Capacitive Information Carrier Segmentation for Detection Precision

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing capacitive information carriers face limitations in detection precision due to the capacitive impact of conductive traces and coupling surfaces, which interfere with the detection of touch points, leading to deviations in relative position detection.

Innovation Solution

A capacitive, planar information carrier with an electrically non-conductive substrate and a partially applied, electrically non-conductive mask layer, where the electrically conductive layer fills gaps in the substrate, reducing the distance between conductive elements and the touch screen, enhancing capacitive contrast by increasing the capacitance of touch points relative to interfering elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conductive layer with traces and coupling surfaces is applied on the substrate to enable capacitive interaction, then the information carrier can be read by touch screens, but the conductive traces and coupling surfaces interfere with the detection of touch points, reducing detection precision

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapacitive interaction capabilityVSAvoiddetection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive layer is segmented into distinct functional regions: touch points (for detection), coupling surfaces (for capacitive interaction), and conductive traces (for electrical connection). This segmentation allows each region to perform its specific function while minimizing interference between them, as the touch points can be clearly distinguished from the traces and coupling surfaces during detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the conductive layer are given different properties and geometries optimized for their specific functions. Touch points are designed with specific size, shape, and distribution patterns to maximize detection precision, while coupling surfaces and traces have different geometries optimized for capacitive interaction and electrical connection respectively. This local optimization resolves the contradiction by making each region specialized.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of manufacture

If the conductive layer is applied as a uniform structure, then manufacturing is simplified, but the capacitive signal from conductive traces interferes with touch point detection, reducing recognition accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidrecognition accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive layer is segmented into distinct functional regions: touch points (for detection), coupling surfaces (for capacitive interaction), and conductive traces (for electrical connection). This segmentation allows each region to perform its specific function while minimizing interference between them, as the touch points can be clearly distinguished from the traces and coupling surfaces during detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If the distance between the conductive layer and touch screen is reduced to enhance capacitive signal, then the capacitive contrast improves, but the conductive traces and coupling surfaces come closer to the touch screen, increasing their interfering capacitive impact

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapacitive contrastVSAvoidinterfering capacitive signal
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive layer is segmented into distinct functional regions: touch points (for detection), coupling surfaces (for capacitive interaction), and conductive traces (for electrical connection). This segmentation allows each region to perform its specific function while minimizing interference between them, as the touch points can be clearly distinguished from the traces and coupling surfaces during detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the conductive layer are given different properties and geometries optimized for their specific functions. Touch points are designed with specific size, shape, and distribution patterns to maximize detection precision, while coupling surfaces and traces have different geometries optimized for capacitive interaction and electrical connection respectively. This local optimization resolves the contradiction by making each region specialized.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution significantly enhances capacitive contrast and detection precision by reducing the effective distance of touch points to the touch screen, resulting in a stronger capacitive signal for touch points compared to conductive traces and coupling areas, improving recognition accuracy without affecting the functionality of the conductive elements.

Implementation Method 1

The capacitive information carrier comprises an electrically non-conductive substrate (2), a partially applied, electrically non-conductive mask layer (8) and at least one electrically conductive layer (7). The electrically conductive layer fills gaps in the substrate, reducing the distance between conductive elements and the touch screen, enhancing capacitive contrast by increasing the capacitance of touch points relative to interfering elements.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

The electrically non-conductive mask layer covers the electrically non-conductive substrate of the information carrier only partially, creating gaps where the substrate is not covered by the electrically non-conductive mask layer. The mask layer is electrically isolating and dielectric.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical barrier: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentEP3007109B1Information carrier with improved detection accuracy by a multilayer build up of the information carrier
Publication Date: 2016.12.07 T TOUCH INT S A R L
  • EP3007109B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3007109B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3007109B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an information carrier with an enhanced capacitive contrast between the desired electrically conductive elements, i.e. the touch points, and the necessary, but interfering electrically conductive elements, i.e. the coupling area and the conductive traces. The invention also relates to a method for the manufacture of said information carrier and a use of said information carrier.