Apparatus for recognition by means of a touch-sensitive sensor matrix - Patents.com

Abstract

The present invention relates to devices (10, 11) for detection by a touch-sensitive sensor matrix (40), comprising a conductive structure (12) having an annular touch surface (13) and markers (15, 16, 17), and an electrically insulating substrate material (14) on which the structure (12) is mounted or in which the structure (12) is embedded. The present invention also relates to methods for detecting the devices (10, 11) on a touch-sensitive sensor matrix, methods for manufacturing the devices (10, 11), groups of devices, and systems including the devices (10, 11).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device that is detectable by a touch-sensitive sensor matrix, such as a touch-sensitive screen, comprising an electrically conductive structure and an electrically insulating substrate material on which the structure is placed or in which it is embedded. Furthermore, the invention includes a group of such devices, a method for manufacturing the device, a system including the device and a control processing unit, and a method for recognizing the device on a touch-sensitive sensor matrix or screen. [Background technology]

[0002] Today, touch-sensitive screens (touch screens) are used in various fields. For example, touch-sensitive screens are used in smartphones, tablet PCs, and various machines. The advantage of these touch-sensitive screens is that both input and output can be performed through the screen. Touch-sensitive screens are generally capable of detecting where on the screen a finger has touched.

[0003] Many touch-sensitive screens use capacitive touchscreens. In these cases, two grids of transparent electrical wires aligned laterally to each other are typically placed on the glass. The upper grid of the two wire grids continuously sends an electrical signal to the lower grid. When the screen is touched by a finger, the capacitance of the insulating layer placed between them changes, causing the signal to weaken at this point. A processor then calculates the location of the signal drop and relays the location and duration of the touch to the device's software, which in turn performs the corresponding action in response to the touch.

[0004] Such capacitive touch-sensitive screens (multi-touch displays), which can often also detect multiple touches simultaneously, are typically not designed to detect objects placed on the touch-sensitive screen: on the contrary, such systems typically include filters that actively remove object-induced touch data.

[0005] Various active and passive input units detectable by a touch-sensitive screen, or ways in which passive input units can be detected by a touch-sensitive screen, have been proposed in the literature. For example, US Pat. No. 5,399,433 relates to an information processing device that monitors the capacitance change of a capacitive touch screen. The capacitance change is caused by a conductive material in which pattern information, such as a QR code, can be encoded.

[0006] For smooth operation of the touch-sensitive screen using the input unit, at least one or more of the following conditions should be met: 1. It should be possible to determine whether an input unit is currently over the touch-sensitive screen, regardless of whether the input unit is being touched by a user, and regardless of its position and orientation on the touch-sensitive screen. 2. Each input unit should be uniquely identifiable. 3. It should be possible to determine the exact position and / or orientation of the input unit or units on the screen. 4. Changes in position and orientation of fast moving input units should be detectable without noticeable delay.

[0007] It has been found that many systems disclosed in the prior art are unable to adequately meet at least one, more than one, or all of these four requirements.

[0008] In one embodiment of a touch-sensitive screen, the touch-sensitive screen comprises electrode lines in rows and columns, each row containing a control line and each column containing a readout line. In this so-called sensor matrix, the capacitance can be measured by successively exciting each control line with an electric pulse and measuring the response at each readout line. This measurement method is generally referred to as mutual capacitance measurement. The corresponding sensor is commonly called mPCAP (mutually projected capacitive touch) sensor. The purpose of the reverse capacitance measurement is to measure the capacitance change between the control line and the readout line, which can indicate the presence and the degree of touch. However, charge due to a touch that is not well grounded passes from the control line to the readout line instead of reaching fully to ground, which can distort the measurement signal. This effect is referred to in the literature as retransmission. Retransmission can also occur when a person places two fingers on the screen.

[0009] Retransmissions on a touch-sensitive screen can have several effects. First, retransmissions can cause the touch sensor control unit to interpret a single large touch as multiple touches. Second, retransmissions can reduce the touch amplitude of the signal, reducing the accuracy of the touch location estimation. For example, the touch sensor control unit may misinterpret a touch in the top left part of the touch-sensitive screen as a touch in the top center part of the touch-sensitive screen. Third, retransmissions can reduce the value of the touch amplitude such that so-called "anti-touches" with negative amplitudes occur.

[0010] These replay effects are generally considered to be harmful in the literature and in the state of the art. For example, US Pat. No. 5,399,633 attempts to correct the replay effects described above.

[0011] In Non-Patent Document 1, retransmission is described in more detail in Chapters 17 and 18. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0012] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0149119 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 9,335,873 [Non-patent literature]

[0013] [Non-Patent Document 1] "Projected Capacitive Touch - a practical guide for engineers" by Tony Gray, Springer, 2019, ISBN 978-3-319-98391-2 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0014] It is an object of the present invention to propose a device that can be reliably detected and recognized by a touch-sensitive sensor matrix. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a method for detecting a device on a touch-sensitive sensor matrix, which makes it possible to at least partially overcome the drawbacks of the prior art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] The object is solved by a device having the features of the main claim, a group of devices and a system comprising a device and a control processing unit having the features of the subclaims. Furthermore, a method for manufacturing the device and a method for recognizing the device on a touch-sensitive screen are proposed. Further embodiments result from the features of the dependent claims together with the description and the figures.

[0016] According to the present invention, At least one conductive structure having an annular touch surface and at least one marker; an electrically insulating substrate material on which the structure is to be mounted or embedded; An apparatus for sensing by a touch-sensitive sensor matrix is ​​provided, comprising:

[0017] In particular, the conductive structures are designed such that when a device is placed on the touch-sensitive sensor matrix, a change in capacitance is generated that is detectable as sensor data by the capacitive sensors of the touch-sensitive sensor matrix, especially when the device is not touched by the user. In many cases, a plurality of touch-sensitive sensors arranged in parallel are provided, which may also be referred to as a sensor device or a sensor matrix. Input may then be provided by placing a device on the sensor matrix or by touching the sensor matrix through the device. Additionally, if an output to the user is desired, an output unit such as a display screen may be provided. The sensor matrix may be a component of a touch-sensitive screen, which generally allows output via the screen. However, output via the screen is not mandatory. Different types of feedback to the user are also conceivable, for example different visual, auditory, tactile feedback. In practice, a touch-sensitive screen is mostly used, so this term is mostly used below. As used herein, the terms "touch-sensitive sensor matrix" and "touch-sensitive screen" may be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, the sensor matrix is ​​rectangular. The sensor matrix is ​​formed with M columns and N rows, where the number of sensors is M*N.

[0018] Conductive material, which may also be referred to as conductive material, supported on the sensor matrix or touch-sensitive screen and extending beyond multiple electrode lines (or wires) of the sensor matrix may be capacitively coupled to other electrode lines, particularly horizontal electrode lines, which are grounded. This causes a signal change similar to that of a finger. However, at low signal-to-noise ratios, typically between 1:3 and 1:20, the sensor glass of the touch-sensitive screen must be traversed twice. The signal on the control line must pass through the sensor glass once on the control line and once on the readout line. The sensor matrix may include multiple touch-sensitive capacitive sensors. Additionally, the sensor matrix may be designed for simultaneous detection of multiple touches ("multi-touch").

[0019] The inventors have realized that the retransmission action described above can be used to improve the detection or recognition of devices. In fact, the same retransmission phenomenon occurs in conductive structures, which can induce characteristic signals in a touch-sensitive sensor matrix or touch-sensitive screen. When a conductive structure is touched, the opposite signal induced by the retransmission is weaker than the positive signal at the intersection of the electrode leads covered by the conductive material of the structure. When the conductive pattern is not touched, both signals are approximately equal in strength, since both signals have to pass twice through the sensor glass of the touch-sensitive screen. This results in a rectangular shape when placed parallel to the sensor matrix, which nullifies all signals if no other capacitive ground coupling is provided, such as through a person.

[0020] Thus, the conductive structures can produce characteristic capacitance patterns in a touch-sensitive screen.

[0021] The inventors have realized that two conditions should be met to enable reliable detection of the conductive structures of a device by the sensor matrix or touch-sensitive screen on the one hand, and identification of the conductive structures on the other hand: Identification of the conductive structures is particularly important when a large number of conductive structures are used or placed on the sensor matrix or screen.

[0022] Firstly, the area of ​​the capacitive image change induced by the conductive structure should be as independent as possible from the orientation, i.e. the rotation angle, of the conductive structure relative to the sensor matrix: this area can be used for coarse detection of the device and / or for localization of the device on the screen.

[0023] Additionally, the orientation of the conductive structure should be determinable: other regions of the conductive structure should change upon rotation of the conductive structure such that rotation does not result in similarity to other deformations of the conductive structure, and the conductive structures are distinguishable regardless of the orientation of the conductive structure on the touch-sensitive screen.

[0024] The first condition can be ensured by the annular touch surface of the device described above. The annular touch surface results in an easy to find (e.g. by threshold, contour detection, template matching, and / or time variation) location on the touch-sensitive screen where the device is supported, since a characteristic touch pattern is created in a rectangular sensor matrix outside the annular touch surface surrounding the annular touch surface, or in an area within the annular touch surface that is independent or relatively little dependent on the orientation or rotation angle of the device relative to the sensor matrix. The annular touch surface can be designed such that, for example, in the center of the annular touch surface, where no conductive material is provided, one or more negative signals are induced in the sensor matrix. A virtual square area of ​​the sensor matrix can be defined, with a width or length corresponding to the diameter of the annular touch surface. This virtual square surface can be located around the annular touch surface when the sensor matrix is ​​touched by the device, so that the virtual square surface surrounds the annular touch surface. The vertices of the square surface are then located outside the annular touch surface. At least one or all vertices of this square area can induce a negative signal in the sensor matrix by the annular touch surface. Both the centre of the annular touch surface and the vertices of the rectangular area are independent of the orientation of the device on the sensor matrix, and these characteristic signals, which are thus orientation independent, can be used to detect the position of the device on the sensor matrix.

[0025] The second condition may be met by a marker of the conductive structure as claimed. Thus the marker may be used to determine the orientation of the device on the screen. In addition, the marker may be configured to distinguish the conductive structure from other conductive structures, in particular to distinguish the device from devices with different markers.

[0026] In one embodiment, the marker comprises or is at least one further touch surface (touch surface). Thus, a marker designed as a touch surface may be provided in addition to the annular touch surface. The further touch surface may in particular be conductively connected to the annular touch surface. This may increase the signal strength or improve the signal-to-noise ratio.

[0027] The further touch surface may be arranged, for example, within the annular touch surface. In particular, when multiple devices are used, the contours of the conductive structures may be the same for each device. In this embodiment, the contours of the conductive structures of a known device allow the touch-sensitive screen to perform a relatively quick recognition. The differentiation of the device from other devices (identification of the device) is then performed via the provided markers, which are preferably located within or part of the annular touch surface.

[0028] For example, the marker comprises at least two touch surfaces. By providing at least two touch surfaces, the number of devices that can be distinguished from one another can be increased. The at least two touch surfaces can be arranged at an angle to one another. An exemplary marker comprises a first touch surface and a second touch surface. A first imaginary straight line passes through the center of the annular touch surface and the center of gravity of the first touch surface. A second imaginary straight line passes through the center of the annular touch surface and the center of gravity of the second touch surface. In particular, the first and second straight lines can form an angle smaller than 180° and / or larger than 0°. The central angle between the first and second touch surfaces on the annular touch surface is larger than 10° and / or smaller than 180°. In particular, angles larger than 20° are conceivable, since small angles make it difficult to resolve the touch surface. The circumferential distance between the first and second touch surfaces on the annular touch surface is preferably larger than 5 mm. The circumferential distance between the first and second touch surfaces on the annular touch surface is larger than the distance between adjacent sensors of the sensor matrix. Typically, the distance between adjacent sensors in the sensor matrix is ​​greater than 5 mm, for example 7 mm.

[0029] A marker may include touch surfaces of at least two different sizes and / or two different shapes. In this context, a shape shall be understood to be constant if the ratio of the width and length of the touch surface remains the same when the touch area increases or decreases. Thus, the touch surfaces of a marker may have different sizes for the same shape and / or different shapes for the same size.

[0030] At least one touch surface may be adjacent to the annular touch surface. The periphery of the touch surface of the marker may be bounded by an arc of the annular touch surface.

[0031] Typically, the ratio of conductive to non-conductive areas in the annular touch surface is less than 0.8, in particular less than 0.6, preferably less than 0.3. This can simplify the identification of markers by the touch-sensitive screen. In fact, if the ratio for two different devices is greater than 0.8, for example, the markers of these devices are no longer separated and cannot be distinguished from each other.

[0032] The outer diameter of the annular touch surface preferably corresponds to the sensor wire spacing (electrode lead spacing) in the touch-sensitive screen. The outer diameter should be slightly larger than the sensor wire spacing. On the other hand, the sensor wire spacing of most touch-sensitive screens is such that a fingertip with a width of about 10 mm can be reliably detected. Most capacitive touch-sensitive screens have sensor wires spaced apart by about 5 mm to 8 mm, for example 7 mm. The outer diameter of the annular touch surface can therefore be, for example, at least 10 mm. The maximum value of the outer diameter is in principle not limited, but should be smaller than the horizontal or vertical dimension of the touch-sensitive screen. The width of the annular touch surface is smaller than the maximum extent of at least one touch surface of the marker. Furthermore, the area enclosed by the annular touch surface can have a diameter of at least 7 mm, preferably at least 10 mm or at least 20 mm. This surface is circular, except for the marker in the form of a touch surface.

[0033] As mentioned above, the markers can be configured to break the rotational symmetry of the annular touch surface or the conductive structure. Except for the annular touch surface, in some embodiments, the conductive structure does not have an axis of rotational symmetry and / or at most Cs symmetry (mirror symmetry) due to the markers, i.e. the two-dimensional touch pattern of the conductive structure does not have rotational symmetry. The mirror symmetric structure allows very easy detection of the mirror axis and therefore the position of the structure in the direction perpendicular to the mirror axis. Therefore, machine learning can be simplified and accelerated when mirror symmetry is found.

[0034] The marker may also be formed by the annular width of the annular touch surface, i.e. the difference between the outer diameter and the inner diameter. In this case, the annular touch surface may be identified and differentiated from other annular touch surfaces by its annular width. The annular width should be a minimum of 2 mm and / or a maximum of 50%, preferably a maximum of 20%, of the outer diameter of the ring-shaped touch surface. In some embodiments, the annular width is equal to or smaller than half the outer diameter minus 5 mm. Additionally or alternatively, the marker may be defined by the diameter of the annular touch surface. In this case, the annular touch surface may be identified and differentiated from other annular touch surfaces by its diameter. Here, the diameter should be a minimum of 10 mm. In practice, the size of the sensor matrix is ​​generally an upper limit of the above-mentioned diameters.

[0035] The marker may alternatively or additionally comprise an opening in the annular touch surface as described above. In this case, the touch surface may be C-shaped or horseshoe-shaped. The opening may have, for example, an opening angle of at least 5° and / or at least 10° and / or at least 20° and / or at least 30°. The opening may have an opening angle of at most 150° and / or at most 120° and / or at most 90° and / or at most 60° and / or at most 45° and / or at most 40° and / or at most 35°. How large or how small the opening angle is selected depends on the sensitivity of the touch-sensitive screen. The maximum value of the opening angle shall ensure that the annular touch surface can still be recognized as such. The minimum value of the opening angle depends on the sensitivity of the sensor matrix, for example the sensor wire spacing of the sensor matrix.

[0036] To increase the number of identifiable devices, at least two of the above markers can be combined, where one marker is provided to determine the orientation of the conductive structures on the screen, while another marker is provided to distinguish the device from other devices.

[0037] Additionally, a plurality of conductive structures may be provided, each having an annular touch surface and at least one marker. Thus, in this case, the device comprises at least two annular touch surfaces and at least two markers. The number of markers is preferably greater than or equal to the number of conductive structures or the number of annular touch surfaces. In particular, each conductive structure may be associated with at least one marker. Furthermore, each pair of conductive structures may have another marker associated therewith.

[0038] If the device has at least two conductive structures, at least one other marker may be provided that characterizes the distance and / or orientation (rotation angle) of the conductive structures relative to each other. In one embodiment, the conductive structures are identical in shape and / or size. This may significantly reduce the amount of data acquired for machine learning, since only a few shapes of the conductive structures need to be learned and a large number of objects can be distinguished by different marker combinations. For example, two identical C-shaped touch surfaces that do not differ in shape and size may be provided. The rotation angle of the Cs relative to each other may be used as a marker to distinguish the device from other devices.

[0039] The conductive structure may be a substantially flat two-dimensional structure. In other words, the thickness of the conductive structure is at least 10 times smaller than the length and / or width of the structure. The thickness depends in particular on the material used. When paints, inks or varnishes are used as conductive materials, typical thicknesses of the conductive structure are a minimum of about 0.01 mm and / or a minimum of 0.1 mm. When ITO material is used, thicknesses of a minimum of 5 nm and / or a maximum of 500 nm may be considered.

[0040] The conductive structure may include or be a conductive paint or varnish. The conductive structure may for example be screen printed onto the substrate material.

[0041] In one embodiment, the device and / or structure and / or substrate material has an optical transparency of at least 75% in the visible wavelength range of 400 nm to 700 nm, typically the transparency is at least 80%, more preferably at least 85%.

[0042] In further embodiments, the conductive structure may specifically include or be indium tin oxide (ITO). ITO generally has an optical transparency ranging from 80% to about 90%. ITO is available as a thin plastic film that is electrically conductive on one side and electrically insulating on the other side. ITO may be processed, for example, with a laser cutter.

[0043] In other embodiments, the conductive structure may include or be, for example, a thin metal foil or sheet. Suitable conductive materials may be, for example, copper, aluminum, or stainless steel.

[0044] The conductive structures may be printed, glued, or otherwise disposed on the substrate material. The conductive structures may be bonded to the substrate material deterministically and / or non-deterministically, for example, by the material.

[0045] The substrate material may include or be a plastic. Substrate materials include, for example, polymeric materials such as PET, polyacrylate, or polycarbonate. The choice of substrate material may depend on the material of the conductive structure. For example, if a conductive paint cured at 60° C. to 100° C. is used, the substrate material must withstand this temperature. Polycarbonate, for example, remains chemically stable at a temperature of 60° C. Other materials such as cloth, paper, or cardboard are also conceivable substrate materials.

[0046] The device may have a protective layer covering the conductive material and the substrate material. The thickness of the protective layer should be selected such that detection of the conductive layer through the protective layer is still possible. The substrate material may also be designed as a protective layer.

[0047] The assembly may include fastening means configured to fasten the device to another member other than the device. The fastening means may for example be arranged on the device on the side opposite the conductive structures. The fastening means may also be provided on the side of the conductive structures, for example if the substrate material is designed as a protective layer. The substrate material may therefore be arranged either on the bottom side or on the top side of the device. The bottom side is typically used to make contact with the sensor matrix / touch-sensitive screen. The bottom side of the device is typically substantially flat, i.e. a substantially two-dimensional structure without significant protrusions or recesses. In one embodiment, the device comprises an adhesive layer as fastening means.

[0048] The device described above can be fabricated, for example, by the following process.

[0049] The method of making the device includes: Providing an electrically insulating substrate material; applying a conductive material to or onto a substrate material; forming a conductive structure; forming a device; Includes:

[0050] In an advantageous embodiment, the conductive material is a conductive paint or varnish. In this case, the conductive material can be applied to the substrate material, for example, by screen printing, and materials that can be used in a screen printing process are considered for the substrate material. When using a conductive coating such as a paint or varnish, it can be applied to the substrate material by a roller, a brush and / or a spray.

[0051] Alternatively, the conductive material may be applied to the substrate material, for example as a layer partially or completely covering it, or as a prefabricated layer. The conductive structures may be formed by removing parts of the conductive layer, in particular by peeling or laser ablation. The conductive layer may be formed from ITO (see above).

[0052] Alternatively, a conductive layer or structure or a conductive material is bonded to the substrate material.

[0053] The conductive structures may be bonded to the substrate material, for example, by the material, deterministically and / or non-deterministically.

[0054] In addition, the invention proposes a group of devices, each of which has a conductive structure of different design. For example, each of the electrical structures has a differently configured marker and an identical annular touch surface. In an embodiment, the contour or perimeter of each of the conductive structures of the group is the same, and may in particular be formed by the contour or perimeter of the annular touch surface. The annular touch surface may then be provided with different markers. Each of the devices of the group may be characterized by a different circumferential distance or central angle of the first and second touch surfaces relative to one another. Each of the devices of the group may be configured with a touch surface of a unique size or shape on the annular touch surface. In particular, each of the devices of the group may be configured to generate a characteristic touch pattern on the sensor matrix or screen that is different from the touch patterns of the other devices of the group. The touch pattern may also be referred to as a capacitive pattern. Each of the devices of the group may alternatively also have at least two conductive structures that are identical in shape and size but that may be distinguished by a rotation angle and / or distance relative to one another. In this respect, therefore, additional markers may be provided that include a rotation angle and / or distance.

[0055] It should be emphasized that, for example, features recited only for a device may also be claimed for a group of devices and vice versa. Furthermore, a group of devices may be manufactured using the manufacturing processes described above.

[0056] An input element for a touch-sensitive sensor matrix and / or a touch-sensitive screen is also proposed. The input element comprises a housing and a device as described above, which is arranged on the bottom side of the housing. The device can be attached to the housing such that when the input element is placed, the conductive structure touches (contacts) the sensor matrix or the sensor-sensitive screen or causes at least a capacitive change in the sensor matrix or the touch-sensitive screen. The input element can be designed as a passive input element without electronics and without a power source. Alternatively, the input element can be designed as an active input element with electronics and / or a power source. Examples of active input elements are shown in the publication WO 2018 / 134418.

[0057] Also proposed is a system comprising the device described above, the system also featuring a control processing unit for the sensor matrix or the touch-sensitive screen, the control processing unit including for example a communication unit, a processor and / or a memory.

[0058] As described above, the conductive structures of the device are configured to undergo a capacitance change when the device is placed on the touch-sensitive sensor matrix or touch-sensitive screen that is detectable as sensor data by a capacitive sensor of the sensor matrix or touch-sensitive screen, and the control and processing unit is designed to receive the sensor data and recognize the device based on the conductive structures.

[0059] The control processing unit may be configured to receive sensor data detected by capacitive sensors of the sensor matrix or the touch-sensitive screen. The capacitive sensors are capable of detecting capacitance changes caused by conductive structures of a device in contact with the screen or by an apparatus placed on the screen. This detection typically involves determining, with spatial resolution, the magnitude of the capacitance changes thus caused.

[0060] Optionally, the control processing unit then creates a capacitance pattern for the conductive structure of the device, the capacitance pattern including a spatially resolved representation of at least two different magnitudes of capacitance change, or at least three pairs of different magnitudes of capacitance values ​​or quantities derived therefrom, whereupon the capacitance pattern may be stored in memory.

[0061] The capacitive sensor allows the detection of the magnitude of capacitance changes induced by the conductive structure at different locations with different magnitudes. The magnitude of the capacitance changes at different locations can therefore be mapped in a capacitance pattern similar to a greyscale image, rather than only at the one location where the capacitance change occurs. Thus, as described above, the capacitance pattern includes at least two capacitance changes of different sizes at different locations, as well as their relative positions, e.g. their spacing. Thus, the at least two different capacitance changes generally contain at least information from two different black and white images with different capacitance change thresholds. In a possible embodiment, the capacitance pattern is stored as a greyscale image with at least two grey levels, or as at least two black and white images with different thresholds.

[0062] For example, adaptive thresholding methods can be used to set the threshold, whereby the threshold for a pixel is calculated from signals from the pixel's surroundings. In particular, such methods allow the detection of multiple devices, in cases where the conductive structures emit signals of different strengths due to their design or due to their orientation relative to the grid of the touch-sensitive screen (this possibility is explained in more detail below). Using adaptive thresholding, it is also possible to detect different areas of a single device, whose conductive structures emit signals of different strengths at different thresholds.

[0063] The touch-sensitive screen may be configured to detect capacitance changes of 10 pF or less. For example, in a possible embodiment, capacitance changes of 3 pF, preferably 1 pF, particularly preferably 0.1 pF, are detectable. For example, the glass thickness of the touch-sensitive screen may be 4 mm or less.

[0064] The capacitance pattern thus captures a different characteristic image for each conductive structure, which on the one hand is a recognition feature similar to a fingerprint and on the other hand allows tracking of the device on the screen and detection of its orientation on the screen. The analysis and processing of the capacitance patterns thus stored and tracked can be carried out by the control processing unit using methods of image processing. To determine the described capacitance patterns, the positions of the induced capacitance changes are recorded at least relative to each other.

[0065] For example, it may happen that an annular touch surface induces a stronger signal than a marker. The control processing unit may then be configured to determine in a first step that the annular touch surface has come into contact (touched) with the touch-sensitive screen. By comparison with known capacitance patterns, the annular touch surface may be identified by its annular contour and / or its characteristic capacitance pattern. This allows to determine relatively quickly whether the device is supported on the screen and / or in any contact with the screen. This may also be used to determine the position of the device on the screen as a first approximation. The markers may be detected and recognized by other measurements with different thresholds. Then, by comparison with known patterns, the identity of the device or the markers may be determined. With the aid of the markers it is also possible to determine the orientation (rotation angle) of the device on the screen.

[0066] Typically, the capacitance change induced by a single device is detected at at least 5 locations or at least 5 intersections of the sensor matrix, although this number may be at least 10 and / or at least 20 locations or intersections.

[0067] For example, 35mm 2 Resolution of at least 1 pixel per square, preferably 15 mm 2 A resolution of at least one pixel per 2A resolution of at least 1 pixel per pixel. For example, a touch-sensitive screen may have a screen diagonal between 10 and 100 inches. In one embodiment, the touch-sensitive screen has dimensions of 1220 mm x 680 mm and a screen diagonal of 55 inches, with 172 x 105 pixels from which sensor data can be collected and the conductive structure of the device can be detected. The sensor area divided by the number of intersections can be a unit of measurement for sensitivity.

[0068] As mentioned at the beginning, capacitive sensors are able to detect certain structures or objects even when they are not touched (passive). It has been found that in the proposed control processing unit for touch-sensitive screens, the conductive structures of the devices described above can be detected and their capacitance patterns recorded even when the devices are not touched. This is achieved in particular by the design of the capacitance patterns and by the use of the capacitive sensors described herein.

[0069] The proposed control processing unit may also be adapted to determine the position of the device placed on the touch-sensitive screen when the device is placed on the screen. In addition to determining the relative position of the capacitance change caused by the device, which is necessary for the capacitance pattern, this also includes determining the absolute position of the input unit on the touch-sensitive screen. For this purpose, at least one point of the capacitance pattern is assigned to the place on the touch-sensitive screen where a corresponding capacitance change occurs. For this purpose, a greyscale image or one or more black and white images may be captured accordingly, covering not only the area where the capacitance change occurs but also an area surrounding the entire screen. In general, the position of the contour or outer edge of the annular touch surface on the screen is detected in order to determine the position. For example, the position of the contour may be extracted from one of several captured black and white images. For example, the detection of the contour may be performed from the black and white image with a minimum threshold value.

[0070] From a high threshold black and white image where the conductive structures are detected in relation to the whole screen, the orientation of the device as well as the position can be detected with the aid of the markers. Depending on the threshold, different contrast and detail levels are achieved, so that by using additional thresholds it is possible to better resolve the conductive structures.

[0071] The proposed control processing unit allows for the detection of different structures of different devices. Since the capacitance changes induced by different structures of different devices are different from each other, it is generally conceivable that the control processing unit has configurations corresponding to different degrees of capacitance changes. It may also be conceivable that the control processing unit is adapted to use a predefined threshold value for the capacitance change in the first detection step.

[0072] The control processing unit may be configured to compare the capacitance pattern of the detected device with known capacitance patterns. For example, in a first step the control processing unit may record a coarse capacitance pattern with a small threshold value. This may lead to increased speed. The recorded capacitance pattern is compared with known capacitance patterns, e.g. recorded using machine learning methods. This then allows for example to determine the annular touch surface and / or to determine the type of device. This means that when laid out, the devices need to be measured not completely, but to the point where an allocation to a known type or device is possible.

[0073] Data that may be present in the memory for known devices may include, for example, typical capacitance changes that occur during placement, as well as other data that may be useful in the use of the control processing unit. For example, it may be stored what types of capacitance changes are characteristic of a particular device during placement, removal, rotation, or lifting. For example, the control processing unit may have information about what signals a particular device induces when removed, moved, or rotated, and / or how the signals induced by the device change depending on the orientation.

[0074] It may be envisaged that the control processing unit determines the orientation of the device from the capacitance pattern, in particular based on the markers of the conductive structures. As mentioned above, the position of the device is detected by extracting from the sensor data the absolute position of the capacitance change caused by the device with respect to the overall dimensions of the touch-sensitive screen. For example, determining the position may require the use of a single low threshold for black and white images or a minimum threshold for greyscale images, whereas determining the orientation may require the use of multiple images or greyscale values, or the selection of one of multiple images.

[0075] For this purpose, it is advantageous if a pattern is recognizable by capacitance changes in which the symmetry or rotational symmetry is compromised or low in the black and white image used to determine the orientation or in the grey scale used to determine the orientation. Since some of the markers of the above described devices compromise the rotational symmetry of the annular touch surface, markers are preferably used to determine the orientation of the device. The markers are designed such that the device can be distinguished from other devices even when the device is rotated. In other words, by providing different markers, the devices can be distinguished from each other. Furthermore, the markers in particular allow discrimination of different rotational positions of a single device. The orientation of the device relative to the sensor matrix can thus be determined using the markers.

[0076] By using known data generated by machine learning, it is possible to know a priori for a given device what threshold is appropriate for determining the pattern with the lowest possible symmetry. The symmetry does not need to be rechecked for a re-prepared device, only the above-described identification needs to be made. Typically, the device is touched at least during placement and movement, so that at least then the detection of the conductive structure can be simplified. This aspect can also be exploited here. However, it should be emphasized that the device is preferably designed to eliminate the need for the user to touch the device.

[0077] The control processing unit proposed herein may be arranged to track the rotation and / or translation of the device on the screen when the device is placed on the screen, which may be done similarly to the position determination described above by evaluating the sensor data.

[0078] As mentioned above, multiple devices such as the group of devices described above can be detected simultaneously by the control and processing unit, and further possible devices may generally have differently designed conductive structures such as the above described devices, which may be referred to as first devices, and interact with the control and processing unit in the same manner.

[0079] In this way, it can be determined whether the other object placed on the screen is at least one other device, and therefore it can be ascertained whether at least one other device has been placed on the screen.

[0080] A capacitance pattern is then created, stored and / or compared to a known capacitance pattern for the conductive structures of another device.

[0081] The devices are then assigned generally via differently designed conductive structures, and in particular via differently designed markers.

[0082] The control processing unit may be arranged to control the touch-sensitive screen based on the sensor data or to receive input signals from the touch-sensitive screen, particularly when the device is placed on the screen.

[0083] Another system proposed in this specification includes a touch-sensitive screen, in particular a touch-sensitive screen as previously described, a control processing unit, in particular a control processing unit as previously described, and an apparatus, in particular an apparatus as previously described.

[0084] In such a system, the touch-sensitive screen includes a capacitive sensor for collecting sensor data. The touch-sensitive screen is designed as a table, the screen may for example form the table top. The apparatus comprises conductive structures which, when a device is placed on the touch-sensitive screen, produce a local capacitance change detectable by the capacitive sensor of the touch-sensitive screen.

[0085] The control processing unit is configured to use the capacitance changes to check whether touch or placement of the device is detected. The control processing unit creates and stores a capacitance pattern for the conductive structure of the input unit, the capacitance pattern including a spatially resolved representation of at least two different magnitudes of capacitance changes or at least three paired different magnitude capacitance values ​​or quantities derived therefrom.

[0086] It should be noted that the system may also include multiple sensor matrices or touch-sensitive screens, for example two touch-sensitive screens or ten touch-sensitive screens. Each of the one or more touch-sensitive screens may be connected to the control processing unit by a cable or even by a wireless connection such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or a cellular network, for example if they are located far from the control processing unit or a cable is undesirable. The control processing unit is then typically configured to interact with the additional screens as well as the first touch-sensitive screen. In such a situation, interaction between the multiple screens is also provided, i.e. an action affecting a first screen of the multiple touch-sensitive screens can additionally trigger another action related to the other screens of the multiple touch-sensitive screens.

[0087] A method of using the touch-sensitive sensor matrix defined in this application or the system described above includes at least the following steps. Detecting a change in capacitance with a capacitive sensor of the touch-sensitive sensor matrix, the change in capacitance being caused by a conductive structure of the device in contact with the sensor matrix. Creating a capacitive pattern for the conductive structures of the device. Comparing the recorded capacitance pattern with a known capacitance pattern. Recognizing a device on the touch-sensitive sensor matrix.

[0088] In particular, the sensor matrix may be part of the touch-sensitive screen described previously.

[0089] In other words, the sensor data may be generated using a capacitive sensor of the sensor matrix or touch-sensitive screen. The capacitance change detected by the capacitive sensor may be stored as the sensor data. For example, by placing a device on the sensor matrix or touch-sensitive screen, contact (touch) of the sensor matrix or screen by the device may be achieved.

[0090] In particular, the capacitance pattern contains a spatially resolved representation of at least two capacitance changes of different magnitudes, or at least three capacitance changes of different magnitudes paired together, or quantities derived therefrom. The capacitance pattern may also be stored.

[0091] Further steps of the method include, for example: Detecting the position of the device on a sensor matrix or a touch-sensitive screen based on an annular touch surface of the device; and / or Detecting an orientation of the device on a sensor matrix or a touch-sensitive screen based on a marker of the device; Includes.

[0092] The initially stated object is also solved by such a method, which makes it possible to ascertain the identity of a device placed or resting on a touch-sensitive sensor matrix or touch-sensitive screen, to determine its location and / or orientation on the sensor matrix or screen, and to provide the sensor matrix or touch-sensitive screen with different devices, in particular by input via a movement of the device over the sensor matrix or touch-sensitive screen.

[0093] For example, it should be emphasized that features described above in relation only to an apparatus, a control processing unit and / or a system may also be claimed in the same manner and vice versa.

[0094] To enable detection of devices and / or input elements by means of a sensor matrix or a touch-sensitive screen, reference is additionally made to European patent applications nos. 18168536.3 and 18701453.5. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0095] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 13 is a bottom view of another device. [Diagram 3] 3 is a cross-section of the device of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-section of an input element comprising the device of FIGS. 2 and 3; [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a system including an input element, a touch-sensitive screen, and a control processing unit. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates various embodiments of a conductive structure. [Figure 7] 1 is another embodiment of a conductive structure. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a bottom view of the two devices. [Figure 9] 9 is a capacitance pattern of the device of FIG. 8 captured by a touch-sensitive screen. [Figure 10] ~ [Figure 16] 1 is a diagram showing the capacitance pattern of a device recorded by a touch-sensitive screen at different device orientations on the screen. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0096] In the figures, repeated or similar features are given the same reference numbers. 1 shows a bottom view of a device 10 designed for detection by a touch-sensitive sensor. Device 10 includes a conductive structure 12 and an electrically insulating substrate material 14 to which structure 12 is attached or in which structure 12 is embedded. Electrically insulating substrate material 14 supports structure 12 and acts as a mechanical support for structure 12. In addition, substrate material 14 provides electrical insulation for conductive structure 12. In particular, device 10 can be detected by a capacitive sensor when device 10 comes into contact (touches) with the capacitive sensor, where the capacitive sensor is preferably part of a touch-sensitive screen 40 (see below).

[0097] The electrically insulating substrate material 14 is configured, for example, as a plastic film, which is preferably essentially made of a soft elastic material. In particular, the electrically insulating substrate material 14 may comprise or be a polymeric material. The polymeric material may include an optically transparent material, such as polyacrylate, acrylic (polymethyl methacrylate, PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polystyrene (PS), polyphenylene ether (PPO), polyethylene (PE), or polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or a combination thereof. To that end, the substrate material 14 may have an optical transparency of at least 75% in the visible wavelength range of 400 nm to 700 nm. The substrate material 14 may include or be formed of paper, cardboard, or cloth.

[0098] In the illustrated embodiment, the apparatus 10 is formed as a cover for an electronic input device, which is, for example, a mobile phone such as a smartphone. The cover 10 may be attached deterministically or non-deterministically to the electronic input device. In the assembled state, the cover 10 forms the bottom side of the input device. The cover 10 includes a cutout 18 that prevents the smartphone's camera from being blocked by the cover 10. In cases where the substrate material 14 and / or the structure 12 include a transparent material, the cutout 18 may be omitted.

[0099] The conductive structure 12 comprises an annular touch surface 13 (contact surface) and markers 15, 16, 17, where the markers 15, 16, 17 are designed to break the rotational symmetry of the annular touch surface 13.

[0100] In the embodiment of Fig. 1, the markers are provided in the form of two touch surfaces 15, 16 (touch surfaces 15, 16). The two touch surfaces 15, 16 are arranged within and conductively connected to the annular touch surface 13. The conductive structure 12 thus forms an arrangement of at least partially interconnected conductive components 13, 15, 16. The structure 12 is detectable by a touch-sensitive capacitive sensor of a touch screen 40, as will be further described in relation to Fig. 5.

[0101] The touch surfaces 13, 15, 16 of the device 10 form a touch pattern on the bottom side of the device 10, and the touch pattern in the embodiment of the input element 10 has no symmetry or at most Cs symmetry, i.e. the two-dimensional touch pattern has no rotational symmetry. The ratio of conductive to non-conductive areas in the annular touch surface 13 is less than 0.8, in particular less than 0.6, preferably less than 0.3. The outer diameter of the annular touch surface 13 is preferably greater than the spacing between adjacent conductor paths in the touch-sensitive screen 40. The outer diameter of the annular touch surface 13 is preferably at least 10 mm. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer diameter is about 42 mm.

[0102] 1, the touch surfaces 15, 16 have both the same shape and the same size. In other embodiments described below, touch surfaces of two different sizes and / or two different shapes may also be provided.

[0103] Fig. 2 shows a bottom view of another device 11 having the same conductive structure 12 as that of device 10 of Fig. 1. In contrast to Fig. 1, the insulating substrate material 14 is now circular. Device 11 can be used as an independent input element. Alternatively, device 11 may be connected to an input element 20. Device 11 for connection to an input element 20 is shown in Figs. 3 and 4.

[0104] 3 and 4 respectively show a cross-section of the device 11 and a cross-section of the device 11 connected to an input element 20. To this end, the device 11 has optional fastening means 19 for fastening the device 11 to a housing 21 of the input element 20. For example, the device 11 is fixedly or detachably connected to the input element 20 by means of the fastening means 19. Depending on the application, the fastening means can be hooks, eyelets, glue, Velcro, suction cups, etc. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the fastening means 19 is designed as an optional light-transmitting adhesive layer 19. The fastening means is for example arranged on the side of the device 11 opposite the conductive structure 12, but it may also be arranged on the same side as the conductive structure 12. The device 11 is attached to the bottom side of the housing 21. The input element 20 is configured as an input element 20 for a touch-sensitive screen. The input element 20 comprises a housing 21 substantially made of non-conductive plastic or rubber, such as PU. A suitable material would be, for example, obomudolan®.

[0105] Figures 6, 7 and 8 show examples of various conductive structures 1A-1J, 2A-2J, 3A-3J, 4A-4C, 5A-5C that can be used, for example, in the devices 10 and 11 of Figures 1-4. In the following, for simplicity, reference will be made to structure 12, where it is clear that the other structures 1A-1J, 2A-2J, 3A-3J, 4A-4C, 5A-5C are also meant. In addition, for clarity, not all structures shown in the figures are given reference numbers.

[0106] The conductive structure 11 is configured to be detected by the touch-sensitive screen 40. In particular, the conductive structure 12 is configured to undergo a capacitance change when the structure 12 is placed on the touch-sensitive screen 40 that is detected by a capacitive sensor of the touch-sensitive screen 40.

[0107] Figure 5 shows two perspective views of a system 100, which comprises the input element 20 as described in figure 4, and further comprises a touch-sensitive screen 40 and a control processing unit 30. Instead of the input element 20, only the devices 10, 11 may be provided. In addition to the input element 20, the devices 10, 11 may be provided. In the following, reference will be made to the input element 20.

[0108] The input element 20 is placed or rests on a touch-sensitive screen 40 as indicated by arrow 25 .

[0109] The touch-sensitive screen 40 is connected to the control processing unit 30 by a cable 31, which is preferably a USB cable. Alternatively, a wireless connection may be provided between the display screen 40 and the control processing unit 30. The touch-sensitive screen 40 is also referred to as a touch screen and is a capacitive touch-sensitive screen in the embodiment shown. The touch-sensitive screen 40 may for example also function as a table top, in which case one or more table legs may be attached to the touch-sensitive screen 40.

[0110] Furthermore, the touch-sensitive screen 40 is designed to detect multiple touches simultaneously (multi-touch display). Herein, touches can also be made by a human finger with the touch surfaces 13, 15, 16 of the input elements 20 shown above. Furthermore, the touch surfaces 13, 15, 16 of multiple input elements 20 can be detected by the touch-sensitive screen 40 simultaneously.

[0111] The touch-sensitive screen 40 includes a sensor matrix having a number of rows and columns, each of which includes vertical and horizontal wires (conductor paths) with a capacitive sensor located at the intersection of each wire.

[0112] The conductive material of structure 12 typically extends beyond many of the wires of the sensor matrix and is capacitively coupled to other wires, particularly the horizontal wires, which are grounded. Structure 12 can cause signal changes similar to a user's finger. However, with a low signal-to-noise ratio, typically 1:3 to 1:20, the sensor glass must be crossed twice.

[0113] For example, the touch-sensitive screen 40 may have a screen diagonal between 5 and 100 inches. In the embodiment of Figure 5, the touch-sensitive screen 40 has a screen diagonal of 55 inches, with dimensions of 1220 mm x 680 mm, and has 172 x 105 pixels.

[0114] The control processing unit 30 is further configured to receive and evaluate signals (touch signals) induced by the touch surfaces 13 , 15 , 16 of the input element 20 on the touch-sensitive screen 40 .

[0115] The placement of the input element 20 on the touch-sensitive screen 40 is detected by the capacitive sensor of the touch-sensitive screen 40 due to the conductive structure 12 of the device 10, 11. The corresponding sensor data generated by the capacitive sensor of the touch-sensitive sensor are sent as analog signals to a touch controller, which is structurally integrated into the panel of the touch-sensitive screen 40 designed as a table, which are digitized and interpolated at time intervals of 0.1 milliseconds and sent via USB 2.0 or 3.0 together with a time stamp to the control processing unit 30, where the sensor data are received, stored and further processed. In this regard, the touch controller is also part of the control processing unit 30, which or parts thereof can be integrated into the panel of the touch-sensitive screen 40 or even into the housing of the touch-sensitive screen 40.

[0116] After the input element 20 or device 10, 11 is placed on the touch-sensitive screen 40, the control processing unit 30 creates and stores a capacitance pattern for the conductive structure 12 of the input element from the sensor data, the capacitance pattern including a spatially resolved representation of at least two different sizes of capacitance changes or at least three pairs of different sizes of capacitance value or values ​​derived therefrom.

[0117] In this process, the control processing unit 30 determines the position and orientation of the input element 20 on the touch-sensitive screen 40 from the sensor data.

[0118] The control processing unit 30 is configured to control the touch-sensitive screen 40 based on the sensor data, i.e. when the input element 20 is moved, for example along the arrow 25 shown in the figure, this can be registered by the control processing unit and actions can be performed accordingly. For example, the display of the touch-sensitive screen 40 can change depending on the sensor data. The control processing unit 30 can, for example, color code areas of the touch-sensitive screen 40 that represent the environment in which the input element 20 is placed, to display writings thereon.

[0119] Other actions may also be initiated based on the sensor data: for example, when a user changes the orientation or position of the input element 40 on the screen 40, this may be registered and subsequent actions may be performed.

[0120] In summary, what is considered as input for the control processing unit includes input on the touch-sensitive screen itself, for example by a finger, as well as input by movement of the input element 20 or of several input elements. On the other hand, there are actions that the control processing unit 30 is considered to be able to perform. This includes, for example, modifying the display of the touch-sensitive screen 40. When multiple input elements 20 are installed, multiple actions are also possible.

[0121] FIG. 9 shows two capacitance patterns in which the sensor signals from the capacitive sensors of a touch-sensitive screen 40 are displayed in a spatially resolved manner, showing the sensor signals induced by the devices 1A and 1J on the sensor matrix of the touch-sensitive screen 40. The touch-sensitive sensor screen 40 comprises a capacitive grid of electrical sensing conductor paths arranged orthogonally to one another. In this case, the horizontal sensing conductor paths lie on a first plane and the vertical sensing conductor paths lie on a second plane spaced apart from this, so that a capacitance can be measured at the intersections between horizontal and vertical lines (representing the projection of the sensing conductor path planes on one another). When a finger, or a conductive structure 12 of a resting device 10, 11, is brought close to the grid, the capacitance changes at the intersections located in the area where the contact or approach occurs. The intersections therefore represent pixels where a capacitance change with spatial resolution can be detected. When the device 10, 11 is rested, a change in capacitance at some intersections is registered, which is indicated in the image by hatching a rectangular area around the intersection in question if it exceeds a certain threshold. Hence, the location where the device 10, 11 is placed on the screen 40 can be detected.

[0122] In FIG. 9, the capacitance patterns of the devices 1A and 1J of FIG. 8 recorded through the touch-sensitive screen 40 are shown. For clarity, two rectangular sections of the touch-sensitive screen 40 are shown. The length and width of the rectangular sections correspond to the diameter of the annular touch surface 13 of the devices 1A and 1J plus one row and one column. The structure of the annular touch surface 13 is already clearly shown in these images. In FIG. 9, the hatching of the outermost edge 22 corresponds to the values ​​measured without interference with the screen 40 between the wires of the sensor matrix. The outer boundary has the width and length of one pixel each. The light hatching is due to the conductive material or structure 12 at the points where there is little retransmission. As mentioned above, the signal induced by the retransmission is negative and is shown in FIG. 9 with a darker hatching than the hatching of the edge 22. The darker hatching is therefore provided at the points without conductive material and with retransmission. Furthermore, in FIG. 9, the positions of the touch surfaces 15, 16 are indicated by reference numbers. In particular, it can be seen that on the sensor of the touch-sensitive screen 40, the touch surfaces 15, 16 of the devices 1A, 1J induce a negative signal, i.e. a less dense hatching than the hatching at the edge 22. It is also immediately evident that the touch surfaces 15, 16 of the arrangement 1A are arranged at a central angle α of approximately 90° to each other. As a result, the characteristic negative signal induced by the retransmission is maximum between these touch surfaces 15, 16 (top right) and at the center of the annular touch surface 13. The touch surfaces 15, 16 of the device 1J are arranged approximately opposite each other, forming a central angle α of approximately 170°. As a result, the negative signal induced by the retransmission is maximum around the center of the annular touch surface 13. The devices 1A and 1J therefore exploit the effect of retransmission for the allocation of the devices 1A, 1J.

[0123] Figures 10-16 show the capacitance patterns 200, 215, 230, 245, 260, 275, 290 of a single device 23 captured by the touch-sensitive screen 40 at different orientations of the device 23 on the screen 40. Here, the device 23 has a distance of 4 pixels to the edge of the cutout. Therefore, no signal is measured at the edge, i.e. the capacitance change is 0F. The device 23 is resolved at about 64 intersections of the screen (a rectangle with a length of 8 pixels and a width of 8 pixels). Here, the structure and orientation of the device 23, in particular the conductive structure 12 of the device 23, is shown in reduced form on the right. As in Figure 9, the hatching of the capacitance pattern is dark for negative signals (corresponding to retransmissions). The hatching of the capacitance pattern is light for positive signals. Positive signals are measured especially near the touch surfaces 13, 15, 16. Negative signals are measured especially at the center of the ring-shaped structure 13 and at the vertices of the outer rectangle of the ring-shaped structure 13. 10-16, the relative orientation of the device 23 on the screen 40 is 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 75°, 90°, respectively. The capacitive patterns 200, 215, 230, 245, 260, 275, 290 are sufficiently different from each other to indicate the orientation of the device 23 on the screen 40. Due to the markers of the arrangement 23 selected in the form of the two touch surfaces 15, 16, the rotational symmetry of the annular touch surface 13 is broken and therefore the orientation of the device 23 on the touch-sensitive screen 40 can be determined. In other words, each orientation of the device 23 produces a characteristic capacitive pattern 200, 215, 230, 245, 260, 275, 290 in the positive and negative signals of the screen 40, which is distinguishable from the other capacitive patterns.

[0124] It should be noted that detection can occur even when the input element 20 and / or device 10,11 are not touched by a user. Because all but one of the horizontal and one of the vertical detection conductor paths of the grid are grounded, for example, adjacent detection conductor paths can be derived even if an area of ​​the conductive structure 12 is on a grounded detection conductor path. Because the conductive structure 12 of a typical device 10,11 extends over an area of ​​the device 10,11 that includes multiple conductive traces on the touch-sensitive screen 40, reliable detection of the touch-sensitive screen 40 no longer requires that the input element 20 or device 10,11 be touched by a user.

[0125] In addition to the location of such capacitance changes, their magnitudes are also detectable to allow the creation of a capacitance pattern of the conductive structure 12 of the devices 10, 11 comprising a spatially resolved representation of capacitance changes of at least two different magnitudes or at least three pairs of capacitance values ​​of different magnitudes or a derived scale thereof, such a capacitance pattern is shown in FIG. 9 for the devices 1A and 1J.

[0126] This can be achieved, for example, by detecting capacitance changes using different thresholds, thus inducing signals of 10%, 20%, 30%, ... 100% of the maximum value, or corresponding negative signals by retransmission (darker hatching in Fig. 9). At least two such thresholds can be used.

[0127] For example, images may be captured with thresholds of 1 pF and 2.5 pF, which correspond to 10% or 25% of a typical capacitance change of 10 pF caused by a finger, and is used here as the maximum value.

[0128] This means that only a very small capacitance change is needed for the first signal to be induced at only 10% of the maximum value. This occurs at many points where the devices 1A, 1J make contact (touch) with the screen 40 (see FIG. 9). The image in FIG. 9 therefore shows the outline of the entire devices 1A and 1J. It can therefore be used to determine the position of the devices 1A, 1J on the screen 40, but does not provide any information about the internal details of the structure 12. For example, it is not clear where the top and bottom are and what the orientation of the devices 1A, 1J on the screen 40 is.

[0129] On the other hand, the second signal is only induced when there is a capacitance change of at least 2.5 pF. A finer image is thus obtained. The conductive structure 12 induces a signal of this threshold in that the markers 15, 16 are clearly visible. Due to the markers 15, 16, the symmetry is lost and the orientation of the device 1A, 1J can be analyzed in addition to the position. For example, by comparison with data from the memory of the control and processing unit 30, it can be determined that the top and bottom are different for this device and that the same image is not obtained after a rotation of 180°. The relative positions of the signal strengths around and inside the annular touch surface 13 relative to each other are crucial to the loss of symmetry. In addition to the loss of symmetry, the differences in the internal structure, i.e. the markers 15, 16, make it possible to distinguish different devices 1A, 1J.

[0130] The control processing unit 30 compares the capacitance pattern with known capacitance patterns as described above to, for example, identify the input element 20, the device 1A, 1J, or the configuration type. The recognition can be trained, for example, using machine learning methods. It should be noted that the identification is generally not based only on the absolute value of the capacitance change, since the absolute value depends on whether the device 1A, 1J or the input element 20 is touched, where they are located on the screen, and what their orientation is.

[0131] Once a capacitive pattern is detected, the control processing unit 30 can track its movement, e.g. rotation and / or translation, on the screen 40 based on the sensor data.

[0132] When using a large number of input elements 20 and / or a large number of devices 10, 11, it may also be advantageous to form groups of devices 10, 11. Each device 10, 11 of a group has a different configuration of conductive structures 12. For example, structures 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H, 1J are shown in FIG. 6, which are designated as group 1 there. The structures 1A-1J of group 1 differ in the arrangement of the first touch surface 15 and the second touch surface 16 relative to each other. The touch surfaces 15, 16 are of the same size and shape, but are located at different points on the annular touch surface 13. In particular, the conductive structures 15, 16 of the devices 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H, 1J are spaced apart from each other such that the circumferential distance between the first touch surface 15 and the second touch surface 16 on the annular touch surface 13 is at least as large as the distance between adjacent sensor wires of the sensor matrix.

[0133] The conductive structures 1A and 1J of FIG. 6 are again enlarged in FIG. 8 for comparison. Here, in the structure 1A, a first imaginary straight line 6 passes through the center M of the annular touch surface 13 and the center of gravity of the first touch surface 15. In addition, a second imaginary straight line 7 passes through the center M of the annular touch surface 13 and the center of gravity of the second touch surface 16. The first straight line 6 and the second straight line 7 form an angle α that is smaller than 180° and larger than 0°, and the angle α of the structure 1A is about 90°. The angle α can be understood as a central angle. For the structures 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 1G, 1H, 1J shown in FIG. 6, the angle α is 90°, 100°, 110°, 120°, 130°, 140°, 150°, 160°, 170°, respectively. Thus, in total, the group 1 includes nine different conductive structures. For example, if the diameter of the annular touch surface is 42 mm and the circumferential distance between the first touch surface 15 and the second touch surface 16 is 7 mm, the central angle α is approximately 20° or a multiple of 20° (e.g., 40°, 60°, 80°, 100°, 120°, 140°, 160°).

[0134] Further shown in FIG. 6 are structures 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 2J, designated as group 2. The structures 2A-2J of group 2 differ with respect to the size of the touch surfaces 15, 16. Here, three first touch surfaces 15 of different sizes and three touch surfaces 16 of different sizes are provided in group 2. By combining the different sizes, a total of nine different structures 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 2J are provided. Otherwise, the centers of gravity of the touch surfaces 15, 16 are at the same point within the annular touch surface 13. In other words, the angle α is the same for all structures 2A-2J.

[0135] 6 are nine different structures 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, 3G, 3H, 3J forming Group 3. The structures in Group 3 vary in size and shape. The structures in Group 3 have a single touch surface 15 within an annular touch surface 13.

[0136] Pairs of structures 3A-3J, 3B-3H, 3C-3G, 3D-3F are formed whose touch surfaces 15 are complementary in shape and together form a circle that completely occupies the annular touch surface 13. The contours of the touch surfaces 15 of structures 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3F, 3G, 3H, 3J are each bounded by two arcs, one of which is defined by the arc of the annular touch surface 13. The perimeter of the touch surface 15 of structure 3E is defined by straight lines and arcs. The touch surface 15 of structure 3E forms a semicircle to form a circle with another structure 3E, which completely occupies the annular touch surface 13.

[0137] Also shown in Figure 7 are three different structures 4A, 4B, 4C forming group 4. Group 4 differs in size and shape. The structures in group 4 have a single touch surface 15 within the annular touch surface 13. As with group 3, in group 4 structures 4A and 4C are complementary in shape and together form a circle that completely occupies the annular touch surface 13. The touch surface 15 of structure 4B forms a semicircle and may form, together with another structure 4B, a circle that completely occupies the annular touch surface 13. The contours of the touch surfaces 15 of structures 4A, 4B, 4C are defined by lines and arcs.

[0138] For all groups 1, 2, 3, 4, each electrical structure 12 of each group has the same annular touch surface 13. However, the structures within each group 1, 2, 3, 4 differ with respect to their markers 15, 16. Each conductive structure 12 has at most mirror symmetry in plan, but not rotational symmetry.

[0139] 7 is Group 5, which includes three different structures 5A, 5B, and 5C. The structures of Group 5 differ from the structures of Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 in that the markers 17 of structure 5 are annular touch surface apertures 17. For example, the apertures 17 have an opening angle β of at least 10° and / or at most 45°.

[0140] In FIG. 17, a group 8 is shown that includes six different structures 8A-8F that are C-shaped or horseshoe-shaped. The structures 8A-8F of group 8 differ from the structures of groups 1-5 in that the annular width 24 of the annular structure 13 and the diameter 26 of the annular structure 13 are used as markers. Different diameters 26 and annular widths 24 are therefore used to obtain further variations. In addition, the structures 8A-8F may have openings 17 with different opening angles in a manner similar to the structures 5A-5C. Thus, the openings of the structures 8A and 8F also have different opening angles or different size openings. The variations in the annular width 24 and diameter 26, or the ring width 24 and diameter 26, are selected to be resolvable by the touch-sensitive screen 40. In the illustrated embodiment, the diameters vary from 40 mm to 45 mm. The annular widths vary from 2 mm to 8 mm.

[0141] FIG. 18 shows group 9, which includes six different structures 9A-9F. The conductive structures 9A-9F differ from structures 8A-8F only in that protrusions similar to those of groups 1-4 are additionally provided as markers 15. Pairs 8A and 9A, 8B and 9B, 8C and 9C, 8D and 9D, 8E and 9E, 8F and 9F are formed, and the structures of each pair are distinguishable by the presence or absence of markers 15. The protrusions 15 may have a constant diameter, for example 12 mm. Each of the markers 15 of group 9 is located opposite the opening 18 with respect to the center, but other positions of the markers 15 within the C-shape are also conceivable and may be combined with each other.

[0142] Figure 19 shows a group 50 of devices 50A-50F that differ with respect to the orientation of the conductive structures. Each device 50A-50F has two conductive structures 12, each of which includes an annular touch surface 13 with an opening (see opening 17 in Figure 7), and is therefore C-shaped or horseshoe-shaped. The conductive structures 12 of each device 50A-50F have a predetermined distance 27 from each other, determined by the length of the connection distance of the centre of the annular touch surface 13.

[0143] Each touch surface 13 also has a given diameter and a given annular width (thickness). The devices 50A-50F differ from each other only in the rotation angle 28 of the conductive structures 12 and openings 17, which thus constitutes a marker. The C-shaped touch surfaces 13 thus have different orientations from each other. Preferably, the C-shaped touch surfaces 13 are configured such that they are distinguishable even at a rotation angle 28 of 22.5°. It is also possible to vary the distance 27 of the structures (not shown).

[0144] The use of identically shaped conductive structures has the advantage that detection only requires recognition of the structure and its rotation angle 28. For example, to train a machine learning algorithm, data can be collected for only one "C" (many different positions relative to the sensor matrix) and the six combinations shown can be derived from this. This reduces the data acquisition, training and recognition efforts, especially when hundreds of combinations are used due to the small rotation angle 28.

[0145] In the example shown in Figure 19, the same C structure is used twice, rotated 90 degrees from one another to create distinct combinations. The total number of distinct combinations that are possible on a touch-sensitive screen are: 90° means 4 angles, so each structure and its 180° rotated counterpart appear twice (4^2 combinations), and the 4 matches at 180° rotation (all the ones with the second "C" rotated exactly 180°) are therefore not used, giving us (4^2-4) / 2=6 distinct combinations. 45° means 8 angles, i.e. (8^2-8) / 2=28 22.5° means 16 angles, i.e. (16^2-16) / 2=120 12.5° means 32 angles, i.e. (32^2-32) / 2=496

[0146] Although the conductive structures 12 in FIG. 19 are the same (ie, the same shape and size), many distinct patterns are still possible through the variation of the rotation angle 28 .

[0147] The location of the combined structure may be the center of the connection section. The rotation angle 28 may be determined from the direction of the connection vector. The combination of more than two C-shaped touch surfaces 13 is also contemplated. In further embodiments, the diameter 26, the annular width 26, and / or the spacing 27 may be varied and combined in addition to the rotation angle 28.

[0148] For at least groups 1, 2, 5, 8, 9, 50, the area encompassed by the annular touch surface 13 has a diameter of at least 7 mm, preferably at least 10 mm, the diameter being substantially defined by the sensor wire spacing in the sensor matrix of the screen 40. In some embodiments the diameter may range, for example, from 30 mm to 50 mm. With the exception of markers in the form of touch surfaces 15, 16 within the annular touch surface 13, the surface is circular.

[0149] The method of using the touch-sensitive sensor matrix 40 defined in this application or the system 100 described above includes at least the following steps. Detecting a change in capacitance by capacitive sensors of the touch-sensitive sensor matrix 40, the change in capacitance being caused by a conductive structure 12 of the device 10 coming into contact with the sensor matrix. Creating a capacitive pattern on the conductive structure 12 of the device 10. Comparing the recorded capacitance pattern with a known capacitance pattern. Recognizing the arrangement 10 on the touch-sensitive sensor matrix 40.

[0150] Further steps of the method include, for example: Detecting the position of the device 10 on a sensor matrix or touch-sensitive screen 40 based on the annular touch surface 13 of the device; and / or Detecting the orientation of the device 10 on a sensor matrix or a touch-sensitive screen 40 based on the markers 15, 16 of the device 10; Includes.

[0151] Further steps follow from the above description.

[0152] The devices 10, 11 described above can be fabricated, for example, by the following process.

[0153] The method of making the devices 10 and 11 includes: Providing a conductive substrate material 14; applying a conductive material to or onto a substrate material 14; forming a conductive structure 12; forming a device 10, 11; Includes:

[0154] In an advantageous embodiment, the conductive material is a conductive paint or varnish. In this case, the conductive material may be applied to the substrate material 14, for example, by screen printing. Materials that may be used in a screen printing process are considered for the substrate material 14. When using a conductive coating such as a paint or varnish, it may be applied to the substrate material 14 by a roller, a brush and / or a spray.

[0155] Alternatively, the conductive material may be applied to the substrate material, for example as a partially or completely covering layer or as a prefabricated layer. By removing parts of the conductive layer, in particular by peeling or laser cutting, the conductive structures 12 may be formed. The conductive layer may be formed from ITO (see above). [Explanation of symbols]

[0156] 1 Conductive structure 1A~1J conductive structure 2 Conductive structure 2A~2J conductive structure 3 Conductive structure 3A~3J Conductive structure 4 Conductive structure 4A~4C conductive structure 5 Conductive structure 5A~5C conductive structure 6 1st straight line 7 Second straight line 8 Conductive structure 8A~8F conductive structure 9 Conductive structure 9A~9F Conductive structure 10 equipment 11 Equipment 12 Conductive structure 13 Annular touch surface 14 Substrate materials 15 Touch Surface 16 Touch Surfaces 17 Opening 18 Excision 19 Adhesive layer 20 Input Elements 21 Housing 22 Outermost edge hatching 23 Equipment 24 Circular width 25 Direction of movement 26 diameter 30 Control Processing Unit 31 Connection 40 Touch-sensitive screen 50 equipment 50A~50F device 100 Systems Capacitance pattern of device 23 at 200 0° 215 Capacitance pattern of device 23 at 15° 230 Capacity pattern of device 23 at 30° 245 Capacity pattern of device 23 at 45° 260 Capacity pattern of device 23 at 60° 275 Capacity pattern of device 23 at 75° 290 Capacity pattern of device 23 at 90° α central angle

Claims

1. A device (10, 11) for detection by a touch-sensitive sensor matrix (40), comprising: at least one conductive structure (12), the structure (12) having an annular touch surface (13) and at least one marker (15, 16, 17), the structure (12) being designed such that, when the device (10, 11) is placed on the touch-sensitive sensor matrix, the structure (12) produces a capacitance change that is detectable as sensor data by a capacitive sensor of the touch-sensitive sensor matrix (40); an electrically insulating substrate material (14) on which said structure (12) is mounted or in which said structure (12) is embedded; An apparatus comprising:

2. 2. The device (10, 11) according to claim 1, wherein the marker (15, 16, 17) comprises at least one touch surface (15, 16) conductively connected to the annular touch surface (13).

3. 3. The device (10, 11) according to claim 2, wherein said at least one touch surface (15, 16) is arranged within said annular touch surface (13).

4. 4. The device (10, 11) according to claim 2, wherein the marker (15, 16, 17) comprises at least two different sizes of touch surfaces (15, 16) and / or two different shapes of touch surfaces (15, 16).

5. 5. The device (10, 11) according to claim 2, comprising a first touch surface (15) and a second touch surface (16), wherein the circumferential distance between the first touch surface (15) and the second touch surface (16) in the annular touch surface (13) is greater than 5 mm.

6. 10. The device (10, 11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the conductive structure (12) is applied to the substrate material (14) by screen printing.

7. 10. The device (10, 11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer diameter of the annular touch surface (13) is at least 10 mm.

8. 10. The device (10, 11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the markers (15, 16, 17) are configured to disrupt the rotational symmetry of the annular touch surface (13).

9. A device (10, 11) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the marker comprises or is an opening (17) in the annular touch surface (13), the opening (17) preferably having an opening angle (β) of at least 30° and / or at most 150° and / or the annular touch surface (13) at the opening (17) is C-shaped or horseshoe-shaped.

10. A device (50A-50F) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least two conductive structures (12) forming a pair of conductive structures (12), each having an annular touch surface (13) and at least one marker (15, 16, 17), said pair of conductive structures (12) having another associated marker.

11. 11. The device according to claim 10, wherein the further marker comprises a rotation angle (28) and / or a distance (27) of two conductive structures (12) relative to each other.

12. Apparatus (50A-50F) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein said conductive structures (12) are identical in terms of shape and / or size, preferably each being C-shaped or horseshoe-shaped.

13. 10. A device according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a further marker having the annular width (24) and / or diameter (26) of the annular touch surface (13).

14. 10. A device (10, 11) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising fastening means (19) adapted to fasten said device (10, 11) to another element (20) distinct from said device (10, 11).

15. A group of devices (10, 11) according to the preceding claims, characterized in that each device (10, 11) has a different configuration of conductive structures (12), each electrical structure (12) preferably having a different configuration of markers (15, 16, 17) and the same annular touch surface (13).

16. Providing an electrically insulating substrate material (14); applying a conductive material to or onto said substrate material (14); forming the conductive structure (12); forming said device (10, 11); A method for manufacturing a device (10, 11) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising:

17. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the conductive material is a conductive paint or a conductive varnish, and the conductive material is applied to the substrate material by screen printing.

18. A system comprising a device (10, 11) according to one of claims 1 to 14 and a control processing unit (30), the conductive structure (12) of the device (10, 11) is designed to cause a capacitance change when the device (10, 11) is placed on a touch-sensitive sensor matrix (40), the capacitance change being detectable as sensor data by a capacitive sensor of the touch-sensitive sensor matrix (40); the control processing unit (30) is configured to receive the sensor data and recognize the device (10, 11) based on the conductive structure (12); system.

19. detecting a capacitance change by a capacitive sensor of a touch-sensitive sensor matrix (40), said capacitance change being caused by said conductive structures (12) of said device (10, 11) in contact with said sensor matrix (40); creating a capacitive pattern on the conductive structure (12) of the device (10, 11); comparing said capacitance pattern with known capacitance patterns; recognizing said device (10, 11) on said touch-sensitive sensor matrix (40) based on said comparison; A method for detecting a device (10, 11) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 on a touch-sensitive sensor matrix, comprising:

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