direction. For example, the third input direction can be along the longitudinal axis. In an example embodiment, the first conductor pattern can also define a fourth line sequence of two or more non-crossing conductors 202. The fourth line sequence can be defined relative to a fourth input direction along the longitudinal axis. The third input direction and the fourth input direction can be opposite directions along the longitudinal axis.

[0134] The first, second, third, and fourth input directions are described for illustrative purposes only. It should be understood that the conductor pattern can include any number of input directions and / or line sequences corresponding to the respective input directions. For example, in some embodiments, the conductor pattern can include at least a fifth line sequence associated with a fifth input direction and a sixth line sequence associated with a sixth input direction.

[0135] The conductor pattern defines each line sequence such that each of the first line sequence, the second line sequence, the third line sequence, and the fourth line sequence includes one or more corresponding sequence features. For example, one or more sequence features can include at least one of the following: the order of two or more non-crossing conductors 202, the number of two or more non-crossing conductors 202, and / or one or more distances between two or more non-crossing conductors 202. For example, one or more sequence features can include the order of two or more non-crossing conductors 202 at a portion of the first conductor pattern corresponding to at least one line sequence.

[0136] At (1112), loose ends of two or more non-crossing wires 202 are attached to one or more electronic components. For example, the wires 202 can be directly attached to the sensing circuit 210. In other examples, the wires 202 can be attached to one or more connectors that are connected to the sensing circuit 210. For example, the loose ends of the wires 202 can be gathered and organized into a ribbon to provide a pitch that matches the pitch of the connection points to the electronic components. The non-conductive material of the wires of the ribbon can be stripped to expose the conductive wires of the non-crossing wires 202. After stripping the non-conductive material, the connection points of the electronic components can be attached to the conductive wires. For example, the connection points of the electronic components can be bonded to the conductive wires of the ribbon. Then, the wires near the ribbon can be sealed using a UV-curable or heat-curable epoxy resin, and the electronic components and the ribbon can be encapsulated into the capacitive touch sensor 102 using a waterproof material such as plastic or polymer.

[0137] At (1114), reference data 920 is generated for each line sequence defined by two or more non-crossing wires. For example, the reference data 920 can include one or more sequence features associated with each line sequence defined by a particular wire pattern. For example, the reference data 920 for a particular wire pattern can be generated by identifying one or more sequence features associated with each line sequence defined by the particular wire pattern. In an example embodiment, the reference data 910 can be stored in a reference database 915.

[0138] At (1116), each line sequence defined by two or more non-crossing wires 202 is associated with a corresponding gesture. For example, the corresponding gesture for each line sequence defined by two or more non-crossing wires 202 can be determined based on the corresponding input direction associated with each line sequence. For example, the corresponding gesture can include a swipe on the touch capacitive sensor 102 in the corresponding input direction. The corresponding gestures can be stored in the reference database 915 corresponding to one or more corresponding line sequences.

[0139] Figure 12 Various components of an example computing system 1200 are shown that can implement any type of client, server, and / or computing device described herein. In an embodiment, the computing system 1200 can be implemented as one or a combination of a wired and / or wireless wearable device, a system-on-chip (SoC), and / or can be implemented as another type of device or a part thereof. The computing system 1200 can also be associated with a user (e.g., a person) and / or an entity operating the device such that the device description includes a logical device of the user, software, firmware, and / or a combination of devices.

[0140] The computing system 1200 includes a communication interface 1260 that enables wired and / or wireless communication of data 1230 (e.g., received data, data being received, data scheduled for broadcast, data packets of data, etc.). The data 1230 may include configuration settings of the device, media content stored on the device, and / or information associated with a user of the device. The media content stored on the computing system 1200 may include any type of audio, video, and / or image data. The computing system 1200 includes one or more data inputs through which any type of data, media content, and / or input can be received, such as human speech, touch data generated by a capacitive touch sensor 102, user-selectable inputs (explicit or implicit), messages, music, television media content, recorded video content, and any other type of audio, video, and / or image data received from any content and / or data source.

[0141] The communication interface may be implemented as any one or more of a serial and / or parallel interface, a wireless interface, any type of network interface, a modem, and implemented as any other type of communication interface. The communication interface provides a connection and / or communication link between the computing system 1200 and a communication network through which other electronic, computing, and communication devices communicate data with the computing system 1200.

[0142] The computing system 1200 includes one or more processors 1210 (e.g., any one of a microprocessor, a controller, etc.) that process various computer-executable instructions to control the operation of the computing system 1200 and enable the implementation of techniques that are used by or can be implemented by an interactive object such as an interactive object 104. Alternatively or additionally, the computing system 1200 may be implemented using any one or combination of hardware, firmware, or fixed logic circuits implemented in combination with processing and control circuitry. Although not shown, the computing system 1200 may include a system bus or data transfer system that couples the various components within the device. The system bus may include any one or combination of different bus structures, such as a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, a universal serial bus, and / or a processor or local bus utilizing any one of various bus architectures.

[0143] The computing system 1200 also includes a memory 1220, which may include computer-readable media, such as one or more storage devices enabling persistent and / or non-transitory data storage (i.e., as opposed to only signal transmission), examples of which include random access memory (RAM), non-volatile memory (e.g., any one or more of read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, EPROM, EEPROM, etc.), and disk storage devices. The disk storage device may be implemented as any type of magnetic or optical storage device, such as a hard disk drive, a recordable and / or rewritable compact disc (CD), any type of digital versatile disc (DVD), etc. The memory 1220 may also include a mass storage media device of the computing system 1200.

[0144] The computer-readable media provides a data storage mechanism for storing device data, as well as computer-readable instructions 1240 that may implement various device applications and any other type of information and / or data related to the operational aspects of the computing system 1200. For example, an operating system may be maintained as a computer application having computer-readable media and executed on the processor 1210. Device applications may include device managers, such as any form of control application, software application, signal processing and control module, code inherent to a particular device, a hardware abstraction layer for a particular device, and so on.

[0145] The memory 1220 may also include a gesture manager 1250. The gesture manager 1250 is capable of interacting with an application through the capacitive touch sensor 102 to activate various functions associated with the computing device 106 and / or the application through touch inputs (e.g., gestures) received by the interactive object 104. The gesture manager 1250 may be implemented at the computing device 106 local to the interactive object 104 or remote from the interactive object 104.

[0146] The techniques discussed herein refer to servers, databases, software applications, and other computer-based systems, as well as actions taken and information sent to and from such systems. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the inherent flexibility of computer-based systems allows for many possible configurations, combinations, and divisions of tasks and functions among and within components. For example, the server processes discussed herein may be implemented using a single server or multiple servers working in combination. Databases and applications may be implemented on a single system or distributed across multiple systems. Distributed components may operate sequentially or in parallel.

[0147] Although the present subject matter has been described in detail with respect to specific example embodiments thereof, it should be understood that those skilled in the art can readily generate alternatives, variations, and equivalents to such embodiments upon understanding the foregoing. Accordingly, as will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, the scope of the present disclosure is by way of example and not by way of limitation, and the present disclosure does not exclude including such modifications, variations, and / or additions to the present subject matter.

Claims

1. A computing system, comprising a touch sensor, the touch sensor including two or more non - crossing wires, the two or more non - crossing wires forming at least a first wire pattern at at least a first region of the touch sensor, wherein, The first wire pattern includes a first line sequence of the two or more non-crossing wires relative to a first input direction, a second line sequence of the two or more non-crossing wires relative to a second input direction, and a third line sequence of the two or more non-crossing wires relative to a third input direction; One or more computer-readable media storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations including: Obtaining touch data indicative of a touch input to the touch sensor, the touch data being at least partially based on responses associated with the two or more non-crossing wires; Identifying at least one of the first line sequence, the second line sequence, or the third line sequence based on the touch data; and Determining a corresponding gesture corresponding to at least one of the first line sequence, the second line sequence, or the third line sequence, wherein the first input direction and the second input direction are opposite directions along a common axis, and wherein the third input direction has a direction component orthogonal to the first input direction and the second input direction.

2. The computing system according to claim 1, wherein, The two or more non-crossing wires extend in at least a first direction to define at least the first line sequence and the second line sequence at the first region of the touch sensor.

3. The computing system according to claim 2, wherein, The two or more non-crossing wires extend along at least a second direction to define at least a third line sequence at the first region of the touch sensor.

4. The computing system according to claim 1, wherein, The first wire pattern includes a fourth line sequence of the two or more non-crossing wires relative to a fourth input direction, and wherein the third input direction and the fourth input direction are opposite directions along a common axis.

5. The computing system according to claim 1, wherein, The first line sequence, the second line sequence, and the third line sequence each include one or more sequence features.

6. The computing system according to claim 5, wherein, The one or more sequence features include at least one of the following: the order of the two or more non-crossing wires, the number of the two or more non-crossing wires, or one or more distances between the two or more non-crossing wires.

7. The computing system according to claim 6, wherein, The one or more sequence features include the order of the two or more non-crossing wires at a portion of the first wire pattern corresponding to at least one line sequence.

8. A computer - implemented method for determining a user gesture, comprising: Data indicative of a touch input to a touch sensor is obtained by one or more computing devices, the touch sensor including two or more non-crossing wires forming at least a first line sequence relative to a first input direction, a second line sequence relative to a second input direction, and a third line sequence relative to a third input direction at a first region of the touch sensor; The one or more computing devices compare the data indicative of the touch input with reference data corresponding to the first line sequence, the second line sequence, and the third line sequence; The one or more computing devices detect a correspondence between the touch input and at least one of the first line sequence, the second line sequence, or the third line sequence based on comparing the data indicative of the touch input with the reference data; identifying, by the one or more computing devices, a corresponding gesture corresponding to at least one of the first line sequence, the second line sequence, or the third line sequence based on detecting the correspondence; and initiating, by the one or more computing devices, one or more actions based at least in part on the corresponding gesture, wherein the first input direction and the second input direction are opposite directions along a common axis, and wherein the third input direction has a direction component orthogonal to the first input direction and the second input direction.

9. The computer - implemented method according to claim 8, further comprising: identifying, by the one or more computing devices, one or more touch input features associated with the touch input.

10. The computer - implemented method according to claim 9, wherein, The one or more touch input features include at least one of the following: the order of the two or more non-crossing wires, the number of the two or more non-crossing wires, and one or more times corresponding to one or more of the two or more non-crossing wires.

11. The computer - implemented method according to claim 8, wherein, The reference data includes data indicating one or more sequence features corresponding to at least one of the first line sequence, the second line sequence, or the third line sequence.

12. The computer-implemented method according to claim 9, wherein, Comparing the touch input with the reference data includes: comparing, by the one or more computing devices, one or more touch input features with one or more sequence features corresponding to at least one of the first line sequence, the second line sequence, or the third line sequence.

13. The computer-implemented method according to claim 12, wherein, Determining a correspondence between the touch input and at least one of the first line sequence, the second line sequence, or the third line sequence based on comparing data indicative of the touch input with the reference data includes: determining, by the one or more computing devices, one or more correspondence features between data indicative of the touch input and at least one of the first line sequence, the second line sequence, or the third line sequence, the correspondence features indicating a correspondence between at least one touch input feature and at least one sequence feature; and determining, by the one or more computing devices, a correspondence between the touch input and at least one of the first line sequence, the second line sequence, or the third line sequence based at least in part on the number of correspondence features between data indicative of the touch input and each of the corresponding line sequences.

14. A computing device, comprising: one or more processors; one or more communication interfaces communicatively coupled to at least one touch sensor, the at least one touch sensor including two or more non-crossing wires that form at a first region of the at least one touch sensor a first line sequence relative to a first input direction, a second line sequence relative to a second input direction, and a third line sequence relative to a third input direction; and one or more computer-readable media storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform operations including: detecting a touch input to the touch sensor based on a response associated with the two or more non-crossing wires; Identify at least one of the first line sequence, the second line sequence, or the third line sequence in response to a touch input to the touch sensor; Determine a corresponding gesture corresponding to at least one of the first line sequence, the second line sequence, or the third line sequence; and Initiate one or more actions based at least in part on the corresponding gesture, wherein the first input direction and the second input direction are opposite directions along a common axis; and wherein the third input direction has a direction component orthogonal to the first input direction and the second input direction.

15. The computing device according to claim 14, further comprising a reference database, the reference database including reference data indicating one or more sequence features corresponding to at least one of the first line sequence, the second line sequence, or the third line sequence.

16. The computing device according to claim 15, wherein, Identifying at least one of the first line sequence, the second line sequence, or the third line sequence in response to a touch input to the touch sensor includes: Obtain data indicating a touch input to the touch sensor; Input the data indicating the touch input into a machine learning gesture model configured to detect the first line sequence, the second line sequence, or the third line sequence in response to the touch input, the machine learning gesture model having been previously trained using the reference data as one or more constraints via one or more machine learning techniques.

17. The computing device according to claim 16, wherein, The machine learning gesture model is configured to output a detection of a gesture based on a similarity between the data indicating the touch input and reference data associated with at least one of the first line sequence, the second line sequence, or the third line sequence.

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