Electronic device for determining activation state of touch sensor

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an electronic device for determining an active state of a touch sensor comprising a capacitance measurement circuit to be coupled to the touch sensor, the touch sensor comprising a first electrode and a second electrode, the capacitance measurement circuit is configured to obtain a first measurement based on a self-capacitance of the first electrode and a second measurement based on a mutual capacitance between the first and second electrodes. The algorithm module is configured to apply an algorithm to the first and second measurements, thereby generating a result signal. The threshold comparator is configured to compare the result signal to a threshold and to generate a comparison signal having a first comparison value if the result signal is greater than the threshold and to generate a comparison signal having a second comparison value if the result signal is less than the threshold. The output module is configured to provide an output signal based on the comparison signal, wherein the output signal is indicative of an activation state of the touch sensor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device for determining an activation state of a touch sensor, a touch sensor device including the electronic device, and a method of determining an activation state of a touch sensor. Background Art

[0002] Traditional door entry systems have long relied on mechanical door handles, mechanical buttons or switches to achieve the locking and unlocking of the doors. However, these mechanisms have inherent limitations, such as easy wear and tear, the need for regular maintenance, and a potentially lack of intuitive user experience. In addition, such systems may detract from the overall aesthetics of the vehicle. A more modern approach is to integrate capacitive touch buttons into the door in an aesthetically pleasing manner so that the door handle does not protrude from the door surface. However, prior art capacitive touch sensors distinguish between a user's hand or finger and water contacting the sensor's touch surface. This can cause the door to lock and unlock accidentally when the door is exposed to water, such as in rainy days or when washing the car. Summary of the invention

[0003] In some embodiments, an electronic device for determining an activation state of a touch sensor includes a capacitance measurement circuit to be coupled to a touch sensor including a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the capacitance measurement circuit is configured to obtain a first measurement result based on the self-capacitance of the first electrode and to obtain a second measurement result based on the mutual capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode. An algorithm module of the electronic device is configured to apply an algorithm to the first and second measurement results to generate a result signal, and a threshold comparator of the electronic device is configured to compare the result signal with a threshold to generate a comparison result. The electronic device also includes an output module configured to provide an output signal based on the comparison result, wherein the output signal indicates the activation state of the touch sensor.

[0004] In some implementations, a touch sensor device includes such an electronic device and a touch sensor including a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein a capacitance measurement circuit is coupled to the first and second electrodes of the touch sensor.

[0005] In some embodiments, a method for determining an activation state of a touch sensor includes measuring a self-capacitance on a first electrode of the touch sensor, measuring a mutual capacitance between the first electrode and a second electrode of the touch sensor, generating a result signal by applying an algorithm to the measured self-capacitance and mutual capacitance, generating a comparison result by comparing the result signal with a threshold value, and determining the activation state of the touch sensor based on the comparison result.

[0006] Those skilled in the art will recognize additional features and advantages upon reading the following detailed description and upon reviewing the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] In the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is illustrated by way of example and not limitation, wherein like reference numerals refer to similar or identical elements. The elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. The features of the various examples may be combined unless they are mutually exclusive.

[0008] Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of an exemplary touch sensor device is shown in accordance with one or more implementations.

[0009] Figure 2 The operating principle of obtaining self-capacitance measurements from an exemplary touch sensor device is shown.

[0010] Figure 3 The operating principles for obtaining mutual capacitance measurements from an exemplary touch sensor device are shown.

[0011] Figure 4 Self-capacitance measurements using an exemplary touch sensor device are shown.

[0012] Figures 5 to 7 Self-capacitance and mutual capacitance measurements obtained from an exemplary touch sensor by an exemplary electronic device are shown.

[0013] Figure 8 An exemplary application of the touch sensor device as a vehicle door handle is shown.

[0014] Fig. 9 A flow chart illustrating the operation of determining touch activation of an exemplary touch sensor using an exemplary electronic device is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] In the following, details are set forth to provide a more comprehensive explanation of example implementations. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these embodiments may be implemented without these specific details. In other cases, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form or schematic form rather than in detail to avoid obscuring the implementation. In addition, unless otherwise specifically stated, the features of the different embodiments described below may be combined with each other.

[0016] In addition, equivalent or similar elements or elements having equivalent or similar functions are indicated by equivalent or similar reference numerals in the following description. Since the same or functionally equivalent elements are given the same reference numerals in the figures, repeated descriptions of the elements having the same reference numerals may be omitted. Therefore, the descriptions of the elements having the same or similar reference numerals are mutually interchangeable.

[0017] The x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis are shown as being substantially perpendicular to the other two axes. In other words, the x-axis is substantially perpendicular to the y-axis and the z-axis, the y-axis is substantially perpendicular to the x-axis and the z-axis, and the z-axis is substantially perpendicular to the x-axis and the y-axis. In some cases, a single reference numeral represents a surface, or a few instances of a component may be labeled with all surfaces of the component. All instances of a component may include relevant surfaces of the component, even though not every surface may be labeled.

[0018] The directions of various elements in the figure are shown as examples, and the examples shown can be rotated relative to the shown directions. The description provided herein and the subsequent claims relate to any structure having the described relationship between various features, whether the structure is in a specific direction of the drawing or rotated relative to that direction. Similarly, for ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "top", "bottom", "below", "below", "below", "below", "above", "above", "middle", "left" and "right" are used here to describe the relationship between an element and one or more other elements shown in the figure. Spatially related terms are intended to cover different directions of elements, structures and / or components in use or operation relative to the directions shown in the figures. Structures and / or components can be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or other directions), and the spatial relative descriptors used here can be interpreted accordingly. In addition, in order to simplify the drawings, the cross-sectional views in the figures only show the features in the cross-sectional plane, and the materials behind the cross-sectional plane are not shown, unless otherwise stated.

[0019] It should be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it may be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or there may be an intermediate element. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intermediate elements. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between" versus "directly between", "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent", etc.). Similarly, if a component is described as generating an output signal based on an input signal, it may generate the output signal directly from the input signal or from a signal derived from the input signal (e.g., a filtered input signal).

[0020] In the embodiments described herein or shown in the figures, any direct electrical connection or coupling (e.g., any connection or coupling without additional intervening elements) may also be achieved through an indirect connection or coupling (e.g., a connection or coupling with one or more additional intervening elements, and vice versa), as long as the general purpose of the connection or coupling (e.g., transmitting a particular type of signal or transmitting a particular type of information) is substantially maintained. Features from different implementations may be combined to form further implementations. For example, unless otherwise stated, changes or modifications described in one embodiment may also apply to other embodiments.

[0021] As used herein, the terms "substantially" and "approximately" mean "within reasonable manufacturing and measurement tolerances." For example, the terms "substantially" and "approximately" may be used in this application to describe small manufacturing tolerances or other factors considered acceptable in the industry (e.g., within 5%) without departing from aspects of the embodiments described herein. For example, a resistor having an approximate impedance value may actually have a resistance within 5% of the approximate impedance value. As another example, a signal having an approximate signal value may actually have a signal value within 5% of the approximate signal value.

[0022] In the present disclosure, expressions including sequence numbers, such as "first", "second", etc., can modify various elements. However, these elements are not limited by these expressions. For example, these expressions do not limit the order and / or importance of the elements. On the contrary, these expressions are only used to distinguish a certain element from other elements. For example, the first box and the second box represent different boxes, although both are boxes. For example, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the first element can be referred to as the second element, and similarly, the second element can also be referred to as the first element.

[0023] For example, prior art touch sensors generally lack the ability to distinguish between an intended touch (or activation) event by a human body part (e.g., a finger) and an unintended touch (non-touch) event when water flows over the touch-sensitive surface of the touch sensor. This is particularly important for touch sensors that may be at least temporarily exposed to water (e.g., rain, snow, or ice). A typical example of such a touch sensor application is a car door handle, which, on modern cars, is increasingly implemented as a capacitive touch button that is aesthetically integrated into the door so that no door handle protrudes from the door surface. The door is locked or unlocked after the sensor is touched, for example, if the physical car key is within a certain distance from the car. Unintended activation of such a touch sensor due to water or malfunction when the touch sensor is covered with water, resulting in an unintended activation of the touch sensor, is undesirable. Therefore, touch sensors used in applications that may be exposed to water are preferably able to distinguish between water flowing over the sensor, intended touch activation, and touch activation during water coverage.

[0024] Some implementations disclosed herein are directed to an electronic device for determining an activation state of a touch sensor. The electronic device includes a capacitance measurement circuit that is to be connected to a touch sensor that includes a first electrode and a second electrode. The capacitance measurement circuit is configured to obtain a first measurement result based on the self-capacitance of the first electrode and a second measurement result based on the mutual capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode. The electronic device also includes an algorithm module that is configured to apply an algorithm to the first and second measurement results to generate a result signal. The electronic device also includes a threshold comparator that is configured to compare the result signal with a threshold, and if the result signal is greater than the threshold, a comparison signal of a first comparison value is generated, and if the result signal is less than the threshold, a comparison signal of a second comparison value is generated. The electronic device also includes an output module that is configured to provide an output signal based on the comparison result, wherein the output signal indicates the activation state of the touch sensor.

[0025] In some embodiments, the output module can be configured to generate an output signal to indicate an activation state of the touch sensor when the comparison result has a first comparison value, and to indicate inactivation when the comparison result has a second comparison value. In some embodiments, the threshold value can represent an activation level of the touch sensor when a conductive object (particularly a human body part, such as a finger) is located on the touch sensor.

[0026] Some further embodiments disclosed herein relate to a touch sensor device, comprising an electronic device according to the above embodiments, and a touch sensor having a first electrode and a second electrode. In such embodiments, a capacitance measurement circuit of the electronic device is coupled to the first electrode and the second electrode of the touch sensor.

[0027] Some further embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a method for determining an activation state of a touch sensor. The method includes measuring a self-capacitance on a first electrode of the touch sensor, measuring a mutual capacitance between the first electrode and a second electrode of the touch sensor, and generating a result signal by applying an algorithm to the measured self-capacitance and mutual capacitance. The method further includes generating a comparison result by comparing the result signal with a threshold value, and determining the activation state of the touch sensor based on the comparison result.

[0028] A touch sensor device or an electronic device is provided to couple to a touch sensor, wherein self-capacitance and mutual capacitance are acquired to enable differentiation between intended touch events, such as a human finger, and undesired touch events caused by water flowing through the touch sensor.

[0029] Figure 1is a schematic block diagram of a touch sensor device 300 according to one or more embodiments. Specifically, the touch sensor device 300 includes a touch sensor 200 and an electronic device 100 for determining the activation state of the touch sensor 200. The touch sensor device 300 may include one or more touch sensors 200 and one or more electronic devices 100. The touch sensor 200 includes, for example, a first electrode 201 and a second electrode 202, both of which are disposed on a substrate body 203. The first electrode 201 and the second electrode 202 may be separated by a non-conductive gap 205 (e.g., a gap or a dielectric material) disposed between the first electrode 201 and the second electrode 202. For example, the second electrode 202 at least partially surrounds the first electrode 201. The touch sensor 200 may also include a protective cover 204 serving as a protective layer and a touch surface of the touch sensor 200. Therefore, the touch sensor 200 forms a capacitive touch sensor known to those skilled in the art, which will not be further described in detail in this disclosure. One or more touch sensors 200 may provide sensor signals to one or more electronic devices 100 for processing and activation detection. For simplicity, the following describes a touch sensor device 300 having a single touch sensor 200 coupled to an electronic device 100. However, the operating principles can be directly extended to embodiments having multiple touch sensors 200 and electronic devices 100.

[0030] The electronic device 100 in this exemplary embodiment includes a capacitance measurement circuit 101, which is electrically coupled to the touch sensor 200 and configured to receive a sensor signal. Specifically, the capacitance measurement circuit 101 is configured to obtain a first measurement result M1 based on the self-capacitance of the first electrode 201 of the touch sensor 200, and obtain a second measurement result M2 based on the mutual capacitance between the first electrode 201 and the second electrode 202 of the touch sensor 200. The algorithm module 102 of the electronic device 100 is electrically coupled to the capacitance measurement circuit 101, and is configured to receive the first measurement result M1 and the second measurement result M2 from the capacitance measurement circuit 101. The algorithm module 102 is further configured to apply an algorithm to the first and second measurement results, thereby generating a result signal RS provided to the threshold comparator 103 of the electronic device 100. For example, the algorithm module 102 generates the result signal RS based on the difference between the self-capacitance (i.e., the first measurement result M1) and the mutual capacitance measurement result (i.e., the second measurement result M2), and vice versa. Alternatively, the algorithm module 102 may generate the result signal RS based on the sum or ratio of the first measurement result M1 and the second measurement result M2.

[0031] The electronic device 100 further includes a threshold comparator 103, which is coupled to the algorithm module 102 and configured to receive the result signal RS from the algorithm module 102. The threshold comparator 103 is further configured to compare the result signal RS with a threshold value and generate a comparison signal CS based on the comparison result. The threshold value may be a predetermined or calibrated fixed value indicating a touch activation state of the touch sensor 200. For example, the threshold comparator 103 is configured to generate a comparison signal CS having a first comparison value if the result signal RS is greater than the threshold value, indicating a positive activation state of the touch sensor 200, i.e., an expected touch activation caused by, for example, a human finger. Therefore, the threshold comparator 103 is configured to generate a comparison signal CS having a second comparison value if the result signal RS is less than (or equal to) the threshold value. This situation may indicate a negative activation state of the touch sensor 200, for example, no touch activation or whether water is present or whether water flows over the touch surface of the touch sensor 200.

[0032] The electronic device 100 further includes an output module 104, which is electrically connected to the threshold comparator 103 and configured to receive the comparison signal CS. The output module 104 is further configured to provide an output signal OS based on the comparison signal CS, wherein the output signal OS indicates an activation state of the touch sensor 200. For example, if the comparison signal CS has a first comparison value, the output signal OS has a first output value indicating an expected touch activation of the touch sensor 200, and if the comparison signal CS has a second comparison value, the output signal OS has a second output value indicating a non-touch or an unexpected touch event, such as caused by water.

[0033] Figure 2 The working principle of obtaining self-capacitance measurement from touch sensor 200 is shown. Figure 1 , the touch sensor 200 includes a first electrode 201 and a second electrode 202, which in this exemplary embodiment surround the first electrode 201 as shown. The first electrode 201 and the second electrode 202 are arranged on a substrate 203 and are covered by a protective layer 204 that provides a touch surface. For self-capacitance measurement, the second electrode 202 can be configured to be used as a ground grid (groundhatch). The first electrode 201 can then be used to measure the apparent capacitance between the first electrode 201 and the ground of the touch sensor circuit. In general, the capacitance is composed of parasitic capacitance, sensor capacitance, and ground loop capacitance. These contributions together constitute the "untouched" or default capacitance of the apparent capacitance. When a touch contact is applied by a human hand as shown, a parallel ground path is introduced through the "human body model" (HBM), and the apparent sensor capacitance increases. This forms a parallel ground path with the HBM capacitance and the ground-to-ground capacitance C MThe touch capacitance is connected in series. This increase is called the touch "delta". Figure 4 The difference of the touch sensor 200 between the untouched state and the touched state is shown.

[0034] Figure 3 The working principle of obtaining mutual capacitance measurements from touch sensor 200 is shown. Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the touch sensor 200 comprises a first electrode 201 and a second electrode 202. The first electrode 201 and the second electrode 202 are arranged on a substrate 203 and are covered by a protective layer 204 providing a touch surface. For mutual capacitance measurement, the capacitance between the first electrode 201 and the second electrode 202 is detected. In a non-touch state, the measured capacitance corresponds to a reference capacitance of the touch sensor 200. When a touch contact is applied, for example by a drawn human finger, the user's fingertip interacts with the electric field between the first electrode 201 and the second electrode 202, which in turn results in an apparent capacitance as an equivalent total capacitance formed by two capacitors in series. Both concepts of self-capacitance and mutual capacitance measurement are well established in themselves and will not be described in detail in this disclosure.

[0035] Figure 4 An example of using Figure 2 2 shows a self-capacitance measurement of an exemplary touch sensor 200. The graph shows the sensor signal in arbitrary units on the y-axis versus time plotted on the x-axis. As can be seen, both a finger touch and water droplets on the touch surface significantly affect the self-capacitance of the touch sensor 200. However, using only self-capacitance measurements to determine a touch event may result in false positive events because it may be difficult or even impossible to distinguish a human finger from water droplets or water flowing over the touch surface, especially if there is a large amount of water on the sensor or a small contact surface between the finger and the touch surface.

[0036] Figure 5 The capacitance measurement circuit 101 is used to measure the Figure 12 . The self-capacitance and mutual capacitance measurements obtained by the exemplary touch sensor 200 of FIG. 2 , for example, in the case of a human finger touch and non-touch. Similarly, the figure shows a first measurement signal M1 as a self-capacitance measurement result and a second measurement signal M2 as a mutual capacitance measurement result, wherein arbitrary units are shown on the y-axis and time is shown along the x-axis. It can be seen that during the non-touch period, both the self-capacitance and the mutual capacitance are at a low level. In the case of a touch with a finger, the first measurement signal M1 of the self-capacitance and the second measurement signal M2 of the mutual capacitance are significantly increased, and when the start and offset (i.e., the rising and falling slopes) of the touch event are ignored, the self-capacitance signal is always greater than the mutual capacitance by a relatively constant value. Therefore, the algorithm module 102 can be configured to form the difference between the first measurement result M1 and the second measurement signal M2 as a result signal RS. The threshold value compared with the result signal RS by the threshold comparator 103 can be appropriately set so as to directly distinguish between touch and non-touch events, for example, during calibration of the touch sensor device 300. Because the self-capacitance in this example reaches a signal level of about 700 arb. units in a touch event with a human finger, and the mutual capacitance reaches a signal level of about 500 arb. units, the resulting signal formed as a difference is characterized by a signal level of about 200 arb. units. Therefore, the threshold value can be set to 100 arb. units, for example. The values ​​given above only constitute examples to familiarize the technician with the working principle of the electronic device 100 according to the present disclosure. The actual signal levels and their units may be different for different devices, depending on the actual application.

[0037] Figure 6 The capacitance measurement circuit 101 is used to measure the Figure 1 2, for example, when a water droplet is located on the touch surface of the touch sensor 200 or water flows over the touch surface. Obviously, the first measurement result M1 from the self-capacitance measurement and the second measurement result M2 from the mutual capacitance measurement are again non-zero (see Figure 5 ). However, in the case of water on the touch surface, the first measurement result M1 of the self-capacitance measurement is always smaller than the second measurement result M2 of the mutual capacitance measurement by a relatively constant value. Therefore, the difference between the first measurement result M1 and the second measurement result M2 of the algorithm module 102 is formed as the result signal RS in this event, resulting in the result signal RS having a negative value, such as about -150 arb. units in this example. Therefore, Figure 5 The exemplary threshold value of 100arb. units described in the context of will reliably produce a negative output indicating a non-touch event for a water event. Therefore, the determination of touch activation of the touch sensor 200 can be accurately and reliably performed by the electronic device 100 according to the present disclosure that relies on self-capacitance and mutual capacitance measurements.

[0038] Figure 7The figure shows that, for example, when there are water drops or water flows on the touch surface of the touch sensor 200, and a human finger periodically touches the touch surface, the capacitance measurement circuit 101 measures the capacitance of the touch sensor 200 from the touch surface. Figure 1 In other words, Figure 7 A finger is shown touching a wet sensor surface. Again, it can be easily recognized that during an intended touch event with a human finger, the first measurement signal M1 from the self-capacitance is greater than the second measurement signal M2 from the mutual capacitance measurement. In a no-touch event, this relationship is reversed. Again, even if water is located on or flowing over the touch surface of the touch sensor 200, the threshold of the threshold comparator 103 allows for direct differentiation between intended touch and no-touch.

[0039] Figure 8 An exemplary application of the touch sensor device 300 used as a door handle 801 of a vehicle door 800 is shown, wherein the door handle 801 is implemented as a touch sensor 200 having an inner first electrode 201 surrounded by an outer second electrode 202. Therein, the first electrode 201 is used to obtain a first measurement signal M1 of self-capacitance, and the second measurement signal M2 is obtained as a mutual capacitance between the first and second electrodes 201, 202. Alternatively, the touch sensor 200 can be used as a part of a door handle, such as a touch-sensitive surface of a door handle, wherein the outer second electrode 202 is separated from the first electrode 201, for example, by a gap.

[0040] Fig. 9 A flow chart is shown for illustrating the working principle of determining touch activation of the touch sensor 200 using the electronic device 100 according to the present disclosure. After obtaining the self-capacitance of the first electrode 201 of the touch sensor in the first step 91 and the mutual capacitance between the first electrode 201 and the second electrode 202 in the second step 92, the algorithm is applied to the corresponding first measurement signal M1 and the second measurement signal M2, thereby generating a result signal RS in the third step 93. For example, the result signal corresponds to the difference between the first measurement signal M1 and the second measurement signal M2. In the fourth step 94, the result signal RS is compared with a threshold value, which constitutes a signal level, for example, at which the expected touch activation of the touch sensor 200 is to be confirmed. In the fifth step 95, the activation state of the touch sensor 200 is determined based on the comparison signal CS, and in the sixth step 96, an output signal OS is generated, which indicates the determined activation state, for example, indicating an expected touch event or non-touch.

[0041] The following summarizes some aspects of the disclosure:

[0042] Aspect 1: An electronic device for determining an activation state of a touch sensor, the electronic device comprising: a capacitance measurement circuit to be coupled to the touch sensor, the touch capacitor comprising a first electrode and a second electrode, the capacitance measurement circuit being configured to obtain a first measurement result based on the self-capacitance of the first electrode and a second measurement result based on the mutual capacitance between the first and second electrodes; an algorithm module configured to apply an algorithm to the first and second measurement results to generate a result signal; a threshold comparator configured to compare the result signal with a threshold, and if the result signal is greater than the threshold, generate a comparison signal having a first comparison value, and if the result signal is less than the threshold, generate a comparison signal having a second comparison value; and an output module configured to provide an output signal based on the comparison signal, wherein the output signal indicates the activation state of the touch sensor.

[0043] Aspect 2: An electronic device according to Aspect 1, wherein the output module is configured to generate the output signal to: indicate activation of the touch sensor when the comparison result has the first comparison value; and indicate inactivation when the comparison result has the second comparison value.

[0044] Aspect 3: The electronic device according to Aspect 1 or 2, wherein the threshold value represents an activation level of the touch sensor and a conductive object on the touch sensor, in particular, an activation level of a human body part.

[0045] Aspect 4: The electronic device according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein the algorithm module is configured to generate the result signal based on a difference between the self capacitance and the mutual capacitance.

[0046] Aspect 5: The electronic device according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein the algorithm module is configured to generate the result signal based on the sum of the self capacitance and the mutual capacitance.

[0047] Aspect 6: An electronic device according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5, wherein the output module is configured to generate the output signal based on multiple comparison results obtained by applying the algorithm to multiple first and second measurement results, thereby generating multiple result signals, and comparing each of the multiple result signals with the threshold.

[0048] Aspect 7: An electronic device according to any one of Aspects 1 to 6, wherein the threshold comparator is further configured to compare the result signal with another threshold value less than the threshold value, and if the result signal is less than the other threshold value, generate a comparison result having the second comparison value, and if the result signal is greater than the other threshold value but less than the threshold value, generate a comparison result having a third comparison value; and the output module is also configured to generate the output signal to: indicate a first activation of the touch sensor when the comparison result has a first comparison value; indicate inactivation when the comparison result has a second comparison value; and indicate a second activation of the touch sensor when the comparison result has a third comparison value.

[0049] Aspect 8: The electronic device according to Aspect 7, wherein the another threshold value represents an activation level of the touch sensor when there is water on the touch sensor.

[0050] Aspect 9: A touch sensor device, comprising: a touch sensor including a first electrode and a second electrode; and an electronic device according to any one of Aspects 1 to 8; wherein the capacitance measurement circuit is coupled to the first and second electrodes of the touch sensor.

[0051] Aspect 10: The touch sensor device of aspect 9, wherein the first electrode is substantially surrounded by the second electrode, wherein a non-conductive gap is disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0052] Aspect 11: The touch sensor device of aspect 9, wherein the first electrode comprises a first surface area and the second electrode comprises a second surface area, wherein the first surface area is substantially surrounded by the second surface area.

[0053] Aspect 12: The touch sensor device according to any one of aspects 9 to 11, wherein in order to obtain the second measurement result based on the mutual capacitance, the first electrode is configured as a transmitting electrode and the second electrode is configured as a receiving electrode.

[0054] Aspect 13: A method for determining an activation state of a touch sensor, the method comprising: measuring the self-capacitance on a first electrode of the touch sensor; measuring the mutual capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode of the touch sensor; generating a result signal by applying an algorithm to the measured self-capacitance and the mutual capacitance; generating a comparison result by comparing the result signal with a threshold; and determining the activation state of the touch sensor based on the comparison result.

[0055] Aspect 14: The method according to aspect 13, wherein applying the algorithm comprises applying a difference between self-capacitance and mutual capacitance, or applying a difference between respective signals derived from self-capacitance and mutual capacitance.

[0056] Aspect 15: The method according to Aspect 13 or 14, wherein the threshold value represents an activation level of the touch sensor and a conductive object on the touch sensor, in particular, an activation level of a human body part.

[0057] Although specific examples have been shown and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that various alternative and / or equivalent embodiments may be substituted for the specific examples shown and described without departing from the scope of the invention. The present application is intended to cover any modifications or changes to the specific examples discussed in the present application. Therefore, the present invention is intended to be limited only to the claims and their equivalents.

[0058] It should be noted that the methods and devices outlined in this document (including preferred embodiments thereof) may be used independently or in combination with other methods and devices disclosed in this document. In addition, functionality outlined in the context of a device also applies to the corresponding method, and vice versa. Furthermore, all aspects of the methods and devices outlined in this document may be combined in any manner. In particular, features of the claims may be combined with each other in any manner.

[0059] It should be noted that the description and drawings illustrate only the principles of the proposed method and system. Those skilled in the art will be able to implement various arrangements that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present invention and are included within the spirit and scope of the present invention. In addition, all examples and embodiments outlined in this document are primarily for explanatory purposes only to help the reader understand the principles of the proposed method and system. In addition, all statements of the principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present invention and their specific examples provided herein are intended to include their equivalents.

Claims

1. An electronic device (100) for determining an activation state of a touch sensor (200), the electronic device (100) comprising: A capacitance measurement circuit (101) to be coupled to a touch sensor (200), the touch capacitor comprising a first electrode (201) and a second electrode (202), the capacitance measurement circuit (101) being configured to obtain a first measurement result (M1) based on a self capacitance of the first electrode (201) and a second measurement result (M2) based on a mutual capacitance between the first electrode (201) and the second electrode (202); an algorithm module (102) configured to apply an algorithm to the first measurement result (M1) and the second measurement result (M2), thereby generating a result signal (RS); a threshold comparator (103) configured to compare the result signal (RS) with a threshold value, and to generate a comparison signal (CS) having a first comparison value if the result signal (RS) is greater than the threshold value, and to generate the comparison signal (CS) having a second comparison value if the result signal (RS) is less than the threshold value; and An output module (104) is configured to provide an output signal (OS) based on the comparison signal (CS), wherein the output signal (OS) indicates an activation state of the touch sensor (200).

2. The electronic device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the output module (104) is configured to generate the output signal (OS) to: When the comparison result (CS) has the first comparison value, indicating activation of the touch sensor (200); and When the comparison result (CS) has the second comparison value, inactivation is indicated.

3. The electronic device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the threshold value represents an activation level of the touch sensor (200) and a conductive object on the touch sensor (200), in particular an activation level of a human body part.

4. The electronic device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the algorithm module (102) is configured to generate the result signal (RS) based on a difference between the self-capacitance and the mutual capacitance.

5. The electronic device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the algorithm module (102) is configured to generate the result signal (RS) based on the sum of the self-capacitance and the mutual capacitance.

6. An electronic device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the output module (104) is configured to generate the output signal (OS) based on a plurality of comparison results (CS) obtained by applying the algorithm to a plurality of first measurement results (M1) and a second measurement result, thereby generating a plurality of result signals (RS), and comparing each of the plurality of result signals (RS) with the threshold value.

7. The electronic device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein The threshold comparator (103) is further configured to compare the result signal (RS) with another threshold value less than the threshold value, and if the result signal (RS) is less than the another threshold value, generate the comparison result having the second comparison value, and if the result signal (RS) is greater than the another threshold value but less than the threshold value, generate the comparison result having a third comparison value; and The output module (104) is further configured to generate the output signal (OS) to: When the comparison result (CS) has the first comparison value, indicating a first activation of the touch sensor (200); When the comparison result (CS) has the second comparison value, indicating inactivation; and When the comparison result (CS) has the third comparison value, a second activation of the touch sensor (200) is indicated.

8. The electronic device (100) according to claim 7, wherein the other threshold value represents an activation level of the touch sensor (200) when there is water on the touch sensor (200).

9. A touch sensor device (300), comprising: A touch sensor (200) comprising a first electrode (201) and a second electrode (202); and The electronic device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8; The capacitance measurement circuit (101) is coupled to the first electrode (201) and the second electrode (202) of the touch sensor (200).

10. The touch sensor device (300) of claim 9, wherein the first electrode (201) is substantially surrounded by the second electrode (202), wherein a non-conductive gap (205) is provided between the first electrode (201) and the second electrode (202).

11. The touch sensor device (300) of claim 9, wherein the first electrode (201) comprises a first surface area and the second electrode (202) comprises a second surface area, wherein the first surface area is substantially surrounded by the second surface area.

12. The touch sensor device (300) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein in order to obtain the second measurement result (M2) based on the mutual capacitance, the first electrode (201) is configured as a transmitting electrode and the second electrode (202) is configured as a receiving electrode.

13. A method for determining an activation state of a touch sensor (200), the method comprising: Measuring the self-capacitance on the first electrode (201) of the touch sensor (200); Measuring the mutual capacitance between the first electrode (201) and the second electrode (202) of the touch sensor (200); generating a result signal (RS) by applying an algorithm to the measured self-capacitance and the mutual capacitance; By comparing the result signal (RS) with a threshold value, a comparison result (CS) is generated; and Based on the comparison result (CS), the activation state of the touch sensor (200) is determined.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein applying the algorithm comprises: A difference between the self-capacitance and the mutual capacitance is applied, or a difference of respective signals derived from the self-capacitance and the mutual capacitance is applied.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein: The threshold value represents the activation level of the touch sensor (200) and a conductive object on the touch sensor (200), in particular the activation level of a human body part.

Images