Haptic mode based on keyboard input

Abstract

A module may include: a substrate; a plurality of capacitive electrodes on the substrate for forming a capacitive sensor; at least one haptic actuator; a controller resource in communication with the haptic actuator and the plurality of capacitive electrodes; and a memory in communication with the controller resource, the controller resource having programming instructions that, when executed, cause the controller resource to receive a keyboard input from a keyboard in communication with the controller resource and change a haptic mode of the capacitive module based on the keyboard input.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 236,497, entitled “Selective Touch Modes Based on Keyboard Input”, filed by Jon Bertrand et al. on August 22, 2022. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 236,497 is assigned to the assignee of this application and is expressly incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for operating a capacitive module based on input on a keyboard. In particular, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for operating a portion of a tactile pattern of a capacitive module based on input received from a keyboard. Background Art

[0004] Touchpads are often incorporated into laptop computers and other devices to provide a mechanism for providing input to the device. For example, a touchpad may be positioned adjacent to a laptop computer's keyboard and include a surface that can be touched by a user. A touchpad may operate using capacitive sensing, which is a technology that senses changes in capacitance when a finger touches the touchpad. In some examples, moving a finger, stylus, or other type of object near a touchpad may cause a cursor to move on a display that is in communication with the touchpad.

[0005] An example of a touch pad is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,400,318 to George Gerpheide et al. This reference discloses a touch pad and measurement circuitry for implementing input to a computer or other electronic device. The system includes X electrodes, Y electrodes, a common sensing electrode, and a "water" electrode, wherein the four separate electrodes can be implemented in various physical configurations to achieve the desired effect, wherein moisture and water droplets can be identified and compensated to avoid interfering with data input, wherein noise suppression is achieved by utilizing a temporal aperture filtering method, wherein an improved scanning technique focuses the scan around the identified input object, wherein an adaptive motion filter responds to the velocity and acceleration of the tracked object, and wherein the measurement circuitry has an increased dynamic range, enabling the touch pad to operate with greater tolerance to manufacturing variations. The entire contents of this reference are incorporated herein by reference.

[0006] Keyboards are often incorporated into laptop computers and other devices to provide a mechanism for providing input to the device. For example, a keyboard can be positioned adjacent to a touchpad in a laptop computer and include a plurality of keys that can be pressed to input letters, numbers, symbols, or other commands to the laptop computer. In some examples, the keyboard can operate using an electrical short as the primary input mechanism. In some examples, the keyboard can also have a capacitive component, have a capacitive function, or operate using a capacitor.

[0007] An example of a keyboard is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,036,307 to John Green Elias et al. The reference discloses a touch-sensitive mechanical keyboard configured to enable a standard look and feel mechanical keyboard to sense subtle hand / finger motions on the key surfaces. Commands and cursor input (e.g., pointing and gestures) from a user can be received on the touch-sensitive mechanical keyboard without requiring the user to remove their hands from the keyboard. Subtle hand / finger motion detection can be achieved by embedding a group of capacitive sensors near the surface of the keyboard keys. The touch-sensitive mechanical keyboard can be operated in two or more modes - for example, a typing mode and a mouse mode - and the keyboard can be conveniently operated in a mouse mode or switched between modes by pressing (pressing and holding) or tapping (pressing and releasing) any combination of keys, or by detecting the number of fingers touching the touch-sensitive mechanical keyboard.

[0008] Each of these references is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Summary of the invention

[0009] The capacitive module may include: a substrate; a plurality of capacitive electrodes on the substrate for forming a capacitive sensor; at least one tactile actuator; a controller resource in communication with the at least one tactile actuator and the plurality of capacitive electrodes; a memory in communication with the controller resource, the memory having programmed instructions that, when executed, cause the controller resource to receive keyboard input from a keyboard in communication with the controller resource; and changing a tactile pattern of the capacitive module based on the keyboard input.

[0010] Changing the operating mode may include changing the haptic mode from an active haptic mode to an inactive haptic mode.

[0011] The at least one haptic actuator may be part of a plurality of haptic actuators.

[0012] The programming instructions may be further configured to, when executed, cause the controller resources to operate the plurality of haptic actuators in the same operating mode.

[0013] The controller resource may be in communication with at least one pressure sensor.

[0014] At least one pressure sensor may be incorporated into the haptic actuator.

[0015] At least one pressure sensor may be independent of the haptic actuator, wherein the at least one pressure sensor may be incorporated into the capacitive module.

[0016] The programming instructions may be configured to, when executed, disable the pressure sensor when the capacitive module may be in an inactive haptic mode.

[0017] The programming instructions may be configured to, when executed, ignore measurements by the pressure sensor when the capacitive module is in an inactive haptic mode.

[0018] Changing the operating mode may include changing the haptic mode from an active haptic mode to a partially active haptic mode.

[0019] The partially active haptic mode includes triggering the haptic actuator when the user input is locatable within a first region proximate to the substrate, and disabling the haptic actuator when the user input is locatable within a second region proximate to the substrate.

[0020] The first area adjacent to the substrate may be near a location for keyboard input.

[0021] The first area adjacent to the substrate may be within two inches of a location where keyboard input is located.

[0022] A computer program product for using the module may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions executable by a processor to: receive keyboard input; and send instructions to change an operating mode of a tactile actuator incorporated into the capacitive module based at least in part on the location of the keyboard input.

[0023] Changing the operating mode may include changing the haptic mode from an active haptic mode to an inactive haptic mode.

[0024] Changing the operating mode may include changing the haptic mode from an active haptic mode to a partially active haptic mode.

[0025] The partially active haptic mode may include triggering the haptic actuator when the user input may be located within a first region of the touch pad, and disabling the haptic actuator when the user input may be located within a second region of the touch pad.

[0026] The first area adjacent to the substrate may be near a location for keyboard input.

[0027] The first area adjacent to the substrate may be within two inches of a location where keyboard input is located.

[0028] A method may include receiving a keyboard input, and sending instructions to change an operating mode of a haptic actuator incorporated into a capacitive module based at least in part on a location of the keyboard input. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Figure 1 An example of an electronic device according to the present disclosure is depicted.

[0030] 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 depicted.

[0031] Figure 3 Depicted is an example of a touch pad in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 4 Depicted is an example of a touch screen in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 5 Depicting an example of an input surface in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 6 Depicting an example of an input surface in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 7 Depicted is an example of keyboard input adjacent to a capacitive sensor in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 8 Depicted is an example of keyboard input adjacent to a capacitive sensor in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0037] Fig. 9 Depicted is an example of keyboard input adjacent to a capacitive sensor in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0038] Fig.10 An example of a table depicting capacitive sensor modes in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0039] Fig.11 An example of a capacitive sensor according to the present disclosure is depicted.

[0040] Fig.12 An example of a capacitive sensor according to the present disclosure is depicted.

[0041] Fig.13 An example of a capacitive sensor in communication with a controller according to the present disclosure is depicted.

[0042] Fig.14 Depicted is an example of a keyboard in communication with a controller in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0043] Fig.15 An example of a method of operating a capacitive sensor according to the present disclosure is depicted.

[0044] Fig.16 An example of a method of operating a capacitive sensor according to the present disclosure is depicted.

[0045] Fig.17Depicted is an example of a keyboard in communication with a haptic actuator of a capacitive module in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0046] Fig.18 Depicted is an example of a keyboard in communication with a haptic actuator of a capacitive module in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0047] Fig.19 Depicted is an example of a keyboard in communication with a haptic actuator of a capacitive module in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0048] Fig. 20 An example of a table depicting haptic patterns in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0049] Fig.21 Depicted are examples of a keyboard, haptic actuators, and capacitive electrodes in communication with controller resources according to the present disclosure.

[0050] Fig. 22 An example of a method of operating a capacitive sensor according to the present disclosure is depicted.

[0051] Although the present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and form substitutions, 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 form disclosed. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] This description provides examples and is not intended to limit the scope, practicality or configuration of the present invention. On the contrary, the subsequent description will provide those skilled in the art with an effective description for implementing embodiments of the present invention. Various changes can be made to the functions and arrangements of the elements.

[0053] Thus, various embodiments may omit, replace, or add various programs or components as needed. For example, it should be understood that the method may be performed in an order different from the order described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Moreover, the aspects and elements described with respect to certain embodiments may be combined in various other embodiments. It should also be understood that the following systems, methods, devices, and software may be individually or collectively part of a larger system, wherein other programs may take precedence over or otherwise modify their application.

[0054] 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 between 55.0 degrees and 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 measuring an object perpendicular to its length.

[0055] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "electrode" may generally refer to a portion of an electrical conductor intended for making a measurement, and the terms "route" and "trace" generally refer to portions of an electrical conductor not intended for making a measurement. For purposes of this disclosure, with respect to an electrical circuit, the term "line" 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 transmission line, electrode, or portion thereof, and the term "Rx" generally refers to a sensing line, electrode, or portion thereof.

[0056] 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 thereof.

[0057] It should be understood that the use of the terms "capacitive module", "touch pad" and "touch sensor" throughout this document can be used interchangeably with "capacitive touch sensor", "capacitive sensor", "capacitive sensor", "capacitive touch and proximity sensor", "proximity sensor", "touch and proximity sensor", "touch panel", "touch pad", "touch panel" and "touch screen". The capacitive module can be incorporated into an electronic device.

[0058] It should be understood that, as used herein, the terms "vertical", "horizontal", "lateral", "up", "down", "left", "right", "inner", "outer", etc. may refer to the relative orientation or position of features in the disclosed devices and / or components as shown in the figures. For example, "upper" or "uppermost" may refer to a feature that is closer to the top of the page than another feature. However, these terms should be broadly interpreted to include devices and / or components with other orientations (e.g., inverted or tilted orientations), where top / bottom, above / below, above / below, up / down, and left / right may be interchanged according to orientation.

[0059] In some cases, the capacitive module is located in the housing. The capacitive module can be located below the housing and can detect an object outside the housing. In an example where the capacitive module can detect a change in capacitance through the housing, the housing is a capacitive reference surface. For example, the capacitive module can be disposed in a cavity formed by a keyboard housing of a computer (e.g., a laptop computer or other type of computing device), and the sensor can be disposed 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 within the opening. In this example, the cover layer is a capacitive reference surface. In such an example, the capacitive module can be positioned adjacent to 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 where a pressure sensor, a capacitive sensor, or other type of sensor is placed to sense pressure, presence, position, touch, proximity, capacitance, magnetism, electrical properties, other types of properties, or other features, or a combination thereof, indicating an input. For example, the reference surface can be a housing, a cover layer, or other types of surfaces that sense input. 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.

[0060] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "display" may generally refer to a display or screen that is not depicted in the same area as the capacitive reference surface. In some cases, the display is incorporated into a laptop computer, in which 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 touchpad. The pressure sensor may be integrated into the stack that constitutes the capacitive module. However, in some cases, the pressure sensor may be located at another part of the laptop computer, for example, 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, at other locations on the laptop computer, or 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 another device different from the device where the capacitive reference surface is located. For example, the display may be projected onto a different surface, for example, a wall or a projector screen. In some examples, the reference surface may be located on an input or game controller, and the display is located on a wearable device, for example, 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 located on different surfaces. In some cases, the reference surface and the display can be oriented at different angular directions relative to each other.

[0061] For the purposes of this disclosure, the term "keyboard input" may generally refer to an input on a keyboard that sends a specific electrical signal to a controller in communication with the keyboard. In some examples, the keyboard input may send a signal to the controller to indicate that a key on the keyboard has been pressed. In some examples, the controller in communication with the keyboard may determine the key, the position of the key, the length of the key press, the pressure applied to the key, other attributes of the input, or a combination thereof. In some examples, the keyboard input may correspond to an electrical short circuit generated by pressing a key and contacting an array of contacts on the keyboard. In other examples, the keyboard input may correspond to a capacitance reading on a contact grid based on an object moving close to the keyboard. In some examples, the keyboard is an input device separate from the capacitive module. In some cases, the controller that controls the operation of the keyboard is independent of another controller that controls the operation of the capacitive module. In some cases, the location of the keyboard input may determine the mode of the touch input. In some examples, the location of the keyboard input may determine which part of the capacitive module operates in different modes. For example, a keyboard input of a button located in front of the capacitive module (e.g., toward the display screen of a laptop computer) and near the right side may cause the capacitive module to switch different modes only on the right side of the capacitive module.

[0062] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "capacitive input keyboard" may generally refer to a keyboard that receives input based on a capacitive signal from an object moving in proximity to the keyboard. In some examples, the capacitive input keyboard may be integrated into a touch screen device. In some examples, the capacitive input keyboard may change size, shape, or position based on input from a controller in communication with the keyboard. In some examples, the capacitive input keyboard may determine the position, magnitude, velocity, other attributes, or combinations thereof of the capacitive input of an object moving in proximity to the capacitive input keyboard.

[0063] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "active mode" generally refers to a mode of operation in which a portion of a capacitive sensor receives a capacitive input and the input is output from a controller in communication with the capacitive sensor.

[0064] For purposes of this disclosure, the term "inactive mode" generally refers to an operating mode in which a portion of a capacitive sensor does not receive a capacitive input or the received input is not output from a controller in communication with the capacitive sensor. In some examples, the controller may receive a signal from the capacitive sensor, but the controller does not output the signal to other systems. In some examples, the sensor may have one or more electrodes that are powered off. In some examples, the electrical signal output by the capacitive sensor may be ignored by the controller.

[0065] Figure 1An example of an electronic device 100 is depicted. In this example, the electronic device is a laptop computer. In the example shown, the electronic device 100 includes an input component (such as a keyboard 102) and a capacitive module (such as a touchpad 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 series of instructions provided by a user through the keyboard 102 and / or through the touchpad 104. An internal battery (not shown) can be used to power the operation of the electronic device 100.

[0066] The keyboard 102 includes an arrangement of keys 108 that can be individually selected when a user presses the keys 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, for example, a word processing program determines which types of words to process. The user can use the touchpad 104 to provide different types of instructions to programs running on the computing device 100. For example, a cursor displayed 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 provide a command to select the object through the touchpad 104. For example, the user can provide an instruction to select an object by clicking the surface of the touchpad 104 one or more times.

[0067] The touch pad 104 is a capacitive module that includes a multilayer stack disposed below a keyboard housing, below a cover layer (fitted in an opening of the keyboard housing), or below another capacitive reference surface. 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 that includes a first set of electrodes oriented in a first direction and a second layer of electrodes oriented in a second direction 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 set of electrodes. Capacitance may be measured at overlapping intersections between different sets of electrodes. However, when an object (e.g., a finger, a stylus, etc.) having a dielectric value different from that of the surrounding air approaches an 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 location of the user touching or hovering the object within the detection range of the capacitive module. In some examples, the first set of electrodes and the second set of electrodes are equally spaced relative to 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 to movement in certain directions.

[0068] In some cases, the display 106 is mechanically separated and movable relative to the keyboard via the connection mechanism 114. In these examples, the display 106 and the keyboard 102 can be connected to each other and movable relative to each other. The display 106 can be movable 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 above 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 used by a user, the display 106 can be orientable at an angle between 35 degrees and 135 degrees relative to the keyboard 102. However, in these examples, the display 106 can be positioned at any angle desired by the user.

[0069] In some examples, the display 106 can be a non-touch sensitive display. However, in other examples, at least a portion of the display 106 is touch sensitive. In these examples, the touch sensitive display can also include a capacitive module located behind the outer surface of the display 106. When the user's finger or other object approaches the touch sensitive screen, the capacitive module can detect a change in capacitance as input from the user.

[0070] Although Figure 1The examples depict a laptop as an example of an electronic device, but the capacitive sensor and touch surface may 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, smartphones, location sensors, card reader sensors, other types of electronic devices, other types of devices, or combinations thereof.

[0071] Figure 2 An example of a portion of a capacitor module 200 is depicted. In this example, the capacitor module 200 may include a substrate 202, a first set of electrodes 204, and a second set of electrodes 206. The first set of electrodes 204 and the second set of electrodes 206 may be oriented transversely to each other. In addition, the first set of electrodes 204 and the second set of electrodes 206 may be electrically isolated from each other so that the electrodes are not short-circuited to each other. However, when the electrodes of the first set of electrodes 204 overlap with the electrodes of the second set of electrodes 206, capacitance may be measured. The capacitor module 200 may include one or more electrodes in the first set of electrodes 204 or the second set of electrodes 206. Such a substrate 202 and electrode groups may be incorporated into a touch screen, a touch pad, a position sensor, a game controller, a button, and / or a detection circuit.

[0072] 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 sensing area of ​​the component. In some cases, the component is configured as a rectangular grid of an appropriate number (e.g., 8×6, 16×12, 9×15, etc.) of electrodes.

[0073] like Figure 2 As shown, the capacitive module 200 includes a touch controller 208. The capacitive 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, 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 using appropriate circuits, hardware, firmware, and / or software to select from available operating modes.

[0074] In some cases, capacitance controller 208 includes at least one multiplexing circuit to alternate which of electrode groups 204, 206 is operated as a drive electrode and a sense electrode. The drive electrodes may be driven one at a time in sequence, or may be driven randomly, or multiple electrodes may be driven simultaneously in an encoded pattern. There are other possible configurations, such as a self-capacitance mode where electrodes are driven and sensed simultaneously. The electrodes may also be arranged in a non-rectangular array, such as a radial pattern, a linear string, etc. A shielding layer may be provided below 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.

[0075] In some cases, measurements are taken without using a fixed reference point.Touch controller 208 can generate signals that are sent directly to first set of electrodes 204 or second set of electrodes 206 in various modes.

[0076] 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 acting as sensing electrodes, which in some examples can be any electrode designated in the electrode group 204, 206, or in other examples can be dedicated sensing electrodes. When there is no pointing object on or near the capacitance module 200, the touch controller 208 can be in a balanced state and there is no signal on the sensing electrode. When a finger or other pointing object creates an imbalance due to capacitive coupling, a change in capacitance can occur at the intersection between the electrode groups 204, 206 that constitute the touch / proximity sensing area. In some cases, the change in capacitance is measured. However, in alternative examples, an absolute capacitance value can be measured.

[0077] While this example has described the capacitive module 200 as having the flexibility to switch the electrode groups 204, 206 between sensing electrodes and transmitting electrodes, in other examples, each group of electrodes is dedicated to either a transmitting function or a sensing function.

[0078] Figure 3 An example of a substrate 202 incorporated into a capacitive module is depicted, wherein a first set of electrodes 204 and a second set of electrodes 206 are deposited on the substrate 202. 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 depicted example, 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, where the second side is opposite 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 shorting to each other. Figure 2As depicted, first set of electrodes 204 and second set of electrodes 206 may be oriented transversely to each other. Capacitance measurements may be made at intersections where first set 204 and second set 206 overlap electrodes. In some examples, a voltage may be applied to a transmit electrode, and a voltage may be measured for a sense electrode that overlaps the transmit electrode. The voltage of the sense electrode may be used to determine the capacitance at the intersection where the sense electrode overlaps the transmit electrode.

[0079] In depicting the cross section of the capacitor module Figure 3 In an example of , substrate 202 can be located between capacitive reference surface 212 and shielding layer 214. Capacitive reference surface 212 can be a cover layer placed over a first side of substrate 202 and at least partially transparent to an 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. When the finger or stylus is present, the voltage measured from the sensing electrode can be different from the voltage measured when the finger or stylus is not present. Therefore, a change in capacitance can be measured.

[0080] 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 conductive solid material. 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 that performs a function in the touch panel and also shields the electrodes from the influence of 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 and also shield the electrodes from the influence of electrical noise.

[0081] The voltage applied to the transmit electrodes may be transmitted through electrical connections 216 from touch controller 208 to the appropriate electrode groups. The voltage applied to the sense electrodes by the electric field generated from the transmit electrodes may be detected through electrical connections 218 from the sense electrodes to touch controller 208.

[0082] Although Figure 3 The example is depicted 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; however in other examples, each set of electrodes may be deposited on its own dedicated substrate.

[0083] 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 act as both transmitting electrodes and receiving electrodes. In some cases, a voltage can be applied to the electrode for a period of time, which changes the capacitance around the electrode. At the end of the period, the voltage is stopped. 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 electrode voltage measured after the voltage is interrupted may be consistent with the reference capacitance. However, if an object touches or is close to the capacitive reference surface, the measured voltage can indicate a change in capacitance relative to the reference capacitance.

[0084] In some examples, the capacitance module has a first set of electrodes and a second set of electrodes, and the capacitance module communicates with a controller that is configured to establish to run 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).

[0085] Figure 4 An example of a capacitive module incorporated into a touch screen is depicted. In this example, the substrate 202, the electrode groups 204, 206, and the electrical connections 216, 218 can be similar to the combination Figure 3 The layout described. Figure 4 In the example of , shielding layer 214 is located between substrate 202 and display layer 400. Display layer 400 can be a pixel layer or a diode layer that emits light to generate 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 display, a cathode gas display, other types of displays, or a combination thereof. In this example, shielding layer 214, substrate 202, and capacitive reference surface 212 can all be at least partially optically transparent to allow a user to see the image displayed in the display layer through capacitive reference surface 212. Such a touch screen can be included in a monitor, 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 a combination thereof.

[0086] Figure 5An example of a cross-section of a capacitor module 200 is depicted, wherein the substrate 202 may 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 board 200. As depicted in this example, the pressure sensors 500, 502 may be disposed adjacent to the underside of the shielding layer 214. However, in other examples, the pressure sensors may be located in any suitable location, including but not limited to adjacent to the underside of the capacitor reference surface 212, adjacent to the underside of the shielding layer, adjacent to the underside of the substrate 202, other locations, or combinations thereof. In examples where the pressure sensors 500, 502 are located below the substrate 202, pressure applied to the capacitor reference surface 212 may be transmitted through the capacitor reference surface 212, thereby applying pressure to the substrate 202, and in turn, to at least one of the pressure sensors 500, 502. In examples where the pressure sensors are located adjacent to the shielding layer, pressure applied to the input surface may be transmitted to the shielding layer, which in turn applies pressure to the pressure sensor. The pressure may be measured by the pressure sensors 500, 502 to determine a pressure value. 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 where the pressure input is made on capacitive reference surface 212. In some cases, those pressure sensors that are closer to the location of the pressure input can detect greater pressure than pressure sensors located farther away. Different pressure values ​​can help determine the location of the pressure input.

[0087] Although this example depicts a pressure sensor being incorporated into a capacitive module along with a capacitive sensor, in other examples, the pressure sensor is not incorporated with the capacitive sensor. Furthermore, any suitable type of pressure sensor may be used in accordance with the principles described herein. For example, a non-exhaustive list of suitable pressure sensors includes, but is not limited to, piezoelectric sensors, magnetostrictive sensors, potentiometric pressure sensors, inductive pressure sensors, capacitive pressure sensors, strain gauge pressure sensors, variable reluctance pressure sensors, other types of pressure sensors, or combinations thereof.

[0088] In some examples, the pressure sensor may also include the ability to provide tactile feedback. For example, a piezoelectric device may be used as both 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 may 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.

[0089] Figure 6 An example of a reference surface 600 is depicted. In this example, a first pressure sensor 602 and a second pressure sensor 604 are adjacent to 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 a capacitive sensor.

[0090] Figure 7 An example of an electronic device 700 is depicted, which includes a keyboard 701 located near a capacitive sensor 702. The capacitive sensor has a first portion 704 and a second portion 706. User input may include a finger 708 pressing a key 710 of the keyboard 701. A controller in communication with the keyboard and / or the capacitive sensor may receive input associated with the finger 708 pressing the key 710. In some examples, the controller may change the mode of one or both of the portions 704, 706 of the capacitive sensor 702. In some examples, when the controller receives input that the finger 708 presses the key 710, the controller may change the first portion 704 of the capacitive sensor to an inactive mode. In some examples, the second portion 706 may continue to operate in an active mode while the first portion 704 operates in an inactive mode.

[0091] In some examples, a controller in communication with the keyboard 701 and the capacitive sensor 702 can determine a mode of the portions 704, 706 of the capacitive sensor 702 based at least in part on an input on the keyboard. In some examples, any key press on a portion of the keyboard proximate to a portion of the capacitive sensor can cause that portion of the capacitive sensor 702 to change mode. For example, if an input corresponding to a key proximate to the second portion 706 of the capacitive controller 702 is detected on the keyboard, the second portion 706 can change mode. In some examples, any key press to the right of a predetermined key group can change the mode of the second portion 706 of the capacitive sensor 702, while any key press to the left of the predetermined key group can change the mode of the first portion 704 of the capacitive sensor 702.

[0092] In some examples, switching the mode of at least one portion of the capacitive sensor may appear to a user as deactivating the capacitive sensor. In some cases, the first mode may cause the controller to stop processing inputs to the portion of the capacitive sensor, stop enabling sensing electrodes of the portion of the capacitive sensor, stop measuring the portion of the capacitive sensor, stop sending an output of the controller associated with the portion of the controller, stop sending a transmission signal to the portion of the capacitive sensor, run other events that cause the portion of the capacitive sensor to appear deactivated, or a combination thereof.

[0093] In some examples, the keyboard 701 can operate using an electrical short circuit. In some examples, when a key is pressed, a conductive terminal on the lower side of the key can contact a live power grid and generate an electrical short circuit. In some examples, this electrical short circuit can be detected as a press input by a controller communicating with the keyboard. In some examples, before a short circuit is caused by a key press, a capacitance measurement can be detected on the power grid. In some examples, a finger moving near the power grid of the keyboard may affect the capacitance measurement on the power grid. For example, if a finger is positioned on or near a key of the keyboard, the controller communicating with the keyboard can determine that the capacitance at a position corresponding to the key on the keyboard has changed. In such an example, even if a key is not pressed, the controller can determine that the finger is located near a key.

[0094] In some examples, a controller in communication with keyboard 701 and / or capacitive sensor 702 can detect a capacitance measurement on keyboard 701. In some examples, the controller can change a pattern of portions 704, 706 of capacitive sensor 702 based at least in part on the capacitance measurement on keyboard 701. For example, on a standard English keyboard, the "a" key is typically located on the left side of the keyboard. If a finger is capacitively detected to be proximate to the "a" key, the controller in communication with the keyboard can determine that the finger is positioned on or proximate to the key. The controller can determine that input detected to the left of the capacitive sensor can be ignored based at least in part on the detected finger position.

[0095] In some examples, a controller in communication with the capacitive sensor 702 can change the mode of the portions 704, 706 of the capacitive sensor 702. In some examples, the modes of the portions can be changed in response to detecting electrical changes on keys and / or portions of a keyboard. In some examples, the controller can electrically shut off one of the portions 704, 706. In some examples, the controller can ignore input on one of the portions 704, 706. In some examples, the controller can change the way the controller interprets input on the portions 704, 706. In some examples, the controller can change the sensitivity of the portions 704, 706 of the capacitive sensor 702. In some examples, the controller can change the priority of input received on the portions 704, 706.

[0096] In some examples, a controller in communication with capacitive sensor 702 can change a portion of the sensor to be in palm detection mode. In palm detection mode, a portion of the sensor can interpret inputs having certain characteristics as a palm. For example, some measurements made by the capacitive sensor that depict a palm placed on a portion of a capacitive sensing area of ​​a work surface of a laptop computer (which is adjacent to the capacitive sensor) can be close to other measurements made by the capacitive sensor that depict a touch command. In some examples, it may be difficult to distinguish whether such measurements depict a touch command or a palm placed in the touch sensing area. In this case, a keyboard input can cause the mode of the capacitive sensor to change so that the controller includes the additional factor that the user is operating the keyboard, which can cause the controller to determine that the touch input is a palm placed in the touch sensing area.

[0097] In some gaming applications, a user may place a palm over a first portion of the capacitive sensor to frequently use a selected set of command keys of a keyboard to instruct the gaming program. At the same time, the user may provide touch input to other portions of the capacitive sensor to provide additional input to the gaming program. Thus, the system may place the first portion of the capacitive module in a mode adjusted to minimize the use of the capacitive sensor while still allowing other portions of the capacitive sensor to operate in touch mode, such that the user may issue keyboard commands while placing a palm over the touch sensing area and simultaneously issue capacitive commands only on different portions of the same capacitive sensor.

[0098] In some examples, a controller in communication with the capacitive sensor 702 can change how the controller interprets the input on the capacitive sensor 702 based at least in part on the input received on the keyboard 701. In some examples, the controller can change the interpretation of the input on the capacitive sensor based at least in part on the size, duration, shape, movement, other attributes and / or combinations thereof of the input on the capacitive sensor. For example, if it is detected that the input on the keyboard 701 is adjacent to the portions 704, 706 of the capacitive sensor, the controller interprets the input on the portion as being different from no input on the keyboard. For example, if the hand is designated to be located on the left side of the keyboard, the input on the left portion of the capacitive sensor can be interpreted as a palm, rather than a moving input. The input on the capacitive sensor can be larger, maintain the same or substantially the same position for a longer period of time, or have other features of the input that are different from the moving input or the pressing input.

[0099] For example, in an application where a user types using a keyboard, a series of keyboard inputs may be received at the capacitance controller. In such an example, the controller may switch the mode in those parts of the capacitance module that may be associated with the palm being placed on the capacitance module when the user of the capacitance module uses those keys. In some cases, the mode will not switch until the keyboard input stream has reached a predetermined amount of time. In some cases, a predetermined amount of keyboard input must be received within a predetermined amount of time. In some cases, when continuous or mostly continuous input is received using the controller, the controller may switch the mode of the appropriate part. In such an example, the keyboard may use a capacitance sensor integrated in the keyboard to determine the position of the user's hand. If the user's hand is detected to hover above the keyboard for a predetermined time, the controller may switch the mode. In some cases, if the user only performs a few keyboard inputs or detects that the user's hand stays above the keyboard for only a few seconds, the mode may not switch. In some cases, if the user's hand is relatively still for a few seconds or other predetermined amount of time above the keyboard, the associated part of the capacitance sensor may switch the mode. In some examples, the mechanical structure of the keyboard transmission line in the first layer of the keyboard and the sensing line in the second layer of the keyboard can be used to measure the capacitance of the finger above the keyboard. In this example, capacitive keyboard measurements can be used to determine the position of the user's hand and change the pattern of the appropriate portion of the capacitive module.

[0100] In the depicted example, the capacitive sensor is divided into a first portion 704 and a second portion 706. In other examples, the capacitive sensor can be divided into three portions, four portions, or any suitable number of portions. In some examples, the capacitive sensor can be divided along the length of the sensor. In some examples, the sensor can be divided along the width of the sensor. In some examples, the different portions have similar dimensions. However, in other examples, the portions can include different lengths, widths, shapes, and / or other dimensions.

[0101] In some examples, a capacitive sensor may have electrodes positioned in a horizontal row and column pattern. For example, a capacitive sensor may have eight electrodes (column electrodes) extending along the width of the sensor and six electrodes (row electrodes) extending along the length of the capacitive sensor. These electrodes may operate using mutual capacitance to sense objects moving near the capacitive sensor. In some examples, the row electrodes may be transmitting electrodes and the column electrodes may be sensing electrodes. In other examples, the row electrodes may be sensing electrodes and the column electrodes may be transmitting electrodes. In some examples, the column electrodes may be controlled as two groups. In such examples, one group of column electrodes may be transmitted and another group of column electrodes may be disabled. For example, if a key near a group of electrodes on a keyboard near the capacitive sensor is pressed, the group of electrodes may be disabled and the other group of electrodes may continue to transmit. In some examples, the column electrodes may be set for reception. In some examples, one group of column electrodes may be ignored and the other group of column electrodes may be measured by a controller that communicates with the electrode group.

[0102] In some examples, each group of column electrodes can be part of a capacitive sensor. Each of these parts can operate independently. For example, if a capacitive sensor has eight column electrodes, the capacitive sensor can have eight parts. If a keyboard input is detected adjacent to the leftmost electrode, a controller in communication with the electrodes can change the mode of the electrodes. The leftmost electrode can be changed to the least sensitive mode, and the rightmost column electrode can be changed to the most sensitive mode. The second column electrode on the left can be switched to a mode that is more sensitive than the leftmost column electrode but not as sensitive as the column electrode to its right. Each column electrode can be set to a similar mode, more sensitive than the column electrode on the left and less sensitive than the column electrode on the right.

[0103] In some examples, a portion of a capacitive sensor may include row electrodes and column electrodes. For example, if a capacitive sensor has eight transmitting column electrodes and six sensing row electrodes, a portion of the capacitive sensor may have three column electrodes closest to the left and two row electrodes closest to the top. In such an example, when keyboard input is detected adjacent to the upper left portion of the capacitive sensor, a controller communicating with the capacitive sensor may deactivate the three transmitting column electrodes and ignore measurements on the two sensing row electrodes. In such an example, the five column electrodes closest to the right side of the capacitive sensor and the four row electrodes closest to the bottom of the capacitive sensor may continue to operate. Although the above examples describe a capacitive sensor with an 8×6 mutual capacitance grid, a capacitive sensor with any appropriate number of rows or columns may be used. In some examples, the capacitive sensor 702 may be a capacitive sensor with self-capacitive electrodes.

[0104] In some examples, the mode of a portion of a capacitive sensor can cause a subset of transmitting electrodes to not transmit, a subset of sensing electrodes to not receive, or a combination thereof. In some examples, a capacitive sensor can include self-capacitive electrodes that operate by transmitting and receiving. In some examples, the mode of a portion of a capacitive sensor can include self-capacitive electrodes not transmitting and / or not receiving.

[0105] In some examples, this mode can cause the controller to ignore touch input initiated in a portion of the capacitive sensor that switches modes based on keyboard input. In some examples, if a touch input starts in a portion of the capacitive sensor that is receiving touch input, and the touch input moves to another portion with a different mode, the capacitive sensor can continue to track the touch input even if that portion of the capacitive sensor is operating in a different mode. In some examples, the controller interprets the touch input initiated in the first portion as a non-palm placement, so when such touch input continues to enter the second portion of the capacitive sensor, the controller can continue to interpret the input as it did in the previous portion.

[0106] Although the above examples have described a specific number of row electrodes and column electrodes, any suitable number of row electrodes and / or column electrodes may be used. In addition, in other examples, the capacitive sensor may use a self-capacitance measurement technique. In some cases, the self-capacitance measurement technique may only involve a single row electrode or a single column electrode. In such examples, the capacitive sensor may only have a single set of electrodes.

[0107] Figure 8 An example of an electronic device 800 is depicted. A keyboard 801 is adjacent to a capacitive sensor 802. The capacitive sensor has a first portion 804 and a second portion 806. A hand 808 is adjacent to the capacitive sensor 802 and the keyboard 801. A finger of hand 808 is positioned over a key of keyboard 801. In some examples, a finger of hand 808 can press a key of keyboard 801. In some examples, it can be detected that the palm of hand 808 is adjacent to portion 804 of capacitive sensor 802.

[0108] In some examples, a controller in communication with keyboard 801 and / or capacitive sensor 802 may determine the attributes of input on keyboard and / or capacitive sensor based on measurements on keyboard and / or capacitive sensor. The controller may determine that the fingers of the hand are adjacent to the keys of the keyboard based on keyboard input, capacitance measurement, other appropriate measurements, or a combination thereof. The controller may determine that the palm of the hand is adjacent to the portion 804 of the capacitive sensor 802 based on the attributes of the capacitance measurement on the capacitive sensor. In some examples, the controller may determine that the palm of the hand 808 is adjacent to the capacitive sensor 802 based at least in part on the position of the fingers of the hand relative to the keyboard 801 determined by the controller through keyboard input. In some examples, the controller detects that the fingers of hand 808 are adjacent to the keys of keyboard 801, which may cause the controller to change the mode of portion 804 of the capacitive sensor 802. In some examples, detecting that the fingers of hand 808 are on a specific key and / or adjacent to a predetermined area of ​​keyboard 801 may cause the controller in communication with the capacitive sensor to change portion 804 to a palm placement mode. In such an example, portion 804 of the capacitive sensor 802 may determine that the input with a predetermined attribute may be a palm input. In some examples, determining that the input is a palm can cause the controller to ignore the input or otherwise cause that portion of the capacitive sensor to appear disabled to the user.

[0109] Fig. 9 An example of an electronic device 900 is depicted. A keyboard 901 is adjacent to a capacitive sensor 902. The capacitive sensor 902 has a first portion 906 and a second portion 908. A hand 908 is adjacent to the keyboard 901 and the first portion 904 of the capacitive sensor 902. A finger 910 is adjacent to the second portion 906 of the capacitive sensor 902. In some examples, a finger of the hand 908 is positioned to provide input to the keyboard 901. In some examples, a controller in communication with the capacitive sensor 902 and / or the keyboard 901 can change the mode of the portions 904, 906 of the capacitive sensor 902. In the depicted example, the first portion 904 of the capacitive module 902 can be in a palm placement mode. In some examples, the controller can change the first portion 904 to a palm placement mode based at least in part on detecting that the fingers of the hand 908 are adjacent to certain keys of the keyboard 901. In some examples, the second portion 906 of the capacitive sensor 902 can be in a touch / hover capacitive sensing mode.

[0110] Fig.10An example of a mode controller table 1000 is depicted. In this example, keyboard inputs are represented by input column 1002. First mode column 1004 and second mode column 1006 can represent modes of a first portion and a second portion of a capacitive sensor, respectively. A first keyboard input 1008 can correspond to an input on a keyboard that is not adjacent to the first portion or the second portion of the capacitive sensor. The mode of the portion of the capacitive sensor can be set by the controller to a touch input mode, represented by touch input mode 1010 on table 1000. A second keyboard input 1014 can cause the controller to change the mode of one of the portions of the capacitive module. This can be in response to detecting a second keyboard input 1014 that can be adjacent to the first portion of the capacitive sensor. The controller can change the first portion of the capacitive sensor to a palm placement mode represented by palm placement mode 1016. The controller can continue to operate the second portion of the capacitive sensor in the touch input mode represented by touch input mode 1010. A third keyboard input 1020 can cause the controller to return the first portion of the touch controller to touch input mode 1010, and can continue to operate the second portion of the capacitive controller in touch input mode 1010.

[0111] In some examples, the controller can change one or both modes of the portions of the capacitive module to other modes. The fourth keyboard input 1026 can cause the controller to change the first portion of the capacitive sensor to a low priority mode 1028 and the second portion of the capacitive sensor to a high priority mode 1030. In such an example, when multiple inputs are detected in the two portions of the capacitive sensor, the controller can prioritize inputs on the second portion of the capacitive sensor.

[0112] A fifth keyboard input 1032 can cause the controller to change the first portion of the capacitive controller to operate in a low speed mode 1034 and change the second portion of the capacitive controller to operate in a high speed mode 1036. In such an example, an input on the first portion of the capacitive sensor can operate at a first sensitivity that is slower than a second sensitivity at which the second portion of the sensor is operated. For example, if the capacitive sensor is used to control a cursor in a display, an input on the first portion of the capacitive sensor can cause the cursor to move a shorter distance than a similar input on the second portion of the capacitive sensor.

[0113] Fig.11 An example of a capacitive sensor 1100 is depicted. The capacitive sensor 1100 has a first portion 1102 and a second portion 1104. In some examples, a controller in communication with the capacitive sensor 1100 can operate the portions 1102, 1104 in different modes based on other inputs received by the controller. In some examples, the mode of the controller can be determined using inputs on a keyboard proximate to the capacitive sensor.

[0114] In some examples, first portion 1102 and second portion 1104 can be combined into a single portion and controlled as a single portion by a controller in communication with the portions. In such examples, the controller can send a signal to cause the entire capacitive sensor to operate in a particular mode. In some examples, a controller in communication with the capacitive sensor can deactivate the capacitive sensor or ignore all capacitive measurements from the capacitive sensor if keyboard input is detected adjacent to the capacitive sensor.

[0115] Fig.12 An example of a capacitive sensor 1200 is depicted. The capacitive sensor has a first portion 1202, a second portion 1204, and a third portion 1206. The three portions of the capacitive sensor can be operated by a controller that communicates with the capacitive sensor. The controller can operate the first portion in a first mode, the second portion in a second mode, and the third portion in a third mode. In some examples where a user is typing on a keyboard, the user's palm can be placed over portions 1202 and 1206 that are located on the sides of the capacitive sensor. In this case, the controller can make these portions 1202, 1206 appear to the user as if they are disabled, while allowing the middle portion 1204 to continue to operate in touch / hover mode.

[0116] Fig.13 An example of a capacitive module 1300 is depicted. A first set of capacitive electrodes is positioned transverse to a second portion 1306 and a third portion 1308 of the capacitive electrodes. Portions 1304, 1306, 1308 of the capacitive electrodes are in communication with a controller 1302. In some examples, the controller 1302 is in communication with a keyboard. In the depicted example, portions 1304, 1308 are driven by the controller 1302. In the example shown, electrode portion 1306 is deactivated. In some examples, electrode portion 1306 can be deactivated based on input on the keyboard.

[0117] Fig.14 An example of a keyboard 1400 is depicted. A finger 1404 is pressing a key 1406 on a first layer 1403 of the keyboard 1400. A contact point 1410 is located on a second layer 1405 of the keyboard 1400. When the finger presses the key 1406, the key moves downward and creates an electrical short with the contact point 1410 of the keyboard. A controller 1402 in communication with the keyboard 1400 can measure a change in voltage on the contact point 1410 when the key contacts the contact point. The controller 1402 can determine that the key 1406 is pressed based at least in part on the change in voltage measured on the contact point 1402.

[0118] In some examples, the circuits in the first layer 1403 of the keyboard and the circuits in the second layer 1405 of the keyboard can be used to measure capacitance. The capacitance can change based on the position of the user's finger near the keyboard. This change in capacitance measurement can be used to detect the position of the user's finger. This capacitance input from the keyboard can be received by the controller and used as a keyboard input to determine when a portion of the capacitive sensor changes mode.

[0119] Fig.15 An example of a method 1500 for changing a sensor mode is depicted. The method 1500 may be based on Figures 1 to 14 In this example, method 1500 includes receiving 1502 keyboard input and sending 1504 instructions based on the keyboard input to operate a first portion of the capacitive sensor in a first mode and a second portion of the capacitive sensor in a second mode.

[0120] Fig.16 An example of a method 1600 for changing a sensor mode is depicted. The method 1600 may be based on Figures 1 to 14 The method 1600 is performed by the description of the devices, modules and principles described in the present invention. In this example, the method 1600 includes receiving 1602 keyboard input, and determining 1604 whether the keyboard input is a known input for changing the mode of the first part of the capacitive sensor. If the keyboard input is a known input for changing the first part of the capacitive sensor, the method 1600 also includes sending 1606 instructions to change the mode of the first part of the capacitive sensor based on the keyboard input, while continuing to operate the second part of the capacitive sensor in the initial mode. If the keyboard input is not a known input for changing the first part of the capacitive sensor, the method 1600 includes determining 1608 whether the keyboard input is a known input for changing the second part of the capacitive sensor. If the keyboard input is a known input for changing the second part of the capacitive sensor, the method 1600 includes sending 1610 instructions to change the mode of the second part of the capacitive sensor based on the keyboard input, while continuing to operate the first part of the capacitive sensor in the initial mode.

[0121] Fig.17 An example of operating a capacitive module is depicted. In this example, keyboard 1700 is positioned adjacent to capacitive reference surface 1702, where keyboard 1700 and capacitive reference surface 1702 are incorporated into the same electronic device. Capacitive reference surface 1702 can be a cover layer adjacent to a capacitive sensor, where the capacitive sensor is incorporated into the capacitive module. In other examples, capacitive reference surface 1702 can be part of a housing of the electronic device. In the example shown, the capacitive module is obscured from view because it is located below capacitive reference surface 1702.

[0122] The tactile actuators 1704, 1706, 1708, 1710 can be in mechanical communication with the capacitive module, or the tactile actuators 1704, 1706, 1708, 1710 can be incorporated into the capacitive module. In this example, four tactile actuators 1704, 1706, 1708, 1710 are used to perform tactile events. In other examples, different numbers of tactile actuators can be used. For example, the system can use a single tactile actuator, two tactile actuators, five tactile actuators, six tactile actuators, other numbers of tactile actuators, or a combination thereof. In some cases, the tactile event is triggered in response to a user applying pressure to the capacitive reference surface 1702. However, in other examples, the tactile event can be triggered by another event, for example, receiving a message, other events, or a combination thereof.

[0123] In this example, when the user provides input to the capacitive module through the capacitive reference surface 1702, each tactile actuator can operate in response to the appropriate event. However, in the example where the user provides keyboard input, the function of at least one tactile actuator can be disabled. In the case where the user's hand is in a position to operate the keyboard, the user's palm may be inadvertently placed on the capacitive reference surface 1702, thereby inadvertently triggering a tactile response. However, when the controller resource receives keyboard input, the tactile actuator in this example is disabled so that the tactile actuator is not activated when the user types using the keyboard.

[0124] In some cases, the haptic actuator is disabled by ignoring input received through the capacitive reference surface 1702 while the user is typing. In other examples, the pressure sensor or capacitive position sensor stops measuring while the user is typing. In some examples, the haptic actuator may be disabled only for input received through the capacitive reference surface 1702, while the haptic actuator can respond to other commands, such as a command to perform a haptic event in response to receiving a message or in response to a command from a program running on the electronic device.

[0125] Fig.18 An example of disabling only some of the tactile actuators in response to keyboard input is depicted. In this case, tactile actuators 1704, 1706 are disabled, while tactile actuators 1708, 1710 still continue to work in response to keyboard touches. In other examples, only one tactile actuator may be disabled. In other examples, any suitable number of tactile actuators may be disabled in response to keyboard input.

[0126] In some examples, tactile actuators 1704, 1706, 1708, 1710 work together to make the entire capacitive module vibrate at the same rate at the same time. This can be achieved by starting each tactile actuator at the same time. In some cases, each tactile actuator is started with the same intensity. However, in some cases, the tactile actuators can be started at different times and / or with different intensities. In some cases, when only a portion of the tactile actuators are triggered, the user can only feel the area of ​​the capacitive reference surface 1702 close to the tactile actuator. Thus, in this way, the portion of the user's hand placed on the capacitive reference surface adjacent to the position of the keyboard input can be disabled, while other areas of the capacitive reference surface 1702 can continue to provide tactile feedback in response to user input sensed by the capacitive reference surface where no part of the hand is placed.

[0127] In some cases, the user may not place his or her hand on the capacitive reference surface, but the tactile actuators near the location of keyboard input may still be disabled if the user inadvertently contacts the capacitive reference surface with his or her palm.

[0128] Fig.19 An example is depicted in which a user uses a first hand to perform keyboard input and a second hand to perform capacitive input detectable by a capacitive reference surface 1702. In this particular case, no tactile actuator is completely disabled. In this example, each tactile actuator can be used together to output a tactile event. However, for those capacitive inputs input in a first area 1900 (which is an area near the location of the keyboard input), the tactile actuator will not be triggered. For example, if a keyboard input is detected near the first area 1900, any capacitive input detected in the first area can be ignored, or the capacitive module can stop measuring within the first area 1900. In this way, unintentional physical contact between the palm of the first hand and the capacitive reference surface will not inadvertently cause a tactile event. The location of the capacitive input can be sensed with a capacitive sensor. In other examples, a pressure sensor can be used to determine the location of the capacitive input.

[0129] On the other hand, for those user inputs detected in the second area 1902 (which is a region farther from the location of the keyboard input), the tactile actuator can trigger a tactile event. In some cases, even if the tactile actuators 1704, 1706, 1708, 1710 are located in the first area, each of these tactile actuators can trigger a tactile event. For example, the user input detected in the second area 1902 can cause the tactile actuators in the first area 1900 to be activated. In other examples, only the tactile actuators in the second area 1902 are activated for the user input detected in the second area 1902.

[0130] In some examples, when the user's palm is located over second area 1902, the user may use the keyboard with a first hand while also using a second hand to provide user input in second area 1902. In this example, user input close to the location of keyboard input may not trigger a haptic event, while user input in an area farther from the location of keyboard input may trigger a haptic event.

[0131] In some cases, when the user input is triggered by the user input initiated in the second area 1902, the tactile event can be felt in the first area 1900 and the second area 1902. However, in some of these examples, the tactile event can be felt by the user only in the second area 1902. In some cases, each tactile actuator can provide a tactile signal that is weak enough in itself so that the user cannot feel the signal only through the capacitive reference surface. However, the combination of these tactile signals from more than one tactile actuator may interfere with each other beneficially so that the user can feel the combined signal. In this example, the tactile actuators in the first area 1900 and the second area 1902 can be triggered to provide input that the user can feel in the second area 1902. In this example, the tactile actuators in the first area 1900 can be triggered to produce a perceptible tactile event in the second area 1902 without performing the user input detected in the first area 1900.

[0132] In some examples, in response to detecting keyboard input, at least one tactile actuator is disabled for a predetermined amount of time. For example, in response to detecting keyboard input, the tactile actuator can be disabled for 0.5 seconds, 1 second, 2 seconds, or multiple seconds, or a combination thereof.

[0133] In some cases, in response to detecting a keyboard input, the capacitive sensor can detect a capacitance distribution. The controller can maintain at least one tactile actuator in a disabled state or disable tactile events within a specific area of ​​the capacitive reference surface while the capacitance distribution remains substantially unchanged.

[0134] Fig. 20 An example of a tactile pattern table 2000 is depicted. In this example, a tactile pattern is represented by a first column 2002. A first region column 2004 and a second region column 2006 can represent regions associated with a capacitive sensor. A first mode 2008 can correspond to no keyboard input being detected. In this first mode 2008, each tactile event associated with both the first region and the second region can be triggered in response to detecting a user input through the capacitive reference surface.

[0135] The second mode 2014 can correspond to detecting a keyboard input. In this second mode 2008, when a user input is detected through the capacitive reference surface, each of the tactile actuators associated with both the first area and the second area can be disabled. In some cases, this second mode 2014 is triggered when only a single keyboard input is detected. However, in other examples, multiple keyboard inputs close to different sides of the capacitive reference surface can be detected before triggering the second mode 2014. In such an example, the user may use both hands to perform keyboard input.

[0136] A third mode 2020 may correspond to the detection of a keyboard input. In this third mode 2020, only those tactile events associated with either the first region or the second region may be disabled, but not tactile events associated with both regions. In some cases, this third mode 2020 is triggered when only a single keyboard input is detected. However, in other examples, the third region may be triggered when multiple keyboard inputs are detected close to the same side of the capacitive reference surface.

[0137] Fig.21 An example of a controller resource 2100 in communication with capacitive electrodes 2102 and tactile actuators 2104 is depicted. In some examples, the controller resource can be part of a single processor or multiple processors. In some examples, the capacitive electrodes 2102 are used to detect the location of a user input. In response to detecting the location of the user input, one or more tactile actuators 2104 can trigger a tactile event. In some examples, a keyboard is also in communication with the controller resource 2100. In the event that the controller resource 2100 receives keyboard input from a keyboard 2106, one or more tactile actuators 2104 can be disabled, or only tactile events associated with certain areas of the touch area can be disabled.

[0138] Fig. 22 An example of a method 2200 for changing a tactile mode is depicted. The method 2200 may be based on Figures 1 to 21 In this example, the method 2200 includes receiving 2202 a keyboard input and sending 1504 an instruction to change an operating mode of a tactile actuator incorporated into a capacitive module based at least in part on a location of the keyboard input.

[0139] It should be noted that the methods, systems and devices discussed above are intended to be examples only. It must be emphasized that various embodiments may omit, replace or add various programs or components as needed. For example, it should be understood that in alternative embodiments, the method may be performed in an order different from the order described, and various steps may be added, omitted or combined. Moreover, the features described for certain embodiments may be combined in various other embodiments. Different aspects and elements of the embodiments may be combined in a similar manner. Moreover, it should be emphasized that technology is constantly evolving, and thus many elements are exemplary in nature and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0140] Specific details are given in the description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may 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.

[0141] Furthermore, it should be noted that the embodiments may be described as processes shown in flow charts or block diagrams. Although each embodiment may describe the operations as a sequential process, many operations may be performed in parallel or simultaneously. In addition, the order of the operations may be rearranged. The process may have additional steps not included in the figure.

[0142] Having described several embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications, alternative constructions, 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. Moreover, many steps may be taken before, during, or after considering the above elements. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A capacitor module, comprising: substrate; a plurality of capacitive electrodes disposed on the substrate to form a capacitive sensor; at least one haptic actuator; a controller resource in communication with the at least one haptic actuator and the plurality of capacitive electrodes; a memory in communication with the controller resource, the controller resource having programming instructions that, when executed, cause the controller resource to: receiving keyboard input from a keyboard in communication with the controller resource; as well as A tactile pattern of the capacitive module is changed based on the keyboard input. 2 . The capacitive module of claim 1 , wherein changing the operating mode comprises changing the tactile mode from an active tactile mode to an inactive tactile mode. 3 . The capacitive module of claim 1 , wherein the at least one haptic actuator is part of a plurality of haptic actuators. 4 . The capacitive module of claim 3 , wherein the programming instructions are further configured to, when executed, cause the controller resources to operate the plurality of haptic actuators in a same operating mode.

5. The capacitive module of claim 1, wherein the controller resource is in communication with at least one pressure sensor. 6 . The capacitive module of claim 5 , wherein the at least one pressure sensor is incorporated into the at least one haptic actuator. 7 . The capacitive module of claim 5 , wherein the at least one pressure sensor is independent of the at least one haptic actuator, the at least one pressure sensor being incorporated into the capacitive module.

8. The capacitive module of claim 5, wherein the programming instructions, when executed, are configured to disable the at least one pressure sensor when the capacitive module is in the inactive haptic mode.

9. The capacitive module of claim 5, wherein the programming instructions, when executed, are configured to ignore measurements of the at least one pressure sensor when the capacitive module is in the inactive haptic mode.

10. The capacitive module of claim 1, wherein changing the operating mode comprises changing the haptic mode from an active haptic mode to a partially active haptic mode.

11. The capacitive module of claim 1 , wherein the partially active tactile mode comprises triggering the at least one tactile actuator when the user input is within a first region adjacent to the substrate, and disabling the at least one tactile actuator when the user input is within a second region adjacent to the substrate. 12 . The capacitor module according to claim 11 , wherein the first area adjacent to the substrate is close to a location of the keyboard input.

13. The capacitive module of claim 11, wherein the first area adjacent to the substrate is within two inches of a location of the keyboard input.

14. A computer program product using a module, the computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions executable by a processor to: receiving keyboard input; and Instructions are sent to change an operating mode of a tactile actuator incorporated into a capacitive module based at least in part on the location of the keyboard input.

15. The computer program product of claim 14, wherein changing the operating mode comprises changing the haptic mode from an active haptic mode to an inactive haptic mode.

16. The computer program product of claim 15, wherein changing the operating mode comprises changing the haptic mode from an active haptic mode to a partially active haptic mode.

17. The computer program product of claim 15, wherein the partially active haptic mode comprises triggering the haptic actuator when the user input is within a first region of the touch pad and disabling the at least one haptic actuator when the user input is within a second region of the touch pad.

18. The computer program product of claim 14, wherein the first area adjacent to the substrate is proximate to a location of the keyboard input.

19. The computer program product of claim 14, wherein the first area adjacent to the substrate is within two inches of a location of the keyboard input.

20. A method comprising: Receive keyboard input; as well as Instructions are sent to change an operating mode of a tactile actuator incorporated into a capacitive module based at least in part on the location of the keyboard input.

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