Pressure sensing in capacitive module

Abstract

The invention relates to pressure sensing in a capacitive module. The capacitance module may include: a substrate; a plurality of capacitive electrodes on the substrate and in communication with the controller; a pressure sensor incorporated into the capacitive module and in communication with the controller; a memory in communication with the controller and having programming instructions that, when executed, cause the controller to: determine an initial pressure measurement of the press input based on the press input from the pressure sensor; and determining a sustaining pressure during the pressing input based on the capacitance measurement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for measuring a press input, and more particularly, to systems and methods for measuring a press input on a capacitive module using a pressure sensor and capacitive measurement. Background Art

[0002] Capacitance modules are often used in electronic devices to measure the characteristics of press input.

[0003] An example of a pressure sensor is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 10,296,091 to Robert W. Heubel et al. The reference discloses a method for generating a haptic effect, including detecting a pressure input applied to a device using a gesture and determining a level associated with the gesture based on the pressure input, and determining a selection of an item of the level based on the gesture and a context associated with the item of the level, and generating a contextual haptic effect including a haptic parameter based on the context of the item of the level.

[0004] Another example of a pressure sensor is disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014 / 0368454 to Regis Croisonnier et al. The reference discloses a method of controlling a touchpad function using a capture device, including measuring an analog threshold pressure value and a difference thereof, and transmitting an event signal based on the threshold pressure value and a difference thereof to perform a selected function. A capture device for remote virtual screen data input through manual annotation includes at least three functional layers, including a bottom rigid layer, an intermediate pressure sensor layer, a capacitive flexible sensor layer, and a top flexible panel layer. The bottom rigid layer has a surface that provides mechanical support for writing. The intermediate pressure sensor layer is adapted to measure an array or map of pressures on a capture active area and transmit data representing the measured pressures to a personal computer. The top flexible touch-type passive LCD display layer includes an LCD surface, and anything written on the LCD is graphically printed on the LCD surface due to its liquid crystal physical properties, where the applied pressure changes the orientation and optical properties of the crystal particles, so that when the stylus presses its writing surface, it leaves a visible mark, thereby enabling the user to draw without the actual ink flowing out.

[0005] Each of these references is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for its disclosure. Summary of the invention

[0006] A capacitive module may include: a substrate; a plurality of capacitive electrodes located on the substrate and communicating with a controller; a pressure sensor incorporated into the capacitive module and communicating with the controller; a memory communicating with the controller and having programming instructions, which, when executed, cause the controller to: determine an initial pressure measurement value of a press input based on a pressure input from the pressure sensor; and determine a maintenance pressure during the press input based on the capacitive measurement value.

[0007] Determining the initial pressure measurement may include determining when the press input started.

[0008] The programming instructions may be further configured to, when executed, cause the controller to perform an initial haptic action in response to determining the initial pressure measurement.

[0009] The initial haptic action may be a click-down haptic response.

[0010] Determining that the pressure is maintained may be based at least in part on the capacitance measurement value remaining above a predetermined capacitance measurement threshold.

[0011] The programming instructions may be further configured to, when executed, cause the controller to determine an increase in the maintenance pressure based at least in part on a second pressure measurement from the pressure sensor.

[0012] The programming instructions may be further configured to, when executed, cause the controller to perform a second haptic action in response to determining that the increase in the pressure measurement is maintained.

[0013] The second haptic action can be a second click-down haptic response.

[0014] The programming instructions may be further configured to, when executed, cause the controller to determine termination of the press input based at least in part on the capacitance measurement.

[0015] The programming instructions may be further configured to, when executed, cause the controller to perform a termination haptic action in response to determining termination of the press input.

[0016] The terminating haptic action may be an upward click haptic response.

[0017] A computer program product for using a capacitive module may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing programming instructions executable by a processor to: determine an initial pressure measurement of a press input on the capacitive module based on a pressure input from a pressure sensor incorporated into the capacitive module; and determine a maintenance pressure during the press input based on a capacitance measurement of at least one capacitive sensing electrode incorporated into the capacitive module.

[0018] Determining the initial pressure measurement may include determining when the press input started.

[0019] The programming instructions may be further configured to, when executed, cause the controller to perform an initial haptic action in response to determining the initial pressure measurement.

[0020] Determining that the pressure is maintained may be based at least in part on the capacitance measurement value remaining above a predetermined capacitance measurement threshold.

[0021] The programming instructions may be further configured to, when executed, cause the controller to determine an increase in the maintenance pressure based at least in part on a second pressure measurement from the pressure sensor.

[0022] The programming instructions may be further configured to, when executed, cause the controller to perform a second haptic action in response to determining that the increase in the pressure measurement is maintained.

[0023] The programming instructions may be further configured to, when executed, cause the controller to determine termination of the press input based at least in part on the capacitance measurement.

[0024] The programming instructions may be further configured to, when executed, cause the controller to perform a termination haptic action in response to determining termination of the press input.

[0025] A method of using a capacitive module, the method may include: determining an initial pressure measurement value of a press input on the capacitive module based on a pressure input from a pressure sensor incorporated into the capacitive module; and determining a maintenance pressure during the press input based on a capacitance measurement value of at least one capacitive sensing electrode incorporated into the capacitive module.

[0026] A capacitive module may include: a substrate; a plurality of capacitive electrodes located on the substrate and communicating with a controller; a pressure sensor incorporated into the capacitive module and communicating with the controller; a memory communicating with the controller and having programming instructions, which, when executed, cause the controller to: perform a first tactile action based on pressure input from the pressure sensor; and perform a second tactile action based on capacitive input from the plurality of capacitive electrodes.

[0027] The pressure sensor may include a piezoelectric device.

[0028] The pressure sensor may include an inductive coil.

[0029] The pressure sensor may include a strain gauge.

[0030] The first haptic action may be a click-down haptic response.

[0031] The second haptic action may be an upward click haptic response.

[0032] Capacitive input may include changes in the area of ​​contact of a finger with a capacitive reference surface.

[0033] Capacitive input may include a change in the distance between a user's finger and a plurality of capacitive electrodes.

[0034] A capacitor module may include: a substrate; a plurality of capacitor electrodes located on the substrate and communicating with a controller; a pressure sensor incorporated into the capacitor module and communicating with the controller; a memory communicating with the controller and having programming instructions, which, when executed, cause the controller to: determine a first pressure measurement value at T0 based on a pressure input from the pressure sensor; and determine a second pressure measurement value at T1 based on a capacitance input from the plurality of capacitor electrodes.

[0035] A capacitive module may include: a substrate; a plurality of capacitive electrodes located on the substrate and communicating with a controller; a pressure sensor incorporated into the capacitive module and communicating with the controller; a memory communicating with the controller and having programming instructions, which, when executed, causes the controller to: determine a start time of a press input based on a pressure input from the pressure sensor; and determine an end time of the press input based on capacitance measurement values ​​from the plurality of capacitive electrodes.

[0036] The programming instructions may be further configured to, when executed, cause the controller to determine a second press event based on a second pressure input from the pressure sensor.

[0037] The second press event may be an increase in pressure during the press input.

[0038] The programming instructions may be further configured to, when executed, cause the controller to determine a second press event based on a change in the capacitance measurement. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] Figure 1 An example of an electronic device according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0040] Figure 2 An example of a substrate having a first set of electrodes and a second set of electrodes according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0041] Figure 3 An example of a touch panel according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0042] Figure 4 An example of a touch screen according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0043] Figure 5 An example of an input surface according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0044] Figure 6 An example of an input surface according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0045] Figure 7 An example of arrangement of a pressure sensor according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0046] Figure 8 An example of arrangement of a pressure sensor according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0047] Fig. 9 An example of arrangement of a pressure sensor according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0048] Fig.10 An example of arrangement of a pressure sensor according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0049] Fig.11 An example of a press input according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0050] Fig. 12A An example of press input measurement according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0051] Fig. 12B An example of press input measurement according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0052] Fig.13 An example of a haptic response according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0053] Fig.14 An example of a press input according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0054] Fig.15 An example of press input measurement according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0055] Fig.16 An example of press input measurement according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0056] Fig.17 An example of a press input according to a variation of the present disclosure is shown.

[0057] Fig.18 An example of press input measurement according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0058] Fig.19 An example of a method of determining a press input according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0059] Fig. 20 An example of a method of determining the start and end of a press input according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0060] Fig.21 An example of a method of performing a haptic response according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0061] Fig. 22 An example of a method of measuring a press input according to the present disclosure is shown.

[0062] Although the present disclosure may be in various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific forms disclosed. On the contrary, the purpose is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternative forms that fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] This description provides examples and is not intended to limit the scope, practicality or configuration of the present invention. Instead, the following description will provide a feasible description for those skilled in the art to implement embodiments of the present invention. Various changes can be made to the functions and arrangements of the elements.

[0064] Therefore, various embodiments can appropriately omit, replace or add various steps or components. For example, it should be understood that the method can be performed in a different order than described, and various steps can be added, omitted or combined. In addition, the aspects and elements described in certain embodiments can be combined in other various embodiments. It should also be understood that the following systems, methods, devices and software can be components of larger systems individually or in a unified manner, wherein other steps can take precedence over or otherwise modify their application.

[0065] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "aligned" generally refers to parallel, substantially parallel, or forming an angle of less than 35.0 degrees. For purposes of this disclosure, the term "lateral" generally refers to perpendicular, substantially perpendicular, or forming an angle of 55.0 degrees to 125.0 degrees. For purposes of this disclosure, the term "length" generally refers to the longest dimension of an object. For purposes of this disclosure, the term "width" generally refers to the dimension of an object from side to side, and may refer to a measurement across an object perpendicular to the length of the object.

[0066] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "electrode" may generally refer to a portion of an electrical conductor intended to make a measurement, while the terms "route" and "trace" generally refer to a portion of an electrical conductor not intended to make a measurement. When referring to a circuit in this disclosure, the term "circuit" generally refers to a combination of an electrode and a "route" or "trace" portion of an electrical conductor. For purposes of this disclosure, the term "Tx" generally refers to a transmitting line, electrode, or portion thereof, while the term "Rx" generally refers to a sensing line, electrode, or portion thereof.

[0067] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "electronic device" may generally refer to a device that can be transported and includes a battery and electronic components. Examples may include a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a mobile phone, an electronic tablet, a personal digital device, a watch, a game controller, a gaming wearable device, a wearable device, a measurement device, an automation device, a security device, a display, a computer mouse, a vehicle, an infotainment system, an audio system, a control panel, other types of devices, a sports tracking device, a tracking device, a card reader, a purchasing station, a kiosk, or a combination.

[0068] It should be understood that the terms "capacitive module", "touch pad", and "touch sensor" used herein may be used interchangeably with "capacitive touch sensor", "capacitive sensor", "capacitive touch and proximity sensor", "proximity sensor", "touch and proximity sensor", "touch panel", "touch pad", and "touch screen". The capacitive module may be incorporated into an electronic device.

[0069] It should also be understood that, as used herein, the terms "vertical," "horizontal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," "outer," and the like may refer to the relative orientation or position of features in the disclosed devices and / or assemblies shown in the figures. For example, "upper" or "uppermost" may refer to a position where one feature is closer to the top of the page than another feature. However, these terms should be broadly interpreted to include devices and / or assemblies having other orientations (e.g., inverted or tilted orientations), where top / bottom, above / below, over / below, above / below, and left / right may be interchanged depending on the orientation.

[0070] In some cases, the capacitive module is located in the housing. The capacitive module can be below the housing and can detect objects outside the housing. In an example, when the capacitive module can detect changes in capacitance through the housing, the housing is a capacitive reference surface. For example, the capacitive module can be exposed in a cavity formed by a keyboard housing of a computer (e.g., a laptop or other type of computing device), and the sensor can be arranged below the surface of the keyboard housing. In such an example, the keyboard housing adjacent to the capacitive module is a capacitive reference surface. In some examples, an opening can be formed in the housing, and a cover layer can be located in the opening. In this example, the cover layer is a capacitive reference surface. In such an example, the capacitive module can be located near the back of the cover layer, and the capacitive module can sense the presence of an object through the thickness of the cover layer. For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "reference surface" can generally refer to a surface through which a pressure sensor, a capacitive sensor, or other type of sensor is positioned to sense pressure, presence, position, touch, proximity, capacitance, magnetism, electrical properties, other types of attributes representing input, or other characteristics, or a combination thereof. For example, the reference surface can be a housing, a cover layer, or other type of surface, through which input is sensed. In some examples, the reference surface has no moving parts. In some examples, the reference surface can be made of any suitable type of material, including, but not limited to, plastic, glass, dielectric material, metal, other types of materials, or combinations thereof.

[0071] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "display" may generally refer to a display or screen that is not shown in the same area as the capacitive reference surface. In some cases, the display is incorporated into a laptop computer, where the keyboard is located between the display and the capacitive reference surface. In some examples where the capacitive reference surface is incorporated into the laptop computer, the capacitive reference surface may be part of a touch pad. The pressure sensor may be integrated into the stack that constitutes the capacitive module. However, in some cases, the pressure sensor may be located in other parts of the laptop computer, such as below the keyboard housing but outside the area for sensing touch input, on the side of the laptop computer, above the keyboard, on the side of the keyboard, in other locations of the laptop computer, or in other locations. In examples where these components are integrated into the laptop computer, the display may be pivotally connected to the keyboard housing. The display may be a digital screen, a touch screen, other types of screens, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the display is located on the same device as the capacitive reference surface, while in other examples, the display is located on other devices different from the device where the capacitive reference surface is located. For example, the display may be projected onto different surfaces, such as a wall or a projector screen. In some examples, the reference surface may be located on an input or game controller, and the display may be located on a wearable device, such as a virtual reality or augmented reality screen. In some cases, the reference surface and the display are located on the same surface, but at different locations on the surface. In other examples, the reference surface and the display can be integrated into the same device, but on different surfaces. In some cases, the reference surface and the display can be oriented at different angular directions relative to each other.

[0072] For purposes of the present disclosure, the term "press input" may generally refer to a force applied to a surface by an object pressing a measurable position on the surface with a certain measurable force. In some cases, the object may be a finger, a stylus, a palm, or any other object capable of pressing a surface. In some examples, the location of the press input may be a point, a series of points, or an area corresponding to an area of ​​the object. For example, a finger may press a certain position on the surface of a capacitive module with a certain size, which size may be measured by a pressure sensor. In some examples, multiple sizes at multiple locations may be measured as a single press input. In other examples, the pressure input may be a size at one location.

[0073] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "haptic action" may generally refer to a force, vibration, motion, or combination thereof within an electronic device that may be communicated through the sense of touch. In some examples, the haptic action may be generated by the oscillating motion of an object. In some examples, an oscillating object may cause other objects around the object to oscillate or vibrate. In this example, a surface that a user may touch or feel may be vibrated, which is an example of a haptic action. In some examples, the haptic action may be generated by a piezoelectric device, a rotary device, a linear actuator, a resonant actuator, an inductive device, a capacitive device, other suitable devices for causing haptic action, or a combination thereof.

[0074] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "pressure sensor" may generally refer to an electronic component or device that measures the force, position, duration, other attributes, and / or combinations thereof of a press input. In some examples, the pressure sensor may be a piezoelectric device, an inductive device, a linear actuator, a resonant actuator, a strain gauge, other suitable devices for measuring pressure, or combinations thereof. In some examples, the pressure sensor may also be a tactile device for generating tactile actions. In some examples, a controller in communication with the pressure sensor may determine that a pressure threshold has been reached based at least in part on measurements received from the pressure sensor.

[0075] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "initial pressure measurement" may generally refer to a measurement of an initial force change of a press input. In some examples, the initial pressure measurement may be a voltage change based at least in part on a pressure sensor as a result of compression of the press input. In some examples, the initial pressure measurement may be a relative pressure measurement.

[0076] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "maintaining pressure measurement" may generally refer to a measurement of the sustained pressure applied to a press input. In some examples, the maintaining pressure measurement may be a capacitance measurement. In some examples, the maintaining pressure measurement may be an absolute measurement related to the amount of pressure applied by the press input.

[0077] Figure 1 An example of an electronic device 100 is shown. In this example, the electronic device is a laptop computer. In the illustrated example, the electronic device 100 includes an input component such as a keyboard 102 and a capacitive module such as a touch pad 104, which are incorporated into a housing 103. The electronic device 100 also includes a display 106. Programs operated by the electronic device 100 can be displayed in the display 106 and controlled by a sequence of instructions provided by a user via the keyboard 102 and / or via the touch pad 104. An internal battery (not shown) can be used to power the operation of the electronic device 100.

[0078] The keyboard 102 includes an arrangement of keys 108 that can be individually selected when a user presses the keys 108 with sufficient force to cause the keys 108 to be pressed toward a switch located below the keyboard 102. In response to selecting the keys 108, the program can receive instructions on how to operate, such as a word processing program determining which types of text to process. The user can use the touchpad 104 to issue different types of instructions to programs operating on the computing device 100. For example, a cursor shown in the display 106 can be controlled by the touchpad 104. The user can control the position of the cursor by sliding his or her hand along the surface of the touchpad 104. In some cases, the user can move the cursor to or near an object located in the display of the computing device and issue instructions to select the object through the touchpad 104. For example, the user can provide instructions to select the object by tapping the surface of the touchpad 104 one or more times.

[0079] The touch pad 104 is a capacitive module that includes a stack of layers disposed below a keyboard housing, below a cover layer assembled into an opening of the keyboard housing, or below other capacitive reference surfaces. In some examples, the capacitive module is located in an area of ​​the keyboard surface where the user's palm can be placed when typing. The capacitive module may include a substrate, such as a printed circuit board or other type of substrate. One of the layers of the capacitive module may include a sensor layer, the sensor layer including a first group of electrodes oriented in a first direction and a second layer of electrodes oriented in a second direction, the second direction being transverse to the first direction. The electrodes may be spaced apart and / or electrically isolated from each other. Electrical isolation may be achieved by depositing at least a portion of the electrodes on different sides of the same substrate or providing a dedicated substrate for each group of electrodes. Capacitance may be measured at overlapping intersections between different groups of electrodes. However, when an object having a dielectric value different from that of the surrounding air (e.g., a finger, a stylus, etc.) approaches the intersection between the electrodes, the capacitance between the electrodes may change. This change in capacitance and the relative position of the object relative to the capacitive module may be calculated to determine the position of the user touching or hovering the object within the detection range of the capacitive module. In some examples, the first group of electrodes and the second group of electrodes are equidistant from each other. Thus, in these examples, the sensitivity of the capacitive module is the same in both directions. However, in other examples, the distances between electrodes may be unevenly spaced to provide greater sensitivity for motion in certain directions.

[0080] In some cases, the display 106 is mechanically separate and can be moved relative to the keyboard using the connection mechanism 114. In these examples, the display 106 and the keyboard 102 can be connected and can move relative to each other. The display 106 can move relative to the keyboard 102 within a range of 0 degrees to 180 degrees or more. In some examples, when in the closed position, the display 106 can be folded onto the upper surface of the keyboard 102, and when the display 106 is in the operating position, the display 106 can be folded away from the keyboard 102. In some examples, when the user uses the display 106, the display 106 can be oriented at an angle of 35 to 135 degrees relative to the keyboard 102. However, in these examples, the display 106 can be located at any angle desired by the user.

[0081] In some examples, display 106 can be a non-touch sensitive display. However, in other examples, at least a portion of display 106 is touch sensitive. In these examples, the touch-sensitive display can also include a capacitive module located behind the outer surface of display 106. When a user's finger or other object approaches the touch-sensitive screen, the capacitive module can detect the change in capacitance caused by the user's input.

[0082] Although Figure 1 The example of the electronic device is shown as an example of a laptop computer, but the capacitive sensor and touch surface can be incorporated into any suitable device. A non-exhaustive list of devices includes, but is not limited to, desktop computers, displays, screens, kiosks, computing devices, electronic tablets, smart phones, position sensors, card reading sensors, other types of electronic devices, other types of devices, or combinations thereof.

[0083] Figure 2 An example of a part of a capacitor module 200 is shown. In this example, the capacitor module 200 may include a substrate 202, a first group of electrodes 204 and a second group of electrodes 206. The directions of the first group of electrodes 204 and the second group 206 may be mutually transverse. In addition, the first group of electrodes 204 and the second group 206 may be electrically isolated from each other so that the electrodes are not short-circuited to each other. However, where the first group of electrodes 204 overlaps with the second group of electrodes 206, capacitance may be measured. The capacitor module 200 may include one or more electrodes in the first group of electrodes 204 or the second group of electrodes 206. Such a substrate 202 and an electrode group may be incorporated into a touch screen, a touch pad, a position sensor, a game controller, a button and / or a detection circuit.

[0084] In some examples, the capacitive module 200 is a mutual capacitance sensing device. In such examples, the substrate 202 has a set of row electrodes 204 and a set of column electrodes 206 that define the touch / proximity sensitive area of ​​the component. In some cases, the component is configured as a rectangular grid composed of an appropriate number of electrodes (e.g., 8 by 6, 16 by 12, 9 by 15, etc.).

[0085] like Figure 2 As shown, the capacitive module 200 includes a touch controller 208. The touch controller 208 may include at least one of a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), an analog front end (AFE) including an amplifier, a peripheral interface controller (PIC), other types of microprocessors, and / or combinations thereof, and may be implemented as an integrated circuit with appropriate circuits, hardware, firmware, and / or software to select available operating modes, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a combination of logic gate circuits, other types of digital or analog electrical design components, or combinations thereof.

[0086] In some cases, the touch controller 208 includes at least one multiplexing circuit to alternate which of the two sets of electrodes 204, 206 is used as the drive electrode and the sense electrode. The drive electrodes can be driven one at a time in sequence, or randomly, or multiple electrodes can be driven simultaneously in an encoded pattern. Other configurations are also possible, such as a self-capacitive mode where the electrodes are driven and sensed simultaneously. The electrodes can also be arranged in a non-rectangular array, such as a radial pattern, a linear string, etc. A shielding layer can be provided under the electrodes (see Figure 3 ) to reduce noise or other interference. The shielding layer can extend beyond the grid of electrodes. Other configurations are also possible.

[0087] In some cases, no fixed reference point is used for measurement.Touch controller 208 may generate signals that are sent directly to first set of electrodes 204 or second set of electrodes 206 in various modes.

[0088] In some cases, the component does not rely on absolute capacitance measurements to determine the position of a finger (or stylus, pointer, or other object) on the surface of the capacitance module 200. The capacitance module 200 can measure the charge imbalance of electrodes used as sensing electrodes, which in some examples can be any one of the electrodes specified in the groups 204, 206, or in other examples, dedicated sensing electrodes. When there is no directional object on or near the capacitance module 200, the touch controller 208 may be in a balanced state and there is no signal on the sensing electrode. When a finger or other directional object creates an imbalance due to capacitive coupling, a change in capacitance may occur at the intersection between several groups of electrodes 204, 206 that constitute the touch / proximity sensitive area. In some cases, the change in capacitance is measured. However, in alternative examples, an absolute capacitance value can be measured.

[0089] While the present example has described the capacitive module 200 as having the flexibility to switch the two sets of electrodes 204, 206 between sensing electrodes and transmitting electrodes, in other examples, each set of electrodes is dedicated to either a transmitting function or a sensing function.

[0090] Figure 3 An example of a substrate 202 is shown, on which a first set of electrodes 204 and a second set of electrodes 206 are deposited and incorporated into a capacitor module. The first set of electrodes 204 and the second set of electrodes 206 may be spaced apart from each other and electrically isolated from each other. Figure 3 In the example shown, the first set of electrodes 204 are deposited on a first side of the substrate 202, and the second set of electrodes 206 are deposited on a second side of the substrate 202, wherein the second side is opposite to the first side and is separated by the thickness of the substrate 202. The substrate may be made of an electrically insulating material to prevent the first set of electrodes 204 and the second set of electrodes 206 from short-circuiting with each other. Figure 2 As shown, the first set of electrodes 204 and the second set of electrodes 206 may be oriented transversely to each other. Capacitance measurements may be made at locations where the intersection of the first set of electrodes 204 and the second set of electrodes 206 overlap. In some examples, a voltage may be applied to the transmit electrode, and a voltage may be measured at a sense electrode that overlaps the transmit electrode. The voltage from the sense electrode may be used to determine the capacitance at the intersection where the sense electrode overlaps the transmit electrode.

[0091] exist Figure 3In the example of a cross section of a capacitive module, substrate 202 may be located between capacitive reference surface 212 and shielding layer 214. Capacitive reference surface 212 may be a cover layer that is disposed on a first side of substrate 202 and is at least partially permeable to the electric field. When a user's finger or stylus approaches capacitive reference surface 212, the presence of the finger or stylus may affect the electric field on substrate 202. In the presence of a finger or stylus, the voltage measured from the sensing electrode may be different than when the finger or stylus is not present. Therefore, a change in capacitance may be measured.

[0092] Shielding layer 214 can be a conductive layer that shields electrical noise from internal components of the electronic device. The shielding layer can prevent the influence of the electric field on substrate 202. In some cases, the shielding layer is a solid material that is conductive. In other cases, the shielding layer has a substrate and a conductive material disposed on at least one substrate. In other examples, the shielding layer is a layer in a touch panel that performs a function while also shielding the electrodes from electrical interference noise. For example, in some examples, a pixel layer in a display application can form an image visible through a capacitive reference surface, but also shield the electrodes from electrical noise.

[0093] The voltage applied to the transmit electrodes can be made through electrical connections 216 from the touch controller 208 to the appropriate set of electrodes. The voltage applied to the sense electrodes by the electric field generated from the transmit electrodes can be detected through electrical connections 218 from the sense electrodes to the touch controller 208.

[0094] Although Figure 3 Examples have been shown as having two sets of electrodes deposited on a substrate, one set of electrodes deposited on a first side and a second set of electrodes deposited on a second side; but in other examples, each set of electrodes may be deposited on its own dedicated substrate.

[0095] In addition, although the above examples describe a touch pad having a first set of electrodes and a second set of electrodes; in some examples, the capacitive module has a single set of electrodes. In such examples, the electrodes of the sensor layer can be used as both transmitting electrodes and receiving electrodes. In some cases, a voltage can be applied to the electrode for a duration, thereby changing the capacitance around the electrode. When the duration ends, the application of the voltage stops. The voltage can then be measured from the same electrode to determine the capacitance. If there is no object (e.g., a finger, a stylus, etc.) on or near the capacitive reference surface, the voltage measured from the electrode after the application of the voltage stops may be at a value consistent with the baseline capacitance. However, if an object is in contact with or close to the capacitive reference surface, the measured voltage can indicate a change in capacitance compared to the baseline capacitance.

[0096] In some examples, a capacitive module has a first set of electrodes and a second set of electrodes and communicates with a controller that is configured to perform mutual capacitance measurements (e.g., capacitance measurements using both the first set of electrodes and the second set of electrodes) or self capacitance measurements (e.g., capacitance measurements using only one set of electrodes).

[0097] Figure 4 An example of a capacitive module incorporated into a touch screen is shown. In this example, the substrate 202, the sets of electrodes 204, 206, and the electrical connections 216, 218 can be similar to the combination Figure 3 The layout described. Figure 4 In an example of , shielding layer 214 is located between substrate 202 and display layer 400. Display layer 400 can be a pixel or diode layer that emits light to produce an image. The display layer can be a liquid crystal display, a light emitting diode display, an organic light emitting diode display, an electroluminescent display, a quantum dot light emitting diode display, an incandescent filament display, a vacuum fluorescent lamp display, a cathode gas display, other types of displays, or combinations thereof. In this example, shielding layer 214, substrate 202, and capacitive reference surface 212 can all be at least partially optically transparent so that the image shown in the display layer is visible to the user through capacitive reference surface 212. Such a touch screen can be included in a display, a display assembly, a laptop computer, a mobile phone, a mobile device, an electronic tablet, a dashboard, a display panel, an infotainment device, other types of electronic devices, or combinations thereof.

[0098] Figure 5 An example of a cross-section of a capacitor module 200 is shown, where the substrate 202 can be located between the capacitor reference surface 212 and the shielding layer 214. In this example, a first pressure sensor 500 and a second pressure sensor 502 are incorporated into the capacitor module pad 200. As shown in this example, the pressure sensors 500, 502 can be disposed near the lower side of the shielding layer 214. However, in other examples, the pressure sensors can be located in any suitable location, including but not limited to near the lower side of the capacitor reference surface 212, near the lower side of the shielding layer, near the lower side of the substrate 202, other locations, or combinations thereof. In an example where the pressure sensors 500, 502 are located below the substrate 202, pressure applied to the capacitor reference surface 212 can be transmitted through the capacitor reference surface 212, thereby applying pressure to the substrate 202, thereby applying pressure to at least one of the pressure sensors 500, 502. In an example where the pressure sensor is located near the shielding layer, pressure applied to the input surface can be transmitted to the shielding layer, thereby applying pressure to the pressure sensor. The pressure sensors 500, 502 can measure the pressure to determine a pressure value.

[0099] In this example, first pressure sensor 500 and second pressure sensor 502 are spaced a distance apart along the length, width, and / or other dimensions of capacitive reference surface 212, which can allow first pressure sensor 500 and second pressure sensor 502 to detect different levels of pressure depending on the location of the pressure input on capacitive reference surface 212. In some cases, those pressure sensors closer to the location of the pressure input can detect greater pressure than pressure sensors located farther away. Different pressure values ​​may help determine the location of the pressure input.

[0100] Although this example shows that the pressure sensor is incorporated into a capacitive module with a capacitive sensor, in other examples, the pressure sensor is not incorporated with the capacitive sensor. In addition, any suitable type of pressure sensor can be used according to the principles described herein. For example, a non-exhaustive list of suitable pressure sensors includes, but is not limited to, piezoelectric sensors, magnetostrictive sensors, potentiometer pressure sensors, inductive pressure sensors, capacitive pressure sensors, strain gauge pressure sensors, variable reluctance pressure sensors, other types of pressure sensors, or combinations thereof.

[0101] In some examples, the pressure sensor may also include the ability to provide tactile feedback. For example, a piezoelectric device may be used as a pressure sensor and a tactile device. When a piezoelectric material is compressed due to pressure applied through a capacitive reference surface, the piezoelectric material may generate an electrical signal that can be detected by a controller. In some cases, the controller may generate an electrical signal that is sent to the piezoelectric material to cause the piezoelectric material to expand, contract, and / or vibrate. Vibrations from the piezoelectric material may cause the capacitive reference surface to vibrate. The vibrations may convey a tactile signal to the user. However, in some examples, the pressure sensor is not configured to provide a tactile signal.

[0102] Figure 6 An example of a reference surface 600 is shown. In this example, a first pressure sensor 602 and a second pressure sensor 604 are located near the reference surface 600. In this example, the first pressure sensor 602 and the second pressure sensor 604 are not incorporated into a stack with capacitive sensors.

[0103] Figures 7 to 10 An example of a pressure sensor is shown on the bottom side 700 of the reference surface 702. Figure 7 In the example of FIG. 7 , the reference surface 702 has a rectangular shape, and the pressure sensors 704 , 706 , 708 , 710 are located in respective corners 712 , 714 , 716 , 718 . Figure 8 In the example of FIG. 7 , only the first pressure sensor 704 is shown on the first side 720 of the input surface 702 , and the second pressure sensor 706 is shown on the second side 722 of the input surface 702 . Fig. 9In the example of FIG. 7 , pressure sensors 704 , 706 , 708 , 710 are shown at the center of the first side 720 , the second side 722 , the third side 724 , and the fourth side 726 . Fig.10 In the example of FIG. 7 , the pressure sensors 704 , 706 , 708 , 710 are shown toward the center of the input surface and away from the edges and corners of the input surface 702 .

[0104] Although Figures 7 to 10 The examples in are described with reference to a particular number of pressure sensors, but any suitable number of pressure sensors may be disposed proximate the input surface. For example, the number of pressure sensors may include one pressure sensor or a plurality of pressure sensors. Although the examples described above are described with reference to a particular pattern and position of the pressure sensors, other arrangements are also contemplated, including but not limited to symmetrical distributions of sensors, asymmetrical distributions of sensors, other distributions and patterns of sensors, or combinations thereof.

[0105] Fig.11 An example of a cross-section of a capacitive module 1100 is shown. A first substrate 1104 can be located between a reference surface 1102 and a second substrate 1106. The first side of the first substrate 1104 has a first set of electrodes 1112 and the second side has a second set of electrodes 1114. The second substrate 1106 has a first side and a second side. A pressure sensor 1108 is located near the second side of the substrate 1106. An object 1110 moves along a first path 1116 and then moves along a second path 1118. In this example, the object 1110 is a finger. In some examples, the finger 1110 can move along the first path 1116, apply a press input to the capacitive reference surface 1102, and then release the press input while moving along the second path 1118. In some examples, the finger 1110 can maintain the press input for a measurable time between the two movements.

[0106] In some examples, the press input of finger 1110 can be measured by capacitive module 1100. In some examples, pressure sensor 1108 can determine the size, location, other attributes and / or combinations thereof of the press input. In some examples, pressure sensor 1108 can be a piezoelectric pressure sensor. In some examples, pressure sensor 1108 can measure the change in the size of the force input when finger 1110 applies the press input. In some examples, a controller in communication with pressure sensor 1108 can determine that the size of the press input is greater than a predetermined threshold. In some examples, a controller in communication with pressure sensor 1108 can determine that the press input can be a downward click of finger 1110.

[0107] In some cases, the pressure sensor may be a relative pressure sensor that detects changes in pressure rather than absolute pressure. In some cases, the pressure sensor's measurements may return to normal after an initial pressure measurement is made, resulting in an initial spike in the pressure sensor's measurements. In some cases, the pressure measurement may initially exceed a predetermined threshold to a peak, and then shortly thereafter return to normal and fall below the predetermined threshold, approaching a baseline pressure measurement.

[0108] In some examples, the two groups of capacitive electrodes 1112, 1114 can be part of a capacitive pressure sensing circuit. In some examples, the two groups of capacitive electrodes 1112, 1114 can be part of other capacitive sensing circuits for detecting objects moving close to the capacitive module 1100. In some examples, the capacitive pressure sensing circuit can determine the size, position, other attributes, and / or combinations thereof of the press input. In some examples, the capacitive pressure sensing circuit can determine the size of the press input based at least in part on the voltage related to the size of the press input measured by the two groups of capacitive electrodes 1112, 1114. In some examples, when the size of the press input increases, the voltage measured by the capacitive pressure sensing circuit increases. In some examples, a controller communicating with the capacitive pressure sensing circuit can determine that the voltage measured by the capacitive pressure sensing circuit may be higher or lower than a predetermined threshold. In some examples, the voltage changes from being higher than a threshold to being lower than a threshold can trigger the controller to determine that the press input has been terminated. In some examples, the voltage changes from being lower than a threshold to being higher than a threshold can trigger the controller to determine that the press input has been initiated.

[0109] In some examples, both the capacitive pressure sensing circuit and the pressure sensor 1108 can be used to determine the attributes of the press input. In some examples, a controller in communication with the pressure sensor and / or the capacitive pressure sensing circuit can use measurements from one or both to determine that the press input has been initiated and / or terminated. In some examples, measurements from the pressure sensor can determine that the press input has been initiated, and measurements from the capacitive pressure sensing circuit can determine that the press input has been terminated.

[0110] For example, when finger 1110 presses down on capacitive module 1100, pressure sensor 1108 may detect a change in the size of the press input. A controller in communication with the pressure sensor may determine that the press input has been initiated based at least in part on a change in voltage measured by the pressure sensor. The capacitive pressure sensing circuit may measure a voltage level based at least in part on the force applied to the capacitive module by the finger. A controller in communication with the capacitive pressure sensing circuit may determine a maintain threshold voltage based at least in part on the pressure sensor and / or the voltage measured by the capacitive pressure sensing circuit. When finger 1110 releases the press input, the voltage measured by the capacitive pressure sensing circuit may be lower than the maintain voltage threshold. A controller in communication with the capacitive pressure sensing circuit may determine that the press input has been released.

[0111] In some examples, when finger 1110 applies a press input to capacitive module 1100, it may apply the press input in a manner that the rate of change measured by pressure sensor 1108 may not trigger detection of the press input. In such an example, the capacitive pressure sensing circuit may measure a voltage that triggers a controller in communication with the capacitive pressure sensing circuit to determine that a press input has occurred. In some examples, the controller in communication with the capacitive pressure sensing circuit may determine that a press input has occurred without a measurement by the pressure sensor.

[0112] In some examples, finger 1110 may apply a second press input after applying the first press input. In such examples, a controller in communication with the pressure sensor may determine that a second press input has occurred. In some examples, a second threshold voltage of the capacitive pressure sensing circuit may be determined for the second press input. In some examples, when finger 1110 applies more pressure after the initial press input, a controller in communication with the capacitive pressure sensing circuit may determine that a second press input has occurred based at least in part on a change in voltage across the capacitive pressure sensing circuit.

[0113] In some examples, a controller in communication with the pressure sensor 1108 and the capacitive pressure sensing circuit can determine a maintenance threshold of the capacitive pressure sensing circuit based on the measurement value of the pressure sensor. In some examples, when the rate of change of the press input measured by the pressure sensor becomes zero, the size of the press input can be determined by measuring the voltage on the capacitive pressure sensing circuit. In some examples, the maintenance threshold can be determined at least in part by the size of the press input determined in this manner.

[0114] In some examples, when current is applied to the pressure sensor, pressure sensor 1108 can generate a tactile response in capacitive module 1100. In some examples, after detecting the press input initiation, a controller in communication with pressure sensor 1108 can trigger a tactile response in pressure sensor 1108. In some examples, a second tactile response can be triggered by the second detected press input initiation. In some examples, another one or more devices can generate a tactile response.

[0115] Although in the illustrated example, the pressure sensor 1108 is located near the substrate 1106, in other examples, the pressure sensor may be located near the capacitive reference surface, near the first substrate 1104, or any other suitable location. In some examples, the capacitive module 1100 may have multiple pressure sensors. In some examples, multiple pressure sensors may be used to determine the location, size, speed, other attributes, and / or combinations thereof of a press input. In some examples, the pressure sensor may be an inductive pressure sensor, an acoustic pressure sensor, a strain gauge pressure sensor, or any other type of pressure sensor. In some examples, when the finger 1110 releases the press input on the capacitive module, the pressure sensor 1108 may measure a negative voltage. In some examples, a controller communicating with the pressure sensor 1108 may determine that the press input has terminated based at least in part on the negative voltage measured by the pressure sensor reaching a negative voltage threshold.

[0116] Fig. 12A An example of a pressure sensor graph 1200 and a capacitive pressure sensing circuit graph 1202 is shown. In this example, the two graphs represent Fig.11 12 shows the measured values ​​of the pressure sensor 1108 and the capacitive pressure sensing circuit in the example shown in . In this example, the y-axis of the graph schematically represents voltage and the x-axis of the graph schematically represents time. The pressure sensor graph 1202 has a voltage change 1204, which can represent the rate of change of the press input measured on the piezoelectric pressure sensor. The voltage change 1204 is greater than the threshold line 1205. This can indicate that the press input has been initiated. The capacitive pressure sensing circuit graph 1202 has a first slope 1206, a pressure value 1208, and a second slope 1210. The capacitive pressure sensing graph also has a maintenance threshold line 1207. The first slope 1206 can indicate that the object begins to apply a press input to the capacitive module. After the object begins to apply a stable pressure, the pressure value 1208 represents a specific voltage measured on the capacitive pressure sensing circuit based on the size of the press input. When the object begins to release the press input on the capacitive module, the second slope 1210 represents the voltage change on the capacitive pressure sensing circuit caused by the pressure being released. The threshold line 1207 is maintained to intersect the first slope 1206 and the second slope 1210. These intersections may indicate that the press input initiated at the first slope 1206 and terminated at the second slope 1210.

[0117] In some examples, the relative pressure sensor measures the initial amount of pressure. The relative pressure sensor's measurements may be normalized. Therefore, the relative pressure sensor's measurements may not reflect consistency with the actual amount of pressure applied during the press input because the relative pressure sensor's measurements deteriorate over time, making the relative pressure sensor's measurements unreliable during the maintained pressure of the press input and / or at the end of the press input.

[0118] In addition to the relative pressure sensor, a second pressure input may also be used. In some cases, the second pressure input may differ in its ability to continuously measure accurate pressure readings based on changes in humidity, temperature, other conditions, or a combination thereof. One such other condition may be the size of the user's finger. For example, the second pressure sensor may be a capacitive sensor that uses the size of the contact area between the user's finger and the capacitive reference surface to determine the change in the amount of pressure applied by the user to the capacitive reference surface. As the size of the finger changes, the recorded pressure of the second pressure sensor may be inconsistent between users. However, in such an example, the relative peak measurement of the relative pressure sensor may be used to calibrate the second peak of the second pressure sensor. In such an example, when the pressure measurement from the relative pressure sensor decreases, the controller may compare the rate of decline between the two pressure sensors. In the case where the measured value decreases and the second pressure measurement maintains its same level, the controller may determine that the actual pressure value remains unchanged based on the measured value from the second sensor.

[0119] In some examples, when the measurements of the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor differ or show different phenomena, a first set of characteristics may be determined based on the measurements of the first pressure sensor, and a second set of characteristics may be determined based on the measurements of the second pressure sensor.

[0120] In some examples, a first pressure sensor is used to determine an initial pressure, and its initial pressure is used to calibrate an initial pressure reading of a second pressure sensor. Fig. 12B Such an example may be shown in . In this example, the pressure measurement 1254 from the second pressure sensor does not exceed the predetermined pressure threshold 1207. However, based on a comparison between the measurements from the two sensors, the pressure measurement of the second pressure sensor may be adjusted upward to an adjusted measurement 1250 that causes the measurement from the second pressure sensor to exceed the predetermined threshold 1207. In this case, the slope 1252 of the raw measurement 1254 and the adjusted measurement 1254 may be adjusted accordingly.

[0121] Fig.13An example of a capacitive module 1300 is shown. A first substrate 1304 may be located between a reference surface 1302 and a second substrate 1306. A first side of the first substrate 1304 has a first set of electrodes 1312 and a second side has a second set of electrodes 1314. The second substrate 1306 has a first side and a second side. A pressure sensor 1308 is located near the second side of the substrate 1306. In this example, a tactile response 1316 may be caused in response to detecting the pressure applied to the capacitive module by an object 1310. In some examples, the tactile response 1316 may be a single vibration of the pressure sensor. In other examples, one or more vibrations may be generated in a certain pattern. In some examples, the tactile response may vary in duration, pattern, intensity, other suitable aspects, and / or combinations thereof. In some examples, a controller in communication with the two sets of electrodes 1312, 1314 and / or the pressure sensor 1308 may generate a predetermined tactile response based at least in part on a measurement value determined by a press input of a finger 1310. In some examples, multiple pressure sensors may be used simultaneously to generate tactile response 1316 .

[0122] Fig.14 An example of a capacitive module 1400 is shown. A first substrate 1404 can be located between a reference surface 1402 and a second substrate 1406. The first side of the first substrate 1404 has a first set of electrodes 1412 and the second side has a second set of electrodes 1414. The second substrate 1406 has a first side and a second side. A pressure sensor 1408 is located near the second side of the substrate 1406. An object 1410 moves along a path 1416, applies a press input on the capacitive reference surface 1402, moves along a path 1418 while continuing to apply the press input, and then releases the press input while moving along a path 1420. In this example, the object 1410 is a finger.

[0123] Fig.15 An example of a pressure sensor graph 1500 and a capacitive pressure sensing circuit graph 1502 is shown. In this example, the two graphs represent Fig.14 Measurement values ​​of pressure sensor 1408 and capacitive pressure sensing circuit in the example shown in .

[0124] In this example, the first pressure sensor shows a temporary change in pressure 1504 that exceeds a predetermined threshold 1505 and then falls back below the predetermined threshold 1505. However, information from the temporary change 1504 can be used to collect some useful data, such as the occurrence of a press input, the amount of pressure, the start time of the initial press input, other data, or a combination thereof. This information can be used in conjunction with information from the second pressure measurement or used to calibrate the characteristics of the second pressure measurement.

[0125] For example, the second pressure input can determine the press input start time 1506 and / or the press input end time 1510. In some examples, the peak of the pressure measurement value of the second press input can be represented by line segment 1506. If the raw measurement value of the second pressure input fails to exceed the predetermined threshold, the pressure measurement value can be scaled up to exceed the predetermined threshold. When the second pressure measurement value weakens due to the user applying less pressure or completely terminating the pressure input, the second pressure measurement value can fall back below the predetermined threshold to indicate that the press input is terminated.

[0126] In this example, the user's finger moves on the capacitive reference surface as part of a press input. Although the location of the press input changes relative to the capacitive reference surface, the user can maintain or substantially maintain the pressure applied to the capacitive reference surface as needed until the press input is completed.

[0127] Fig.16 An example of a pressure sensor graph 1600 and a capacitive pressure sensing circuit graph 1602 is shown. In this example, the two graphs represent Fig.14 1408 and the capacitive pressure sensing circuit in the example shown in FIG. 1400. In the pressure sensor diagram 1600, when a press input is applied, a voltage change 1604 exceeds a pressure voltage threshold 1605. A first slope 1606 exceeds a capacitive pressure threshold 1607. As the press input moves across the capacitive module 1400, the magnitude of the press input changes according to the voltage curve 1608. When the press input is terminated, a second slope 1610 exceeds the maintenance threshold 1607. This can indicate to a controller in communication with the capacitive pressure sensing circuit, represented by the capacitive pressure sensing circuit diagram 1602, that the press input has terminated.

[0128] Fig.17An example of a capacitive module 1700 is shown. A first substrate 1704 can be located between a reference surface 1702 and a second substrate 1706. The first side of the first substrate 1704 has a first set of electrodes 1712 and the second side has a second set of electrodes 1714. The second substrate 1706 has a first side and a second side. A pressure sensor 1708 is located near the second side of the substrate 1706. An object 1710 moves along a path 1716, applies a first press input on the capacitive reference surface 1702, moves along a path 1718 while continuing to apply the first press input. The object 1710 moves along a path 1720, applies a second press input to the capacitive reference surface 1702, and moves along a path 1722 while continuing to apply the second press input. In some examples, the size of the second press input can be greater than the size of the first press input. The object 1710 releases the second press input while moving along the path 1724, and maintains the pressure of the first press input while moving along the path 1726. The object releases the press input as it moves along path 1728. In this example, object 1710 is a finger.

[0129] Fig.18 An example of a pressure sensor graph 1800 and a capacitive pressure sensing circuit graph 1802 is shown. In this example, the two graphs represent Fig.17 1708 and the measurement values ​​of the capacitive pressure sensing circuit in the example shown in . The first voltage change 1804 on the pressure sensor graph indicates the first press input on the capacitive reference surface. The voltage change 1804 exceeds the pressure sensor threshold, which can indicate that the first press input has been initiated. The second voltage change 1810 also exceeds the pressure sensor threshold 1805 and can indicate that the second press input has been initiated. The first and second voltage changes can correspond to the first slope 1806 and the second slope 1812 of the capacitive pressure sensing circuit graph 1802. However, in this example, the first and second voltage changes 1803, 1810 appear as temporary voltage peaks and drop relatively quickly below the predetermined threshold 1805, so the continued pressure of the press input or the termination of the press input cannot be reliably determined. The first slope 1806 intersects the first capacitive pressure sensing circuit threshold 1807, which can indicate and / or confirm that the first press input has been initiated. The intersection of the second slope 1812 and the second capacitive pressure sensing circuit threshold 1809 may indicate and / or confirm that a second press input has been initiated.

[0130] Fig.19 An example of a method 1900 for measuring a press input is shown. The method 1900 may be based on Figures 1 to 18In this example, method 1900 includes determining an initial pressure measurement value 1902 from a pressure sensor in a capacitive module, and determining a maintenance pressure measurement value 1904 based on a capacitance measurement value from at least one capacitance sensing electrode in the capacitive module.

[0131] Fig. 20 An example of a method 2000 for measuring a press input is shown. The method 2000 may be based on Figures 1 to 18 The method 2000 is performed by referring to the description of the related devices, modules and principles. In this example, the method 2000 includes determining an initial pressure measurement value from a pressure sensor in a capacitive module 2002, and determining whether the initial pressure measurement value is above a predetermined pressure threshold 2004. If the initial pressure measurement value is above the predetermined pressure threshold, the method 2000 also includes determining that a press has been initiated 2006. The method 2000 also includes determining a maintenance pressure measurement value based on a capacitance measurement value from at least one capacitance sensing electrode in the capacitive module 2008, and determining whether the maintenance pressure measurement value is below a predetermined pressure threshold 2010. If the maintenance pressure measurement value is below the predetermined pressure threshold, the method 2000 also includes determining that the press has ended 2012.

[0132] Fig.21 An example of a method 2100 for measuring a press input is shown. The method 2100 may be based on Figures 1 to 18 The method 2100 is performed by referring to the description of the related devices, modules and principles. In this example, the method 2100 includes determining an initial pressure measurement value 2102 from a pressure sensor in a capacitive module, and determining whether the initial pressure measurement value is higher than a predetermined pressure threshold 2104. If the initial pressure measurement value is higher than the predetermined pressure threshold, the method 2100 also includes performing a first tactile action 2106. The method 2100 also includes determining a maintaining pressure measurement value 2108 based on a capacitance measurement value from at least one capacitance sensing electrode in the capacitive module, and determining whether the maintaining pressure measurement value is higher than a predetermined pressure threshold 2110. If the maintaining pressure measurement value is higher than the predetermined pressure threshold, the method 2100 also includes performing a second tactile action 2112.

[0133] Fig. 22 An example of a method 2200 for measuring a press input is shown. The method 2200 may be based on Figures 1 to 18 In this example, method 2200 includes determining a first pressure measurement 2202 at an initial time from a pressure sensor in a capacitive module, and determining a second pressure measurement 2204 at a second time based on capacitance measurements from a plurality of capacitive sensing electrodes.

[0134] It should be noted that the methods, systems and devices discussed above are for example purposes only. It must be emphasized that various embodiments may appropriately omit, replace or add various steps or components. For example, it should be understood that in alternative embodiments, the method may be performed in a different order than described, and various steps may be added, omitted or combined. In addition, the features described in certain embodiments may be combined in various other embodiments. Different aspects and elements of the embodiments may be combined in a similar manner. In addition, it should be emphasized that technology is constantly evolving, and therefore, many elements are exemplary in nature and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0135] Specific details are given in the description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the embodiments can be practiced without these specific details. For example, well-known circuits, processes, algorithms, structures, and techniques have been shown without unnecessary detail to avoid obscuring the embodiments.

[0136] In addition, it is noted that the embodiments may be described as processes, which are shown as flow charts or block diagrams. Although each may describe the operations as a sequential process, many operations may be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be rearranged. The process may have additional steps not included in the figure.

[0137] Having shown several embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications, substitutions, and equivalents may be used without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, the above elements may be merely components of a larger system, in which other rules may take precedence over or otherwise modify the application of the present invention. In addition, some steps may be taken before, during, or after considering the above elements. Therefore, the above description should not be viewed as limiting the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A capacitor module, comprising: substrate; a plurality of capacitive electrodes disposed on the substrate and in communication with a controller; a pressure sensor incorporated into the capacitive module and in communication with the controller; A memory in communication with the controller and having programming instructions that, when executed, cause the controller to: determining an initial pressure measurement of a press input based on the pressure input from the pressure sensor; as well as A maintained pressure measurement during the press input is determined based on the capacitance measurement.

2. The capacitor module according to claim 1, wherein: Determining the initial pressure measurement includes determining a press input start time.

3. The capacitor module according to claim 1, wherein: The programmed instructions, when executed, further cause the controller to perform an initial haptic action in response to determining the initial pressure measurement.

4. The capacitor module according to claim 3, wherein: The initial tactile action is a click-down tactile response.

5. The capacitor module according to claim 1, wherein: Determining the maintaining pressure is based at least in part on the capacitance measurement value remaining above a predetermined capacitance measurement threshold.

6. The capacitor module according to claim 1, wherein: The programmed instructions, when executed, further cause the controller to determine the increase in the maintenance pressure based at least in part on a second pressure measurement from the pressure sensor.

7. The capacitor module according to claim 1, wherein: The programmed instructions, when executed, further cause the controller to perform a second haptic action in response to determining an increase in the maintained pressure measurement.

8. The capacitor module according to claim 7, wherein: The second tactile action is a second click-down tactile response.

9. The capacitor module according to claim 1, wherein: The programming instructions, when executed, further cause the controller to determine termination of a press input based at least in part on the capacitance measurement.

10. The capacitor module according to claim 9, wherein: The programming instructions, when executed, further cause the controller to perform a termination haptic action in response to determining termination of the press input.

11. The capacitor module according to claim 10, wherein: The terminating tactile action is an upward click tactile response.

12. A computer program product for using a capacitance module, comprising a non-transitory computer readable medium storing programming instructions executable by a processor to: determining an initial pressure measurement of a press input on the capacitive module based on a pressure input from a pressure sensor incorporated into the capacitive module; and A maintenance pressure during a press input is determined based on a capacitance measurement value of at least one capacitance sensing electrode incorporated into the capacitance module.

13. The computer program product of claim 12, wherein: Determining the initial pressure measurement includes determining a press input start time.

14. The computer program product of claim 12, wherein: The programmed instructions, when executed, further cause the controller to perform an initial haptic action in response to determining the initial pressure measurement.

15. The computer program product of claim 12, wherein: Determining the maintaining pressure is based at least in part on the capacitance measurement value remaining above a predetermined capacitance measurement threshold.

16. The computer program product of claim 12, wherein: The programmed instructions, when executed, further cause a controller to determine the increase in the maintenance pressure based at least in part on a second pressure measurement from the pressure sensor.

17. The computer program product of claim 16, wherein: The programmed instructions, when executed, further cause the controller to perform a second haptic action in response to determining an increase in the maintained pressure measurement.

18. The computer program product of claim 12, wherein: The programming instructions, when executed, further cause a controller to determine termination of a press input based at least in part on the capacitance measurement.

19. The computer program product of claim 18, wherein: The programming instructions, when executed, further cause the controller to perform a termination haptic action in response to determining termination of the press input.

20. A method of using a capacitor module, comprising: determining an initial pressure measurement of a press input on the capacitive module based on a pressure input from a pressure sensor incorporated into the capacitive module; as well as A maintenance pressure during a press input is determined based on a capacitance measurement value of at least one capacitance sensing electrode incorporated into the capacitance module.

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