Touch sensor, test and measurement system, and method of detecting a touch location on a touch sensor

Abstract

A skin resistance touch sensor detects the location of a user's physical touch.SOLUTION: The touch sensor 300 has a first conductive material separated into one or more primary segments 322, 324, 326, 328 and a second conductive material disposed at a predetermined distance from the first conductive material. The touch sensor 300 also comprises a controller configured to receive input from each of the one or more primary segments 322, 324, 326 and 328 of the first conductive material and to determine whether a touch is present on any of the one or more primary segments based on the received input.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to test and measurement instruments, and more particularly to physical user interfaces for test and measurement instruments. [Background technology]

[0002] Test and measurement equipment, especially oscilloscopes, typically have knobs or rotary encoders that allow users to operate the equipment. The analog nature of older equipment necessitated these types of controls, and despite advances in technology that allow touch-based user interfaces, users are still reluctant to move to touch-based interfaces for test and measurement equipment. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-218690 [Non-patent literature]

[0004] [Non-Patent Document 1] "Tektronix oscilloscope" introduction site, Tektronix, [online], [searched June 14, 2025], Internet<https: / / www.tek.com / ja / products / oscilloscopes> Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Specifically, users often prefer the tactile qualities of analogue control devices, allowing them to keep their eyes on the device's display screen while using the analogue control device to configure the device, in contrast to touch-based control devices, which typically do not provide tactile feedback.

[0006] Furthermore, existing touch-based control systems have drawbacks. Generally, touch sensors are either resistive or capacitive. In resistive touch sensors, a deformable membrane deforms with a user's touch, forming an electrical short at the touch point. Resistive sensors are simple and largely immune to electromagnetic interference, but they cannot recognize multiple touch points at a time. Additionally, because resistive touch sensors are subject to repeated deformation, they often deteriorate over time with repeated use.

[0007] Conversely, capacitive sensors measure capacitance at a specific point on the touch surface, which can change with the presence of a finger. Capacitive sensors can recognize multiple touch locations and do not require mechanical deformation, which can degrade materials over time, but capacitive sensors are complex and vulnerable to interference from external electric fields.

[0008] Embodiments of the presently disclosed technology address the shortcomings of the prior art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] As described herein, aspects of the present disclosure relate to a skin resistance touch sensor configured to detect the location of a user's physical contact, such as with a finger, using a matrix arrangement of exposed conductors. In particular, the resistance of the epidermis between the exposed conductors can be used to detect changes in the attenuation rate of an electrical pulse applied to the exposed conductors to determine the location of contact with the exposed conductors. Additionally, aspects of the disclosed technology implement the skin resistance touch sensor as an operating device for a test and measurement device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a test and measurement instrument having a touch sensor, according to an exemplary configuration. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary configuration of a touch sensor. [Figure 3]Figure 3 shows the concept of the touch location system for the touch sensor in Figure 2. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a diagram of the voltage decay of the touch sensor of FIG. 2 in an untouched state. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a diagram of the voltage decay of the touch sensor of FIG. 2 in a touched state. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary configuration of a test and measurement device incorporating a touch sensor. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a representation of the test and measurement instrument of FIG. 5, showing cursor manipulation beginning at the first touch location. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a representation of the test and measurement instrument of FIG. 5 showing cursor manipulation continuing to a second touch location. [Figure 6C] FIG. 6C is a representation of the test and measurement instrument of FIG. 5 showing cursor manipulation ending at the third touch location. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram illustrating an electrostatic discharge protection circuit implemented in a touch sensor, according to an example configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] 1 is a functional block diagram showing a portion of the configuration of a test and measurement system 100. The test and measurement system 100 includes a test and measurement apparatus 110, a device under test (DUT) 120, and a touch sensor 130. The test and measurement apparatus 110 may be, for example, an oscilloscope, and as shown in the figure, the test and measurement apparatus 110 includes an input unit 112 for receiving signals from the DUT 120 and acquiring waveform data, a user interface 114, a display 115, a processor 116, and a memory 118.

[0012] In some configurations, touch sensor 130 is a skin resistance touch sensor according to embodiments described below. In some configurations, touch sensor 130 is integrated into test and measurement instrument 110. That is, touch sensor 130 is part of the operating device of the test and measurement instrument itself and may be considered part of user interface 114. In yet other configurations, touch sensor 130 is separate from test and measurement instrument 110 but still electrically connected to test and measurement instrument 110 to allow a user to operate the test and measurement instrument. For example, in some configurations, touch sensor 130 is configured to control display functions of test and measurement instrument 110, such as cursor position or zoom functions. This allows touch input from a user to be received at touch sensor 130, and processor 116, upon receiving signals from touch sensor 130, can control display 115 to adjust certain display functions based on the received touch input.

[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates a touch sensor 200 according to an embodiment of the disclosed technology. In one configuration, the touch sensor 200 is implemented in conjunction with a test and measurement device, such as an oscilloscope. That is, the touch sensor 200 may be implemented in the configuration of the test and measurement system shown in FIG. 1, where the touch sensor 200 is configured to receive touch input from a user and control the operation of the test and measurement device. In particular, the touch sensor 200 may be configured to control adjustments of display functions, including, but not limited to, cursor position and display zoom.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2 , one configuration of touch sensor 200 is embodied in the form of a mesh 210. Specifically, mesh 210 is formed of a non-conductive material, while exposed conductive wires pass through gaps 212 in mesh 210. Gaps 212 are not visible in FIG. 2 because they are filled with conductive wire. The conductive wires pass through mesh 210 in a pattern of several individual segments. For example, in the configuration shown in FIG. 2 , the conductive wires pass through mesh 210 to form a primary line 220 of conductive wire in the form of multiple segments and a secondary line 230 of conductive wire in the form of multiple segments that are shorter than those that form primary line 220. Air gap 240 physically separates primary line 220 from secondary line 230. That is, no conductive wire runs through the portion of mesh 210 between primary line 220 and secondary line 230. In one configuration, air gap 240 is sized to allow a user's finger to simultaneously contact both primary line 220 and secondary line 230, as described below.

[0015] In some configurations, short segments of secondary line 230 are arranged such that multiple short segments of secondary line 230 span the entire length of a corresponding segment of primary line 220. Touch sensor 200 in FIG. 2 illustrates an example of this arrangement, with each individual segment of primary line 220 having four adjacent segments of secondary line 230. As explained in more detail below, the arrangement of multiple segments of secondary line 230 corresponding to longer segments of primary line 220 enables touch sensor 200 to identify a user's touch based on the location of the touch along the entire length of touch sensor 200. While FIG. 2 illustrates an arrangement with four segments of primary line 220 and 16 segments of secondary line 230 (four segments per segment of primary line 220), it will be appreciated that other arrangements of conductive wires may be implemented depending on the desired functionality of touch sensor 200.

[0016] Also, although not shown in FIG. 2 , each of the primary line 220 and the secondary line 230 is electrically connected to a controller or processor. In some embodiments, the controller 132 is integrated into the touch sensor 130, as shown in FIG. 1 , while in other embodiments, the touch sensor 130 may be controlled by the processor 116 of the test and measurement system 100. In still other embodiments, the touch sensor 130 may be controlled by both the controller 132 and the processor 116. In one configuration, the touch sensor 200 detects a user's touch at a specific location based on the measured decay time of an electrical pulse applied to the conductive wire. More specifically, the controller 132 or the processor 116 ( FIG. 1 ) sends an electrical pulse to charge the primary line 220 to a known voltage. In one example configuration, the pulse charges the primary line 220 to 3 volts, although other voltages can be selected. Once the pulse charges primary line 220, the charge naturally decays to zero volts via a return path to the controller or processor because there is nothing actively maintaining the charge on primary line 220. Without a user's finger touching primary line 220, the time it takes for the charge on primary line 220 to return to its uncharged voltage is a fixed, and therefore known, quantity. In other words, controller 132 or processor 116 can be configured to measure the decay time of primary line 220 and compare this measured decay time to a known decay time for primary line 220 when charged but untouched. Thus, controller 132 or processor 116 determines that primary line 220 is untouched if the measured decay time matches the known decay time for primary line 220 when untouched.

[0017] However, when a user's finger touches touch sensor 200, the user's finger forms a conductive path between primary line 220 and secondary line 230. As previously mentioned, air gap 240 between primary line 230 and secondary line 230 is sized to allow the user's finger to touch both lines simultaneously. Thus, when the user's finger touches both lines, the charge on primary line 220 at the touched segment is shorted to one or more adjacent segments of secondary line 230. This short circuit changes the decay time of primary line 220, i.e., the charge on primary line 220 decays more quickly.

[0018] Thus, a controller or processor of a test and measurement instrument implementing touch sensor 200 can be configured to detect faster decay times coming from a particular location on the sensor and thus detect a user touch at that particular location. FIG. 3 illustrates a visualization of possible touch locations on touch sensor 300. In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, touch sensor 300 is as described above with respect to touch sensor 200 of FIG. 2. That is, touch sensor 300 includes primary lines 320 and secondary lines 330, each of which includes multiple segments. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, primary line 320 of FIG. 3 includes four segments: first primary segment 322, second primary segment 324, third primary segment 326, and fourth primary segment 328. Secondary line 330 includes 16 segments, with four shorter segments spanning the entire length of each segment of primary line 320.

[0019] Within the length of each segment of primary line 320 is a first secondary segment 332, a second secondary segment 334, a third secondary segment 336, and a fourth secondary segment 338. To demonstrate the process of identifying a touch at a particular location on touch sensor 300, each segment of primary line 320 and secondary line 330 may be assigned a label to distinguish between the segments. For example, each segment of primary line 320 may be assigned a letter. As shown in FIG. 3 , first primary segment 322 is labeled "A," second primary segment 324 is labeled "B," third primary segment 326 is labeled "C," and fourth primary segment 328 is labeled "D." Each segment of secondary line 330 may then be assigned a number, such that first secondary segment 332 is labeled "1," second secondary segment 334 is labeled "2," third secondary segment 336 is labeled "3," and fourth secondary segment 338 is labeled "4." These labels allow specific, distinct locations along touch sensor 300 to be identified. For example, contact with fourth secondary segment 338, adjacent to first primary segment 322, may be identified as a touch at location A4.

[0020] In some configurations, multiple secondary segments with the same numerical location relative to different primary segments are electrically shorted together. Stated another way, the first secondary segment 332 (location A1) adjacent to the first primary segment 322 is connected to secondary segments at locations B1, C1, and D1. Because these locations of the secondary segments are thus shorted and have the same return path, they can be understood to have the same numerical label. Thus, touch identification corresponds to a faster decay time on a particular segment of the primary line 320 and a charge on a segment of the secondary line 330 identified as 1, 2, 3, or 4.

[0021] To detect the location of a touch, as described above, the controller or processor sends a pulse of charge at a specific voltage to the primary line 320. Specifically, the controller or processor drives each of the primary segments, one at a time, to a logic high (voltage present) or a logic low (voltage absent). The controller or processor then loops through measuring the decay time of the charge on each combination of primary and secondary segments. In the example touch sensor 300 shown in FIG. 3, there are 16 combinations of primary and secondary segments. When the controller or processor drives a logic high, a touch on a particular primary segment acts as a pull-up resistor, and the pulse does not decay. However, when the primary segment is driven to a logic low, the resistance of the skin provides a parallel resistance path that depletes the charge on the primary line 320 faster than the known decay without touch.

[0022] In this manner, a predetermined threshold for the decay time can be set, and the controller or processor is configured to cycle through the 16 combinations of primary and secondary segments while detecting a decay time below the predetermined threshold. If a decay time below the predetermined threshold is detected, the controller or processor identifies a touch at a location corresponding to the faster decay time. If no decay time below the predetermined threshold is detected, the controller or processor determines that touch sensor 300 is not being touched.

[0023] In one implementation, the controller or processor is configured to detect the movement of a user's finger along the touch sensor 300, i.e., to detect changes in touch position over time. For example, if a user touches the touch sensor 300 at position A1 shown in FIG. 3 and then swipes their finger along the touch sensor 300, maintaining contact with the touch sensor 300 until the finger reaches position C1, the controller or processor will detect a faster decay time at each position between A1 and C1 over time. As described in more detail below, this recognition of positional changes allows the touch sensor 300 to be used to control continuous scrolling, continuous increments, continuous decrements, or other similar operations.

[0024] As described above, embodiments of the disclosed touch sensor detect the physical location of a physical touch based on the decay time of a pulse. FIGS. 4A and 4B show example plots of pulse decay times. Specifically, FIG. 4A shows an example plot 400 of decay times when no touch is present, and FIG. 4B shows an example plot 450 of decay times when a touch is present. As shown in FIG. 4A, the primary line of the disclosed touch sensor charges to a voltage 402, identified as V1. In some embodiments, the primary line may charge to V1 (e.g., 3 volts) in a few hundred nanoseconds or less. When a user's skin is not touching the touch sensor, the pulse that reaches voltage 402 decays along an expected decay curve 404, taking a total time 406 (identified as T2) to decay back to zero.

[0025] Referring now to FIG. 4B, in the case where the primary line is touched, the primary line is initially charged to a voltage 452 equal to voltage 402 in FIG. 4A. Thus, voltage 452 is similarly identified as V1. However, when a user's skin contacts the touch sensor, the pulse that reaches voltage 452 decays much faster, following a faster decay curve 454. The decay along faster decay curve 454 takes a total time 456, identified as T1, where T1 is shorter than T2. ​​As discussed above, a predetermined threshold for the decay time can be set to detect whether a touch is present. Referring to FIGS. 4A-4B, it can be seen that this predetermined threshold can be set to T2 or an amount less than T2. ​​Thus, a decay time T1 is detected, and if T1 is less than T2 and less than the predetermined threshold, the decay time T1 indicates a touch at a location corresponding to the location where the decay time T1 was detected. In one embodiment, the decay time T2 can be on the order of 100-300 microseconds. However, other decay times may be selected based on the resistance of the sensing return path. In embodiments, the voltage on a particular segment 220, 230 (FIG. 2) may be sensed by the controller 132 or processor 116 shown in FIG. 1. In one embodiment, the voltage applied to the segment 220, 230 is applied by an input / output (I / O) pin for one period of time and sensed by the same I / O pin for another period of time. In another embodiment, separate pins may be used.

[0026] Referring again to Figures 2-3, while an example configuration is shown having four primary segments and sixteen secondary segments (four secondary segments per primary segment), it will be understood that other configurations of the disclosed touch sensor are possible. For example, some configurations implement more or fewer primary and secondary segments. The touch sensor 200 shown in Figure 2 may be extended to have more than four primary segments, and in some examples, each primary segment has the same number of secondary segments associated with it. Or, in some examples, more or fewer secondary segments span the entire length of each primary segment.

[0027] Additionally, the disclosed touch sensor configurations need not be linear. In some example configurations, the arrangement of primary and secondary segments shown in FIG. 2 is replicated and positioned adjacent to the illustrated primary line 220 and secondary line 230. In this manner, the touch sensor can be configured to have a first primary line, a first secondary line, a second primary line, and a second secondary line. In this example configuration, a user interacting with the touch sensor can move their finger vertically, i.e., along the length of touch sensor 200 shown in FIG. 2, or horizontally. In this case, the controller or processor can be configured to detect the location of the touch in the XY plane and further configured to detect the movement of the touch in any direction within the two-dimensional XY plane.

[0028] 5 illustrates an example test and measurement instrument 500 incorporating a touch sensor 530 in one configuration. As shown, the test and measurement instrument 500 includes a display 510, a user interface 520, a touch sensor 530, and multiple inputs 540. In some configurations, the display 510 also includes a cursor 512 for identifying a particular portion of a displayed signal. As described in more detail below, the position of the cursor 512 can be manipulated by the touch sensor 530 based on detection of a touch along a primary line 532 and a secondary line 534.

[0029] 5, the cursor 512 can be moved back and forth across the display 510 using the touch sensor 530. That is, the cursor 512 is configured to move toward or away from the touch sensor 530 as the user moves their finger along the length of the touch sensor 530.

[0030] Using the method of detecting decay times below a particular threshold described above, the test and measurement instrument 500 is configured to determine that a user is touching a particular location along the primary line 532 and the secondary line 534, and the test and measurement instrument is further configured to detect movement of the user's finger along the primary line 532 and the secondary line 534. That is, when a user slides their finger from the bottom to the top of the touch sensor 530, the cursor 512 may respond by moving from the left to the right side of the display 510, or vice versa. While FIG. 5 shows the cursor 512 as being parallel to the y-axis of the display 510, the cursor 512 may be parallel to the x-axis in additional or alternative configurations, and movement of the user's finger along the touch sensor 530 may move the cursor up or down.

[0031] 6A-6C illustrate an example of a test and measurement instrument 600 illustrating movement of a cursor 612 using a touch sensor 630. The test and measurement instrument 600 is similar to the example described above with respect to FIG. 5 and includes a display 610, a user interface 620, and a touch sensor 630 having a primary line 632 and a secondary line 634. Referring first to FIG. 6A, as shown, cursor 612 is located on the left side of the display. Additionally, a user is shown providing a touch to touch sensor 630 that moves in a particular direction, represented by hand 635 moving in the direction of arrow 636. As the user's hand 635 moves in the direction of arrow 636, cursor 612 responds by moving in the direction of cursor arrow 614.

[0032] As the user's hand 635 moves along the length of the touch sensor 630, the cursor 612 continues to move from the left side of the display 610 to the right side in the direction of the cursor arrow 614, as shown in Figure 6B. As the user's hand 635 continues to move in the direction of the arrow 636, the user's hand 635 eventually reaches the end of the touch sensor 630, as shown in Figure 6C. As the user's hand 635 reaches and stops at the end of the touch sensor 630, the cursor 612 reaches the right side of the display 610 and also stops at its current position.

[0033] In some configurations of the disclosed touch sensors, the touch sensor is implemented to control a cursor as a flywheel, i.e., as if the cursor had rotational inertia (referred to herein as virtual rotational inertia) that decays over time. That is, when a user moves their finger along the touch sensor, the sensor responds as if the user were applying a stroking force to spin a physical wheel, and therefore, when the user lifts their finger, the wheel's rotational inertia causes the wheel to continue spinning. In this way, a user can move their finger from the bottom to the top of the touch sensor, lift their finger at the top, and then move their finger from the bottom to the top again to continue spinning the "wheel," as shown and described with respect to Figures 6A-6C.

[0034] Although described herein as a flywheel, the movement of the virtual "wheel" should be understood to represent a continuous sensor response. In other words, if movement along a disclosed touch sensor is configured to move a cursor from one side of the screen to the other, implementing the touch sensor as a flywheel will cause the cursor to continue moving until a subsequent touch indicates that the movement should stop (i.e., until the user stops their finger at a specific location on the touch sensor).

[0035] Additionally, in some configurations, a user can adjust the speed of the wheel and the response speed of the sensor depending on how quickly the user moves their finger along the touch sensor. For example, if the touch sensor is configured to control the position of a cursor, moving a user's finger quickly along the touch sensor will cause the cursor to move quickly from one side of the screen to the other, and the cursor will continue to move even after the user lifts their finger. If the user moves their finger slowly along the touch sensor, the response of the flywheel will also slow down, and the cursor will begin to move more slowly across the screen.

[0036] Although the disclosed touch sensor implementations are described as controlling the position of a cursor on a test measurement display, the disclosed touch sensor can control other operations of the test measurement instrument. In some configurations, the touch sensor is configured to zoom in and out of the display or resize the display window. In still other configurations, the touch sensor is configured to increase or decrease a specific test parameter. Furthermore, in touch sensor implementations with a test measurement instrument, a user may customize the operations controlled by the touch sensor and change its functionality while actively using the test measurement instrument.

[0037] Because the disclosed touch sensors incorporate conductive components externally accessible to the user, as described with respect to FIGS. 2-3 , configurations of the disclosed technology further incorporate circuitry to mitigate the effects of external electric fields on the sensing lines coupled to the sensors. More specifically, FIG. 7 illustrates an example of an ESD protection circuit 700 for minimizing the potential for damage or disruption from ESD paths to the sensors. While copies of the protection circuit 700 are coupled to each individual sensor, FIG. 7 shows only one such example. As illustrated, the ESD protection circuit 700 includes a group of ESD diodes 710 and series resistors 720 connected to ground to mitigate potential DC paths through the sensing return paths, such as through the I / O pins described above. Specifically, within the group of ESD diodes 710 is an avalanche breakdown diode 712. When the voltage present on the sense line (shown here as line 702 from touch sensor 730) exceeds the breakdown voltage of breakdown diode 712, the breakdown diode enters its breakdown state, forming a direct electrical connection between line 702 and a reference voltage (such as ground voltage), allowing line 712 to discharge its energy directly to ground through the breakdown diode. After line 702 is discharged to ground voltage, breakdown diode 712 returns to its voltage blocking state. Thus, despite the sensor's conductive components being exposed to the external environment, the overall effectiveness of the sensor is not hindered by potential ESD effects.

[0038] As discussed above, existing touch-based control systems are either resistive or capacitive, each with its own drawbacks. Resistive touch systems often experience sensor degradation over time due to repeated deformation, and the sensors cannot recognize multiple touch points at once. Capacitive systems are less susceptible to degradation and can recognize multiple touch points, but they are complex and vulnerable to interference from external electric fields. The disclosed touch sensor configuration combines the advantages of both resistive and capacitive touch systems while addressing their respective drawbacks.

[0039] In particular, the disclosed touch sensor provides a simple system for detecting a single position or multiple positions on the sensor, requiring only conductive wire and basic circuit logic. Because the disclosed touch sensor configuration does not require deformation of conductive wire, it is less susceptible to degradation over time than resistive touch systems. Also, as discussed above, adding an ESD diode and series resistor to the disclosed touch system limits the potential adverse effects of external electric fields. The disclosed touch sensor configuration is also inexpensive because it uses simple conductive wire rather than expensive resistive film.

[0040] Furthermore, certain configurations of the disclosed technology implement a unique multi-segmented physical wire, so that a user interacting with an exemplary touch sensor receives some degree of tactile feedback from the sensor to track their position. In this way, a user of a test and measurement system implementing the disclosed touch sensors can maintain focus on the device's display. The user can use the disclosed touch sensors to control scrolling, zooming, and other operations without taking their eyes off the display. In this way, the disclosed touch sensors provide a simple touch system for operating test and measurement equipment, eliminating the need for fragile mechanical components such as knobs or other rotary encoders.

[0041] Aspects of the disclosed technology may operate on specially created hardware, firmware, digital signal processors, or specially programmed general-purpose computers, including processors that operate according to programmed instructions. The terms "controller" or "processor" herein contemplate microprocessors, microcomputers, ASICs, and dedicated hardware controllers, among others. Aspects of the disclosed technology may be implemented with computer-usable data and computer-executable instructions, such as one or more program modules, executed by one or more computers (including a monitoring module) or other devices. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., which, when executed by a processor in a computer or other device, perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. Computer-executable instructions may be stored in computer-readable storage media, such as hard disks, optical disks, removable storage media, solid-state memory, RAM, etc. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the functionality of the program modules may be combined or distributed as desired in various embodiments. Furthermore, such functionality may be embodied in whole or in part in firmware or hardware equivalents, such as integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc. Certain data structures may be used to more effectively implement one or more aspects of the disclosed technology, and such data structures are considered within the scope of the computer-executable instructions and computer-usable data described herein.

[0042] Although the above-described versions of the presently disclosed subject matter have many advantages that have been described or that will be apparent to those skilled in the art, not all of these advantages or features are required in every version of the disclosed devices, systems, or methods.

[0043] Additionally, the description of this application refers to specific features. It should be understood that the disclosure herein includes all possible combinations of these specific features. When a specific feature is disclosed in connection with a particular aspect or example, that feature can also be used in connection with other aspects and examples, to the extent possible.

[0044] Furthermore, when this application refers to a method having two or more defined steps or processes, these defined steps or processes may be performed in any order or simultaneously, unless the circumstances do not preclude this possibility.

[0045] Furthermore, the term "comprises" and its grammatical equivalents are used herein to indicate that other components, features, steps, processes, or operations are optionally present. For example, "comprising" components A, B, and C or "something which comprises" components A, B, and C may include only components A, B, and C, or may include components A, B, and C along with one or more other components.

[0046] Additionally, directions such as "vertical," "horizontal," "right," and "left" are used for convenience to refer to the views shown in the figures. However, a device may have several orientations in actual use. Thus, features that are vertical, horizontal, right, or left in the figures may not have the same orientation or direction in actual use. Example

[0047] The following examples are provided to aid in understanding the technology disclosed in this application. Embodiments of the technology may include one or more of the examples described below, and any combination thereof.

[0048] Example 1 is a touch sensor for detecting the position of a user's touch, the touch sensor comprising: a first conductive material separated into one or more primary segments; a second conductive material disposed at a predetermined distance from the first conductive material; a controller, The controller receiving an input from each of one or more primary segments of the first conductive material; Based on the input received, determining whether a touch is present on one or more primary segments; The device is configured to:

[0049] Example 2 is the touch sensor of Example 1, wherein the predetermined distance between the first conductive material and the second conductive material is formed to a size that allows a human finger to touch (make contact with) the first conductive material and the second conductive material simultaneously.

[0050] Example 3 is the touch sensor of example 1, wherein the controller is further configured to charge the first conductive material to a first voltage.

[0051] Example 4 is the touch sensor of example 3, wherein the received input includes one or more measured voltage decay times in each of the one or more primary segments.

[0052] Example 5 is the touch sensor of example 4, wherein the controller is configured to determine that a touch is present on any of the one or more primary segments when one of the measured one or more voltage decay times is below a predetermined threshold.

[0053] Example 6 is the touch sensor of Example 3, wherein the second conductive material is separated into one or more secondary segments, and the controller is further configured to receive input from each of the one or more secondary segments.

[0054] Example 7 is the touch sensor of example 6, wherein the received input further includes one or more measured voltage decay times from each of the one or more secondary segments.

[0055] Example 8 is the touch sensor of example 6, wherein the quantity of the one or more secondary segments is greater than the quantity of the one or more primary segments.

[0056] Example 9 is the touch sensor of example 1, further comprising one or more electrostatic discharge protection circuits respectively coupled to the one or more primary segments.

[0057] Example 10 is a test measurement system, comprising: a test and measurement instrument having a display; a touch sensor coupled to the test and measurement device, a first conductive material separated into one or more primary segments; the touch sensor having a second conductive material spaced a predetermined distance from the first conductive material; a controller configured to receive input from the touch sensor and adjust a display of the test and measurement device based on the received input; It is equipped with.

[0058] Example 11 is the test and measurement system of example 10, wherein the controller is further configured to charge the first conductive material to a first voltage.

[0059] Example 12 is the test and measurement system of example 11, wherein the received input includes one or more measured voltage decay times in each of the one or more primary segments.

[0060] Example 13 is the test and measurement system of example 11, wherein the controller is further configured to determine that a touch is present on any of the one or more primary segments when one of the one or more measured voltage decay times is below a predetermined threshold.

[0061] Example 14 is the test and measurement system of Example 10, wherein the second conductive material is separated into one or more secondary segments, and the controller is further configured to receive input from each of the one or more secondary segments.

[0062] Example 15 is the test and measurement system of example 14, wherein the received input further includes one or more measured voltage decay times from each of the one or more secondary segments.

[0063] Example 16 is the test and measurement system of example 10, in which adjusting the display includes moving a cursor on the display.

[0064] Example 17 is a test and measurement system of Example 10, in which the predetermined distance between the first conductive material and the second conductive material is formed to a size that allows a human finger to touch (contact) the first conductive material and the second conductive material simultaneously.

[0065] Example 18 is the test and measurement system of example 14, wherein the quantity of the one or more secondary segments is greater than the quantity of the one or more primary segments.

[0066] Example 19 is the test and measurement system of example 10, wherein the controller is further configured to determine when a stroking motion is applied to the touch sensor.

[0067] Example 20 is the test and measurement system of example 19, wherein the controller is further configured to determine an amount of virtual rotational inertia of the stroke motion and continuously adjust the display until a subsequent touch is detected or the virtual rotational inertia has decayed.

[0068] Example 21 is a method of detecting a location of a touch on a touch sensor having a first conductive material separated into one or more primary segments and a second conductive material positioned a predetermined distance from the first conductive material, comprising: transmitting, using a controller, a pulse of a first voltage to the first conductive material; measuring one or more voltage decay times for each of the one or more primary segments; determining whether one of the one or more measured voltage decay times is below a predetermined threshold; It is equipped with.

[0069] Example 22 is the method of example 21, wherein the second conductive material is separated into one or more secondary segments, and the method further includes measuring one or more voltage decay times in each of the one or more secondary segments.

[0070] Example 23 is the method of example 21, wherein the predetermined threshold is a known decay time of the first conductive material in the absence of a touch.

[0071] Although specific examples have been set forth for the convenience of explanation, it will be appreciated that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 100 Test and Measurement Systems 110 Test and measurement equipment 120 Device Under Test (DUT) 130 Touch Sensor 112 Input section 114 User Interface 115 Display 116 processors 118 memory 200 Touch Sensor 210 mesh 212 Gap 220 Primary Track 230 Secondary Track 240 Air Gap 300 Touch Sensor 320 Primary Track 322 First Primary Segment 324 Second Primary Segment 326 Third Primary Segment 328 4th Primary Segment 330 Secondary Track 332 First Secondary Segment 334 Secondary Segment 336 Third Secondary Segment 338 4th Secondary Segment 500 Test and Measurement System 510 Display 512 cursor 520 User Interface 530 Touch Sensor 532 Primary Track 534 Secondary Track 540 Input section 610 Display 612 cursor 620 User Interface 630 Touch Sensor 632 Primary Track 634 Secondary Track 635 User's Hand 640 Input section 700 ESD protection circuit 702 detection line 710 ESD Diode 712 Breakdown Diode 720 Series Resistor

Claims

1. A touch sensor for detecting a location of a user's touch, comprising: a first conductive material separated into one or more primary segments; a second conductive material disposed at a predetermined distance from the first conductive material; a controller, The controller receiving an input from each of one or more primary segments of the first conductive material; determining whether a touch is present on any of the one or more primary segments based on the received input; a touch sensor configured to:

2. 2. The touch sensor of claim 1, wherein the predetermined distance between the first conductive material and the second conductive material is sized to allow a human finger to touch the first conductive material and the second conductive material simultaneously.

3. The controller is further configured to charge the first conductive material to a first voltage; the received input includes one or more measured voltage decay times in each of the one or more primary segments; 10. The touch sensor of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to determine that a touch is present on any of the one or more primary segments when one of the measured voltage decay times is below a predetermined threshold.

4. The controller is further configured to charge the first conductive material to a first voltage; the second conductive material being separated into one or more secondary segments; the controller is further configured to receive input from each of the one or more secondary segments; The received input includes one or more measured voltage decay times from each of the one or more secondary segments. The touch sensor of claim 1 .

5. 1. A test and measurement system comprising: a test and measurement instrument having a display; a touch sensor coupled to the test and measurement instrument, a first conductive material separated into one or more primary segments; the touch sensor having a second conductive material spaced a predetermined distance from the first conductive material; a controller configured to receive input from the touch sensor and adjust a display of the test and measurement instrument based on the received input; A test and measurement system comprising:

6. The controller is further configured to charge the first conductive material to a first voltage; the received input includes one or more measured voltage decay times in each of the one or more primary segments; The controller is further configured to determine that a touch is present on any of the one or more primary segments when one of the one or more measured voltage decay times is below a predetermined threshold.

6. The test and measurement system of claim 5.

7. the second conductive material is separated into one or more secondary segments; the controller is further configured to receive input from each of the one or more secondary segments; The received input includes one or more measured voltage decay times from each of the one or more secondary segments.

6. The test and measurement system of claim 5.

8. 8. The test and measurement system of claim 7, wherein the quantity of the one or more secondary segments is greater than the quantity of the one or more primary segments.

9. the controller is further configured to determine when a stroke motion is applied to the touch sensor; The controller is further configured to determine an amount of virtual rotational inertia of the stroking motion and continuously adjust the display until a subsequent touch is detected or the virtual rotational inertia decays.

6. The test and measurement system of claim 5.

10. 1. A method of detecting a location of a touch on a touch sensor having a first conductive material separated into one or more primary segments and a second conductive material positioned a predetermined distance from the first conductive material, comprising: transmitting, using a controller, a pulse of a first voltage to the first conductive material; measuring one or more voltage decay times for each of the one or more primary segments; determining whether one of the one or more measured voltage decay times is below a predetermined threshold; 10. A method for detecting a location of a touch on a touch sensor comprising:

11. the second conductive material is separated into one or more secondary segments; 11. The method of detecting the location of a touch on a touch sensor of claim 10, further comprising measuring one or more voltage decay times in each of the one or more secondary segments.

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