Transparent antenna and touch display on wearable device

Abstract

The disclosed devices and systems may include transparent antennas and touch displays, which may be included in a wearable device. An example wearable device may include a display module including a display stack including a display cover layer, an antenna layer, and a display layer, where the antenna layer (1) is positioned between the display cover layer and the display layer, and (2) includes at least one antenna element. Various other systems and devices are disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a system comprising an antenna or an antenna trace. Summary of the invention

[0002] According to one aspect of the present invention, a system is provided, comprising: a display cover layer; and a transparent antenna film layer, the transparent antenna film layer comprising a film layer containing at least one antenna, wherein the transparent antenna film layer is positioned between the display cover layer and at least one display layer.

[0003] The transparent antenna film layer may include a printed transparent conductive material.

[0004] The transparent antenna film layer may include mesh metal.

[0005] The mesh metal can have a pitch of up to 60 micrometers (μm).

[0006] The mesh metal may have a pitch of at least 60 μm.

[0007] The mesh metal may have a pitch of at least 120 μm.

[0008] The system may further include an adhesive layer and a substrate layer, wherein the transparent antenna film layer is disposed on top of the adhesive layer, and the adhesive layer is disposed on top of the substrate layer.

[0009] The system may also include a multi-layer flexible member that connects a radio frequency (RF) signal from an RF integrated circuit to the transparent antenna film layer.

[0010] The transparent antenna film layer may include a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) antenna configuration.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a system is provided, which includes: a conductive touch sensor layer, which includes a plurality of touch sensor elements; a substrate layer; and a conductive antenna layer, which includes at least one radiating antenna trace, wherein the substrate layer separates the conductive touch sensor layer from the conductive antenna layer, and wherein the at least one radiating antenna trace of the conductive antenna layer is routed between the plurality of touch sensor elements.

[0012] The system may also include a flexible printed circuit to which at least a portion of the substrate layer is bound.

[0013] The flexible printed circuit can electrically connect the conductive touch layer to the touch sensing integrated circuit.

[0014] The flexible printed circuit may electrically connect the conductive antenna layer to the radio frequency integrated circuit.

[0015] Radiating antenna traces of the conductive antenna layer can be disposed within one or more gaps between the plurality of touch sensor elements.

[0016] Radiating antenna traces of the conductive antenna layer may be disposed in a herringbone pattern in one or more gaps between the plurality of touch sensor elements.

[0017] The conductive antenna layer may include a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna configuration.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a system is provided, which includes: a display module, which is included in a wearable device, the display module includes a display stack, the display stack includes a display cover layer and a display layer; an antenna layer, which is embedded in the display module of the wearable device and is positioned between the display cover layer and the display layer, the antenna layer includes at least one antenna.

[0019] The antenna layer may include a transparent antenna film layer including at least one antenna formed of a printed transparent conductive material.

[0020] The printed transparent conductive material may include a mesh metal having a grid having a predetermined pitch that makes the transparent antenna layer at least partially transparent to light generated by the display layer.

[0021] The antenna layer may include at least one radiating antenna trace. The display layer may include a conductive touch sensor layer including a plurality of touch sensor elements. The at least one radiating antenna trace may be routed between the plurality of touch sensor elements.

[0022] It will be understood that any feature described herein as being suitable for incorporation into one or more aspects or embodiments of the present disclosure is intended to be universal in any and all aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure. Other aspects of the present disclosure may be understood by those skilled in the art based on the specification, claims and drawings of the present disclosure. The foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and illustrative only and do not limit the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The accompanying drawings illustrate several exemplary embodiments and are a part of the specification. Together with the following description, these drawings illustrate and explain various principles of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 1 A perspective view of a wearable device with a display module according to some embodiments described herein is shown.

[0025] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a wearable device according to some embodiments described herein is shown.

[0026] Figures 3 to 5 Various cross-sectional views of a display stack are shown that may include a transparent film with a printed transparent conductive material according to some embodiments described herein.

[0027] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a transparent antenna film including mesh metal according to some embodiments described herein is shown.

[0028] Figure 7 A graph comparing properties of a mesh metal layer including copper and having a 60 μm pitch and a mesh metal layer including copper and having a 120 μm pitch according to some embodiments described herein is shown.

[0029] Figure 8 Schematic diagrams of various components that may be included in and / or connected to the transparent antenna films described herein are shown.

[0030] Figures 9 to 11 A view of an embodiment of a display stackup including a transparent antenna film as described herein is shown.

[0031] Fig.12 Shown is a cross-sectional view of a multi-layer flexible printed circuit board according to some embodiments described herein.

[0032] Figures 13 to 15 Various cross-sectional views of a display stack are shown that may include a touch sensor layer that may include, incorporate and / or implement a transparent antenna in accordance with some embodiments.

[0033] Fig.16 A cross-sectional view of a touch sensor film layer that may include, implement, and / or integrate a transparent antenna according to some embodiments described herein is shown.

[0034] Fig.17 Shown is a side view of a display stack connected to a printed circuit board via a flexible printed circuit board according to some embodiments described herein.

[0035] Fig.18 A diagram showing touch sensor film layers that can be used for antenna radiation as described herein.

[0036] Fig.19 A diagram showing an implementation of a touch sensor film layer that can be used for antenna radiation according to some embodiments described herein.

[0037] Fig. 20is an illustration of exemplary augmented reality glasses that may be used in conjunction with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] Fig.21 is an illustration of an exemplary virtual reality head mounted device (headset) that may be used in conjunction with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] In all figures, the same reference numerals and descriptions represent similar but not necessarily identical elements. Although the example embodiments described herein are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, a plurality of specific embodiments are shown in the drawings by way of example, and these specific embodiments will be described in detail herein. However, the example embodiments described herein are not intended to be limited to the specific forms disclosed. Instead, the present disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives that fall within the scope of the appended claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Modern mobile electronic devices can implement many different types of antennas. In order to keep up with the rapid development of wireless technology and the growing demand of users for ubiquitous wireless access, wearable electronic devices can support more and more wireless standards, including but not limited to, third generation mobile communication technology (3G) / fourth generation mobile communication technology (4G) / fifth generation mobile communication technology (5G), WiFi, global positioning system (GPS), Bluetooth, and ultrawideband (UWB), etc. In order to achieve multi-standard wireless connection, these wearable devices (e.g., smart watches) can implement, integrate or otherwise use several multi-band antennas in a relatively small form factor. In some cases, wearable electronic devices can implement such antennas: the antenna uses, for example, a metal casing of a wearable device, or stamped metal or laser direct structuring (LDS) on the bottom or cover of the wearable device to provide a radiation surface for wireless functions. In some cases, it may be difficult to implement additional antennas to cover more wireless standards because the space inside the wearable device may be strictly limited.

[0041] One possible location for one or more antennas may be the display area of ​​a wearable device. However, antennas are typically made of opaque conductive materials. Therefore, adding antenna traces to the display may create visible defects, which may have a negative impact on the user experience. In addition, display quality and display resolution are critical to a good user experience. Therefore, the implementation of the antenna should not detract from the display experience. In addition, displays are very complex and involve multiple finely constructed layers, including cover glass, bonding layers, polarizers, encapsulation layers, touch sensors, cathodes, organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), anodes, and substrate layers. Therefore, in addition to any defects that may be visible in the display, adding additional components to the display layer may also introduce reliability issues. Therefore, the present application discovers and solves the need for integrating antennas into wearable devices in an improved manner.

[0042] The present application relates to various devices and systems that can integrate antennas into touch displays of wearable devices. In some embodiments disclosed herein, the antenna can be implemented on a transparent film embedded in a display module of a mobile electronic device (e.g., a smart watch). Different embodiments involving different technologies are provided herein. In one embodiment, the antenna can be arranged on a separate antenna film, which is arranged in a display stack. In such an embodiment, two (or more) closely spaced multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antennas with multiple feed ports can be implemented on a separate transparent film and can be attached to the inner surface (e.g., bottom) of a cover layer in a display module. The antenna traces of this embodiment can be formed using a conductive mesh metal (e.g., copper) layer on a transparent film.

[0043] In another embodiment, the touch sensor film layer can be used for antenna radiation. A "fishbone" shaped antenna can be implemented on the touch sensor film layer. In this case, the antenna trace can be designed to extend along the gaps that may exist between multiple touch pads on the conductive touch sensor layer. In this case, the antenna trace can be coplanar with the touch sensing pad. The fishbone antenna trace structure can be routed along the gaps between multiple touch sensing pads. The conductive touch sensor layer can be implemented with indium tin oxide (ITO) or silver nanowire (SNW).

[0044] In one embodiment, a system may be provided, the system comprising a display cover layer and a transparent antenna film layer, the transparent antenna film layer comprising a film layer having one or more antennas. The transparent antenna film layer may be positioned between the display cover layer and the one or more display layers. In some cases, the transparent antenna film layer may include a printed transparent conductive material. Such a printed transparent conductive material may include a mesh metal. In some cases, the mesh metal may be provided at different spacing levels, including 60 μm, 120 μm, or other spacing levels. The mesh metal on the transparent antenna film layer is transparent to the human eye.

[0045] In some embodiments, the system may also include an adhesive layer and a substrate layer. In this case, the transparent antenna film layer of the system may be arranged on the top of the adhesive layer, and the adhesive layer itself is arranged on the top of the substrate layer. The system may also include a multi-layer flexible member, which connects the radio frequency (RF) signal from the RF integrated circuit (RF integrated circuit, RFIC) to the transparent antenna film layer. The transparent antenna film layer may include a MIMO antenna. These antennas can be basically any type of antenna, including monopole antennas, dipole antennas, loop antennas, slot antennas or other types of antennas. In addition, the antenna may include any type of associated radio, including cellular radio, global positioning system (GPS) radio, WiFi radio, Bluetooth radio, near-field communication (near-field communication, NFC) radio, ultra-wideband (UWB) radio or other types of radio.

[0046] In another embodiment, a system may be provided that includes: a conductive touch sensor layer that includes a plurality of touch sensor elements; a substrate layer; and a conductive antenna layer that itself includes one or more radiating antenna traces. The substrate layer may separate the conductive touch sensor layer from the conductive antenna layer. And, in the system, the radiating antenna traces of the conductive antenna layer may be routed between the plurality of touch sensor elements. In some cases, the system may also include a flexible printed circuit to which at least a portion of the substrate layer may be bound. The flexible printed circuit may electrically connect the conductive touch layer to a touch sensing integrated circuit, and may connect the conductive antenna layer to an RFIC. In some cases, the radiating antenna traces of the conductive antenna layer may be arranged in a herringbone pattern within one or more gaps between the plurality of touch sensor elements.

[0047] The following will refer to Figures 1 to 19 A detailed description of a device and system for improving antenna performance of a wearable device with a touch display via a transparent antenna included in the touch display is provided. Fig. 20 and Fig.21 A detailed description of one or more artificial reality systems that may be used in conjunction with embodiments of one or more of the devices and / or systems described herein is provided.

[0048] Figure 1 A perspective view 100 of a wearable device 102 having a display module 110 is shown. Although the wearable device 102 may be referred to herein as a smartwatch, this is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. In fact, it can be observed that embodiments of the devices and systems described herein may be included and / or incorporated into any device that may include a suitable display module and / or touch display.

[0049] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view 200 of wearable device 102 is shown. As shown, at least a portion of display module 110 is disposed on and / or forms a side of wearable device 102 and is positioned so that display module 110 can be accessed and / or viewed by a user when wearable device 102 is worn by the user.

[0050] As described above, in some examples, a transparent film having a printed transparent conductive material can be included as part of a stack of layers of a display module (also referred to herein as a "display stack") (e.g., placed within the stack of layers of a display module, disposed on a layer of a stack of layers of a display module, included as a layer of a stack of layers of a display module, etc.). The transparent film can be positioned between one or more layers of the display stack. For example, the film can be positioned between a top cover (e.g., a lens cover, a display cover, a glass layer, etc.) that can form an outer layer of a display stack and an optically clear adhesive (OCA) layer.

[0051] Typically, a display stack or "stack" can include a top layer (often referred to as an overlay, cover lens, or cover glass), conductive elements (e.g., sensors, vias, grounding / shielding entities, traces, etc.), and a printed circuit board (PCB) layer. A touch-enabled display stack or touch panel can include a touch sensor and one or more touch sensor electrodes. Touch-enabled displays can be classified according to the relative position of the touch sensor within the display stack. An "in-cell" touch panel can include a touch sensor integrated into or between other layers in the display stack that can provide display functionality. An "on-cell" touch panel can include a touch sensor located on top of a display layer, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) layer or an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display layer. An "out-cell" or "additional" touch panel can include a touch sensor outside the display and can be separated from the rest of the display stack (e.g., by an air gap).

[0052] Figures 3 to 5 Various cross-sectional views of a display stack that may include a transparent film with a printed transparent conductive material are shown. Figure 3 , cross-sectional view 300 shows a cross section of a display module 302 having an in-cell touch sensor configuration. As shown, display module 302 includes a cover lens 304, a transparent antenna film 306, and an adhesive layer 308. In this example, transparent antenna film 306 is disposed between cover lens 304 and adhesive layer 308. In some examples, adhesive layer 308 can include or be a portion of an OCA layer. Figure 3 The display module 302 in FIG. 3 includes many additional layers, including a polarizer layer, a touch sensor layer, an encapsulation layer, a cathode layer, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) layer, and an anode layer. Figure 3 As shown in the example of , the aforementioned layers can be disposed on a substrate layer 310 , which in some examples can include and / or be referred to as substrate glass.

[0053] Figure 4 Included is a cross-sectional view 400 showing a cross section of a display module having an on-cell touch sensor configuration. As shown, display module 402 includes a cover lens 404, a transparent antenna film 406, and an adhesive layer 408. In this example, the transparent antenna film 406 is disposed between the cover lens 404 and the adhesive layer 408. In some examples, the adhesive layer 408 can include an OCA layer or be a portion of an OCA layer. Figure 4The display module 402 in FIG. 4 includes many additional layers, including a polarizer layer, a touch sensor layer, an encapsulation layer, a cathode layer, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) layer, and an anode layer. Figure 4 As shown in the example of FIG. 4 , the aforementioned layers are disposed on a substrate layer 410, which in some examples may include and / or be referred to as substrate glass. As will be described in more detail below, Figure 4 As shown in the examples shown, in some examples, the touch sensor can be connected via a flexible printed circuit (FPC) connector ( Figure 4 In some examples, the controller may be referred to as a "touch controller with display driver integrated" or "TDDI".

[0054] Figure 5 Included is a cross-sectional view 500 showing a cross section of a display module having an on-cell touch sensor configuration. As shown, display module 502 includes a cover lens 504, a transparent antenna film 506, and an adhesive layer 508. In this example, the transparent antenna film 506 is disposed between the cover lens 504 and the adhesive layer 508. In some examples, the adhesive layer 508 can include an OCA layer or be a portion of an OCA layer. Figure 5 The display module 502 in FIG. 5 includes many additional layers, including a polarizer layer, a touch sensor layer, an encapsulation layer, a cathode layer, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) layer, and an anode layer. Figure 5 As shown in the example of FIG. 5 , the aforementioned layers are disposed on a substrate layer 510, which in some examples may include and / or be referred to as substrate glass. Figure 4 Same as in Figure 5 The touch sensor in the Figure 5 The “TP FPC” in the communication is coupled to the TDDI.

[0055] As described above, in some examples, the transparent antenna film layer (eg, transparent antenna film 306, transparent antenna film 406, transparent antenna film 506, etc.) may include mesh metal. The mesh metal may include any suitable metal and / or metal alloy, including but not limited to mesh copper.

[0056] In some examples, a mesh metal or mesh metal layer that may be included as part of a transparent antenna film layer may include multiple components or layers. Figure 6 A cross-sectional view 600 of a transparent antenna film 606 including a mesh metal is shown. As shown, the transparent antenna film 606 includes three layers: a mesh metal layer 602, an adhesive layer 604, and an optical substrate layer 608. In some examples, the mesh metal layer 602 can be coupled and / or attached to the optical substrate layer 608 via the adhesive layer 604.

[0057] In some examples, the mesh metal layer 602 may include metal (e.g., copper) wires arranged or formed into a grid, which may have a predetermined pitch. The pitch of a wire grid may refer to a measurement of the distance between the midpoints of two adjacent wires that form part of the wire grid. Thus, a wire grid in which the midpoints of two wires forming the grid are 1 μm apart may be referred to as a wire grid having a pitch of 1 μm.

[0058] The properties of the mesh metal layer may affect the electrical resistance (eg, sheet resistance) of the mesh metal layer as well as the optical transparency of the mesh metal layer. Figure 7 A property comparison graph 700 of a mesh metal layer including copper and having a 60 μm spacing and a mesh metal layer including copper and having a 120 μm spacing is shown. As shown, the mesh line width / spacing can be a design parameter that can affect the sheet resistivity, antenna radiation efficiency, and optical transparency. Careful selection of these design parameters can affect the user experience of a display including such a transparent antenna film layer, as well as the potential for use in wireless connection applications. Therefore, in some examples, the transparent antenna film layer may include a mesh metal. In other examples, the mesh metal may have a predetermined spacing of up to 60 μm or at least 60 μm. In additional or alternative examples, the mesh metal may have a spacing of up to 120 μm or at least 120 μm.

[0059] Now refer to Figures 8 to 12 Example embodiments of a touch-sensitive display module including a transparent antenna film layer are described.

[0060] Figure 8 Schematic diagram 800 of various components that may be included in and / or connected to the transparent antenna film described herein is shown. As shown, the transparent antenna film may include at least one mesh metal antenna. Figure 8 In the example shown, the transparent antenna film 802 includes a first antenna 804 and a second antenna 806. The first antenna 804 and the second antenna 806 can be included as part of a conductive area of ​​a transparent antenna film layer (e.g., transparent antenna film 306, transparent antenna film 406, transparent antenna film 506, etc.), and can each include a mesh metal (e.g., mesh copper). In this example, the first antenna 804 and the second antenna 806 can be implemented as MIMO antennas on the same transparent antenna film layer.

[0061] In this example, first antenna 804 and second antenna 806 are each connected to a multi-layer flexible printed circuit board ("multi-layer flex 810") via bonds 812. First antenna 804 is connected to multi-layer flex 810(A) via bonds 812(A), and second antenna 806 is connected to multi-layer flex 810(B) via bonds 812(A). Each of bonds 812 may include any suitable bonding agent, such as, but not limited to, anisotropic conductive film (ACF) or a similar conductive adhesive.

[0062] As will be referenced below Fig.12 Described in more detail, a multi-layer flexible member such as multi-layer flexible member 810 may include multiple layers and other components that may facilitate transmission of RF signals from and / or to a transparent antenna film layer. Each multi-layer flexible member 810 may communicatively couple and / or connect an antenna to a control device and may conduct RF signals from and / or to an RFIC included in the control device. Figure 8 In the example shown, each multi-layer flexible member 810 may include a corresponding coplanar waveguide 814 (e.g., multi-layer flexible member 810(A) may include coplanar waveguide 814(A), and multi-layer flexible member 810(B) may include coplanar waveguide 814(B)). Coplanar waveguide 814 may conduct RF signals from and / or to transparent antenna film 802 and / or its corresponding portion, and / or may facilitate such conduction. Figure 8 In the example shown, coplanar waveguide 814(A) can conduct RF signals from and / or to the first antenna 804 and / or can facilitate such conduction; and coplanar waveguide 814(B) can conduct RF signals from and / or to the second antenna 806 and / or can facilitate such conduction. The multi-layer flexible member 810(A) and / or the multi-layer flexible member 810(B) can be connected to another component (e.g., a control device) via a suitable connector 816.

[0063] Figures 9 to 11 Various views of a display stackup including a touch-sensitive display module including a transparent antenna film layer are shown. Fig. 9A stereoscopic view 900 of a display stack 902 is shown. The display stack 902 can be a touch-enabled display stack that also includes a transparent antenna film layer. The transparent antenna film layer can include a first antenna 904 and a second antenna 906 disposed and / or fixed below a cover glass 908. The first antenna 904 and the second antenna 906 can be included as part of a conductive region of the transparent antenna film layer and can include a mesh metal (e.g., copper). In this example, the first antenna 904 and the second antenna 906 can be implemented as MIMO antennas on the same transparent antenna film layer. In this example, the first antenna 904 and the second antenna 906 are connected to a multi-layer flexible printed circuit board ("multi-layer flexible member 910") via a key 912. The key 912 can include any suitable bonding agent, such as, but not limited to, ACF or a similar conductive adhesive.

[0064] Fig.10 A top view 1000 of the display stack 902 is shown that also includes the first antenna 904 , the second antenna 906 , the cover glass 908 , and the multi-layer flexure 910 . Fig.11 A side view 1100 of the display stack 902 is shown. In this view, the multi-layer flex 910 is also shown connecting the display stack 902 (e.g., one or more components included in the display stack 902, such as the first antenna 904 and / or the second antenna 906) to the control device 1102 via a connector 1104. In some examples, the control device 1102 can include an RFIC (e.g., a PCB including the RFIC) and / or a TDDI (e.g., a PCB including the TDDI).

[0065] As described above, a multilayer flexible printed circuit board (eg, multilayer flex 810, multilayer flex 910, etc.) may include multiple layers and other features that may facilitate transmission of RF signals to and / or from a transparent antenna film layer. Fig.12 Schematic diagram 1200 showing a side view of a multi-layer flexible printed circuit board according to some embodiments described herein. As shown, generally, a multi-layer flexible printed circuit board may include three sets of layers: a conductive layer, an adhesive layer, and a dielectric substrate layer. Fig.12 The conductive layers in the embodiment may include copper foil layers (e.g., copper foil 1208, copper foil 1216, and copper foil 1220) and plating layers (e.g., panel plating 1206, panel plating 1214, and panel plating 1222). The adhesive layers may include coverlay adhesive 1204, adhesive 1212, and coverlay adhesive 1224. The dielectric layers may include coverlay polyamide 1202, base polyamide 1210, base polyamide 1218, and coverlay polyamide 1226.

[0066] In some examples, the conductive layer (e.g., base polyamide 1210 and / or base polyamide 1218) can be used to implement a coplanar waveguide (e.g., coplanar waveguide 814(A) and / or coplanar waveguide 814(B)) for conducting RF signals. In some examples, copper foil 1208 and / or copper foil 1220 can be used for RF ground shielding.

[0067] Connector 1228 can connect the multilayer flexible printed circuit board to another component (e.g., a control device such as control device 1102). Resistor 1230 may include and / or be referred to as a shunt resistor and may be used to measure and / or control the current flowing through connector 1228. Reinforcement adhesive 1232 may attach reinforcement 1234 to cover layer polyamide 1226. Reinforcement 1234 may include any suitable reinforcement material, including but not limited to polyamide reinforcement and / or stainless steel reinforcement.

[0068] As described above, in some examples, a "fishbone" shaped antenna can be implemented on the touch sensor film layer. In this case, the antenna trace can be designed to extend along the gaps that may exist between multiple touch pads on the conductive touch sensor layer. In some examples, the antenna trace can be coplanar with the touch sensing pad, where the fishbone antenna trace structure is routed along the gaps between the multiple touch sensing pads.

[0069] Thus, in some embodiments, the conductive touch sensor layer can include a plurality of touch sensor elements, a substrate layer, and a conductive antenna layer that itself includes one or more radiating antenna traces. The substrate layer can separate the conductive touch sensor layer from the conductive antenna layer, and the radiating antenna traces of the conductive antenna layer can be routed between the plurality of touch sensor elements. In at least some embodiments, the radiating antenna traces of the conductive antenna layer can be arranged in a herringbone pattern within one or more gaps between the plurality of touch sensor elements.

[0070] As referenced above Figures 3 to 5 As discussed, touch-enabled displays can be categorized based on the relative position of the touch sensor within the display stack. Figures 13 to 15 Various cross-sectional views of a display stack are shown that may include a touch sensor layer that may include, incorporate and / or implement a transparent antenna in accordance with some embodiments.

[0071] exist Fig.13, cross-sectional view 1300 shows a cross section of a display module 1302 having an in-cell touch sensor configuration. As shown, display module 1302 includes a cover lens 1304, a transparent antenna 1306, and an adhesive layer 1308. In this example, transparent antenna 1306 is disposed within the touch sensor layer and / or is included as part of the touch sensor layer. In some examples, adhesive layer 308 can include or be part of an OCA layer. Figure 3 The display module 1302 in FIG. 1 includes many additional layers, including a polarizer layer, an encapsulation layer, a cathode layer, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) layer, and an anode layer. Figure 3 As shown in the example of , the aforementioned layers can be disposed on a substrate layer 1310 , which in some examples can include and / or be referred to as substrate glass.

[0072] Fig.14 Included is a cross-sectional view 1400 showing a cross section of a display module having an on-cell touch sensor configuration. As shown, display module 1402 includes a cover lens 1404, a transparent antenna 1406, and an adhesive layer 1408. In this example, transparent antenna 1406 is disposed within the touch sensor layer and / or included as part of the touch sensor layer. In some examples, adhesive layer 408 can include an OCA layer or be part of an OCA layer. Figure 4 The display module 1402 in FIG. 1 includes many additional layers, including a polarizer layer, an encapsulation layer, a cathode layer, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) layer, and an anode layer. Fig.14 As shown in the example of FIG. 14 , the aforementioned layers are disposed on a substrate layer 1410, which in some examples may include and / or be referred to as substrate glass. As will be described in more detail below, Figure 4 As shown in the examples shown, in some examples, the touch sensor can be connected via an FPC connector ( Fig.14 “TP FPC” in the figure) is communicatively coupled to the controller or TDDI.

[0073] Fig.15 Included is a cross-sectional view 1500 showing a cross-section of a display module having an on-cell touch sensor configuration. As shown, display module 1502 includes a cover lens 1504, a transparent antenna film 1506, and an adhesive layer 1508. In this example, the transparent antenna film 506 is disposed within and / or included as part of a touch sensor layer disposed between the cover lens 1504 and the adhesive layer 1508. In some examples, the adhesive layer 1508 can include or be part of an OCA layer. Fig.15 The display module 1502 in FIG. 1 includes many additional layers, including polarizer layers, encapsulation layers, cathode layers, organic light emitting diode (OLED) layers, and anode layers. Fig.15 As shown in the example of FIG. 1 , the aforementioned layers are disposed on a substrate layer 1510, which in some examples may include and / or be referred to as substrate glass. Fig.14 Same, Fig.15 The touch sensor in the Fig.15 The “TP FPC” in the communication is coupled to the TDDI.

[0074] In some examples, a touch sensor can include a conductive layer that is reusable for implementing an antenna. Fig.16 A cross-sectional view 1600 of a cross-section of a touch sensor film layer 1602 that may include, implement, and / or integrate a transparent antenna according to some embodiments is shown. As shown, the touch sensor film layer 1602 may include a bottom conductive layer 1604, a top conductive layer 1606, a substrate layer 1608, one or more adhesives 1610, a flexible printed circuit board 1612 ( Fig.16 ), and one or more parts of the ACF ( Fig.16 (“ACF 1614” in the .

[0075] In this example, the bottom conductive layer 1604 and the top conductive layer 1606 can each be made of a micro mesh (MM) material that can include a conductive material (e.g., copper). The bottom conductive layer 1604 can be configured to send (Tx) a signal or current to the top conductive layer 1606 through or via the substrate layer 1608. Similarly, the top conductive layer 1606 can be configured to receive (Rx) a signal or current from the bottom conductive layer 1604 through or via the substrate layer 1608. The substrate layer 1608 can be made of any suitable material, such as but not limited to a polyester (PET) material. The adhesive 1610 can include any suitable optically transparent adhesive and can be used to attach the touch sensor film layer 1602 to one or more other layers in the display stack. The ACF 1614 can be used to connect the touch sensor film layer 1602 to the flexible printed circuit board 1612.

[0076] The top conductive layer 1606 may include and / or implement one or more touch pads, and / or one or more traces that may connect one or more touch pads to one or more touch sensing integrated circuits (e.g., TDDIs). The bottom conductive layer 1604 may be used to implement one or more antennas.

[0077] Fig.17 The flexible printed circuit board 1704 ( Fig.17 The "flexible member 1704" in the figure) is connected to the printed circuit board 1706 ( Fig.171700 is a side view of a display stack 1702 of the display PCB 1706). Although not shown in Fig.17 , but the printed circuit board 1706 may include and / or implement a control device that includes and / or implements an RFIC and / or a TPIC and / or a TDDI.

[0078] Fig.18 A view of a touch sensor film layer 1800 that can be used for antenna radiation is shown. As shown, the touch sensor film layer 1800 includes at least one touch pad 1802, wherein Fig.18 A total of 25 touch pads are shown in FIG. 1800. Touch sensor film layer 1800 also includes antenna trace 1804, which includes traces extending along gaps between multiple touch pads. In some examples, antenna trace 1804 can be described as having a "fishbone" shape. As shown, antenna trace 1804 can be coplanar with a touch sensing pad (e.g., touch pad 1802). As described above, in some examples, the conductive touch sensor layer can be implemented using ITO or SNW.

[0079] Touch sensor traces 1806 can connect a touch pad (e.g., touch pad 1802) to touch IC 1808. In some examples, touch sensor traces 1806 can be routed along a gap between the touch pad and a bezel of a display stack including touch sensor film layer 1800. Touch sensor traces 1806 can be merged into a bus of signal lines and can be connected to a multi-channel analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and / or digital-to-analog converter (DAC) on touch IC 1808.

[0080] ACF bonding 1810 can bond antenna trace 1804 to a flexible printed circuit board connector, which can further connect antenna trace 1804 to the RFIC. Antenna trace 1804 can be an interdigital type antenna and can enhance the connection with the touch pad (e.g., the emitting conductive layer, such as Fig.16 The coupling of the bottom conductive layer 1604 in the antenna can improve the radiation efficiency of the entire antenna system (e.g., antenna trace 1804, touch pad 1802, touch sensor trace 1806, etc.).

[0081] Fig.19A view of an embodiment of a touch sensor film layer 1900 that can be used for antenna radiation is shown. As shown, the touch sensor film layer 1900 includes a plurality of touch pads 1902 and an antenna trace 1904. The antenna trace 1904 includes a trace extending along the gaps between the plurality of touch pads 1902, thereby giving the antenna trace 1904 a "fishbone" shape. ACF bonding 1910 can bond the antenna trace 1904 to a flexible printed circuit board connector, which can further connect the antenna trace 1904 to an RFIC. Although not shown in FIG. Fig.19 1900, but touch sensor film layer 1900 may also include touch sensor traces that may be routed along a gap between touch panel 1902 and a bezel of a display stack including touch sensor film layer 1900. The touch sensor traces may be connected to a multi-channel ADC / DAC on a touch IC (e.g., touch IC 1808).

[0082] The apparatus, systems, and methods described herein can provide various benefits over conventional options for antennas in wearable devices. By embedding antennas on a transparent film embedded in a display module of a wearable device, the apparatus, systems, and methods provided herein can enable additional and / or higher quality antennas to be implemented for wearable devices without impacting many of the space requirements or design requirements of such wearable devices.

[0083] In one embodiment, a thin transparent antenna film can be incorporated into the display stack and attached to the cover glass of the display module. In this embodiment, the antenna traces can be designed as a conductive mesh metal (e.g., copper) layer on the transparent film. In additional embodiments, the existing touch sensor film can be used for antenna radiation. By placing a fishbone antenna with antenna traces in the gaps between multiple touch pads on the touch sensor film, the conductive portion of the touch sensor layer can be used for antenna radiation as well as touch sensing. Therefore, the devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein can provide significant benefits over traditional options for antennas within wearable devices.

[0084] The various embodiments of the present disclosure may include various types of artificial reality systems or be implemented in combination with various types of artificial reality systems. Artificial reality is a form of reality that has been adjusted in some way before being presented to the user, and the artificial reality may include, for example, virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, hybrid reality, or some combination and / or derivative thereof. Artificial reality content may include completely computer-generated content, or computer-generated content combined with collected (e.g., real-world) content. Artificial reality content may include video, audio, tactile feedback, or some combination thereof, any of which may be presented in a single channel or multiple channels (e.g., stereoscopic video that brings a three-dimensional (3D) effect to the viewer). In addition, in some embodiments, artificial reality may also be associated with applications, products, accessories, services, or some combination thereof, which are used, for example, to create content in artificial reality, and / or to be used in artificial reality in other ways (e.g., to perform activities in artificial reality).

[0085] Artificial reality systems can be implemented in a variety of different form factors and configurations. Some artificial reality systems can be designed to work without a near-eye display (NED). Other artificial reality systems can include a NED that also provides visibility to the real world (e.g., Fig. 20 2000) or includes an augmented reality system that visually immerses a user in an artificial reality (e.g., Fig.21 2100 in the virtual reality system). Although some artificial reality devices may be stand-alone systems, other artificial reality devices may communicate with and / or coordinate with external devices to provide an artificial reality experience to a user. Examples of such external devices include handheld controllers, mobile devices, desktop computers, devices worn by a user, devices worn by one or more other users, and / or any other suitable external system.

[0086] Go to Fig. 20 , the augmented reality system 2000 may include an eyeglass device 2002 having a frame 2010, the frame being configured to hold a left display device 2015(A) and a right display device 2015(B) in front of the user's eyes. The display device 2015(A) and the display device 2015(B) may act together or independently to present an image or a series of images to the user. Although the augmented reality system 2000 includes two displays, the embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in an augmented reality system having a single NED or more than two NEDs.

[0087] In some embodiments, the augmented reality system 2000 may include one or more sensors, such as sensor 2040. Sensor 2040 may generate measurement signals in response to the movement of the augmented reality system 2000 and may be located substantially on any portion of the frame 2010. Sensor 2040 may represent one or more of a variety of different sensing mechanisms, such as a position sensor, an inertial measurement unit (IMU), a depth camera package, a structured light emitter and / or detector, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the augmented reality system 2000 may or may not include sensor 2040, or may include more than one sensor. In embodiments where sensor 2040 includes an IMU, the IMU may generate calibration data based on the measurement signals from sensor 2040. Examples of sensor 2040 may include, but are not limited to, accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, other suitable types of sensors that detect movement, sensors for error correction of IMUs, or some combination thereof.

[0088] In some examples, the augmented reality system 2000 may also include a microphone array having a plurality of acoustic transducers 2020(A) to 2020(J), which are collectively referred to as acoustic transducers 2020. Acoustic transducers 2020 may represent transducers that detect changes in air pressure caused by sound waves. Each acoustic transducer 2020 may be configured to detect sound and convert the detected sound into an electronic format (e.g., an analog format or a digital format). Fig. 20 The microphone array in may, for example, include ten acoustic transducers: 2020(A) and 2020(B) which may be designed to be placed in the user's respective ears; acoustic transducers 2020(C), 2020(D), 2020(E), 2020(F), 2020(G) and 2020(H) which may be positioned at various locations on the frame 2010; and / or acoustic transducers 2020(I) and 2020(J) which may be positioned on the corresponding neckband 2005.

[0089] In some embodiments, one or more of the acoustic transducers 2020(A) to 2020(J) can be used as output transducers (e.g., speakers). For example, the acoustic transducer 2020(A) and / or the acoustic transducer 2020(B) can be earbuds or any other suitable type of earphones or speakers.

[0090] The configuration of each acoustic transducer 2020 in the microphone array may vary. Fig. 202010, but the number of acoustic transducers 2020 can be more or less than ten. In some embodiments, the use of a greater number of acoustic transducers 2020 can increase the amount of audio information collected and / or improve the sensitivity and accuracy of the audio information. In contrast, the use of a smaller number of acoustic transducers 2020 can reduce the computing power required for the associated controller 2050 to process the collected audio information. In addition, the position of each acoustic transducer 2020 in the microphone array can be changed. For example, the position of the acoustic transducer 2020 can include a defined position on the user, a defined coordinate on the frame 2010, an orientation associated with each acoustic transducer 2020, or some combination thereof.

[0091] Acoustic transducers 2020(A) and 2020(B) may be positioned at different locations on the user's ear, such as behind the pinna, behind the tragus, and / or within the auricle or ear cavity. Alternatively, in addition to the acoustic transducer 2020 within the ear canal, additional acoustic transducers 2020 may be present on or around the ear. Positioning the acoustic transducer 2020 near the user's ear canal may enable the microphone array to collect information about how sound reaches the ear canal. By positioning at least two of the multiple acoustic transducers 2020 on both sides of the user's head (e.g., as binaural microphones), the augmented reality system 2000 may simulate binaural hearing and capture a 3D stereo sound field around the user's head. In some embodiments, acoustic transducers 2020(A) and 2020(B) may be connected to augmented reality system 2000 via wired connection 2030, while in other embodiments, acoustic transducers 2020(A) and 2020(B) may be connected to augmented reality system 2000 via a wireless connection (e.g., a Bluetooth connection). In other embodiments, acoustic transducers 2020(A) and 2020(B) may not be used in conjunction with augmented reality system 2000 at all.

[0092] The multiple acoustic transducers 2020 on the frame 2010 can be positioned in a variety of different ways, including along the length of the temples, across the bridge of the nose, above or below the display device 2015(A) and the display device 2015(B), or some combination thereof. The multiple acoustic transducers 2020 can also be oriented so that the microphone array can detect sounds in a wide range of directions around the user who is wearing the augmented reality system 2000. In some embodiments, an optimization process can be performed during the manufacture of the augmented reality system 2000 to determine the relative positioning of the individual acoustic transducers 2020 in the microphone array.

[0093] In some examples, the augmented reality system 2000 may include or be connected to an external device (e.g., a paired device), such as a neckband 2005. The neckband 2005 generally represents any type or form of paired device. Therefore, the following discussion of the neckband 2005 may also be applied to various other paired devices, such as charging boxes, smart watches, smart phones, wristbands, other wearable devices, handheld controllers, tablet computers, laptop computers, other external computing devices, etc.

[0094] As shown, the neckband 2005 can be coupled to the eyeglass device 2002 via one or more connectors. These connectors can be wired or wireless and can include electronic components and / or non-electronic components (e.g., structural components). In some cases, the eyeglass device 2002 and the neckband 2005 can operate independently without any wired or wireless connection between them. Although Fig. 20 The components of the eyeglass device 2002 and the neckband 2005 are shown as being located at example locations on the eyeglass device 2002 and the neckband 2005, but the components may be located at other locations on the eyeglass device 2002 and / or the neckband 2005 and / or distributed in different ways on the eyeglass device and / or the neckband. In some embodiments, the components of the eyeglass device 2002 and the neckband 2005 may be located on one or more additional peripheral devices that are paired with the eyeglass device 2002, the neckband 2005, or some combination thereof.

[0095] Pairing an external device (e.g., a neckband 2005) with an augmented reality eyewear device can enable the eyewear device to achieve the form factor of a pair of glasses while still providing sufficient battery power and computing power for the expanded capabilities. Some or all of the battery power, computing resources, and / or additional features of the augmented reality system 2000 can be provided by a paired device, or shared between a paired device and the eyewear device, thereby reducing the weight, heat distribution, and form factor of the eyewear device as a whole while still maintaining the desired functionality. For example, since the user can bear a heavier weight load on his shoulders than on his head, the neckband 2005 can allow multiple components that would otherwise be included on the eyewear device to be included in the neckband 2005. The neckband 2005 can also have a larger surface area through which heat is diffused and dissipated to the surrounding environment. Therefore, compared with the battery power and computing power that are otherwise feasible on a stand-alone eyewear device, the neckband 2005 can allow for greater battery power and greater computing power. Because the weight carried in the neckband 2005 can be less intrusive to the user than the weight carried in the eyeglass device 2002, the user can tolerate wearing a lighter eyeglass device and carrying or wearing a paired device for longer periods of time than the user can tolerate wearing a heavy stand-alone eyeglass device, thereby enabling the user to more fully integrate the artificial reality environment into their daily activities.

[0096] The neckband 2005 can be communicatively coupled to the eyeglass device 2002, and / or communicatively coupled to other devices. These other devices can provide certain functions (e.g., tracking, positioning, depth map construction, processing, storage, etc.) to the augmented reality system 2000. Fig. 20 In an embodiment of the present invention, the neckband 2005 may include two acoustic transducers (e.g., 2020 (I) and 2020 (J)) that are part of a microphone array (or potentially form their own microphone subarray). The neckband 2005 may also include a controller 2025 and a power supply 2035.

[0097] The acoustic transducers 2020(I) and 2020(J) in the neckband 2005 may be configured to detect sound and convert the detected sound into an electronic format (analog or digital). Fig. 20In an embodiment of the present invention, the acoustic transducers 2020(I) and 2020(J) can be positioned on the neckband 2005, thereby increasing the distance between the acoustic transducers 2020(I) and 2020(J) of the neckband and other acoustic transducers 2020 positioned on the eyeglass device 2002. In some cases, increasing the distance between multiple acoustic transducers 2020 in the microphone array can improve the accuracy of beamforming performed via the microphone array. For example, if the acoustic transducers 2020(C) and 2020(D) detect a sound, and the distance between the acoustic transducers 2020(C) and 2020(D) is greater than the distance between the acoustic transducers 2020(D) and 2020(E), the determined source location of the detected sound can be more accurate than when the sound is detected by the acoustic transducers 2020(D) and 2020(E).

[0098] The controller 2025 in the neckband 2005 can process information generated by multiple sensors on the neckband 2005 and / or the augmented reality system 2000. For example, the controller 2025 can process information from a microphone array that describes the sound detected by the microphone array. For each detected sound, the controller 2025 can perform a direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimate to estimate from which direction the detected sound arrives at the microphone array. When the microphone array detects a sound, the controller 2025 can fill the audio data set with the information. In an embodiment where the augmented reality system 2000 includes an inertial measurement unit, the controller 2025 can calculate all inertial calculations and spatial calculations from the IMU located on the eyeglass device 2002. The connector can transmit information between the augmented reality system 2000 and the neckband 2005, and between the augmented reality system 2000 and the controller 2025. The information can be in the form of optical data, electronic data, wireless data, or any other transmittable data form. Moving the processing of information generated by the augmented reality system 2000 to the neckband 2005 can reduce the weight and heat of the eyewear device 2002, making the eyewear device more comfortable for the user.

[0099] The power supply 2035 in the neckband 2005 can provide power to the eyeglass device 2002 and / or the neckband 2005. The power supply 2035 can include, but is not limited to, lithium-ion batteries, lithium-polymer batteries, primary lithium batteries, alkaline batteries, or any other form of power storage. In some cases, the power supply 2035 can be a wired power supply. Including the power supply 2035 on the neckband 2005 instead of the eyeglass device 2002 can help to better disperse the weight and heat generated by the power supply 2035.

[0100] As mentioned, some artificial reality systems may use a virtual experience to substantially replace one or more of a user's multiple sensory perceptions of the real world, rather than mixing the artificial reality with the real reality. An example of this type of system is a head-mounted display system that mostly or completely covers the user's field of view, e.g. Fig.21 Virtual reality system 2100 in FIG. Virtual reality system 2100 may include a front rigid body 2102 and a band 2104 shaped to fit around a user's head. Virtual reality system 2100 may also include output audio transducers 2106 (A) and 2106 (B). In addition, although Fig.21 Not shown, but the front rigid body 2102 may include one or more electronic components, including one or more electronic displays, one or more inertial measurement units (IMUs), one or more tracking transmitters or detectors, and / or any other suitable device or system for creating an artificial reality experience.

[0101] Artificial reality systems may include various types of visual feedback mechanisms. For example, the display devices in the augmented reality system 2000 and / or the virtual reality system 2100 may include: one or more liquid crystal displays (LCD), one or more light emitting diode (LED) displays, one or more micro LED displays, one or more organic LED (OLED) displays, one or more digital light project (DLP) micro displays, one or more liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS) micro displays, and / or any other suitable type of display screen. These artificial reality systems may include a single display screen for both eyes, or a display screen may be provided for each eye, which may provide additional flexibility for zoom adjustment or correction of the user's refractive error. Some of these artificial reality systems may also include multiple optical subsystems having one or more lenses (e.g., concave or convex lenses, Fresnel lenses, adjustable liquid lenses, etc.), through which the user can view the display screen. These optical subsystems can be used for a variety of purposes, including collimating light (e.g., making an object appear to be at a greater distance than it is physically at), magnifying light (e.g., making an object appear larger than its actual size), and / or delivering light (e.g., delivering light to a viewer's eye). These optical subsystems can be used in a direct-view architecture (e.g., a single-lens configuration that directly collimates light but produces so-called pincushion distortion) and / or a non-direct-view architecture (e.g., a multi-lens configuration that produces so-called barrel distortion to eliminate pincushion distortion).

[0102] In addition to or in lieu of using a display screen, some artificial reality systems described herein may include one or more projection systems. For example, a display device in the augmented reality system 2000 and / or the virtual reality system 2100 may include a micro-LED projector that projects light into a display device (e.g., using a waveguide) such as a transparent combination lens that allows ambient light to pass through. The display device may refract the projected light toward the user's pupil and may enable the user to simultaneously view both artificial reality content and the real world. The display device may use any of a variety of different optical components to achieve this purpose, including waveguide components (e.g., holographic waveguide elements, planar waveguide elements, diffractive waveguide elements, polarizing waveguide elements, and / or reflective waveguide elements), light manipulation surfaces and elements (e.g., diffractive elements and gratings, reflective elements and gratings, and refractive elements and gratings), coupling elements, and the like. The artificial reality system may also be configured with any other suitable type or form of image projection system, such as a retinal projector for a virtual retinal display.

[0103] The artificial reality systems described herein may also include various types of computer vision components and subsystems. For example, the augmented reality system 2000 and / or the virtual reality system 2100 may include one or more optical sensors, such as a two-dimensional (2D) camera or a 3D camera, a structured light emitter and detector, a time-of-flight depth sensor, a single beam rangefinder or a scanning laser rangefinder, a 3D laser radar (LiDAR) sensor, and / or any other suitable type or form of optical sensor. The artificial reality system may process data from one or more of these sensors to identify the user's location, map the real world, provide the user with context related to the real-world surroundings, and / or perform various other functions.

[0104] The artificial reality system described herein may also include one or more input audio transducers and / or output audio transducers. The output audio transducer may include a voice coil speaker, a ribbon speaker, an electrostatic speaker, a piezoelectric speaker, a bone conduction transducer, a cartilage conduction transducer, an ear tragus vibration transducer, and / or any other suitable type or form of audio transducer. Similarly, the input audio transducer may include a condenser microphone, a dynamic microphone, a ribbon microphone, and / or any other type or form of input transducer. In some embodiments, a single transducer may be used for both audio input and audio output.

[0105] In some embodiments, the artificial reality system described herein may also include a tactile (i.e., haptic) feedback system that can be incorporated into headwear, gloves, clothing, handheld controllers, environmental equipment (e.g., chairs, floor mats, etc.), and / or any other type of device or system. The tactile feedback system can provide various types of skin feedback, including vibration, thrust, pull, texture, and / or temperature. The tactile feedback system can also provide various types of kinesthetic feedback, such as motion and compliance. Tactile feedback can be implemented using motors, piezoelectric actuators, fluid systems, and / or various other types of feedback mechanisms. The tactile feedback system can be implemented independently of other artificial reality devices, implemented within other artificial reality devices, and / or implemented in combination with other artificial reality devices.

[0106] By providing tactile perception, auditory content, and / or visual content, artificial reality systems can create a complete virtual experience or enhance the user's real-world experience in various contexts and environments. For example, an artificial reality system can assist or expand a user's perception, memory, or cognition in a specific environment. Some systems can enhance the user's interaction with other people in the real world, or can achieve a more immersive interaction with other people in the virtual world. Artificial reality systems can also be used for educational purposes (e.g., for teaching or training in schools, hospitals, government agencies, military agencies, enterprises, etc.), entertainment purposes (e.g., for playing video games, listening to music, watching video content, etc.), and / or for accessibility purposes (e.g., as hearing aids, visual aids, etc.). The various embodiments disclosed herein can implement or enhance the user's artificial reality experience in one or more of these contexts and environments, and / or in other contexts and environments.

[0107] The present disclosure also includes the following example embodiments:

[0108] Example 1: A system comprising: (1) a display cover layer, and (2) a transparent antenna film layer comprising a film layer including at least one antenna, (3) wherein the transparent antenna film layer is positioned between the display cover layer and at least one display layer.

[0109] Example 2: The system of Example 1, wherein the transparent antenna film layer comprises a printed transparent conductive material.

[0110] Example 3: The system of any one of Examples 1 to 2, wherein the transparent antenna film layer comprises a mesh metal.

[0111] Example 4: The system of Example 3, wherein the mesh metal has a pitch of up to 60 μm.

[0112] Example 5: The system of any of Examples 3 to 4, wherein the mesh metal has a pitch of at least 60 μm.

[0113] Example 6: The system of any of Examples 3 to 5, wherein the mesh metal has a pitch of at least 120 μm.

[0114] Example 7: The system according to any one of Examples 1 to 6 further includes an adhesive layer and a substrate layer, wherein the transparent antenna film layer is arranged on top of the adhesive layer, and the adhesive layer is arranged on top of the substrate layer.

[0115] Example 8: The system of any one of Examples 1 to 7 further comprises a multi-layer flexible member that connects a radio frequency (RF) signal from an RF integrated circuit to the transparent antenna film layer.

[0116] Example 9: The system of any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the transparent antenna film layer comprises a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna configuration.

[0117] Example 10: A system comprising: (1) a conductive touch sensor layer comprising a plurality of touch sensor elements, (2) a substrate layer, and (3) a conductive antenna layer comprising at least one radiating antenna trace, (4) wherein the substrate layer separates the conductive touch sensor layer from the conductive antenna layer, and (5) wherein the at least one radiating antenna trace of the conductive antenna layer is routed between the plurality of touch sensor elements.

[0118] Example 11: The system of Example 10, further comprising a flexible printed circuit, at least a portion of the substrate layer being bonded to the flexible printed circuit.

[0119] Example 12: The system of Example 11, wherein the flexible printed circuit electrically connects the conductive touch layer to the touch sensing integrated circuit.

[0120] Example 13: The system of any of Examples 11-12, wherein the flexible printed circuit electrically connects the conductive antenna layer to the radio frequency integrated circuit.

[0121] Example 14: The system of any of Examples 10 to 13, wherein the radiating antenna traces of the conductive antenna layer are disposed within one or more gaps between the plurality of touch sensor elements.

[0122] Example 15: The system of any of Examples 10 to 14, wherein the radiating antenna traces of the conductive antenna layer are arranged in a herringbone pattern in one or more gaps between the plurality of touch sensor elements.

[0123] Example 16: A system according to any of Examples 10 to 15, wherein the conductive antenna layer includes a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna configuration.

[0124] Example 17: A system comprising: (1) a display module included in a wearable device, the display module comprising a display stack, the display stack comprising a display cover layer and a display layer, (2) an antenna layer embedded in the display module of the wearable device and positioned between the display cover layer and the display layer, the antenna layer comprising at least one antenna.

[0125] Example 18: The system of 17, wherein the antenna layer comprises a transparent antenna film layer comprising at least one antenna formed of a printed transparent conductive material.

[0126] Example 19: The system of Example 18, wherein the printed transparent conductive material comprises a mesh metal having a grid having a predetermined pitch that renders the transparent antenna layer at least partially transparent to light generated by the display layer.

[0127] Example 20: A system according to any of Examples 17 to 19, wherein (1) the antenna layer includes at least one radiating antenna trace, and (2) the display layer includes a conductive touch sensor layer, the conductive touch sensor layer includes a plurality of touch sensor elements, and (3) wherein the at least one radiating antenna trace is routed between the plurality of touch sensor elements.

[0128] The process parameters and step sequences described and / or illustrated herein are provided by way of example only and may be changed as desired. For example, although the multiple steps illustrated and / or described herein may be illustrated or discussed in a particular order, the steps do not necessarily need to be performed in the order illustrated or discussed. The various example methods described and / or illustrated herein may also omit one or more of the multiple steps described or illustrated herein, or may include additional steps in addition to those disclosed.

[0129] The foregoing description has been provided to enable others skilled in the art to optimally utilize the various aspects of the example embodiments disclosed herein. This example description is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to any precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The various embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. In determining the scope of the present disclosure, reference should be made to any claims attached and their equivalents.

[0130] Unless otherwise stated, the terms "connected to" and "coupled to" (and their derivatives) as used in this specification and / or claims will be interpreted as allowing both direct connections and indirect connections (i.e., indirect connections via other elements or components). In addition, the terms "a" or "an" as used in this specification and / or claims will be interpreted to mean "at least one of..." Finally, for ease of use, the terms "including" and "having" (and their derivatives) as used in this specification and / or claims are interchangeable with the word "including" and have the same meaning as the word "including".

Claims

1. A system comprising: Display overlays; as well as A transparent antenna film layer, wherein the transparent antenna film layer comprises a film layer including at least one antenna, Wherein, the transparent antenna film layer is positioned between the display cover layer and at least one display layer.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The transparent antenna film layer includes a printed transparent conductive material.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The transparent antenna film layer includes mesh metal.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein: The mesh metal has a pitch of up to 60 μm, or The mesh metal has a pitch of at least 60 μm, or The metal mesh has a pitch of at least 120 μm.

5. A system according to any preceding claim, further comprising an adhesive layer and a substrate layer, wherein The transparent antenna film layer is arranged on top of the adhesive layer, and the adhesive layer is arranged on top of the substrate layer.

6. The system of any preceding claim, further comprising a multi-layer flexure connecting a radio frequency (RF) signal from an RF integrated circuit to the transparent antenna film layer.

7. A system according to any preceding claim, wherein: The transparent antenna film layer includes a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna configuration.

8. A system comprising: a conductive touch sensor layer comprising a plurality of touch sensor elements; substrate layer; as well as a conductive antenna layer comprising at least one radiating antenna trace, wherein the substrate layer separates the conductive touch sensor layer from the conductive antenna layer, and Wherein, the at least one radiating antenna trace of the conductive antenna layer is routed between the plurality of touch sensor elements.

9. The system of claim 8, further comprising a flexible printed circuit, at least a portion of the substrate layer being bonded to the flexible printed circuit.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein: The flexible printed circuit electrically connects the conductive touch layer to a touch sensing integrated circuit, and / or The flexible printed circuit electrically connects the conductive antenna layer to a radio frequency integrated circuit.

11. A system according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein: The radiating antenna trace of the conductive antenna layer is disposed within one or more gaps between a plurality of touch sensor elements, or The radiating antenna traces of the conductive antenna layer are arranged in a herringbone pattern in one or more gaps between a plurality of touch sensor elements.

12. A system according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein: The conductive antenna layer includes a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna configuration.

13. A system comprising: a display module, the display module being included in the wearable device, the display module comprising a display stack, the display stack comprising a display cover layer and a display layer; An antenna layer is embedded in the display module of the wearable device and is positioned between the display cover layer and the display layer, the antenna layer including at least one antenna.

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein: The antenna layer includes a transparent antenna film layer, and the transparent antenna film layer includes at least one antenna formed by a printed transparent conductive material; And optionally, wherein the printed transparent conductive material comprises a mesh metal, a grid of the mesh metal having a predetermined pitch, the predetermined pitch making the transparent antenna layer at least partially transparent to light generated by the display layer.

15. A system according to claim 13 or 14, wherein: The antenna layer includes at least one radiating antenna trace; and The display layer includes a conductive touch sensor layer, the conductive touch sensor layer including a plurality of touch sensor elements; Wherein, the at least one radiating antenna trace is routed between the plurality of touch sensor elements.

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