Touch sensor with multi-state electrodes

Abstract

In some embodiments, a method for detecting a portion of a user's body can be provided. The method can be performed by a system comprising a plurality of cells, each of the plurality of cells comprising a transmitting electrode and a receiving electrode. The method can comprise, in a first time slot, applying a first drive signal to the transmitting electrode of a first cell and receiving a first measurement signal using the receiving electrode of the first cell. The method can further comprise, in a second time slot, applying a second drive signal to the transmitting electrode of the first cell and receiving a second measurement signal using the receiving electrode of the first cell. The second drive signal can be inverted relative to the first drive signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to sensors for electronically sensing objects (such as the position or characteristics of a finger) located near or around a sensor. Background Technology

[0002] Sensors can be used to detect the presence of objects located in or around the sensor. Such sensors can be configured to sense the electrical characteristics of objects to detect the presence or location of objects in or around the sensor, the physical characteristics of the objects, their shape, texture on the object's surface, material composition, biometric information, and other features and characteristics of the sensed object. For example, a sensor can be configured to detect the presence or location of a user's finger, or, in the exemplary case of a fingerprint sensor, to detect one or more features of the user's finger (e.g., ridges).

[0003] Capacitive touch sensors (as used herein, the term "touch sensor" encompasses any sensor configured to detect the presence or location of a user's finger or other body part, and includes, but is not limited to, fingerprint sensors) can be designed as mutual capacitance sensors or self-capacitance sensors. In some self-capacitance sensors, a grid of electrodes can be arranged, with each electrode representing a corresponding pixel. Among other benefits, self-capacitance sensors can also provide superior image quality compared to mutual capacitance sensors. However, self-capacitance sensors have limitations because they typically require a drive ring or dedicated electrode to apply a driving signal to the user's finger. These drive rings and / or dedicated drive electrodes increase the size and cost of the sensor, and when incorporated into a sensor grid, they create sensor areas that are unresponsive to touch. Furthermore, in embodiments where each pixel corresponds to an independent electrode, it can be difficult to route the received signals from each electrode to the receiving circuitry system for analysis, especially as the size of the sensor grid increases.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for self-capacitance sensors that can operate without the use of a drive ring or dedicated drive electrodes and can also provide improved signal routing. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The following is a simplified overview to provide a basic understanding of some aspects described herein. This invention is not a broad overview of the claimed subject matter. It is neither intended to identify key or critical elements of the claimed subject matter nor to describe its scope. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that follows.

[0006] In some embodiments, a method for detecting a part of a user's body can be provided. The method can be performed by a system comprising multiple units, each unit including a transmitting electrode and a receiving electrode. The method may include, in a first time slot, applying a first drive signal to the transmitting electrode of the first unit and receiving a first measurement signal using the receiving electrode of the first unit. The method may further include, in a second time slot, applying a second drive signal to the transmitting electrode of the first unit and receiving a second measurement signal using the receiving electrode of the first unit. The second drive signal may be inverted relative to the first drive signal.

[0007] In another embodiment, a system for detecting a part of a user's body can be provided. The system may include a plurality of units, including at least a first unit and a second unit. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of units may include a corresponding transmitting electrode configured to selectively apply a first driving signal. The corresponding transmitting electrode may also be configured to selectively apply a second driving signal inverted relative to the first driving signal. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of units may also include a corresponding receiving electrode. The system may be configured to apply the first driving signal to the transmitting electrode of the first unit in a first time slot and receive a first measurement signal using the receiving electrode of the first unit in the first time slot. The system may also be configured to apply the second driving signal to the transmitting electrode of the first unit in a second time slot and receive a second measurement signal using the receiving electrode of the first unit in the second time slot.

[0008] Further variations covered within the systems and methods are described in the following detailed description of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0009] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate various non-limiting embodiments of the invention. In the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate the same or functionally similar elements.

[0010] Figure 1 An exemplary schematic diagram of a touch sensor is depicted.

[0011] Figure 2A and 2B The illustration shows a sensor that uses an exemplary modulation technique to perform measurements using electrodes.

[0012] Figure 3 It is shown that it is used to provide such as Figure 2A and 2B A schematic diagram of an exemplary circuit system in a state similar to that shown.

[0013] Figure 4A and 4BThe illustration shows a sensor that uses another exemplary modulation technique to perform measurements.

[0014] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of an exemplary multi-state electrode is shown.

[0015] Figure 6 An exemplary schematic diagram of a sensor with a grid of multi-state electrodes is shown.

[0016] Figure 7 Another exemplary schematic diagram of a sensor with a grid of multi-state electrodes is shown.

[0017] Figure 8A This is a top view of an exemplary multi-state electrode 110.

[0018] Figure 8B A cross-sectional view of the same electrode 110 taken along line 8B-8B is shown.

[0019] Figure 9 Another exemplary arrangement of a system with multi-state electrodes is illustrated.

[0020] Figure 10 Another exemplary arrangement of a system with multi-state electrodes is illustrated.

[0021] Figure 11A-11B Another exemplary arrangement of a system with multi-state electrodes is illustrated.

[0022] Figure 12 A pictogram of an exemplary sensor system is shown.

[0023] Figure 13 An exemplary method 500 for performing measurements using a sensor system with multi-state electrodes is illustrated.

[0024] Figure 14 Another exemplary embodiment of the sensor is illustrated.

[0025] Figure 15 An exemplary method 600 for detecting a part of a user's body or other elements is illustrated. Detailed Implementation

[0026] While various aspects of the subject matter of this disclosure may be implemented in many forms, the following description and accompanying drawings are intended only to disclose some of these forms as specific examples of the subject matter. Therefore, the subject matter of this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the forms or embodiments described and illustrated as such.

[0027] Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms, symbols, and other technical terms or proper nouns used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. All patents, applications, published applications, and other publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. If any definition set forth in this section contradicts or is inconsistent with a definition set forth in a patent, application, published application, or other publication incorporated herein by reference, the definition set forth in this section shall prevail.

[0028] Unless otherwise indicated or implied by the context, as used herein, “a” or “an” means “at least one” or “one or more”.

[0029] This description may use relative spatial and / or orientation terms to describe the location and / or orientation of components, devices, locations, features, or portions thereof. Unless otherwise specified or provided by the context of this description, such terms (including, but not limited to, top, bottom, above, below, under, on top of, up, down, left, right, in front of, behind, beside, adjacent, between, horizontal, vertical, diagonal, longitudinal, transverse, radial, axial, etc.) are used for convenience of reference to such components, devices, locations, features, or portions thereof in the accompanying drawings and are not intended to be limiting.

[0030] Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, any specific dimension mentioned in this description represents only exemplary implementations of devices that implement aspects of this disclosure and is not intended to be limiting.

[0031] As used in this article, the term "adjacent" means next to or adjacent to.

[0032] As used herein, the terms “substantially” and “essentially” refer to a considerable degree or extent. For example, when used in conjunction with an event, situation, feature, or characteristic, these terms may refer to instances in which the event, situation, feature, or characteristic happens exactly, and instances in which the event, situation, feature, or characteristic is very close to happening, such as considering the typical level of tolerance or variability of the embodiments described herein.

[0033] As used herein, the terms “optional” and “optionally” mean that the components, structures, elements, events, situations, features, characteristics, etc., subsequently described may or may not be included or occur, and this description includes instances where components, structures, elements, events, situations, features, characteristics, etc. are included or occur, as well as instances where components, structures, elements, events, situations, features, characteristics, etc. are not included or do not occur.

[0034] As used herein, the term “noise” broadly includes interference generated by any of a variety of random processes (e.g., flicker noise, shot noise) as well as interference that is substantially unrelated to the acquired signal or the acquisition method.

[0035] As those skilled in the art will understand, this disclosure can be incorporated into any suitable sensor. Such exemplary sensors may include touchscreens, fingerprint sensors, or other sensors configured to detect the location of an object or its features. For illustrative and not limiting purposes, the following disclosure discusses embodiments of a two-dimensional sensor configured to detect the position of a user's finger or a portion thereof.

[0036] In sensors such as touchscreens and fingerprint sensors, noise can interfere with measurement accuracy. Therefore, minimizing noise as much as possible is desirable. For example, in U.S. Patent No. 9,779,280, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, a system combining a reference electrode and a compensation electrode with a differential amplifier is used to improve the suppression of typical conducted and radiated noise sources found in sensors such as fingerprint sensors. As disclosed in U.S. Patent Applications Nos. 15 / 869,214 and 16 / 108,875, signals corresponding to pixel groups can be modulated and demodulated according to patterns to compensate for common-mode noise. Disclosed in this application are sensor and modulation techniques that can be used to acquire data with improved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and / or signal-to-interference ratio (SIR) and at reduced cost. These sensor and modulation techniques can optionally be used in conjunction with the techniques disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,779,280 and U.S. Patent Applications Nos. 15 / 869,214 and 16 / 108,875.

[0037] Figure 1 An exemplary schematic diagram of a touch sensor 100 is depicted. In this embodiment, the sensor 100 is shown as a self-capacitance sensor with an active substrate. The sensor may include one or more electrodes 110, which may be configured to capacitively couple to a user's finger or other element to be sensed. Signals derived from the results of the one or more electrodes 110 may be transmitted to a receiver 128, which in some embodiments may be an analog front end (AFE).

[0038] In some embodiments, one or more receivers 128 may be arranged to receive signals from a plurality of electrodes 110. In such cases, it is advantageous to provide a circuitry that can determine the source of any given signal, thereby allowing the received signal to be mapped to a corresponding location in the sensor grid. In some embodiments, the control layer 120 may include one or more gate drivers 122, which may be arranged to selectively apply signals to toggle switches 124 between on and off states. In some embodiments, one or more of the switches 124 may be thin-film transistors (TFTs). Each electrode 110 may be connected to the source line 121 of the control layer 120 via a corresponding via 126, which may lead to a terminal of the corresponding switch 124. Thus, when the corresponding switch 124 is in the closed state (which may be controlled by the gate driver 122), the signal received by the electrode 110 may be transmitted to the receiver 128. Conversely, when the corresponding switch 124 is in the open state, the signal received by the electrode is not transmitted to the receiver 128. In this way, electrodes or groups of electrodes (e.g., rows, columns, or other groups) can be sampled in their respective time slots, and the resulting data can be accurately mapped to the location from which the signal was received. Optionally, the received signals can pass through multiplexer 129 before being passed to receiver 128.

[0039] To reduce parasitic coupling between electrode 110 and source line 121, in some embodiments, an optional shielding layer 130 may be provided between the electrode layer and the control layer 120. In some embodiments, via 126 may pass through a hole in the shielding layer 130, allowing signals from electrode 110 to be transmitted to the control layer 120.

[0040] Such as Figure 1 Sensors like the one shown can detect the presence of an object (e.g., a user's finger or other element) by measuring the capacitance between the corresponding electrode 110 and the object. There are several ways to measure this capacitance. In some embodiments, a drive signal can be applied to the object to create a voltage difference between the object and one or more electrodes sampled in a given time slot. In some embodiments, one or more dedicated structures (such as one or more dedicated drive electrodes within a sensing region or a ring of meshes that partially or completely surrounds the sensing region or sensing electrodes) apply this drive signal. However, these dedicated structures negatively impact the sensor's cost, size, and sensitivity.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, one or more of the electrodes 110 may be used to provide a voltage difference between an object and one or more electrodes 110 that will be sampled in a given time slot. In other embodiments, a drive signal may be applied to one or more electrodes adjacent to the electrode to be sampled in a given time slot, such that the presence of an object near the sampled electrode will modulate the mutual capacitance between the sampled electrode and the adjacent electrode to which the drive signal has been applied. These and other techniques are described in detail herein.

[0042] Figure 2A and 2B Figures 3, 4A, and 4B illustrate exemplary sensors in which some or all of the electrodes have multiple states. In some embodiments, the multiple states may include a first state in which a drive signal is applied to a corresponding electrode and a second state in which the drive signal is not applied to the corresponding electrode. Additional states and sub-states may be provided, as described in more detail below. In some embodiments, all electrodes within the sensing area of ​​the sensor may have multiple states. In other embodiments, only some of the electrodes may have multiple states, while the other electrodes may be dedicated drive electrodes, dedicated sensing electrodes, or dedicated ground electrodes.

[0043] exist Figure 2A and 2B In each of 3, 4A, and 4B, the electrode shown in white can be grounded in the corresponding time slot, the electrode shown in stripes can be in a sensing state in the corresponding time slot, and the electrode shown in black with white dots can be driven in the corresponding time slot. As reflected in these figures, the electrodes of the sensor can be divided into logical groups, which can be in a sensing state, driven, or grounded together in any given time slot. Although these figures illustrate rows of electrodes in a sensing state, driven, or grounded together, any other suitable logical grouping scheme can be used. For example, columns can be used in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the electrodes can be grouped into clusters, or these groups can be interleaved or otherwise distributed across the sensor grid.

[0044] Figure 2A and 2B The illustration shows a sensor that uses an exemplary modulation technique to perform measurements using electrodes. Figure 2A The first time slot according to this modulation technique is shown, while Figure 2B A second time slot according to this modulation technique is shown. In some embodiments, the two time slots may be adjacent to each other (e.g., the first time slot may immediately precede or immediately follow the second time slot), but this is not required. For simplicity, exemplary electrode sets 112a, 112b, 112c, 112d, and 112e are discussed, but other electrode sets (which may optionally be a single electrode, such as...) Figure 2A and2B The rows of electrodes shown (or other logical groups of electrodes) may be included in modulation techniques.

[0045] exist Figure 2A In the first time slot shown, the electrode assembly 112b can be in a sensing state suitable for performing measurements. In this sensing state, the electrodes of assembly 112b can be configured to perform measurements upon application of a drive signal. Applying this drive signal to the electrodes of assembly 112b can generate a voltage difference between these electrodes and the object to be sensed, which allows for measurable changes in capacitance depending on the proximity of the object (e.g., ridges in a fingerprint can produce values ​​different from valleys). In this way, measurements can be obtained without using a dedicated drive ring or other dedicated drive electrodes. In the first time slot, as... Figure 2A As shown, electrode sets 112a and 112c, which may be adjacent to the electrodes of set 112b, may optionally be in a driven but non-sensing state. Providing driven but non-sensing electrodes 112a and 112c adjacent to the driven and sensing electrodes 112b can reduce the distance between the sensing electrodes of set 112b and one or more ground electrodes elsewhere on the sensor (e.g., electrode sets 112d, 112e and...). Figure 2A The mutual capacitance between the other electrodes (shown in white in the image). These surrounding electrode sets (112a, 112c in this time slot) can therefore act as guard lines, surrounding one or more electrodes in a sensing state within a given time slot and helping to isolate the signal of interest (here, the capacitance between the sensing electrode and the object to be sensed). Figure 2A The remaining electrodes, shown in white, can optionally be grounded during this time slot. Grounding these electrodes can advantageously save power, and it also reduces the extent to which drive signals are transmitted to the object being sensed, which would otherwise interfere with sensor measurements.

[0046] exist Figure 2B In the second time slot shown (which may immediately precede, immediately follow, or be separated from the first time slot by one or more intermediate time slots), electrode set 112d may be in a sensing state, such that the electrodes of set 112d can be configured to perform measurements when a drive signal is applied. Electrode sets 112c and 112e may be guard lines in a driven but non-sensing state. The remaining electrode sets 112a, 112b, and other electrodes may optionally be in a grounded state.

[0047] As those skilled in the art will understand, additional sets of electrodes may be in a sensing state (or grounded or used as guard lines) in additional time slots. In some embodiments, the electrode sets may be iterated one time slot at a time until all desired electrodes have been in a sensing state. In embodiments where the electrode sets are logically grouped by line, the sensing sets may be progressed one time slot at a time across the sensor grid line by line until all desired lines have been in a sensing state.

[0048] Figure 3 It is shown that it is used to provide information such as the above regarding Figure 2A and 2B A schematic diagram of an exemplary circuit system for states such as those described. Figure 3 Depicting and Figure 2A The same time slot shown, but Figure 3 The connections shown can be gradually switched to other electrode sets according to the modulation technique described above to apply sensing, protection, and grounding states. Figure 6 Depicting what can be with Figure 3 (Exemplary switch arrangement used in conjunction with the circuit system.) In some embodiments, the drive signal can be applied by power supply 206. Power supply 206 can be directly or indirectly coupled to the electrodes of collections 112a and / or 112c. Power supply 206 can also be coupled to a first terminal of AFE 204. The electrodes of a second collection 112b, which can be in a driven-sensing state during this time slot, can be coupled to a second terminal of AFE 204. Circuit elements such as capacitors and / or reset switches can be provided as parallel connections between the electrodes of collection 112b and the output 202 of AFE 204.

[0049] AFE 204 can be configured to generate output 202 such that the voltage at the second terminal of AFE 204 is substantially equal to the voltage at the first terminal of AFE 204. The magnitude of the output signal 202 necessary to achieve this equality can vary based on the proximity of the object to be sensed, which can form a capacitance to the electrodes of assembly 112b. In this way, output 202 can vary according to the proximity of the object to be sensed. In subsequent time slots, the first and second terminals can be iteratively coupled to different sets of electrodes, thereby allowing some or all of the electrodes of the sensor grid to perform measurements.

[0050] Figure 4A and 4B The illustration shows a sensor that uses another exemplary modulation technique to perform measurements. Figure 4A The first time slot according to this modulation technique is shown, while Figure 4BA second time slot according to this modulation technique is shown. In some embodiments, the two time slots may be adjacent to each other (e.g., the first time slot may immediately precede or immediately follow the second time slot), but this is not required. For simplicity, exemplary electrode sets 114a, 114b, 114c, and 114d are discussed, but other electrode sets (which may optionally be a single electrode, such as...) Figure 4A and 4B The lines of the electrodes shown (or other logical groups of electrodes) may be included in the modulation technique.

[0051] exist Figure 4A In the first time slot shown, the set of electrodes 114b can be in a sensing state. In this sensing state, the electrodes of set 114b can be floating, allowing them to receive signals that can be received from (or modulated by) the object to be sensed. Figure 4A The electrodes shown in black (including electrode assembly 114d) can be in a driven state, such that a drive signal is applied to these electrodes during a first time slot. By applying the drive signal to these electrodes (in some embodiments, this may represent most of the electrodes in the sensor), the object to be sensed can be coupled to the drive signal. In this way, a voltage difference can be generated between the object and the electrodes of assembly 114b, which can be used to perform a measurement in this time slot, and the signal received from electrode assembly 114b can therefore indicate the presence or proximity of the object.

[0052] exist Figure 4A In the first time slot shown, electrode sets 114a and 114c, which may be adjacent to the electrode set 114b, may optionally be grounded. Providing a grounded electrode adjacent to the detection electrode 114b can reduce the distance between the detection electrode of set 114b and one or more drive electrodes elsewhere on the sensor (e.g., electrode sets 114d and...). Figure 2A The mutual capacitance between the other electrodes (shown in white in the image). These surrounding electrode sets (114a, 114c in this time slot) can therefore act as guard lines, which can surround one or more electrodes in the sensing state in a given time slot and help isolate the signal of interest (here, the capacitance between the detection electrode and the object to be sensed).

[0053] In other embodiments, the surrounding rows 114a, 114c may instead be driven. In some embodiments, this can generate mutual capacitance between the detection electrodes of set 114b and the driving electrodes of sets 114a, 114c. This mutual capacitance is modified when an object (such as a user's finger) approaches one of the detection electrodes. In this way, the electrodes of set 114b can thus receive both self-capacitance and mutual capacitance signals, both of which can indicate the presence or proximity of an object.

[0054] exist Figure 4B In the second time slot shown (which may immediately precede, immediately follow, or be separated from the first time slot by one or more intermediate time slots), the electrode assembly 112c may be in a sensing state. In this sensing state, the electrodes of the assembly 114c may be floating, allowing them to receive signals that can be received from (or modulated by) the object to be sensed. Figure 4B The electrodes shown in black (including electrode set 114a) can be in a driven state, such that a drive signal is applied to these electrodes during the second time slot. Electrode sets 114b and 114d can optionally be guard lines grounded to help isolate self-capacitance signals. Alternatively, the electrodes of sets 114b and 114d can be driven to generate mutual capacitance signals that can indicate the presence or proximity of an object.

[0055] As those skilled in the art will understand, additional sets of electrodes may be in a sensing state (or grounded or used as guard lines) in additional time slots. In some embodiments, the electrode sets may be iterated one time slot at a time until measurements have been collected from all desired electrodes. In embodiments where electrode sets are logically grouped by line, the sensing set may be progressed one time slot at a time across the sensor grid line by line until all desired lines have been in a sensing state.

[0056] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of an exemplary multi-state electrode 110 is shown. Such as Figure 5 The multi-state electrodes shown can be used in any suitable modulation technique, including but not limited to those referenced above. Figure 4A and 4B The described technology. In the illustrated embodiment, electrode 110 may have four states, each of which may be selectively controlled by switches 332a, 332b, 332c, and 332d. When switch 332a is closed, the electrode may be electrically connected to shield 140. In some embodiments, shield 140 may help isolate electrode 110 from output lines 314a and 314b. In some embodiments, shield 140 may be coplanar with one, some, or each of electrode 110 and output lines 314a and 314b. In some embodiments, shield 140 may be grounded. In other embodiments, as discussed in more detail below (including but not limited to with respect to Figures 8-11), shield 140 may be selectively driven or selectively grounded, such that closing switch 332a may selectively cause electrode 110 to be driven or grounded. When switch 332d is closed, the electrode may be electrically connected to a drive signal applied by power supply 320. In embodiments where shield is selectively driven by power supply, switch 332d may be optionally omitted.

[0057] When switch 332b is closed, electrode 110 can be electrically connected to the first output line 314a. When switch 332c is closed, electrode 110 can be electrically connected to the second output line 314b. See below for reference. Figure 6 and 7 The output lines 314a and 314b discussed herein can be selectively connected to an array of electrodes, for example, along a given row or column of a sensor grid. When the switch 312 corresponding to the output lines 314a and 314b is closed, output line 314a can be connected to a first receiving line 316a, and output line 314b can be connected to a second receiving line 316b. The two receiving lines 316a and 316b can be connected to corresponding terminals of AFE 310. For example, receiving line 316a can be connected to the positive terminal of AFE 310, and receiving line 316b can be connected to the negative terminal of AFE 310. In some embodiments, AFE 310 can be a differential receiver. In some embodiments, the output from AFE 310 can indicate the difference between the signals received from output lines 316a and 316b.

[0058] In some embodiments, output line 314a can act as a positive output line, while output line 314b can act as a negative output line. This allows the measurement signal received by electrode 110 to be selectively routed to either the positive or negative terminal of AFE 310, depending on which of switches 332b and 332c is closed. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, when switches 332b and 312 are closed, the signal received by electrode 110 can be transmitted to the positive terminal of AFE 310 (in this case, electrode 110 can be in a positive sensing state). When switch 332c is closed, the signal received by electrode 110 can be transmitted to the negative terminal of AFE 310 (in this case, electrode 110 can be in a negative sensing state). Switches 332a, 332b, 332c, and 332d can be controlled by one or more gate drivers 330, which can apply signals to the switches via gate lines 331a, 331b, 331c, and 331d. In some embodiments, the gate driver 330 may selectively close only one of switches 332a, 332b, 332c, and 332d in any given time slot. In some embodiments, switches 332a, 332b, 332c, and 332d may selectively close in an order determined by a modulation mode, which may include, for example, a code division multiplexing (CDM) mode.

[0059] Although Figure 5The multi-state electrode 110 is shown as having four switches corresponding to four states, but different numbers of switches or states can be provided. As an example, a single switch can be used to ground the electrode, drive the electrode, and / or place the electrode in a sensing state, depending on the signal provided along the path. Similarly, in some modulation techniques, it may not be necessary to ground the electrode, or it may not be necessary to have multiple sensing states (e.g., a single sensing state can be used instead of positive and negative sensing states). As an example, according to... Figure 4A and 4B The variant of the modulation technique shown, which does not use a guard wire, may not require grounding the electrodes, and in this variant, the grounding state can optionally be omitted. Therefore, using... Figure 5 Any combination of the switches and states shown is permitted to meet the needs of any given application.

[0060] Figure 6 An exemplary schematic diagram of a sensor with a grid of multi-state electrodes is shown. Figure 6 The multi-state electrode in the diagram is shown as having four states and four switches, as referenced above. Figure 5 Specifically, each of electrodes 110a-110i may have a ground state, a drive state, a positive sensing state, and a negative sensing state. As discussed above, any of these states may be omitted or modified as needed for any given application.

[0061] like Figure 6 As shown, each of the electrodes 110a-110c, which can be aligned in the first column, can be selectively connected to any one of the first column output lines 314a, 314b. The first column output lines 314a, 314b can be selectively connected to receiver lines 316a, 316b via the first column switch 312a. The two receiver lines 316a, 316b can be connected to corresponding terminals of the AFE 310. For example, receiver line 316a can be connected to the positive terminal of the AFE 310, and receiver line 316b can be connected to the negative terminal of the AFE 310. Each of the electrodes 110d-110f, which can be aligned in the second column, can be selectively connected to any one of the second column output lines 314c, 314d. The second column output lines 314c, 314d can be selectively connected to receiver lines 316a, 316b via the second column switch 312b. The third column of electrodes 110g-110i can be similarly connected to the receiving lines 316a, 316b via switch 312c. Additional rows and columns can be added in the same manner as needed to achieve the desired sensor size or resolution.

[0062] By arranging the electrodes in this manner, any given electrode in the grid can be selectively switched to a positive sensing state or a negative sensing state. Specifically, one or more rows of electrodes receiving signals from them in a given time slot can be controlled by switches 312a, 312b, and 312c. Simultaneously, in response to a control signal from gate driver 330a, rows of electrodes can be selectively coupled to corresponding output lines 314. For example, when a signal is applied to gate line 331a, each of the electrodes 110a, 110d, and 110g in the first row can be connected to the corresponding positive output lines 314a, 314b, and 314c. Similarly, when a signal is applied to gate line 331b, each of the electrodes 110a, 110d, and 110g in the first row can be connected to the corresponding negative output lines 314b, 314d, and 314f. In either case, the system can control which of the first row of electrodes 110a, 110d, and 110g is in a sensing state in a given time slot by controlling switches 312a, 312b, and 312c. This method can be used to selectively perform measurements from any of the positive or negative states of electrodes 110a-110i.

[0063] In some embodiments, the second gate driver 330b can be used to selectively control the ground and / or drive states. In some embodiments, the gate driver 330b can selectively control the ground and / or drive states on a column-by-column basis. For example, when switch 334a is closed, each of the electrodes 110a, 110b, and 110c in the first column can be connected to power supply 320, which can apply a drive signal. Similarly, when switch 334c or switch 334e is closed, the electrodes in the second or third column can be coupled to power supply, which can apply a drive signal to these electrodes. When switch 334b ​​is closed, each of the electrodes 110a-110c in the first column can be connected to a corresponding shield 140, which, in some embodiments, can be grounded. Similarly, when switch 334d or 334f is closed, the electrodes in the second or third column can be coupled to a shield and / or grounded, respectively.

[0064] Figure 7 Another exemplary schematic diagram of a sensor with a grid of multi-state electrodes is shown. Figure 7 The arrangement shown is similar to Figure 6 The arrangement shown is similar, and the above description also applies. Figure 7 However, as Figure 7As shown, the shields 140 in a given column can be optionally electrically connected via support 141. The first column of shields 140 can be selectively connected to either a power supply 320 (which can apply a drive signal) or ground via one or more switches 335a. In this way, the first column of shields can be used to selectively ground or drive the electrodes 110a-110c of the first column. For example, when switch 334b ​​is closed, each of electrodes 110a-110c can be electrically connected to its corresponding shield. By connecting the shield of that column to the power supply 320 using switch 335a, each of electrodes 110a-110c can be driven. Similarly, by grounding the shield of that column using switch 335a, each of electrodes 110a-110c can be grounded. Switches 334d and 335b can be used to selectively ground or drive electrodes 110d-110f of the second column, and switches 334f and 335c can be used to selectively ground or drive electrodes 110-g-110i of the third column in the same manner. The same method can be used to ground or drive as many columns as might be desired in any given application.

[0065] Such as Figure 6 and 7 Arrangements like the one shown advantageously allow the sensor grid to include any desired number of electrodes without increasing the portion of the sensor area that must be dedicated to the source lines extending between the AFE and the electrodes. This is a significant issue in self-capacitance sensors, where each electrode has a corresponding source line, because as the number of electrodes in a given row or column increases, an increasingly large number of source lines run parallel to each other, occupying an increasingly larger portion of the available area. In contrast, Figure 6 and 7 An embodiment is shown in which any number of electrodes in a given column can be connected to two shared output lines (e.g., all electrodes in the first column can be selectively connected to output lines 314a, 314b). Similarly, the density of column lines and gate lines does not need to increase with increasing sensor area.

[0066] In some embodiments, a multiplexing mode can be applied to perform measurements using the electrodes of a sensor grid. In some embodiments, for example, a CDM mode can be applied to collect data from a given column or row of the sensor grid. In some embodiments, the multiplexing mode can include Hadamard, Legendre, Barker sequences, modifications of these sequences, or other suitable CDM matrices. In some embodiments, the multiplexing mode can be "balanced" such that for each time slot in the corresponding mode, the array of modulation factors corresponding to the corresponding time slot (e.g., values ​​in a given column) can sum substantially to zero. For illustrative purposes, an exemplary balanced fourth-order pseudo-orthogonal mode is reproduced below:

[0067] +1 -1 -1 0

[0068] -1 -1 +1 0

[0069] -1 +1 -1 0

[0070] +1 +1 +1 0

[0071] In the exemplary mode described above, the sum of the values ​​in each column is zero. Furthermore, because the values ​​in the rightmost column are all 0, signals applied or received in this time slot may not convey information and may optionally not be acquired and / or processed. Of course, other suitable modes can be chosen, as those skilled in the art will understand.

[0072] In some embodiments, a CDM pattern can be applied to perform measurements using electrodes in a given column. For example, each column of the CDM pattern can represent a given time slot, and each row of the CDM pattern can represent the modulation factor to be applied to the corresponding electrode in that time slot. A modulation factor of +1 can indicate that the corresponding electrode should be in a positive sensing state. A modulation factor of -1 can indicate that the corresponding electrode should be in a negative sensing state. A modulation factor of 0 can indicate that the corresponding electrode should be in a non-sensing state (e.g., not connected to the output line and / or not connected to the receiver line). For example, applying the top row of the exemplary CDM pattern above... Figure 6 Electrode 110a will indicate that in the first time slot, electrode 110a should be connected to the positive output line 314a; in the second time slot, electrode 110a should be connected to the negative output line 314b; in the third time slot, electrode 110a should be connected to the negative output line 314b; and in the fourth time slot, electrode 110a should not be connected to any output line (or data should not be collected separately).

[0073] Any suitable multiplexing mode in any appropriate order can be used. For example, the multiplexing modes and sensing / processing techniques described in U.S. Patent Applications No. 15 / 869,214 and 16 / 108,875 can be used with the sensors shown herein (including...). Figure 6 and 7 The electrodes in the embodiment shown perform the measurement. In some embodiments, the grouping techniques disclosed in U.S. Patent Applications Nos. 15 / 869,214 and 16 / 108,875 can be applied on a column-by-column basis, such as Figure 6 and 7 The electrodes of the sensor are shown. In some embodiments, using a balanced multiplexing mode can cause the common-mode portion of the resulting signal to be canceled. This can advantageously remove carrier signal or body-coupled noise from the signal, thereby allowing a larger portion of the dynamic range of the processing circuitry to be allocated to the measured signal.

[0074] Figure 8-11 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a multi-state electrode. Figure 8A This is a top view of the exemplary multi-state electrode 110. Figure 8B A cross-sectional view of the same electrode 110 taken along line 8B-8B is shown. The periphery of electrode 110 may be wholly or partially surrounded by shielding member 140a. The surface of electrode 110 may be unshielded (i.e., on...). Figure 8A Z direction and Figure 8B The upward direction (in the image) makes electrode 110 sensitive to changes in the electric field caused by the presence of an object to be detected (e.g., a user's finger). In some embodiments, shield 140 may be made of a conductive metal. In some embodiments, shield 140 may be coplanar with one or both of the electrode and output line 314. For the purposes of this disclosure, if two structures are deposited in a common layer during manufacturing, they may be considered "coplanar" with each other. Coplanar structures do not need to be precisely parallel to each other, and in fact, they are often not precisely parallel to each other due to manufacturing variations. In some embodiments, electrode 110 may be selectively connectable to output line 314 via switch 332a. In some embodiments, switch 332a may be controlled by gate line 331a. In some embodiments, electrode 110 may be selectively connectable to shield 140 via switch 332b.

[0075] Figure 8B The diagram shows Figure 8AAn exemplary cross-sectional view of an embodiment. In some embodiments, electrode 110 may be surrounded by shield 140a on either side. The electrode may be connected to output line 314 via switch 332a, which may be transistor 332a in some embodiments. In some embodiments, vias 145a, 145b may be used to connect electrode 110 and output line 314 to switch 332a. In some embodiments, a second switch 332b (in...) Figure 8A As shown in, Figure 8B Electrode 110 (not shown) can be selectively connected to shield 140a. In some embodiments, shield 140a may be coplanar with one or both of electrode 110 and output line 314. In some embodiments, shield 140d may be provided on the other side of output line 314 to provide shielding between output line 314 and electrodes in adjacent cells (adjacent electrodes not shown). In some embodiments, shield 140d may be a coplanar shield (similar to shield 140a) that surrounds or partially surrounds adjacent electrodes. In some embodiments, supplementary shields 142a, 142b, 144a, 144b, 146 may be provided to shield electric field lines that may otherwise extend above or below coplanar shields 140a, 140d. In some embodiments, one or more of supplementary shields 142a, 142b, 144a, 144b, 146 may be electrically connected to shield 140. In some embodiments, one, some, or all of the supplementary shielding elements 142a, 142b, 144a, 144b, and 146 may extend linearly along the respective electrode array. In some embodiments, these shielding elements may be deployed to leave an unobstructed electric field path between the electrode 110 and the object to be sensed. Each of these shielding elements is optional and each may be individually included or omitted depending on the objectives of a given system. For example, depending on the proximity of the electrodes and output lines and the magnitude of the signal, the degree to which undesired coupling occurs may be increased or decreased, thereby increasing or decreasing the beneficial and cost-effectiveness of the additional shielding layer. Figure 8A In this diagram, shielding elements 140d, 142a, 142b, 144a, 144b, and 146 are not shown for simplicity. However, these shielding elements can be provided, and they can preferably be deployed in... Figure 8B The indicated location (e.g., between adjacent electrodes 110, and between electrode 110 and output line 314).

[0076] Figure 8BThe lines in the diagram reflect the layers that can be deposited sequentially from bottom to top. That is, switch 332 can be deposited on a base layer, then an intermediate layer can be deposited, then shield 146 can be deposited, then another intermediate layer, then shields 144a and 144b, and so on. Notably, electrode 110, shield 140, and output line 314 can therefore be deposited in a single layer using a single manufacturing step. This can advantageously reduce manufacturing costs. Furthermore, in embodiments where optional shields 142, 144, and 146 are omitted, the manufacturing process can be greatly simplified by making shield 140 coplanar with electrode 110 and output line 314. In such embodiments, a deposition step can be used to create switch 332 (and / or any associated drive line), then an intermediate layer can be deposited, and then electrode 110, shield 140, and output line 314 can be deposited in a single step. Figure 1 Compared to the stack with three metal layers shown (e.g., control and output layers, electrode layers, and a shielding layer between them), this can advantageously allow for a simplified sensor stack with two metal layers (e.g., a control layer and an electrode / output layer).

[0077] Figure 9 Another exemplary arrangement of a system with multi-state electrodes is illustrated. Figure 9 The embodiments shown are similar to Figures 8A-8B The embodiments shown are similar, and the corresponding descriptions above also apply. Figure 9 .and Figures 8A-8B The embodiments shown are similar, with electrodes 110a, 110b (or any number of electrodes, see [reference]). Figure 6-7 An exemplary layout (which can be expanded to include any desired number of electrodes) can be connected to output line 314 via corresponding switches. In some embodiments, the switches can be controlled by corresponding gate lines. In some embodiments, electrodes 110a, 110b can also be selectively connected to shields 140a, 140b via corresponding switches, which can be controlled by corresponding gate lines. In some embodiments, shields 140a, 140b can be coplanar with one or both of electrodes 110 and output line 314.

[0078] like Figure 9 As shown, shields 140a and 140b, which may correspond to adjacent electrodes 110a and 110b, are electrically connected to each other. In some embodiments, shields 140a and 140b may be connected via a support 141, which may attach a section of shield 140a to shield 140b. In some embodiments, shields 140a and 140b may include shared portions, or they may be connected via wiring. In some embodiments, some or all of the shields in a row or column may be electrically connected to each other. For example, Figure 7An embodiment is shown in which shields in corresponding lines of a sensor grid are electrically connected to each other so that drive signals and / or ground voltages can be applied to electrodes in the corresponding lines. Figure 9 The structural arrangement shown is one option for achieving this advantageous arrangement.

[0079] Figure 10 Another exemplary arrangement of a system with multi-state electrodes is illustrated. Figure 10 The embodiments shown are similar to Figures 8A-8B Similar to the embodiment shown in 9, and the corresponding description above also applies. Figure 10 .and Figures 8A-8B Similar to the embodiment shown in 9, electrodes 110a, 110b (or any number of electrodes, see [reference]) Figure 6-7 An exemplary layout (which can be extended to include any desired number of electrodes) can be connected to output line 314 via corresponding switches. In some embodiments, the switches can be controlled by corresponding gate lines. In some embodiments, electrodes 110a, 110b can also be selectively connected to shields 140a, 140b via corresponding switches, which can be controlled by corresponding gate lines. In some embodiments, shields 140a, 140b can be coplanar with one or both of electrodes 110 and output line 314.

[0080] like Figure 10 As shown, shields 140a and 140b can be electrically connected to corresponding lines 321a and 321b. In some embodiments, lines 321a and 321b can be drive lines that can selectively supply drive signals to the corresponding shields 140a and 140b. In some embodiments, lines 321a and 321b can be selectively grounded. In some embodiments, lines 321a and 321b can be controlled by a gate driver, such as... Figure 6 and 7 The gate driver 330b is shown. In some embodiments, Figure 10 The arrangement shown allows drive and / or ground signals to be selectively applied to a linear array of electrodes. For example, some or all of the electrodes along a row or column of electrodes can be connected to line 321a, such that all electrodes in that row or column can be selectively driven or grounded together. In some embodiments, lines 321a, 321b can extend laterally to output line 314, such that drive and / or ground signals can be selectively applied along one or more lines extending laterally to one or more electrodes, and measurement signals can be selectively received from one or more lines of electrodes.

[0081] Figure 11A-11B Another exemplary arrangement of a system with multi-state electrodes is illustrated. Figure 11A-11B The embodiments shown are similar to Figures 8A-8B The embodiments shown in Figures 9 and 10 are similar, and the corresponding descriptions above also apply to Figure 11. Figures 8A-8B Similar to the embodiments shown in 9 and 10, electrodes 110a and 110b can be connected to output line 314 via corresponding switches. In some embodiments, the switches can be controlled by corresponding gate lines. In some embodiments, electrodes 110a and 110b can also be selectively connected to shields 140a and 140b via corresponding switches, which can be controlled by corresponding gate lines. In some embodiments, shields 140a and 140b can be coplanar with one or both of electrodes 110 and output line 314.

[0082] and Figure 10 The embodiments shown are similar. Figure 11A-11B The embodiments include lines 321a and 321b, which can be used to selectively apply drive signals or ground voltages to electrodes 110a and 110b. However, instead of connecting to shields 140a and 140b, lines 321a and 321b can be connected to segment 350, which can be selectively connected to electrodes 110a and 110b via corresponding switches 332b. In this way, drive signals can be selectively applied to electrodes 110a and 110b without applying drive signals to the associated shields. Segments 350 can optionally be coplanar with the electrodes. Alternatively, lines 321a and 321b and associated switches 332b can be provided in one or more layers below electrodes 110a and 110b. In the latter case, drive signals(s) can be connected to the electrodes(s) via vias, which can be directly connected to electrodes 110a and 110b, or alternatively connected to one or more intermediate structures (such as segment 350). Optionally, the shields in a common column and / or row can be electrically connected to each other, which can facilitate grounding of the shields. In some embodiments, the shields in both columns and rows can be electrically connected to each other, such that some or all of the shields 140 can be grounded together.

[0083] As mentioned above Figure 10 As discussed, lines 321a and 321b can extend laterally to output line 314. In some embodiments, such as Figure 11A and 11B As shown, the shield 148 can be vertically deployed between the output line 314 and lines 321a and 321b.

[0084] Figure 11B It shows in Figure 11AAn exemplary cross-section is shown at the location indicated by the middle arrow 11B. In some embodiments, a first output line 314a may extend adjacent to a corresponding segment 350, which may be connected to line 321a via a through-hole 145c. A shield 140a may extend between segment 350 and a second output line 314b, which may be associated with an adjacent cell (or column or row). In some embodiments, a shield 148a may be provided between line 321a and output line 314a. Similarly, a shield 148b may be provided between line 321a and output line 314b. In some embodiments, optional shields 148a and 148b may reduce coupling between the drive signal applied by line 321a and the signal received by output lines 314a and 314b.

[0085] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of an exemplary sensor system 400 is illustrated. The sensor system 400 may include a memory 410, a processor 420, a transducer 430, and a power supply 440, as well as circuitry connecting them. In some embodiments, the transducer 430 may be implemented as a two-dimensional grid of electrodes and receiving circuitry as described above. The memory 410 may store any instructions or results thereof used for any of the processing steps, calculations, and / or determinations described herein. The processor 420 may be configured to perform any of these processing steps, calculations, and / or determinations. In some embodiments, the power supply 440 may be a battery, capacitor, inductor, generator, or other element capable of applying electrical power. Components 410, 420, 430, and 440 do not need to reside in a single physical device. For example, the memory 410 and / or processor 420 may be distributed across multiple devices and / or they may be connected (e.g., via wired or wireless connections) to other components of the sensor system 400.

[0086] Figure 13 An exemplary method 500 for performing measurements using a sensor system with multi-state electrodes is illustrated. In some embodiments, the system may include a plurality of electrodes, and each of the plurality of electrodes may have at least a first state in which a drive signal is applied to the respective electrode and a second state in which a drive signal is not applied to the respective electrode. In some embodiments, any of the multi-state electrode arrangements described above may be used. Method 500 may be performed using electrodes having exactly two states, or it may be performed using electrodes having more than two states. For example, multiple drive states (e.g., a driven sensing state and a driven non-sensing state) may be used. Similarly, multiple non-drive states (e.g., a sensing state and a ground state) may be used. Unless otherwise stated, references to states should be broadly understood to refer to one or more appropriate states that satisfy one or more of the descriptions associated with the corresponding state.

[0087] In some embodiments, steps 502, 504, and 506 can be performed in a first time slot. The first time slot may include one or more sub-segments. For example, the first time slot may be divided into multiple sub-segments such that the set of electrodes is in a sensing state according to the CDM mode within the first time slot. In step 502, the first set of electrodes may be in a first state such that a drive signal is applied to the first set of electrodes. In some embodiments, applying a drive signal to the first set of electrodes may at least partially generate a voltage difference between the body part and the first set of detection electrodes. In step 504, the second set of electrodes may be in a second state such that the second set of electrodes is not driven. In step 506, the first set of detection electrodes may be placed in a sensing state to collect a first set of measurements, which may indicate whether the body part or a component thereof is within the detectable range of the first set of detection electrodes. In some embodiments, the first set of detection electrodes may be the same as the first set of electrodes, such that the first set of electrodes can be used to perform measurements while they are being driven. (The above is about...) Figure 2A , 2B (Exemplary embodiments are described above with respect to FIG. 3). In other embodiments, the first set of detection electrodes may be the same as the second set of electrodes, such that the second set of electrodes can be used to perform measurements when they are not driven. (Exemplary embodiments are described above with respect to FIG. 4).

[0088] In some embodiments, steps 508, 510, and 512 may be performed in a second time slot. The second time slot (and any subsequent time slots) may also include one or more sub-segments. For example, the second time slot may be divided into multiple sub-segments such that an array of electrodes can be placed in a sensing state according to the CDM mode within the second time slot. In step 508, the second array of electrodes may be in a first state such that a drive signal is applied to the second array of electrodes. In some embodiments, applying a drive signal to the second array of electrodes may at least partially generate a voltage difference between the body part and the second array of detection electrodes. In step 510, the first array of electrodes may be in a second state such that the first array of electrodes is not driven. In step 512, the second array of detection electrodes may be placed in a sensing state to collect a second set of measurements that may indicate whether the body part or a component thereof is within the detectable range of the second array of detection electrodes. In some embodiments, the second array of detection electrodes may be identical to the second array of electrodes such that the second array of electrodes is used to perform measurements while they are being driven. (An example of this is mentioned above regarding...) Figure 2A , 2B(As described in Figure 3). In other embodiments, the second set of detection electrodes may be identical to the first set of electrodes, such that the first set of electrodes is used to perform measurements when they are not driven. (An example of this is described above with reference to Figure 4). As will be apparent from the foregoing description, method 500 may be repeated as needed to collect measurements from all desired electrodes of the sensor system.

[0089] In some embodiments, a drive signal may be applied to a third set of electrodes during a first time slot. For example, the drive signal may be applied to a guard line of the electrodes, such as... Figure 2A , 2B As shown in Figure 3. In some embodiments, including but not limited to... Figure 3 As shown, at least one electrode in the first set of electrodes can be connected to a first terminal of the analog front end, and at least one electrode in the third set of electrodes can be connected to a second terminal of the analog front end. For example, the electrodes in the first set can be connected to the first terminal of the AFE such that it is in a driven sensing state, and the electrodes in the third set can be connected to the second terminal of the AFE such that it is in a driven non-sensing state.

[0090] In some embodiments, a third set of electrodes adjacent to the first set of electrodes may be grounded during a first time slot. In some embodiments, the grounded third set of electrodes may be adjacent to the first set of detection electrodes. In some embodiments, the grounded electrodes may act as a guard line during the first time slot. In some embodiments, the third set of electrodes in the grounded state may be electrically connected to a shield coplanar with the plurality of electrodes.

[0091] In some embodiments, a first set of electrodes may be adjacent to a second set of electrodes. In some embodiments, during a first time slot, the first set of electrodes may be driven while the second set of electrodes may be in a non-driven sensing state, such that mutual capacitance is formed between the electrodes of the first set and the electrodes of the second set. In some embodiments, measurements received by the second set of electrodes during the first time slot may indicate that the body part has modified the mutual capacitance between the electrodes in the first set and the electrodes in the second set.

[0092] In some embodiments, the first and / or second time slot may include multiple sub-segments. In some embodiments, the multiple sub-segments may be used to collect measurements from electrodes using a CDM mode, as described above. In some embodiments, a second state, which may be a sensing state, may include multiple sub-states. For example, the second state may include a first detection state (e.g., a positive sensing state), wherein a corresponding electrode of the multiple electrodes is connected to a first terminal of the AFE. The second state may also include a second detection state (e.g., a negative sensing state), wherein a corresponding electrode is connected to a second terminal of the AFE. In some embodiments, a first electrode in a second set of electrodes may be in a first detection state during a first sub-segment of the first time slot. In some embodiments, a second electrode in a second set of electrodes may be in a second detection state during a first sub-segment of the first time slot. In embodiments where the AFE determines the difference between signals received from the first terminal and the second terminal, the AFE may thereby at least partially determine the difference between signals received from the first electrode and the second electrode during the first sub-segment of the first time slot. In subsequent sub-segments of the time slot, measurements may be collected from electrodes of the second set (including, for example, the first and second electrodes) using the first and second detection states. In some embodiments, the selection of the detection state in a corresponding sub-segment of the time slot may be determined according to a CDM mode.

[0093] Figure 14 Another exemplary embodiment of the sensor is illustrated. In this embodiment, the sensor may include a plurality of units 10, each unit being configured to perform a presence measurement. In some embodiments, each unit 10 may include a transmitting electrode (e.g., 12a-f) and a receiving electrode (e.g., 11a-f). In some embodiments, the units 10 may be arranged as a linear array 20a, 20b, 20c. For example, a first linear array 20a may include units 11a, 12a, 11b, 12b, and units 11ac, 12c. A second linear array 20b may similarly include its own units (e.g., ... Figure 14 As shown in the diagram, the third linear array 20c may include cells 11d, 12d, 11e, 12e, and 11f, 12f. Each emitter electrode (e.g., 12a-12c) in a corresponding linear array (e.g., 20a) may be selectively connected to an associated drive line (e.g., 16a, 17a) for that linear array (e.g., 20a). Similarly, each receiver electrode (e.g., 11a-11c) in a corresponding linear array (e.g., 20a) may be connected to an associated output line (e.g., 14a) for that linear array (e.g., 20a). This arrangement can be applied across the sensor region for as many linear arrays as desired for a given application. Likewise, each linear array in the sensor region may include as many cells as desired for a given application.

[0094] In some embodiments, the transmitting electrode 12a may be configured to apply one or more driving signals such that if the object to be sensed is within the detectable range, the capacitive signal received by the receiving electrode 11a in the same unit 10 may be modulated. Figure 14 An exemplary embodiment is shown in which each emitter electrode 12a-12f is configured to selectively apply two drive signals (one at a time). For example, emitter electrode 12a may have a first state in which it is selectively connected to drive line 16a, which in turn is selectively connected to a first central drive line on which a first drive signal TX_P can be applied. Emitter electrode 12a may have a second state in which it is selectively connected to drive line 17a, which in turn is selectively connected to a second central drive line on which a second drive signal TX_N can be applied. In some embodiments, the first and second drive signals may be inverted relative to each other. In some embodiments, the sum of the first and second drive signals may be substantially zero. Figure 14 As shown, each of the transmitting electrodes 12a-12f in the sensor system can also have first and second states, which can be selectively applied by connecting the respective transmitting electrode to one of two or more respective drive lines through which first and second drive signals can be applied.

[0095] In some embodiments, the selection between the first and second states can be achieved via gate lines (e.g., 18, 19). For example, when gate line 18 is active, emitter electrode 12a can be connected to drive line 16a, such that emitter electrode 12a is in the first state. Conversely, when gate line 19 is active, emitter electrode 12a can be connected to drive line 17a, such that emitter electrode 12a is in the second state. In some embodiments, each electrode in a row (e.g., a group of electrodes extending laterally to linear arrays 20a, 20b, 20c) can be controlled via a common gate line. For example, both emitter electrode 12a and emitter electrode 12d can be controlled by gate lines 18, 19. In this way, emitter electrode 12d can also be in the first state during a time slot in which emitter electrode 12d is in the first state (assuming arrays 20a and 20c are active in the same time slot). The same principle can be extended to each row of the system.

[0096] In some embodiments, drive lines 16a and 17a may also be selectively connected to the central ground line GND, which can ground drive lines 16a and 17a. In some embodiments, drive lines may be selectively connected to either drive signal TX_P, TX_N or to ground GND. In some embodiments, this selection may be performed on an array-by-array basis. For example, in a given time slot, drive lines for array 20a may be driven, drive lines for array 20b may be grounded, and drive lines for array 20c may be driven. Any desired substitution of driven and grounded arrays may be used. In some embodiments, avoiding simultaneous driving of adjacent arrays may be preferred to reduce parasitic capacitance between arrays. For example, array 20a may be driven (and measurements are obtained from the cells of array 20a) while the adjacent array 20b (arrays 20a and 20b are considered adjacent arrays because there are no other arrays between arrays 20a and 20b) is grounded. In subsequent time slots, array 20a may be grounded while the adjacent array 20b is driven.

[0097] In some embodiments, the array can be configured such that output lines (e.g., 14a, 14b) can be selectively connected to a central receiving line 22 that can be connected to an AFE. In some embodiments, the array's receiving lines can be connected to the AFE, while the array's drive lines are driven. Conversely, when the array's drive lines are grounded, the array's receiving lines can be disconnected from the AFE. For example, a selection circuitry can be used to activate cells of array 20a in a given time slot (or group of time slots). When array 20a is active, drive lines 16a, 17a can be connected to the respective central drive lines to apply first and second drive signals TX_P, TX_N. Simultaneously, output line 14a can be connected to the central receiving line 22, allowing measurements received by the cells of array 20a to be transmitted to the AFE. Conversely, when array 20a is inactive, drive lines 16a, 17a can be connected to ground (GND), and output line 14a can be disconnected from the central receiving line 22. This same operational configuration can be extended to each array in the sensor. In this way, the selection circuitry can be used to select which arrays are active and inactive in a given time slot, so that the signal received by the AFE in each time slot can be associated with the correct array and cell. Similarly, parasitic capacitance can be reduced by controlling which arrays are grounded (e.g., by interleaving active and inactive arrays).

[0098] In some embodiments, the AFE can simultaneously receive measurement signals from some or all of the cells 10 in an array (e.g., 20a). In some embodiments, a CDM mode can be applied to cells 10 of the array (e.g., 20a) such that the measurement signal received by the AFE can be associated with the correct cell in that array. As an example, the Legendre code can be modified to have two states (e.g., +1 and -1 states), and this code can be applied to the emitter electrodes of the array (e.g., 12a, 12b, 12c) by driving the emitter electrodes with a first drive signal and a second drive signal according to the state indicated by the code. Other suitable multiplexing can also be used. In embodiments where the cells have only two states, a CDM mode with only two states can be used. In some embodiments, the cells can be provided with a third state (e.g., a grounded state). For example, the emitter electrode can optionally be configured to be connected to a third drive line (or shield) that is always grounded. In such embodiments, a CDM mode with three states (e.g., +1, 0, -1) can be used.

[0099] For example, in a first time slot, a first drive signal can be applied to the transmitting electrode 12a, and a measurement signal can be received using the receiving electrode 11a. Simultaneously, a second drive signal can be applied to the transmitting electrode 12b, and a measurement signal can be received using the receiving electrode 11b. In a second time slot, a second drive signal can be applied to the transmitting electrode 12a, and a measurement signal can be received using the receiving electrode 11a. Simultaneously, a first drive signal can be applied to the transmitting electrode 12b, and a measurement signal can be received using electrode 11b. Therefore, the drive signals applied in multiple time slots in a given array (e.g., 20a) can be selected according to the multiplexing mode, such that multiple measurement signals received by the output line (e.g., 14a) can be decoded, and the received measurement signals are associated with the correct cells. In some embodiments, the system can then select another linear array and repeat this process to obtain measurements from the cells of that linear array. In some embodiments, this process can be repeated for each linear array until at least one measurement has been obtained from each cell in the sensing region of the system.

[0100] In some embodiments, measurements can be collected simultaneously from cells of multiple arrays. For example, in Figure 14In an exemplary embodiment, measurements can be collected simultaneously from arrays 20a and 20c. This can be achieved, for example, by connecting the drive lines of arrays 20a and 20c to apply first and second drive signals TX_P and TX_N. Output lines 14a and 14b can also be connected to a common receive line 22, and the AFE can therefore receive measurement signals simultaneously from cells of multiple arrays 20a and 20c. Although two arrays 20a and 20c are discussed in this embodiment, measurements can be collected simultaneously from any number of arrays.

[0101] In some embodiments, the sensor region may include multiple arrays arranged in logical groups, each logical group comprising two or more arrays. Measurements from each array within a given group can be collected simultaneously over multiple time slots, and the system can then iteratively switch to the next(s) group(s) in the sequence to collect measurements from the arrays of each group. For example, in an embodiment with two groups, the first group may include half of the arrays in the sensor region, and the second group may include the other half of the arrays in the sensor region. Optionally, the arrays in the first group may be interleaved with those in the second group, such that adjacent arrays are not driven simultaneously. In some embodiments, three, four, five, or more groups may be used.

[0102] In some embodiments, signals received from a simultaneously active array can be encoded according to a CDM mode, such that the received signals can be decoded to associate the received measurement signals with the array from which those measurement signals were received. For example, according to the CDM mode, a measurement signal received by a given output line can be transmitted to the AFE in either unmodified (+1) or inverted (-1) form. In some embodiments, this modulation can be implemented using an encoding circuit RX_EN. Additional states (e.g., ground) can be implemented as desired to accommodate CDM modes with three or more states.

[0103] In some embodiments, the signals received by cell 10 can therefore be encoded twice. The signals received by cell 10 of array 20a can be encoded a first time such that these signals can be decoded to determine from which cell 10 in array 20a the given signal (or set of signals) was received. The signals received by array 20a and any other arrays in the same logical group can be encoded a second time such that these signals can be decoded to determine from which array the given signal (or set of signals) was received. In such embodiments, the system can therefore perform a first decoding step on the set of signals received over a given set of time slots, thereby associating the received signal with the correct corresponding array. The system can then perform a second decoding step on the signals received from each array, thereby associating the signal received from that array with the correct cell within that array.

[0104] Figure 15An exemplary method 600 for detecting a part of a user's body or other components is illustrated. In some embodiments, method 600 may use methods such as those described above. Figure 14 The system described herein shall be used to perform the operation. For example, method 600 may be performed in a system having multiple units, which may include at least a first unit and a second unit. In some embodiments, each of the multiple units may include a corresponding transmitting electrode, which may be configured to selectively apply a first driving signal and may also be configured to selectively apply a second driving signal inverted relative to the first driving signal. In some embodiments, each of the multiple units may also include a corresponding receiving electrode. In step 602, the first driving signal may be applied to the first transmitting electrode of the first unit during a first time slot. In step 604, also during the first time slot, the receiving electrode of the first unit may be used to receive a first measurement signal. In step 606, during a second time slot, the second driving signal may be applied to the transmitting electrode of the first unit. In step 608, also during the second time slot, the receiving electrode of the first unit may be used to receive a second measurement signal.

[0105] Numbered Examples

[0106] A1. A method for detecting a part of a user's body, the method being performed by a system comprising multiple units, each of the multiple units including a transmitting electrode and a receiving electrode, the multiple units including a first unit, wherein the method comprises:

[0107] In the first time slot:

[0108] Apply a first driving signal to the emitter electrode of the first unit; and

[0109] The first measurement signal is received using the receiving electrodes of the first unit; and

[0110] In the second time slot:

[0111] Apply a second driving signal to the emitter electrode of the first unit; and

[0112] The second measurement signal is received using the receiving electrode of the first unit;

[0113] The second driving signal is inverted relative to the first driving signal.

[0114] A2. The method of embodiment A1, wherein the plurality of units includes a first set of units, the first set of units includes at least a first unit and a second unit, each receiving electrode of the first set of units is electrically connected to a first output line, the method further comprising:

[0115] In the first time slot:

[0116] While applying a first driving signal to the emitter electrode of the first unit, a second driving signal is applied to the emitter electrode of the second unit; and

[0117] The first output line is used to receive the first measurement signal, and the first output line is electrically connected to the receiving electrodes of both the first unit and the second unit.

[0118] In the second time slot:

[0119] While applying a second driving signal to the emitter electrode of the first unit, a first driving signal is applied to the emitter electrode of the second unit; and

[0120] The first output line is used to receive the second measurement signal, and the first output line is electrically connected to the receiving electrodes of both the first unit and the second unit.

[0121] A3. The method of embodiment A2, wherein the plurality of units includes a second set of units, wherein no drive signal is applied to the second set of units during a first time slot or a second time slot.

[0122] A4. The method of embodiment A3, wherein a first set of cells is arranged in a first linear array, a second set of cells is arranged in a second linear array, and the first linear array and the second linear array are adjacent to each other, such that each cell in the first set is adjacent to a corresponding cell in the second set.

[0123] A5. The method of any one of embodiments A2-A4, wherein each unit in the first set of units has a first state and a second state, wherein:

[0124] In the first state, the emitter electrode of the corresponding unit is selectively connected to a first drive line configured to apply a first drive signal; and

[0125] In the second state, the emitter electrode of the corresponding unit is selectively connected to a second drive line configured to apply a second drive signal.

[0126] A6. The method of embodiment A5, wherein the method includes:

[0127] According to the multiplexing mode, the first state and the second state are applied to the first set of units in multiple time slots;

[0128] Multiple measurement signals are received using a first output line, wherein a corresponding measurement signal is received in each of the multiple time slots; and

[0129] The plurality of measurement signals are processed to obtain a corresponding measurement for each cell in a first set of cells.

[0130] A7. The method of embodiment A6, wherein the plurality of units includes a second set of units, each receiving electrode of the second set of units is connected to a second output line, and each unit in the second set of units has a first state and a second state, wherein:

[0131] In the first state, the emitter electrode of the corresponding unit in the second set is selectively connected to the first drive line of the second set, which is configured to apply the first drive signal; and

[0132] In the second state, the emitter electrode of the corresponding unit in the second set is selectively connected to the second drive line of the second set, which is configured to apply the second drive signal;

[0133] The method also includes:

[0134] According to the multiplexing mode, the first state and the second state are applied to the second set of units on the multiple time slots, and the application of the first state and the second state to the second set of units and the application of the first state and the second state to the first set of units occur simultaneously.

[0135] Multiple measurement signals are received using a second output line, wherein a corresponding measurement signal is received using the second output line in each of the multiple time slots; and

[0136] The plurality of measurement signals received using the second output line are processed to obtain a corresponding measurement for each cell in the second set of cells.

[0137] A8. The method of embodiment A7, wherein the first output line and the second output line are connected to a common analog front end during the plurality of time slots.

[0138] A9. The method of embodiment A8 further includes:

[0139] During the first plurality of time slots, the measurement signal received using the first output line and the measurement signal received using the second output line are encoded such that the encoded measurement signal is configured to be combined and decoded to separate the measurement signal received using the first output line from the measurement signal received using the second output line.

[0140] A10. The method of any one of embodiments A2-A9, further comprising:

[0141] Measurements are obtained from units in at least the first set of units within the first set of time slots; and

[0142] Measurements are obtained from one or more additional sets of cells in one or more subsequent sets of time slots, until at least one measurement has been obtained from each of the plurality of cells.

[0143] A11. A system for detecting a part of a user's body, the system comprising:

[0144] Multiple units, including at least a first unit and a second unit, wherein:

[0145] Each of the plurality of units includes a corresponding transmitting electrode, the corresponding transmitting electrode being configured to selectively apply a first driving signal, and the corresponding transmitting electrode being further configured to selectively apply a second driving signal that is inverted relative to the first driving signal;

[0146] Each of the plurality of units further includes a corresponding receiving electrode; and

[0147] The system is configured as follows:

[0148] In the first time slot, a first drive signal is applied to the emitter electrode of the first unit;

[0149] as well as

[0150] In the first time slot, a first measurement signal is received using the receiving electrode of the first unit; and

[0151] In the second time slot, a second drive signal is applied to the emitter electrode of the first unit;

[0152] as well as

[0153] In the second time slot, the receiving electrode of the first unit is used to receive the second measurement signal.

[0154] A12. The system of embodiment A11, wherein:

[0155] The plurality of units includes a first set of units, and the first set of units includes at least a first unit and a second unit;

[0156] Each receiving electrode in the first set of cells is electrically connected to the first output line; and

[0157] The system is also configured as follows:

[0158] In the first time slot, while applying a first driving signal to the emitter electrode of the first unit, a second driving signal is applied to the emitter electrode of the second unit; and

[0159] In the first time slot, a first measurement signal is received using a first output line, which is electrically connected to the receiving electrodes of both the first unit and the second unit.

[0160] In the second time slot, while applying a second driving signal to the emitter electrode of the first unit, a first driving signal is applied to the emitter electrode of the second unit; and

[0161] In the second time slot, a second measurement signal is received using a first output line, which is electrically connected to the receiving electrodes of both the first unit and the second unit.

[0162] A13. The system of embodiment A12, wherein the plurality of units includes a second set of units, the system being configured to not apply a drive signal to the second set of units during a first time slot or a second time slot.

[0163] A14. The system of embodiment A13, wherein a first set of cells is arranged in a first linear array, a second set of cells is arranged in a second linear array, and the first linear array and the second linear array are adjacent to each other such that each cell in the first set is adjacent to a corresponding cell in the second set.

[0164] A15. A system of any one of embodiments A12-A14, wherein each element in a first set of elements has a first state and a second state, such that:

[0165] In the first state, the emitter electrode of the corresponding unit is selectively connected to a first drive line configured to apply a first drive signal; and

[0166] In the second state, the emitter electrode of the corresponding unit is selectively connected to a second drive line configured to apply a second drive signal.

[0167] A16. The system of embodiment A15, wherein the system is configured as follows:

[0168] According to the multiplexing mode, the first state and the second state are applied to the first set of units in multiple time slots;

[0169] Multiple measurement signals are received using a first output line, wherein a corresponding measurement signal is received in each of the multiple time slots; and

[0170] The plurality of measurement signals are processed to obtain a corresponding measurement for each cell in a first set of cells.

[0171] A17. The system of Example A16, wherein:

[0172] The plurality of units includes a second set of units;

[0173] Each receiving electrode in the second set is connected to the second output line;

[0174] Each element in the second set of elements has a first state and a second state, such that:

[0175] In the first state, the emitter electrode of the corresponding unit in the second set is selectively connected to the first drive line of the second set, which is configured to apply the first drive signal; and

[0176] In the second state, the emitter electrode of the corresponding unit in the second set is selectively connected to the second drive line of the second set, which is configured to apply a second drive signal; and

[0177] The system is configured as follows:

[0178] According to the multiplexing mode, the first state and the second state are applied to the second set of units on the multiple time slots, and the application of the first state and the second state to the second set of units and the application of the first state and the second state to the first set of units occur simultaneously.

[0179] Multiple measurement signals are received using a second output line, wherein a corresponding measurement signal is received using the second output line in each of the multiple time slots; and

[0180] The plurality of measurement signals received using the second output line are processed to obtain a corresponding measurement for each cell in the second set of cells.

[0181] A18. The system of embodiment A17, wherein the first output line and the second output line are connected to a common analog front end during the plurality of time slots.

[0182] A19. The system of embodiment A18, wherein the system is further configured to:

[0183] During the first plurality of time slots, the measurement signal received using the first output line and the measurement signal received using the second output line are encoded such that the encoded measurement signal is configured to be combined and decoded to separate the measurement signal received using the first output line from the measurement signal received using the second output line.

[0184] A20. A system of any one of embodiments A12-A19, wherein the system is further configured to:

[0185] Measurements are obtained from units in at least the first set of units within the first set of time slots; and

[0186] Measurements are obtained from one or more additional sets of cells in one or more subsequent sets of time slots, until at least one measurement has been obtained from each of the plurality of cells.

[0187] B1. A method for detecting a part of a user's body, the method being performed by a system comprising a plurality of electrodes, each of the plurality of electrodes having at least a first state and a second state, wherein in the first state a drive signal is applied to the corresponding electrode, and in the second state the drive signal is not applied to the corresponding electrode, the plurality of electrodes comprising a first set of electrodes and a second set of electrodes, the method comprising:

[0188] In the first time slot:

[0189] The first set of electrodes is placed in a first state, such that a driving signal is applied to the first set of electrodes, and the application of the driving signal to the first set of electrodes generates a voltage difference at least partially between the body part and the first set of detection electrodes, thereby detecting the voltage difference.

[0190] The first set of electrodes is included within the plurality of electrodes;

[0191] To bring the second set of electrodes into the second state; and

[0192] Using a first set of detection electrodes, performing a first set of measurements, the first set of measurements indicating whether a body part or component is within the detectable range of the first set of detection electrodes, wherein the first set of detection electrodes is identical to a first set of electrodes or a second set of electrodes; and

[0193] In the second time slot:

[0194] The second set of electrodes is placed in a first state such that a driving signal is applied to the second set of electrodes, and the application of the driving signal to the first and second electrodes at least partially generates a voltage difference between the body portion and the second set of detection electrodes, the second set of detection electrodes being included within the plurality of electrodes;

[0195] To bring the first set of electrodes into the second state; and

[0196] Using a second set of detection electrodes, a second set of measurements is performed, indicating whether a body part or its components are within the detectable range of the second set of detection electrodes.

[0197] B2. The method of embodiment B1, wherein the first set of electrodes is identical to the first set of detection electrodes, and the second set of electrodes is identical to the second set of detection electrodes.

[0198] B3. The method of embodiment B2 further includes:

[0199] In the first time slot, a drive signal is applied to the third set of electrodes, which is adjacent to the first set of electrodes.

[0200] B4. The method of embodiment B3, wherein, during a first time slot, at least one electrode in a first set of electrodes is connected to a first terminal of the analog front end, and at least one electrode in a third set of electrodes is connected to a second terminal of the analog front end.

[0201] B5. The method of embodiment B1, wherein the first set of electrodes is identical to the second set of detection electrodes, and the second set of electrodes is identical to the first set of detection electrodes.

[0202] B6. The method of embodiment B5 further includes:

[0203] In the first time slot, the third set of electrodes is grounded.

[0204] B7. The method of embodiment B6, wherein a third set of electrodes in a grounded state is electrically connected to a shield coplanar with the plurality of electrodes during a first time slot.

[0205] B8. The method of embodiment B5, wherein a first set of electrodes is adjacent to a second set of electrodes, and the measurement of the first set includes a first measurement indicating that a body part or a component thereof modifies the mutual capacitance between the electrodes in the first set of electrodes and the electrodes in the second set of electrodes.

[0206] B9. The method of embodiment B5, wherein the first time slot includes at least a first sub-part, and the second state includes at least a first detection state and a second detection state, wherein in the first detection state, a corresponding electrode of the plurality of electrodes is connected to a first terminal of the analog front end, and in the second detection state, the corresponding electrode is connected to a second terminal of the analog front end, the method further comprising:

[0207] In the first sub-section of the first time slot:

[0208] The first electrode in the second set of electrodes is placed in the first detection state;

[0209] To place the second electrode in the second set of electrodes into the second detection state; and

[0210] A first measurement is performed from a first set of measurements, the first measurement indicating at least in part the difference between a first signal received from a first electrode and a second signal received from a second electrode.

[0211] B10. A system for detecting a part of a user's body, the system comprising:

[0212] Multiple electrodes;

[0213] Each of the plurality of electrodes has at least a first state in which a driving signal is applied to the corresponding electrode and a second state in which the driving signal is not applied to the corresponding electrode;

[0214] The plurality of electrodes includes a first set of electrodes and a second set of electrodes;

[0215] The system is configured as follows:

[0216] In the first time slot:

[0217] The first set of electrodes is placed in a first state such that a driving signal is applied to the first set of electrodes, and the application of the driving signal to the first set of electrodes generates a voltage difference at least partially between the body part and the first set of detection electrodes, the first set of detection electrodes being included within the plurality of electrodes;

[0218] To bring the second set of electrodes into the second state; and

[0219] Using a first set of detection electrodes, performing a first set of measurements, the first set of measurements indicating whether a body part or component is within the detectable range of the first set of detection electrodes, wherein the first set of detection electrodes is identical to either a first set of electrodes or a second set of electrodes; and

[0220] In the second time slot:

[0221] The second set of electrodes is placed in a first state such that a driving signal is applied to the second set of electrodes, and the application of the driving signal to the first and second electrodes generates a voltage difference at least partially between the body portion and the second set of detection electrodes, the second set of detection electrodes being included within the plurality of electrodes;

[0222] To bring the first set of electrodes into the second state; and

[0223] Using a second set of detection electrodes, a second set of measurements is performed, indicating whether a body part or its components are within the detectable range of the second set of detection electrodes.

[0224] B11. The system of embodiment B10, wherein the first set of electrodes is identical to the first set of detection electrodes, and the second set of electrodes is identical to the second set of detection electrodes.

[0225] B12. The system of embodiment B11, wherein the system is further configured to:

[0226] In the first time slot, a drive signal is applied to the third set of electrodes, which is adjacent to the first set of electrodes.

[0227] B13. The system of embodiment B12, wherein, during a first time slot, at least one electrode in a first set of electrodes is connected to a first terminal of the analog front end, and at least one electrode in a third set of electrodes is connected to a second terminal of the analog front end.

[0228] B14. The system of embodiment B10, wherein the first set of electrodes is identical to the second set of detection electrodes, and the second set of electrodes is identical to the first set of detection electrodes.

[0229] B15. The system of embodiment B14, wherein the system is further configured to ground a third set of electrodes in a first time slot.

[0230] B16. The system of embodiment B15, wherein a third set of electrodes in a grounded state is electrically connected to a shield coplanar with the plurality of electrodes during a first time slot.

[0231] B17. The system of embodiment B14, wherein a first set of electrodes is adjacent to a second set of electrodes, and the first set of measurements includes a first measurement indicating that a body part or a component thereof modifies the mutual capacitance between electrodes in the first set of electrodes and electrodes in the second set of electrodes.

[0232] B18. The system of embodiment B14, wherein a first time slot includes at least a first sub-part, and a second state includes at least a first detection state and a second detection state, wherein in the first detection state a corresponding electrode of the plurality of electrodes is connected to a first terminal of the analog front end, and in the second detection state a corresponding electrode is connected to a second terminal of the analog front end; and

[0233] The system is also configured to, in the first sub-segment of the first time slot:

[0234] The first electrode in the second set of electrodes is placed in the first detection state;

[0235] To place the second electrode in the second set of electrodes into the second detection state; and

[0236] A first measurement is performed from a first set of measurements, the first measurement indicating at least in part the difference between a first signal received from a first electrode and a second signal received from a second electrode.

[0237] B19. A system for detecting a part of a user's body, the system comprising:

[0238] A plurality of electrodes, each of the plurality of electrodes having at least one driven state and at least one non-driven state, wherein a driving signal is applied to the corresponding electrode in the driven state and the driving signal is not applied to the corresponding electrode in the non-driven state;

[0239] A first set of electrodes among the plurality of electrodes, the first set of electrodes being configured to receive a drive signal in a driven state, such that the first set of electrodes generates a voltage difference at least partially between the body portion and at least one of the plurality of electrodes;

[0240] Using the at least one electrode, a measurement is performed that indicates whether a body part or a component thereof is within the detectable range of the at least one electrode.

[0241] B20. The system of Example 19, wherein the at least one electrode is configured to selectively control between a drive state, a first detection state, and a second detection state, wherein in the first detection state a corresponding electrode of the plurality of electrodes is connected to a first terminal of the analog front end, and in the second detection state a corresponding electrode is connected to a second terminal of the analog front end.

[0242] C1. A system for detecting a part of a user's body, the system comprising:

[0243] Multiple electrodes configured to receive a signal indicating the presence of said part of a user's body, the multiple electrodes comprising at least a first set of electrodes;

[0244] Multiple output lines, including a first output line configured to receive a signal from at least a first electrode in a first set of electrodes;

[0245] One or more shielding elements are configured to shield one or more of the plurality of output lines from one or more of the plurality of electrodes;

[0246] The one or more shielding elements are coplanar with the plurality of electrodes and the first output line.

[0247] C2. The system of embodiment C1, wherein the plurality of electrodes and the one or more shielding elements are formed by a process comprising the following:

[0248] Deposited metal layer; and

[0249] Remove some of the metal layer, such that the remaining portion of the metal layer comprises the plurality of electrodes and the one or more shielding elements.

[0250] C3. The system of embodiment C1, wherein one or more shields are configured to be selectively electrically connected to a first electrode in a first set of electrodes.

[0251] C4. The system of embodiment C3, wherein one or more of the shields is configured to be grounded.

[0252] C5. The system of embodiment C3, wherein one of the one or more shields is configured to receive a drive signal.

[0253] C6. The system of embodiment C3, wherein a first set of electrodes includes a first electrode and a second electrode, and the one or more shielding members include a first shielding member and a second shielding member, the first shielding member being adjacent to the first electrode and at least partially electrically isolating the first electrode, and the second shielding member being adjacent to the second electrode and at least partially electrically isolating the second electrode;

[0254] The first shielding component is electrically connected to the second shielding component.

[0255] C7. The system of embodiment C1, wherein a first electrode in a first set of electrodes is configured to be selectively electrically connected to a first output line; and

[0256] The first electrode in the first set of electrodes is configured to be selectively electrically connected to the second output line.

[0257] C8. The system of embodiment C1, wherein each electrode in a first set of electrodes is configured to be selectively electrically connected to a first output line, the first set of electrodes comprising a plurality of electrodes; and

[0258] The plurality of electrodes also includes a second set of electrodes, each electrode in the second set of electrodes being configured to be selectively connected to a second output line, the second set of electrodes comprising a plurality of electrodes.

[0259] C9. The system of embodiment C8, wherein the one or more shielding elements include a first set of shielding elements and a second set of shielding elements, each shielding element in the first set of shielding elements being adjacent to and at least partially electrically isolating a corresponding electrode in the first set of electrodes, and each shielding element in the second set of shielding elements being adjacent to and at least partially electrically isolating a corresponding electrode in the second set of electrodes.

[0260] C10. The system of embodiment C9, wherein a first shield in a first set of shields at least partially surrounds a first electrode in a first set of electrodes, such that the first shield includes a first shielding portion disposed between the first electrode and a first output line and a second shielding portion disposed between the first electrode and a second output line.

[0261] C11. The system of embodiment C10, wherein a first shield, a first electrode in a first set of electrodes and a second output line are deployed in a first layer, the system further comprising a supplementary shield deployed between the first electrode in the first set of electrodes and the second output line, the supplementary shield being deployed in a second layer different from the first layer.

[0262] C12. The system of embodiment C9, wherein each shield in a first set of shields is configured to be selectively electrically connected to a corresponding electrode in a first set of electrodes, and each shield in a second set of shields is configured to be selectively electrically connected to a corresponding electrode in a second set of electrodes.

[0263] C13. The system of embodiment C12, wherein the shields in the first set of shields are electrically connected to each other, and the shields in the second set of shields are electrically connected to each other.

[0264] C14. The system of embodiment C13, wherein drive signals are configured to be selectively applied to a first set of shielding elements, while drive signals are not applied to a second set of shielding elements; and

[0265] The drive signals are configured to be selectively applied to a second set of shielding components, while the drive signals are not applied to a first set of shielding components.

[0266] C15. The system of embodiment C1, wherein:

[0267] The first electrode in the first set of electrodes is configured to be selectively connected to a drive line configured to apply a drive signal; and

[0268] The first output line shield is deployed between the first output line and the drive line.

[0269] C16. The system of embodiment C15, wherein the drive line extends transversely to the first output line.

[0270] C17. The system of embodiment C15, wherein a first output line is deployed in a first layer, a drive line is deployed in a second layer, and a shield for the first output line is deployed in a third layer, the third layer being between the first and second layers.

[0271] C18. The system of embodiment C1, wherein the first electrode has multiple states, the multiple states including:

[0272] The detection status of the first electrode being connected to the first output line; and

[0273] The first electrode receives the driven state of the drive signal.

[0274] C19. The system of embodiment C18, wherein the plurality of states further includes a second detection state, wherein the first electrode is connected to the second output line.

[0275] While the subject matter of this disclosure has been described and shown in considerable detail with reference to certain illustrative embodiments, including various combinations and sub-combinations of features, those skilled in the art will readily recognize other embodiments, variations and modifications thereof, that are covered within the scope of this disclosure. Moreover, the description of such embodiments, combinations and sub-combinations is not intended to convey that the claimed subject matter requires features or combinations of features other than those expressly set forth in the claims. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is intended to include all modifications and variations covered within the spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A method for detecting a part of a user's body, the method being performed by a system comprising a plurality of units, each of the plurality of units including a corresponding transmitting electrode and a receiving electrode specific to that unit, the plurality of units including a first unit, wherein the method comprises: In the first time slot: A first driving signal is applied to the emitter electrode of the first unit, causing the emitter electrode of the first unit to have a first state; as well as The first measurement signal is received using the receiving electrode of the first unit; as well as In the second time slot: A second driving signal, inverted relative to the first driving signal, is applied to the emitter electrode of the first unit, causing the emitter electrode of the first unit to have a second state; and The second measurement signal is received using the receiving electrode of the first unit.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of units comprises a first set of units, the first set of units comprising at least a first unit and a second unit, each receiving electrode of the first set of units being electrically connected to a first output line, the method further comprising: In the first time slot: While applying a first driving signal to the emitter electrode of the first unit, a second driving signal is applied to the emitter electrode of the second unit; as well as The first output line is used to receive the first measurement signal, and the first output line is electrically connected to the receiving electrodes of both the first unit and the second unit. In the second time slot: While applying a second driving signal to the emitter electrode of the first unit, a first driving signal is applied to the emitter electrode of the second unit; as well as The first output line is used to receive the second measurement signal, and the first output line is electrically connected to the receiving electrodes of both the first unit and the second unit.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the plurality of units comprises a second set of units, wherein no drive signal is applied to the second set of units during the first time slot or the second time slot.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein a first set of cells is arranged in a first linear array, a second set of cells is arranged in a second linear array, and the first linear array and the second linear array are adjacent to each other such that each cell in the first set is adjacent to a corresponding cell in the second set.

5. The method of claim 2, wherein each unit in the first set of units has a first state and a second state, wherein: In the first state, the emitter electrode of the corresponding unit is selectively connected to a first drive line configured to apply a first drive signal; as well as In the second state, the emitter electrode of the corresponding unit is selectively connected to a second drive line configured to apply a second drive signal.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the method comprises: According to the multiplexing mode, the first state and the second state are applied to the first set of units in multiple time slots; Multiple measurement signals are received using a first output line, wherein a corresponding measurement signal is received in each of the multiple time slots; as well as The plurality of measurement signals are processed to obtain a corresponding measurement for each cell in a first set of cells.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the plurality of units comprises a second set of units, each receiving electrode of the second set of units is connected to a second output line, and each unit in the second set of units has a first state and a second state, wherein: In the first state, the emitter electrode of the corresponding unit in the second set is selectively connected to the first drive line of the second set, which is configured to apply the first drive signal; as well as In the second state, the emitter electrode of the corresponding unit in the second set is selectively connected to the second drive line of the second set, which is configured to apply the second drive signal; The method also includes: According to the multiplexing mode, the first state and the second state are applied to the second set of units on the multiple time slots, and the application of the first state and the second state to the second set of units and the application of the first state and the second state to the first set of units occur simultaneously. Multiple measurement signals are received using a second output line, wherein a corresponding measurement signal is received using the second output line in each of the multiple time slots; and The plurality of measurement signals received using the second output line are processed to obtain a corresponding measurement for each cell in the second set of cells.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the first output line and the second output line are connected to a common analog front end during the plurality of time slots.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising: During the first plurality of time slots, the measurement signal received using the first output line and the measurement signal received using the second output line are encoded such that the encoded measurement signal is configured to be combined and decoded to separate the measurement signal received using the first output line from the measurement signal received using the second output line.

10. The method of claim 2, further comprising: Measurements are obtained from units in at least the first set of units within the first set of time slots; as well as Measurements are obtained from one or more additional sets of cells in one or more subsequent sets of time slots, until at least one measurement has been obtained from each of the plurality of cells.

11. A system for detecting a part of a user's body, the system comprising: Multiple units, including at least a first unit and a second unit, wherein: Each of the plurality of units includes a corresponding emitter electrode specific to that unit, the corresponding emitter electrode being configured to be selectively applied a first drive signal, and the corresponding emitter electrode being further configured to be selectively applied a second drive signal inverted relative to the first drive signal; Each of the plurality of units further includes a corresponding receiving electrode; and The system is configured as follows: In the first time slot, a first driving signal is applied to the emitter electrode of the first unit, causing the emitter electrode of the first unit to have a first state; and In the first time slot, a first measurement signal is received using the receiving electrode of the first unit; and In the second time slot, a second driving signal is applied to the emitter electrode of the first unit, causing the emitter electrode of the first unit to have a second state; and In the second time slot, the receiving electrode of the first unit is used to receive the second measurement signal.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein: The plurality of units includes a first set of units, and the first set of units includes at least a first unit and a second unit; Each receiving electrode in the first set of cells is electrically connected to the first output line; and The system is also configured as follows: In the first time slot, while applying a first driving signal to the emitter electrode of the first unit, a second driving signal is applied to the emitter electrode of the second unit. as well as In the first time slot, a first measurement signal is received using a first output line, which is electrically connected to the receiving electrodes of both the first unit and the second unit. In the second time slot, while applying a second driving signal to the emitter electrode of the first unit, a first driving signal is applied to the emitter electrode of the second unit. as well as In the second time slot, a second measurement signal is received using a first output line, which is electrically connected to the receiving electrodes of both the first unit and the second unit.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the plurality of units includes a second set of units, and the system is configured to not apply a drive signal to the second set of units during a first time slot or a second time slot.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein a first set of cells is arranged in a first linear array, a second set of cells is arranged in a second linear array, and the first linear array and the second linear array are adjacent such that each cell in the first set is adjacent to a corresponding cell in the second set.

15. The system of claim 12, wherein each unit in the first set of units has a first state and a second state, such that: In the first state, the emitter electrode of the corresponding unit is selectively connected to a first drive line configured to apply a first drive signal; and In the second state, the emitter electrode of the corresponding unit is selectively connected to a second drive line configured to apply a second drive signal.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the system is configured to: According to the multiplexing mode, the first state and the second state are applied to the first set of units in multiple time slots; Multiple measurement signals are received using a first output line, wherein a corresponding measurement signal is received in each of the multiple time slots; and The plurality of measurement signals are processed to obtain a corresponding measurement for each cell in a first set of cells.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein: The plurality of units includes a second set of units; Each receiving electrode in the second set is connected to the second output line; Each element in the second set of elements has a first state and a second state, such that: In the first state, the emitter electrode of the corresponding unit in the second set is selectively connected to the first drive line of the second set, which is configured to apply the first drive signal; as well as In the second state, the emitter electrode of the corresponding unit in the second set is selectively connected to the second drive line of the second set, which is configured to apply the second drive signal; as well as The system is configured as follows: According to the multiplexing mode, the first state and the second state are applied to the second set of units on the multiple time slots, and the application of the first state and the second state to the second set of units and the application of the first state and the second state to the first set of units occur simultaneously. Multiple measurement signals are received using a second output line, wherein a corresponding measurement signal is received using the second output line in each of the multiple time slots; as well as The plurality of measurement signals received using the second output line are processed to obtain a corresponding measurement for each cell in the second set of cells.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the first output line and the second output line are connected to a common analog front end during the plurality of time slots.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the system is further configured to: During the first plurality of time slots, the measurement signal received using the first output line and the measurement signal received using the second output line are encoded such that the encoded measurement signal is configured to be combined and decoded to separate the measurement signal received using the first output line from the measurement signal received using the second output line.

20. The system of claim 12, wherein The system is also configured as follows: Measurements are obtained from units in at least the first set of units within the first set of time slots; and Measurements are obtained from one or more additional sets of cells in one or more subsequent sets of time slots, until at least one measurement has been obtained from each of the plurality of cells.

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