CN106462300B

CN106462300B - Virtual push button for touch interface

Info

Publication number: CN106462300B
Application number: CN201480076284.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 全甲镇; 金炅秀
Original assignee: Cypress Semiconductor Corp
Current assignee: Spectrum Technology Co.,Ltd.
Priority date: 2014-02-24
Filing date: 2014-12-02
Publication date: 2018-07-17
Anticipated expiration: 2034-12-02
Also published as: WO2015126497A1; CN106462300A

Abstract

A kind of circuit, method and system, the capacitance for measuring multiple electrodes are disclosed, the capacitance based on measurement detects the presence of at least one conductive body close to the multiple electrodes at the edge of touch-screen display；The value that at least one measurement capacitance by the multiple electrodes of the adjacent edges of touch-screen display obtains is assigned at least one virtual-sensor；And the value based at least one virtual-sensor, activate at least one control element associated with the position outside viewing area.

Description

Virtual push button for touch interface

Related application

The priority for the U.S. patent applications 14/495,547 that patent application claims September in 2014 is submitted on the 24th, it is desirable that On 2 24th, the 2014 U.S. temporary patent applications No.61/943,799 submitted and the U.S. submitted on May 30th, 2014 face When patent application 62,005,095 equity, entire contents are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

Technical field

The disclosure is usually directed to electronic system, more specifically to touch screen interface and operation.

Background technology

Electronic signal that capacitive sensing system can sense the variation of reflection capacitance, generating on the electrode.This capacitance Variation can indicate touch event (for example, object proximity special electrodes).Capacitive sensing element can be used for instead of mechanical button, rotation The button mechanical user interface control similar with other.Allow to eliminate complicated mechanical switch and button using capacitive sensing element, Reliable operation is provided under severe conditions.In addition, capacitive sensing element can be widely used in modern consumption application, existing Product in user interface option is provided.The range of capacitive sensing element can be from single button to for touch-sensing surface The big quantity sensor of the form arrangement of capacitive sensing array.

Commonly exist in current industry and consumer market using the transparent touch-sensitive panel of capacitive sensing array.It can be in bee Them are found on cellular telephone, GPS device, set-top box, camera, computer screen, MP3 player, digital flat panel etc..Capacitive sensing The capacitance that array passes through measurement capacitive sensing element, and it was found that indicate that the touch of conductive body or existing capacitance variations carry out work Make.When conductive body (finger, hand or other objects) is in contact with or close to the table above capacitive sensing element or capacitive sensing element When face, capacitance changes and detects conductive body.The capacitance variations of capacitance touch sensing element can be measured by electronic circuit. The capacitance of capacitive sensing element is converted into digital value by electronic circuit.

Invention content

A kind of method is disclosed, the activation for detecting at least one virtual-sensor, this method includes measuring multiple electricity The capacitance of pole, the capacitance based on measurement, at least the one of the multiple electrodes of the close adjacent edges positioned at touch-screen display of detection The presence of a conductive body, by least one measurement electricity by the multiple electrodes of the adjacent edges positioned at touch-screen display Hold the value obtained and be assigned at least one virtual-sensor, and based on the value of at least one virtual-sensor, activation and display The associated at least one control element in position outside area.

Disclose a kind of user interface apparatus, include along array first axle be arranged more than first a capacitive sensing electrodes, More than the second a capacitive sensing electrodes and controller being arranged along the second axis of array.Controller, which can be configured as, measures the first He Mutual capacitance more than second between a capacitive sensing electrode, in the edge of array, there are conductive bodies for detection, and will be by first And the value that the capacitance of the measurement more than second between a capacitive sensing electrode obtains is assigned at least one virtual-sensor.

Disclose a kind of hand-held display device.Handheld device includes display, is substantially provided in the top of display Multiple capacitive sensing electrodes and touch controller.The touch controller of hand-held display device may be configured to measure multiple The capacitance of capacitive sensing electrode and the determining state of activation at least one virtual-sensor, wherein at least one virtual Sensor is located at outside the region limited by multiple capacitive sensing nodes.

Description of the drawings

Figure 1A shows the expression of self-capacitance according to one embodiment.

Figure 1B shows the mutual capacitance between the row and column electrode being made of brilliant sensing element according to one embodiment It indicates.

Fig. 1 C show the expression of the mutual capacitance between the row and column of strip electrode according to one embodiment.

Fig. 2A shows the array of the diamond sensing element by two-dimensional array according to one embodiment.

Fig. 2 B show the array of the strip electrode by two-dimensional array according to one embodiment.

Fig. 3 A show the sensing circuit measured for self-capacitance according to one embodiment.

Fig. 3 B show the sensing circuit measured for mutual capacitance according to one embodiment.

Fig. 4 A show the association between multiple sense channels and multiple measurable capacitances according to one embodiment.

Fig. 4 B show the association between single sense channel and multiple measurable capacitances according to one embodiment.

Fig. 5 shows the information in capacitive sensing system and control signal stream according to one embodiment.

Fig. 6 A show to numerical value the capacitance variations of the capacitance sensing array measured according to one embodiment.

Fig. 6 B graphically illustrate the capacitance variations of the capacitance sensing array of measurement according to one embodiment.

Fig. 6 C show multiple detection peak values of capacitance sensing array according to one embodiment.

Fig. 6 D show the centroid calculation by 5x5 sensor window according to one embodiment.

Fig. 6 E are shown according to one embodiment by based on the centre of form of 5x5 sensor window of two conductive bodies The result of calculation.

Fig. 6 F show that tracking moves past the expression of multiple conductive bodies of capacitance sensing array.

Fig. 7 A show the stacking of touch screen according to one embodiment.

Fig. 7 B show touch-screen system according to one embodiment.

Fig. 8 A are shown according to one embodiment for tapping (tap), double-click (double-tap) and click and dragging (click-and-drag) the contact sequence diagram of gesture.

Fig. 8 B show to move past capacitance sensing array to generate multiple conductive materials of " rotation " gesture according to one embodiment Body.

Fig. 8 C show to move past capacitance sensing array to generate " pinching (pinch) " or " diminution " gesture according to one embodiment Multiple conductive bodies.

Fig. 8 D show to move past capacitance sensing array to generate the multiple of " expansion " or " amplification " gesture according to one embodiment Conductive body.

Fig. 8 E show that mobile capacitance sensing array is led to generate " unenhanced (pan) " the multiple of gesture according to one embodiment Electric object.

Fig. 8 F show mobile capacitance sensing array to generate " the next item down " or " lower one page " gesture according to one embodiment Multiple conductive bodies.

Fig. 8 G show mobile capacitance sensing array to generate multiple conductive materials of " rolling " gesture according to one embodiment Body.

Fig. 9 shows the method for measuring the capacitance on touch screen and exporting result according to one embodiment.

Figure 10 A show the electricity certainly with the integrated edge electrode being made of diamond sensing element according to one embodiment Hold sensing array.

Figure 10 B show the mutual electricity of the diamond sensing element of the unit cell with edge labelling according to one embodiment Hold sensing array.

Figure 10 C show the mutual capacitance of the bar shaped sensing element of the unit cell with edge labelling according to one embodiment Sense array.

Figure 11 shows unit cell array and virtual-sensor according to one embodiment.

Figure 12 shows the expression of the position of the virtual-sensor on touch panel device according to one embodiment.

Figure 13 A show unit cell array and the virtual biography with variable corresponding unit cell according to one embodiment Sensor.

Figure 13 B show to correspond to hovering or hold the unit cell array of the measurement capacitance contacted.

Figure 13 C have the unit cell battle array for being used in and determining hovering or holding the unit cell or unit cell group in contact Row.

Figure 14 shows each embodiment of the virtual-sensor arranged in different structure.

Figure 15 shows, for using self-capacitance to sense the virtual-sensor in array, to determine activation according to one embodiment The method of side switch.

Figure 16 A show, for using mutual capacitance to sense the virtual-sensor in array, to determine activation according to one embodiment The method of side switch.

Figure 16 B are shown according to one embodiment for determining in touch panel device, if existing can be used for passing through void Quasi- sensor, the method for detecting the hovering of side switch or holding contact.

Figure 17 A are shown according to one embodiment on touch panel device, for swashing for the left-handed operation with larger contact zone The expression of the graphic user interface of virtual-sensor and adjustment living.

Figure 17 B are shown according to one embodiment on touch panel device, are swashed for what the right hand with smaller contact zone operated The expression of the graphic user interface of virtual-sensor and adjustment living.

Figure 17 C are configured to respond to the graphical user of the both hands operation of the touch panel device of detection according to one embodiment The expression of the graphic user interface of interface and adjustment.

Figure 18 shows the mould for being at least partially based on the activation at least touch panel device of virtual-sensor according to one embodiment The expression that formula changes.

Figure 19 is shown according to one embodiment for by virtual-sensor, determining the method that pattern changes.

Figure 20 A and 20B shows to be activated by virtual-sensor and deactivates " shutter " according to one embodiment.

Figure 20 C show the embodiment for the zoom function realized by virtual-sensor according to one embodiment.

Figure 20 D show the embodiment for the brightness control function realized by virtual-sensor according to one embodiment.

Specific implementation mode

In described below, in order to illustrate illustrating many concrete details in order to provide the reality of invention as described herein Apply the comprehensive understanding of example.However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that without these details, it is possible to implement these and its His embodiment is obvious.In other instances, not in detail, but very known circuit, structure are shown with block diagram And technology, to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the understanding of this description.

In this description with reference to " one embodiment " or " embodiment " refer in conjunction with the embodiments described special characteristic, structure or Characteristic includes at least one embodiment of the present invention.Different places differs " in one embodiment " in this description of term Surely refer to the same embodiment.

It, in the accompanying drawings can be with repeat reference numerals to indicate corresponding or similar element to simplify and understanding example.It illustrates Many details are to provide the understanding of embodiment as described herein.Without these details, example can also be implemented.In other examples In, very well known method, process and component are not described in detail to avoid the example is obscured.This description is not to be construed as Limit exemplary range as described herein.

Capacitance

Capacitor is constituted by two conductive plates that the space of filled dielectric material separates.It is provided by following equatioies big by two Plate made of capacitor capacitance (farad) C：

Wherein, A is the area (m being overlapped between two conductive plates²), d is the distance between two conductive plates (m), ε_rIt is two The dielectric constant and ε of material between a conductive plate₀It is dielectric constant (ε₀≈8.854×10^-12F·m^-1).In addition, along two The edge capacitance at the edge of a adjacent plate and the total capacitance between them are added.

In one embodiment, conductive plate can be common metallic plate (such as copper electrode).In another embodiment, it leads Battery plate can be formed by transparent conductive material (such as tin indium oxide, " ITO "), silver or carbon ink or metal grill.In another implementation In example, conductive plate can be the finger or palm of people.The conductive plate of capacitor can be served as by capableing of any material of conduction.

Capacitor can store the charge for the other parts that can be transmitted to circuit.It is provided by following equatioies and is stored by capacitor Charge (coulomb) q：

Q=CV, (2)

Wherein, C is the capacitance of the capacitor provided in equation (1) and edge capacitance and V are between two conductive plates Voltage difference.

Capacitance can be measured as self-capacitance, i.e., single conductive plate (electrode) and the capacitance being used as around the second battery plate, Or be measured as mutual capacitance, i.e., the capacitance between two specific conductive plates.It can be because being led close to the other of the conductive plate in test Battery plate, the presence of such as finger change oneself and mutual capacitance.For this description, conductive plate is known as " electrode " or " sensor ".This is not It is intended to be limited to circuit, but describes the conductive plate of capacitor with different terms.In addition, although in order to create the mesh of capacitor , finger is conductive plate, but can be not referred to as " electrode " or " sensor ".Although in described below, finger is used to generation The conductive body that table is sensed by capacitance sensor and measuring circuit, but other conductive bodies can also be used.

Sensor is constituted

Figure 1A shows according to one embodiment, the expression of the self-capacitance in system 101.Electrode 110 can be arranged in substrate On 115.According to equation (1), capacitance 117 can reside between electrode 110 and at least one another electrode 112.In a reality It applies in example, electrode 110 and 112 can be formed by copper.In another embodiment, electrode 110 and 112 can be by electrically conducting transparent material The formation of material, such as tin indium oxide (ITO).In another embodiment, electrode 110 and 112 can by silver or carbon ink, metal grill or Another conductive material is formed.In one embodiment, substrate 115 can be glass.In another embodiment, substrate 115 can be with It is plastic foil (such as poly terephthalic acid, " PET " or some other polycarbonate), flexible printed circuit board material, or rigidity Printed circuit board material (such as FR4).Substrate 115 can be individual course or can be bigger, a part for integrated system, as follows Shown in Fig. 7 A and 7B.Although capacitance 117 is shown as between electrode 110 and the electrode 112 for being coupled to ground voltage potential, ability Domain ordinarily skilled artisan will understand that can exist to capacitance between electrode 110 and 112 with any voltage potential, and should not Seek grounding connection.In addition, although only showing the capacitive coupling between electrode 110 and 112, electrode 110 can be capacitively coupled To unshowned circuit element in Figure 1A.

Figure 1B shows the expression of the mutual capacitance in system 102 according to one embodiment.Including multiple diamond elements One electrode 120 can be arranged along first axle on substrate (not shown).Second electrode 122 including multiple diamond elements can be with It is arranged along the second axis.In one embodiment, there are mutual capacitance 127 at the intersection 125 of electrode 120 and 122.

In different embodiments, electrode 120 and 122 can be by copper, the transparent conductive material of such as ITO, silver or carbon ink, gold The combination for belonging to grid or other conductive materials or conductive material is formed.Substrate (for example, see the substrate 115 of Figure 1A), in difference Can be glass, plastic foil (such as poly terephthalic acid, " PET " or some other polycarbonate), flexible printing in embodiment Circuit board material or printed circuit board material (such as FR4).In addition, in embodiment, substrate can be individual course or can To be a part for bigger, integrated system, shown in following Fig. 7 A and 7B.In one embodiment, electrode 120 and 122 can be set It sets on two different substrates being mutually bonded.In other embodiments, electrode 120 and 122 can be arranged in same substrate On both sides or can be arranged on the homonymy of substrate and by between electrode 120 and 122 each element and be arranged in dielectric Jumper above material forms the connection for electrode 120 or electrode 122.

Fig. 1 C according to another embodiment, show another expression of the mutual capacitance in system 103.First electrode 130 is along first Axis is arranged on substrate (such as substrate 115 of Figure 1A).Second electrode 132 can be arranged along the second axis.In one embodiment, Electrode 130 and 132 can be with bar shaped.In another embodiment, electrode 130 and 132 can have based on the more complicated of bar shaped keynote Structure.In the infall of electrode 130 and 132, may exist mutual capacitance 137.In one embodiment, electrode 130 and 132 can To be formed by copper.In another embodiment, electrode 130 and 132 can be formed by transparent conductive material, such as ITO.In another reality It applies in example, electrode 110 and 112 can be formed by silver or carbon ink, metal grill or another conductive material.

Position (the example of one or more conductive bodies on or near surface can be detected using mutual capacitance 127 and 137 Such as Fig. 6 A to 6E).Setting with touch-surface can be detected using mutual capacitance array (description of Fig. 2A and 2B for seeing below) One or more conductive bodies on standby edge.In one embodiment, the edge residing for conductive body can be perpendicular to The surface of the substrate of electrode is set, as shown in Figure 7 A.

In different embodiments, electrode 130 and 132 can be by copper, transparent conductive material, such as tin indium oxide (ITO), silver Or the combination of carbon ink, metal grill or other conductive materials or conductive material is formed.In different embodiments, substrate (such as is joined See the substrate 115 of Figure 1A) can be glass, plastic foil (such as PET or some other polycarbonate), flexible printed circuit board material Material or printed circuit board material (such as FR4).In addition, in embodiment, substrate can be individual course or can be bigger Integrated system a part, such as shown in figure below 7A and 7B.In one embodiment, electrode 130 and 132 can be arranged in phase On two different substrates being mutually bonded.In other embodiments, electrode 130 and 132 can be arranged on the both sides of same substrate Or can be arranged on the homonymy of substrate and by between electrode 130 and 132 each element and be arranged on the dielectric material The jumper of side forms the connection for electrode 130 or electrode 132.

Fig. 2A shows the electrod-array 202 similar with Figure 1B.The first multiple electrodes 220 including multiple diamond elements can To be arranged on substrate (not shown) along first axle.The second multiple electrodes 222 including multiple diamond elements can be along second Axis is disposed on the substrate.Feature 225 indicates the intersection between the first multiple electrodes 220 and the second multiple electrodes 222.From The infall of the electrode of one multiple electrodes 220 and the electrode from the second multiple electrodes 222, there are mutual capacitance (such as Figure 1B Mutual capacitance 127).The mutual capacitance region can be described as the unit cell 229 of electrod-array 202.Unit cell is present in each Infall and can be used for detect conductive body position or detection along touch screen enable equipment marginal existence at least one A conductive body, as shown in Fig. 7 A, 11 and 16.

Fig. 2 B show the electrod-array 203 similar with Fig. 1 C.First multiple electrodes 230 can be arranged along first axle in substrate On (not shown).Second multiple electrodes 232 can be disposed on the substrate along the second axis.In one embodiment, 230 He of electrode 232 can be bar shaped.In another embodiment, electrode 230 and 232 can have the more complicated structure based on bar shaped keynote.It is special It writes 235 and intersection between first multiple electrodes 230 and the second multiple electrodes 232 is shown.It is similar with Fig. 2A, from more than first There are mutual capacitance for the infall of the electrode of electrode 230 and electrode from the second multiple electrodes 232, and the mutual capacitance region can To be described as the unit cell 239 of electrod-array 203.Unit cell is present in each infall and can be used for detecting conduction At least one conductive body of marginal existence for the equipment that the position of object or detection are enabled along touch screen, such as the institute of Fig. 7 A, 11 and 16 Show.

Unit cell 229 and 239 and their measurement capacitance can be used for detecting one on or near surface or The position (such as Fig. 6 A to 6E) of multiple conductive bodies, or can be used for self-capacitance measuring circuit (such as the channel of Figure 10 320) calibration signal or bias current are provided.Cell array can be used for detecting one of the edge of the equipment with touch-surface Or multiple conductive bodies.In one embodiment, the edge residing for conductive body can be perpendicular to the substrate of setting electrode Surface, as shown in Figure 7 A.

Unit cell 229 and 239 can geometrically be conceptualized as the minimum unit segmented.The minimum of measurement i.e. on array Repeatable unit.It can also be by stating that the every bit in unit cell is used as the center phase of any other unit cell with it Than closer to the center (center of the intersection between electrode on not coaxial) of that unit cell, generalities unit cell 229 With 239.Unit cell 229 and 239 can functionally be conceptualized as array 202 and 203 original resolution.I.e., it is possible to identify Per a line and row, and position is defined on each row and column.It is discrete there are 108 to the rectangular array with 12 row and 9 rows Position.Due to being arranged there are unit cell 229 between the 7th row (from upper number) and the 6th row (from left number) and in the 6th row and the 6th Between infall there are unit cells 239, the original resolution based on array 202 and 203, their position can respectively refer to It is set to 6,7 and 6,6.Unit cell 229 and 239 can be conceptualized as array pixel, wherein each pixel can be with designated position With that location-specific measurable magnitude.In figure below 6A and 6B, the example of unit cell explained based on pixel is provided.Unit Unit 229 and 239 is referred to as " node ", wherein each intersection of row and column electrode is the node of array.

Capacitance sensing

Fig. 3 A show one embodiment of capacitance measurement circuit 301.It can be in electrode 110 as shown in Figure 1A and ground Between, form 310 (C of self capacitance sensor_s).The ungrounded side of self capacitance sensor 310 may be coupled to capacitance measurement circuit 301 Pin 312.It can be using switching network 315 come by alternately making self capacitance sensor 310 be charged to voltage (V_DD) and will Electric current is generated on the charge discharge of accumulation to integrating condenser 322, integrating condenser 322 can be the part in channel 320. The electric current from switching network 315 and self capacitance sensor 310 can be provided by following equatioies：

Wherein, the equivalent resistance of switching network 315 and self capacitance sensor 310 is provided by following equatioies：

Wherein, C is provided by equation (2)_sAnd f is the switching frequency of switch SW1 and SW2.Switching network 315 and integral Capacitor 322 is may be coupled to reference voltage (V_REF) operational amplifier 324 input with allow gradually linear-charging accumulate Divide capacitor 322.The voltage that 322 both ends of integrating condenser can be measured by analog-digital converter (ADC) 326, is divided by process block 330 Analyse its output.After the voltage for measuring 322 both ends of integrating condenser by ADC 326, can integrating condenser be reset by switch SW3 The voltage at 322 both ends allows new measurement.

Fig. 3 B show one embodiment of mutual capacitance measuring circuit 302.Can two electrodes (the 120 of Figure 1B and 122, 130 and the infall 132) of Fig. 1 C forms 311 (C of mutual capacitance sensors_M), also there is 318 (C of parasitic capacitance_P).Mutual capacitance passes Each plate of sensor 311 may be coupled to the pin of mutual capacitance measuring circuit 302.First pin 313 may be coupled to signal hair Raw device (TX) 316 and second pin 314 may be coupled to channel 320.The alternating voltage of signal generator 316 can generate from Electric current of the mutual capacitance sensors 311 to the integrating condenser 322 in channel 320.In one embodiment, it can be surveyed by ADC 326 The voltage for measuring 322 both ends of integrating condenser analyzes its output by process block 330.Integrating condenser 322 is being measured by ADC 326 After the voltage at both ends, can new measurement be allowed by the voltage at 322 both ends of switch SW4 resetting integrating condensers.In another implementation In example, the electric current from mutual capacitance sensors 311 can be used to bias the input of self-capacitance measuring circuit 301, with Fig. 3 A institutes Show similar.The bigger that the bias provided by mutual capacitance induced current can provide the combination of integrating condenser 322 and ADC 326 is moved State range.

The channel 320 of Fig. 3 A and 3B shown in although include operational amplifier (324) and ADC (326), the skill of this field Art personnel, which will be appreciated that, there is many ways in which that the embodiment come the voltage and Fig. 3 A and 3B that measure integrating circuit is intended as example Rather than it limits.For example, ADC 326 can be substituted to have by comparator and by the counting mechanism of the output gating of comparator Close the expression of the capacitance of integrating circuit.In this embodiment, the number of the counting from counting mechanism can indicate to keep integral electric Road is charged to the time needed for the reference voltage of comparator.Larger charging current can generate more charging quickly integrating circuit and lower Count value.

If capacitance measurement circuit shown in such as Fig. 3 A and 3B can individually or with the capacitance that measures multiple input respectively Dry example is realized on integrated circuit (IC) together.

Fig. 4 A are shown according to one embodiment for measuring multiple capacitances 411.1 to the circuit 401 of 411.N.In circuit In 401, four capacitances 411.1 to 411.N may be coupled to the pin 414.1 of sensing IC405 to 414.N.Each mutual capacitance 411.1 to 411.N may be coupled to channel 320.1 passes through to 320.N and channel 320.1 to the output of each of 320.N Multiplexer 410 is coupled to process block 330.

Fig. 4 B according to another embodiment, are shown for measuring multiple capacitances 411.1 to the circuit 402 of 411.N.In circuit In 402, four capacitances 411.1 to 411.N may be coupled to the pin 414.1 of sensing IC405 to 414.N.Each capacitance 411.1 The input of multiplexer 410 is may be coupled to 411.N, output may be coupled to channel 320.The output in channel 320 can be with coupling Close process block 330.

The logic of single channel of Fig. 4 A and 4B examples for each channel of each capacitance or for all capacitances is extreme. However, in another embodiment, the various combination of the circuit of Fig. 4 A and 4B may be implemented.For example, multiple channels 320 can couple To mutual capacitance 411.In one embodiment, capacitance can be evenly distributed in all available channels.In another embodiment, Unevenly the capacitance measured on pins more than other channels can be can be configured as in distribution capacity, certain channels.In addition, Although four capacitances of Fig. 4 A and 4B example, pin or channel, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that can use be more than or Less than four.In addition, depend on design requirement, capacitance, pin and the quantity in channel can be identical or can be different.

Capacitance 411.1 is coupled to pin 414.1 to the opposite signals of 414.N to generate channel 320 to 411.N Electric current inputs, and indicates the capacitance measured, as described in Figure 3.In another embodiment, capacitance 411.1 is coupled to 411.N Signal is to generate the electric current of the calibration for circuit 401 and 402.

Although Fig. 4 A and 4B example multiplexers, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that configuration multiple switch to hold The row function similar with multiplexer.Capacitance 411.1 to 411.N be coupled to channel 320 mechanism or channel 320.1 to 320.N such as It is only example that, which is coupled to the expression of process block 330 by multiplexer, it is not intended to which the description is limited to specific circuit element.

Processing

Fig. 5 shows one embodiment of touch-screen system 501.Touch screen 510 can pass through (such as Fig. 3 A of pin 414 312, the 414 of 313 and 314 and Fig. 4 A and 4B of Fig. 3 B), it is coupled to sensing IC 505.Sensing IC 505 may include coupling To the channel 320 (as shown in Figure 2 A and 2B) of the touch screen electrode of touch screen 510.It in one embodiment, can be by channel 320 Output be sent to CPU 512 with processing (as shown in figs.3 a and 3b), then or by communication interface 516 be transmitted to host 530, Or it is stored in memory 514 and host 530 is transmitted to from memory 514 by communication interface 516.In another embodiment In, the output in channel 320 can be stored directly in memory 514 and can be from memory (before being handled by CPU 512) 514 are handled by CPU 512 and then are transmitted to host 530 by communication interface 516, or by communication interface 516, from memory 514 are transmitted to host 530, intervene without CPU.Tuning and alignment routine can be stored in memory 514 and pass through tune It is realized by CPU 512 for humorous piece 513.Calibrating the signal from touch screen 510 by and by channel 320 can be provided with bigger The fidelity of the capacitance measurement of signal-to-noise ratio and user's interaction.

Capacitance measurement data from channel 320 can indicate the total capacitance measured by channel 320.I.e., it is possible to by Figure 1A The capacitance of self-capacitance or mutual capacitance to 1C is converted into digital value.Digital value may include parasitic capacitance (the 318 of Fig. 3 A and 3B) And the capacitance without (the 311 of Fig. 3 B) and conductive body or gesture of original mutual capacitance existing for finger.It can be subtracted from measured value Parasitic capacitance as baseline and original mutual capacitance generate the difference for indicating the capacitance from conductive body or finger.It can be by Process block 330 analyzes difference to determine whether conductive body interacts close to array and advanced level user.

CPU 512 or host 530 can further use capacitance and/or difference is come along the edge of touch screen 510, detection one The activation of a or multiple virtual-sensors 540.It is not especially to refer to the touch screen that the activation of virtual-sensor, which may be used to determine, Fixed user's interaction.

Quantity difference 601 of Fig. 6 A examples for the intersection 611 of multiple mutual capacitance of mutual capacitance induction arrays.Quantity difference 601 can be by for example for per unit unit (the 239 of 229 and Fig. 2 B of Fig. 2A) or mutual capacitance C_MThe channel of 311 (Fig. 3 B) The original value of 320 (Fig. 3 B) obtains.In one embodiment, quantity difference can be the original count value exported from channel 320 Difference between baseline value.In one embodiment, baseline value can globally be stored to entire array.In another embodiment In, baseline value can be stored individually to each intersection.In another embodiment, each sensor on touch screen can be depended on Position, the noiseproof feature of single sensor, other design limitations, to multigroup sensor store baseline value.In one embodiment In, baseline value can be determined during exploitation.In another embodiment, baseline value can be calculated or can touched on startup During the operation of screen update with consider touch screen electrode experience noise variation, touch screen physical change (heat, humidity etc.) or Other offset sources of output channel (such as channel 320).

The quantity difference 601 of Fig. 6 A can be graphically shown as to the thermal map 602 of Fig. 6 B.Each unit of thermal map 602 is mutual The shade of capacitance 601 can indicate the quantity difference 601 of Fig. 6 A.Darker unit can indicate mutual capacitance electrode and conductive body Bigger capacitive coupling and mutual capacitance electrode itself between smaller capacitive coupling.For a clear description, table shown in Fig. 6 B Show and is used for subsequent figure.

The example of peak detection scheme 603 of Fig. 6 C examples based on the data from Fig. 6 A and 6B.Peak detection scheme 603 It can will compare those of around per unit unit (the 239 of 229 and Fig. 2 B of Fig. 2A) or mutual capacitance 611 (Fig. 6 A and 6B) and it Compared with.Can by with maximum difference unit cell or mutual capacitance be identified as peak value and specified identifier and position.First peak 631 designated first position of value (X-axis 632 and Y-axis 634).Second peak value 635 is designated the second position (X-axis 636 and Y-axis 638).When peak value sensor 631 and 625 is located at the edge of array, virtual-sensor can be activated, such as the institutes of Figure 11 and 16 Show.

The example of Fig. 6 D examples centroid calculation 604, wherein limit and handle the sensor array around each peak value.It can 25 unit cells including surrounding are limited to use first peak value 631 and including the unit cell at the first peak value 631 First array 641.Second peak value 635 can be used for limiting 25 unit cells including surrounding and include the second of peak value 631 Array 645.The value of the first array 641 and the second array 645 can be handled to be based on being included in per an array (641 and 645) Value, find the centre of form or barycenter of conductive body.Although showing in figure 6d and describing symmetrical 5 × 5 array with reference to figure 6D, In different embodiments, array can have different dimensions, therefore different multiple unit cells.These different embodiments can wrap Include 3 × 3,4 × 4 and bigger array.Array can be able to be offset in centralized positioning peak value or peak value.In addition, array can be with It is asymmetric, more line numbers or columns or irregular, wherein each row or column can have different multiple unit cells.

Fig. 6 E show, when no virtual-sensor is confirmed as activation, to be counted by the first and second arrays 641 and 645 of Fig. 6 D The example for first and second centres of form 651 and 655 calculated.

Fig. 6 F show to move past two conductive bodies 661 and 665 and their position of touch screen by track 663 and 667 respectively The example set.

Fig. 7 A show one embodiment of the touch screen overlay of touch-screen system 501 (coming from Fig. 5).Touch screen overlay 701 It may include display 740.Above display 740, sensor layer 750 can be set.In sensor layer 750 and conductive material Between such as finger, coating 760 can be arranged in body.

Although being shown as sensor layer 750 on the same layer of substrate, this is only example.In one embodiment, it passes Sensor layer 750 can be arranged in the bottom of coating 760, and in touch screen overlay 701, the number of plies is reduced to 2 from 3.Another In embodiment, sensor layer 750 can be arranged in the top of display 740, also remove layer from touch screen overlay 701.Another In one embodiment, one or two of the electrode on sensor layer 750 can be shown in different depth setting in display Axis.For example, sensor layer 750 can be implemented as the mixing in unit, on unit or in unit and on unit.In addition, sensor Layer 750 can share certain electrodes with display 740.

Use the electrode on sensor layer 750, it may be determined that the activation of virtual-sensor 765.In one embodiment, may be used Virtual-sensor 765 to be expressed as to the activation in the plane substantially perpendicular to the plane (sensor layer 750) of setting electrode Area.

According to one embodiment, touch screen overlay 701 is shown in the touch-screen system 702 of Fig. 7 B.Touch screen/display 705 (touch screen overlays 701 for being similar to Fig. 7 A) may be coupled to touch controller 710 and display controller/driver 715. Touch controller 710 can be configured as sensing self-capacitance (Fig. 3 A) or mutual capacitance (Fig. 3 B) or both.Touch controller 710 Output can be sent to application processor 730.Touch controller 710 can be additionally configured to receive from application processor 730 Instruction and data.The information that application processor 730 can be transmitted to by touch controller 710 may include every on array Following data of the conductive body of one identification：

How long detection phase-touch on the touchscreen (scans number) if having existed；

On X-axis position-array, along the position of the trunnion axis of conductive body；

On Y-axis position-array, along the position of the vertical axis of conductive body；

Z axis intensity-touch intensity can indicate that the size of conductive body or conductive body press to the pressure of touch-surface Power；

Elliptical long axis of the contact area long axis length-centered on the position of the conductive body on array；

Elliptical short axle of the contact area minor axis length-centered on the position of the conductive body on array；

The angle of elliptical long axis of the contact area long axis angle-centered on the position of the conductive body on array (from longitudinal)

Contact to earth/lift-off rebound-be to the detected whether rebound (or lag) and/or detection of the conductive body on array It is no rebound in/in rebound where

Conductive body identification-touch type (finger of baldness, glove finger, felt pen, hovering, close etc.)；

The conductive body of the big conductive body of conductive body size-or regular size；

Mark, position and the signal grade of virtual-sensor state of activation-various activities virtual-sensor, and

Gesture (is discussed in greater detail) with reference to figure 8A to 8G.

Application processor 730 may be coupled to display controller/driver 715 to control in touch screen/display 705 The content of display.

Fig. 8 A examples are when being interpreted single-tap gesture, the example of the capacitance measurement data for single conductive body.Figure The detection of conductive body in 8A is illustrated as the digital ON/OFF or high/low of the conductive body on capacitance sensor.Click gesture 810 can be detected as detecting the presence of conductive body, and 811 are touched to define first it is then detected that existing to no conductive body. Double-clicking gesture 812 can be detected as detecting the presence of conductive body, it is then detected that existing to no conductive body to define first 811 are touched, then, at the appointed time, detects the second touch 813.It clicks and drag gesture 814 can be detected as detecting To there are conductive bodies, then detects that no conductive body exists and touch 811 to define first, then before the deadline, Detect the second touch 815.When second, which touches, keeps on the touch surface and move past on the surface, click and drag gesture Cursor that can also be on mobile display.

Fig. 8 B to 8E show the example of the gesture of the detection based on two conductive bodies.In one embodiment, conductive material Body 821 and 823 rotates gesture 802 to generate clockwise or counterclockwise to be moved around the circus movement of some central points.Another In embodiment, conductive body 821 and 823 can be moved towards one another along substantial linear path with generation " pinching " or " diminution " gesture 803.In another embodiment, conductive body 821 and 823 can be located remotely from each other along substantially line route move with generation " expand Greatly " or " amplification " gesture 804.In another embodiment, conductive body 821 and 823 can be moved along substantially parallel path with Generate " unenhanced " gesture 805.

Fig. 8 F and 8G show the gesture of the detection based on the single contact for moving past capacitance sensing array.In one embodiment In, conductive body 821 can be substantially vertically to move linearly with generation " the next item down " gesture 806.In another embodiment, it leads Electric object 821 can be to move, clockwise or counterclockwise to generate scrolling gesture 807 around the circus movement of certain points.

The gesture of Fig. 8 A and 8C-8F can be detected on virtual-sensor to realize other functionality, and it is straight to be not necessarily to user Contact touch screen.In different embodiments, tap, double-click and roll/it is unenhanced can be used for control different interfaces, such as camera (Figure 18-20).

Fig. 9 shows sensing touch screen array and determines one embodiment of the method 901 suitably shown.First in step 910, detect capacitance.Step 910 can correspond to self-capacitance measure or mutual capacitance measure and can use similar to Fig. 3 A or Sensing circuit described in 3B.In other embodiments, other self-capacitances or mutual capacitance method for sensing can be used.In step 920, Baseline can be created using original capacitance value.Then, in step 930, baseline value can be subtracted from original capacitance value to generate Difference (as shown in Figure 6A).In one embodiment, the calibration parameter constituted for hardware can be determined using difference.Calibration Parameter may include each unit cell of coupling (such as 229 and 239 of Fig. 2A and 2B respectively) with drive signal so that will bias Electric current is supplied to the number conversion (such as Figure 10 hereafter) of measurable capacitance.It, can will be from step 930 in step 940 Difference is with threshold value comparison to determine that conductive body whether there is on the array for being enough to handle.If difference is higher than threshold value, in step Rapid 950 detection conductive body.In one embodiment, detection conductive body can be by identifying peak value as shown in Figure 6 C. If the edge in array recognizes peak value, in step 960, it may be determined that virtual-sensor activity.As an alternative, in step 970, it can be by the position of each conductive body on capacitance computing array.In one embodiment, as with reference to figure 6D and 6E It is described, it can be with calculating position.In step 980.Can each conductive body on tracking array at any time position it is every to detect The movement (or without motion) of one conductive body, as fig 6 f illustrates.Finally, in block 990, depositing for each conductive body can be monitored , be not present and position and be used for detection gesture, as shown in Fig. 8 A to 8G.

In one embodiment, the entire method 901 of Fig. 9 can be completed by the touch controller 710 of Fig. 7.In another reality It applies in example, it can be by ppu, the different step of 730 Method Of Accomplishment 901 of application processor of such as Fig. 7.In the implementation In example, data can be transmitted to/from touch controller 710 by the communication interface 516 of Fig. 5.The information for being transmitted to host can be with It is stored in memory (such as memory 514) or (such as CPU 512) is transmitted through the processing unit.In another embodiment, Other processing step can be completed by touch controller 710 or application processor 730, and is executing side shown in Fig. 9 The result of those steps is used in the step of method 901.

Virtual-sensor

In different embodiments, the subset of electrode or unit cell can be used for creating by display and sensor layer 750 limit sensing areas edge outside or on virtual push button.To self-capacitance touch screen, along the periphery of display and sensor layer The electrode of setting can be used for finger or other conducting elements on the side of detection device.Figure 10 A are shown with diamond member The array of the electrode 1001 of part, it is similar with shown in Fig. 2A.Can use diamond element top row 1014 and bottom row 1016 and Left column 1011 and right row 1012 detect the finger of the user along the side of touch panel device.If the row or column at center is (respectively 1015 or 1011) to detect the presence of conductive body, the finger of such as user, it may be determined that the position of that object.

Figure 10 B show that as shown in Figure 10 A the array of the electrode 1002 with diamond sensor element removes the every of electrode One be configured as measure diamond element top and bottom row and each row between and diamond element left and right row with it is each Outside mutual capacitance between row.The mutual capacitance of each intersection can be interpreted as corresponding to the unit cell limited by that intersection 1020.Then, it is detected along the side of touch panel device or along display using the mutual capacitance of the unit cell of measurement (or intersection) The finger or hand of the user at the edge of device or measurement zone.

Figure 10 C show with as shown in Figure 2 B, the array of strip electrode 1003.Just as Figure 10 B, measure top and bottom electrode with Mutual capacitance between each row electrode and between left and right electrode and every a line electrode.The mutual capacitance of each intersection can be explained For corresponding to the unit cell 1020 limited by that intersection.Then come using the mutual capacitance of the unit cell (or intersection) measured Detect the finger or hand of the user along the side of touch panel device or along display or the edge of measurement zone.

Figure 11 shows one embodiment with the array 1100 in the near the perimeter of virtual-sensor of array.It is assigned to void The value of quasi- sensor can correspond to the capacitance measured in adjacent row or column.For exemplary purposes, mutual capacitance unit cell is shown 1030, such as those of Figure 10 C unit cells.Virtual-sensor can be assigned to the axis corresponding to touch panel device and side Group.First group 1110 of virtual-sensor 1112.1-1112.N can correspond to left vertical edge.Virtual-sensor 1122.1- Second group 1120 of 1122.N can correspond to right vertical edge.The third group 1130 of virtual-sensor 1132.1-1132.N can To correspond to top horizontal edge.The 4th group 1140 of virtual-sensor 1142.1-1142.N can correspond to dolly straight edge.It can To use the sensor of periphery or the value of each of unit cell (such as 1030 from Figure 10 C) along array to refer to value Surely each of virtual-sensor is arrived.The Figure 16 that see below, according to one embodiment, value is assigned to for mutual capacitance by description The method of the virtual-sensor of touch screen.To self-capacitance array, the value for being assigned to virtual-sensor can be used for being touched by finger And with the row or column on movable column or row the same side.That is, if left sensor activity, the value of movable row can be specified Virtual-sensor on to the left side of display, corresponding to movable row.It similarly, can be by phase if right sensor activity It is assigned to the virtual-sensor on the right side of display with value.The Figure 15 that see below, according to one embodiment, description is used for will The method that value is assigned to the virtual-sensor for self-capacitance touch screen.

Figure 12 shows how the virtual-sensor of Figure 11 is used in physical device, an implementation on such as cell phone 1201 Example.Virtual-sensor can be assigned to first group 1210 along the left side of equipment or second group 1220 along the right side of equipment, It is assumed that having sufficiently small distance between the edge and the edge of equipment of sensing array.The edge of array and the edge of equipment it Between have in the region of too big distance, virtual-sensor can also be assigned to the sensing surface of equipment.For example, can be in third group In 1230, the top along viewing area 1202, or at least one 4th group 1240.1 or 1240.2, the bottom along viewing area, Limit first group of virtual-sensor.In this composition, the sensitivity of sensing array can be made to expand to outside viewing area to realize In addition functionality, such as mechanical button or touch-sensitive button instead of being typically implemented as individually entering.

Figure 13 A show on the either side of array there is the embodiment of the array 1301 of virtual-sensor.In the reality of Figure 13 It applies in example, void can be used for provide using the value of the row of at least more than one from unit cell (1330.7 and 1330.8) The capacitance of quasi- sensor.That is, activation multiple row unit cell still generates the implantation of the value for virtual-sensor, and therewith The position of the activation of associated button or other interface elements contact with screen sheet.In alternative embodiment, if It is implanted into virtual-sensor, then does not know the position of the contact with screen sheet.To self-capacitance array (see Figure 10 A), can use Multiple column or row determine that finger is in the edge of array.That is, 1 or more row or column can have higher than threshold value value and Controller still can be with the contact on the edge of identification equipment, rather than the contact on viewing area.To mutual capacitance array (see figure 10B and 10C), the unit cell closer to the center of array can be used.It can be with using the decision of single row or column or more row or column It is context-sensitive, and can changes when certain functions of activation equipment.In addition, as shown in figure 13, touch-screen display Not homonymy not necessarily use identical quantity electrode or unit cell.In one embodiment, on the side of touch panel device The quantity of row can be twice of the other side.How these compositions can interact or on the touchscreen depending on user with equipment The content of display.

Figure 13 B show one embodiment of the array of unit cell 1301, similar with Figure 11 and 13A.Unit cell 1301 Array per unit unit have capacitance variations value.Capacitance variations value can be calculated with the measuring circuit 302 of B according to fig. 3 simultaneously And to be handled with Fig. 6 A-F similar modes.The array of unit cell 1301 is shown with two half parts, 1351 and 1355.Half 1350 show to hover over the capacitance variations value of the conductive body above the array of unit cell 1301.Half 1355 illustrates that edge The edge of touch panel device, very close to the capacitance variations value of two conductive bodies of sensor.Half 1350 can have single Peak value sensor 1351 is shown with capacitance variations value 54.Half 1355 can have there are two peak value sensor, 1356 Hes 1357, it is respectively provided with capacitance variations value 123 and 90.Although showing two peak value sensors to half 1355, this field Ordinarily skilled artisan will understand that that can essentially detect more or less than 2 peak value sensors.In one embodiment, may be used To detect single peak value sensor.In another embodiment, 3 can be detected or with upward peak sensor.

Figure 13 C show the array of unit cell 1302, similar with from the array of unit cell 1301 of Figure 13 B, wherein It is only shown for the unit cell of the row of peak value sensor (1351,1356 and the 1357 of Figure 13 B).It can be by closest unit Unit cell in the array of the unit cell of the vertical edge of cell array is identified as outer edge unit cell (1361).Close to The unit cell of outer edge unit cell 1361 can be identified as middle edge unit cell 1363.Along middle edge unit list Member, the unit cell opposite with outer edge unit cell can be identified as inward flange unit cell 1365.In different embodiments In, the unit cell in different unit cell groups, outer, centre and interior can be held for those values by comparing, detection contact To hovering contacts.As long as having been detected by gripping contact, the value of virtual-sensor can be implanted into and made certainly according to user's interaction It is fixed.Hereinafter, the embodiment of detection gripping or EDGE CONTACT will be discussed how with reference to figure 15,16A and 16B.

Figure 14 shows the embodiment of array 1400, wherein can specify different virtual-sensors or virtual-sensor group To different buttons or function.In different embodiments, the virtual-sensor of different number can be constituted together to execute list A operation, such as button.For example, one group of four virtual-sensor 1410 can be combined activates single button to detect 1412.In one embodiment, activator button 1412 can be based on any of the virtual-sensor than the value of threshold value bigger One.In other embodiments, the summation of all virtual-sensors, the average value of all virtual-sensors or all virtual biographies The minimum value of sensor may be used to determine whether activator button (or some other functions of in addition selecting).In other embodiment In, one group of four virtual-sensor can be combined to detect activation more than the region that is covered by four virtual-sensors Small single button 1422.In another embodiment, less virtual-sensor can be organized as smaller virtual-sensor is assigned to To 1430.Furthermore it is possible to specify the group 1440 of their own to single virtual sensor 1442.It in other embodiments, can be with The virtual-sensor of different number is combined to execute more complicated operation, such as sliding block.It is, for example, possible to use one group 5 A virtual-sensor 1450 detects the movement along the contact for those of slider sensor 1452 virtual-sensor.Sliding block can For volume control, brightness control, roll or require other functions more than the original resolution ratio of virtual-sensor itself.It is sliding The control element of block sensor 1452 or button 1412,1422,1432 and 1434 can be associated with the position outside viewing area, such as (it is located in group 1210,1220,1230,1240.1 or 1240.2) shown in Figure 12.In one embodiment, these positions can edge Plane identical with capacitance sensing electrode (in the case of 1230,1240.1 and 1240.2).In another embodiment, it is showing Position outside area can be along plane or axis vertical or different from capacitance sensing electrode, as shown in the virtual-sensor 765 of Fig. 7.

Figure 15 shows, using the virtual-sensor in self-capacitance touch screen, to determine activation side switch according to one embodiment Method.For clarity, the virtual-sensor only on exemplary vertical edge.However, those skilled in the art will manage It solves, similar processing can be used by the virtual-sensor on horizontal edge via the role of switching row and column.In step Rapid 1510, measure the capacitance for panel.Capacitance measurement can be to entire panel (all row and all rows), or can be with opposite The subset of plate, including vertical edge row.Side switch for the left side of detection activation touch panel device determines activation in step 1515 Left column (" row 0 ").Digital representation and threshold value comparison by the capacitance that will be measured on row 0 determine activation row 0, if greatly In threshold value, it is believed that " activity ".If according to step 1515, row 0 deactivate, and in step 1525, the center of touch panel device Other row activity, then in step 1540, the position of the touch on touch panel device can be handled.If in step 1535, row 0 Activity, and 1 activity of row, can determine contact in the edge of sensing area and calculate the position of contact.If the activity of row 0 and Row 1 are inactive, will be corresponding to the activation level of row 0 and movable row in step 1550 determination activity row, and in step 1560 Value is assigned to virtual-sensor.If virtual-sensor is associated with the side switch of definition or other functions, in step 1570, activation That side switch or function.

Figure 16 A show, using the virtual-sensor in mutual capacitance touchscreens, to determine activation side switch according to one embodiment Method 1601.In step 1610, capacitance is measured.In step 1611, if the center (center of touch screen of the contact in touch screen In unit cell have it is sufficiently high to be recorded as movable capacitance variations value), in step 1612, the touch of contact can be handled Position.In step 1613, if contact not instead of on the center of touch screen, edge, in step 1630, by unit cell or The value of intersection is assigned to virtual-sensor.If virtual-sensor is associated with the side switch of definition or other functions, in step 1616, activate that side switch or function.If contactless on edge in step 1613, and in step 1611, center without Contact is not detected contact and in step 1610, measures capacitance again in step 1615.Figure 16 B are shown for determining contact Whether on the edge of touch screen or different interactions, the method 1602 whether occurred of such as hovering.In step 1620, first Measure the capacitance measurement for panel.It is similar with the array of unit cell 1301 in Figure 13 B, it specifies for per unit unit Value.If in step 1621, peak value sensor (or unit cell) is located on the edge of touch screen, in step 1624, is touching It touches on the outer edge (see the element 1361 of Figure 13 C) of screen, identifies peak signal.In step 1621, if peak value sensor (or it is single Bit location) it is not located on the edge of touch screen, in step 1622, calculate touch location.Can with method shown in Fig. 6 A-F Similar mode calculates touch location.In step 1624, after recognizing peak signal on the outer edge of touch screen, in block 1626, identify peak signal on the inward flange of touch screen.In one embodiment, the inward flange of touch screen can be with outer edge It is adjacent.It in another embodiment, can be closer to the inward flange of centralized positioning touch screen, such as by 1363 He of element of Figure 13 C Shown in 1365.In step 1628, it can be calculated by the peak signal on inward flange and outer edge and held ratio.In different embodiments In, it can calculate by operations described below and hold ratio：

By the peak signal on outer edge divided by the peak signal on inward flange；

The peak signal on inward flange is subtracted from the peak signal on outer edge；

By multiple peak signals (coming from outer edge, middle edge and inward flange), linear relationship is calculated；

By edge (coming from outer edge, middle edge and inward flange) or from except just in those of the adjacent edges The sensor of outer row or column or multiple peak signals of unit cell calculate non-linear relation；

It calculates between outer edge and middle edge and middle edge and inward flange or from except just attached at the edge The sensor of row or column outside those of close or the second order relationship of unit cell；Or

It can identify the other methods that the numerical value for measuring the variation in capacitance of multiple unit cells indicates.

In one embodiment, the inward flange of touch screen is adjacent with outer edge.In another embodiment, the inner edge of touch screen Edge can be closer to center, as shown in the element 1363 of Figure 13 C and 1365.If held than being more than threshold value, can detect Hold touch panel device.It as an alternative, can be with application method in the 1614 of the step 1560 of method 1500 and method 1601 1602, activity sensor is identified to trigger establishment and implantation virtual-sensor.

Although method 1602 is discussed using the data of the array from unit cell 1301 about mutual capacitance and single unit Unit, detection holds contact, but in different embodiments, can combine multiple column or row of mutual capacitance unit cell And the summation (or average value) of the value using them holds contact or virtual-sensor activation to determine.In other embodiments In, it can determine that holding contact or virtual-sensor activates using self-capacitance row and column.It in such embodiments, can be by whole The value of row or column on body calculates and holds ratio, is similar to Figure 10 A, and can calculate Figure 16 B's by the self-capacitance value of row or column The gripping ratio of step 1628.

In different embodiments, virtual-sensor and sensor along the periphery of touch-screen display can be used to detect The biological information of user.It is, for example, possible to use the virtual-sensor and sensor along the periphery of touch-screen display detect hand The size of the hand of holding equipment, the equipment is held by left hand or the right hand or whether user is just using and the same proficiency that holds the equipment To interact with graphic user interface (GUI).

Figure 17 A are shown in indicating pattern of the user with their left hand handheld device 1702, identify each virtual sensing The embodiment of device.In this embodiment, respectively in pattern 1750 and 1760, the virtual-sensor 1711.1- of activation group 1710 The 1721.1-1721.N of 1711.N and group 1720.In one embodiment, alone or in combination pattern 1750 and 1760 can be right It should be in the single left hand of bigger of operation touch-screen equipment.Therefore, the button 1780 shown on the screen can be moved on to left side with Them are made to be easier to be touched by the thumb of left hand.In another embodiment, the pattern of the electrode along the edge of equipment can be used To be determined as the height for the button organized or the size of button.That is, the bigger gesture on the edge of equipment indicates bigger hand, Thus allow the larger button for more readily seeing and being easier to larger hand pressing.

Figure 17 B are shown in indicating pattern of the user with their right hand handheld device 1702, identify each virtual sensing The embodiment of device.In this embodiment, respectively in pattern 1751 and 1761, the virtual-sensor 1711.1- of activation group 1710 The 1721.1-1721.N of 1711.N and group 1720.In one embodiment, alone or in combination pattern 1751 and 1761 can be right It should be in the single right hand of smaller of operation touch-screen equipment.Therefore, the button 17871 shown on the screen can be moved on to it is right so that It is smaller to be more easy to be touched by the thumb of the smaller right hand.

Figure 17 C show indicating their right hand handheld device 1702 of user, but the right hand and touch screen for passing through them In interactive pattern, the embodiment of each virtual-sensor is identified.In this embodiment, respectively in pattern 1752,1753 and In 1761, the 1721.1-1721.N of the virtual-sensor 1711.1-1711.N and group 1720 of activation group 1711.Implement at one In example, pattern 1752,1753 and 1761 alone or in combination can correspond to left hand and hold touch panel device, and individually hand with Touch screen interaction.Therefore, the button 1772 shown on the screen is located on the center of display, and makes bigger.

The example of Figure 17 A-C is intended to only show detection biological information, does not indicate that the complete list of possible feature.In different realities It applies in example, virtual-sensor and sensor along the periphery of touch-screen display can be used (to pass through spy to detect specific user Fixed repeat pattern), as safety equipment (solving certain compositions of lock screen by requiring virtual-sensor activity), or only permit Perhaps certain applications are opened, combine only addressable application by certain virtual-sensors and peripheral sensor.

Figure 18 shows that the touch panel device pattern of the activation by detecting certain virtual-sensors changes according to one embodiment Become 1800.The example of Figure 18 shows to be changed to camera (or picture catching) interface 1820 from text input interface 1810.At one In embodiment, pattern changes can be by detecting and corresponding at least one virtual biography that touch panel device 1801 is used as to camera The touch panel device 1801 of the activation coupling of sensor 1840.1-1840.4, which tilts 1830, to be caused.In different embodiments, different numbers Amount and the virtual-sensor constituted can be used for detection pattern and change.In other embodiments, the virtual biography of activation can be used The not coactivation of sensor enters the different interfaces of touch panel device with constituting.Although camera is shown in FIG. 15, can lead to The combination for crossing sensor input and the activation of at least one virtual-sensor, triggers other interfaces, such as file, electronics postal Part, homepage or other application.

In addition, although detecting the variation in the direction of touch panel device usually using the gyroscope of accelerometer, can adopt With other methods, the camera on the homonymy of touch panel device is such as identified into face as display and is correspondingly aligned aobvious Show device, or detects Landscape Characteristics (tree, building, horizon etc.) using the display opposite with touch screen and be aligned Display.

Figure 19 shows the embodiment for the method 1900 that the pattern for detecting touch panel device as shown in Figure 8 changes. Step 1905, if inclination sensor is movable, in step 1915, the activation of virtual-sensor is checked.If inclination sensor is not Activity, in step 1940, touch screen is still within present mode.In one embodiment, inclination sensor can be gyroscope, Accelerometer or other discrete sensors.In another embodiment, inclination sensor can be the camera on touch panel device, by with It is set to each pattern of identification and by the way that those patterns compared with expected pattern, are detected the direction of touch panel device.For example, phase Machine and processing logic can detect the other parts of horizon, building or landscape.In one embodiment, camera can detect The main body of operation touch-screen equipment or the eyes of people.If virtual-sensor activity and inclination sensor activity, in step 1920, touch panel device can enter camera mode.In any point, touch panel device determines inclination sensor and virtual-sensor Holding activity and if deactivate any one or both, exit camera mode.If touch panel device is in camera mode, In step 1930, user can select to take pictures.Upon taking a picture, touch panel device may remain in camera mode, incline until deactivating Until oblique sensor or virtual-sensor.However, in one embodiment, upon taking a picture, before touch panel device may return to One pattern is to handle the photo.In the example shown in Figure 18, taking pictures to allow user that photo is sent to another party Afterwards, touch panel device may return to text input with display text input interface 1810.In one embodiment, pattern is changed Become, the specific composition of virtual-sensor can be required.In another embodiment, multiple animated virtual sensors can be required, but Their position can not be specifically.Different mode is changed, the expection sensor of button is produced as on display unit It can be different.User can not know swashing for button on the edge using virtual-sensor to detect touch panel device or button It is living, thus display can only indicate user must touch display that is a part of to activate button.In another embodiment, Touch panel device, which can be detected, to be existed along the difference at the edge of touch panel device or the user of specific position and correspondingly makes It determines, without deliberately making great efforts for user.

Although discussing shutter release button with reference to figure 19, other camera functions can be realized by virtual-sensor, such as schemed Shown in 20A-D.As long as example, the activity of camera interface 1820, virtual-sensor 1840.1-1840.1 can be used as shutter, into Enter camera mode or controls the scaling and optical characteristics of camera.Figure 20 A and 20B show that identification lies substantially in four of display The embodiment of the camera applications of four contact virtual-sensor 1840.1-1840.4 at angle.By lacking animated virtual sensor institute The release shown, and then pressing corresponds to a virtual-sensor meeting in the shutter release button position for the upper right for being usually located at camera So that touch panel device is operated in the camera mode to capture image and be stored in memory.

Figure 20 C and 20D show the more advanced enabled by virtual-sensor.In one embodiment, can use work as When in camera mode, the virtual-sensor of " top " of touch panel device zooms in or out.It in another embodiment, can be with Using when in camera mode, the virtual-sensor of " bottom " of touch panel device adjusts the brightness of camera.In other realities It applies in example, the least controlled view for providing display to the user can be controlled using the differently composed of virtual-sensor Any element and display functionality of camera, such as F- apertures, saturation degree, coloration, contrast or countless menu options.

In the foregoing description, many details are expounded.However, in the field of the benefit with the disclosure It is evident that the embodiment of the present invention may be practiced without these specific details for those of ordinary skill. Under some cases, known features and equipment are shown in block form an, rather than are shown with details, to avoid fuzzy retouch It states.

The some parts of detailed description are according to the algorithm of the operation of data bit in computer storage and symbolic indication It is existing.These algorithm descriptions and expression are the means used by the technical staff in data processing field, most effectively to convey The essence of its work is to others skilled in the art.Algorithm herein and is typically considered and causes expected result The self-consistent sequence of step.Step is to need those of physical manipulation of physical quantity.In general, although not necessarily, this tittle is adopted With can be by storage, the form of the electrical or magnetic signal for transmission, combining, comparing and otherwise manipulating.Mainly for general The reason of, these signals are known as positions, value, element, symbol, character, term, number or the like to have been demonstrated often to facilitate 's.

It should be borne in mind, however, that all these and similar terms will all be associated with appropriate physical quantity and be only Convenient label applied to this tittle.Unless stated otherwise, otherwise as from the discussion above it will be evident that it is understood that In entire description, using such as " integration ", " comparison ", " balance ", " measurement ", " execution ", " accumulation ", " control ", " conversion ", The discussion of the terms such as " sampling ", " storage ", " coupling ", " change ", " buffering ", " application ", refers to computing system or similar The action of electronic computing device and process will be indicated as the physics in the register and memory of computing system (for example, electricity Son) amount data manipulation and be transformed into and be similarly represented as depositing in computing system memory or register or other this information Other data of physical quantity in storage, transmission or display equipment.

Word " example " or " exemplary " are used herein to mean that as example, example or explanation.Here depicted as Any aspect or design of " example " or " exemplary " are not necessarily to be construed as advantageous over or surpass other aspects or design.Phase Instead, using word " example " or " exemplary " it is intended to that concept is presented in specific ways.As used in this application, term "or" It is intended to mean that inclusive "or" rather than exclusiveness "or".That is, unless otherwise specified, or it is clearly visible from context, " X includes A or B " is intended to any natural inclusive displacement.That is, if X includes A；X includes B；Or X includes A and B, then What met in " X includes A or B " above example in office.In addition, the article in the application and the appended claims " one " should generally be interpreted to indicate " one or more ", and it is for singular shape to be apparent from unless otherwise specified or from context Formula.In addition, the term " embodiment " used or " one embodiment " or " realization " or " a kind of to realize " it is entire be not purport Identical embodiment or realization are being indicated, except description of being far from it.

Embodiment described herein can also relate to a kind of apparatus for performing the operations herein.The device can be by It can includes selectively to activate or by storing computer journey in a computer to be specifically constructed for required purpose or it The all-purpose computer that sequence reconfigures.Such computer program can be stored in non-transitorycomputer readable storage medium In, such as, but be not limited to, including floppy disk, CD, any kind of disk of CD-ROM and magneto-optic disk, read-only memory (ROM), Random access memory (RAM), EPROM, EEPROM, magnetic or optical card, flash memory or any kind of suitable for storage e-command Medium.Term " computer readable storage medium " is understood to include the single medium of the one or more instruction set of storage Or multiple media (for example, centralized or distributed database and/or associated caching and server)." computer can for term Read medium " it also should be read to include the one group of instruction that can be stored, encode or execute for being executed by machine and cause The machine executes any medium of the method for any one or more the present embodiment.Term " computer readable storage medium " answers phase Be understood to include with answering, but be not limited to, solid-state memory, optical medium, magnetic medium, can store for being executed by machine one Group instruction and cause the machine execute any one or more the present embodiment method any medium.

Algorithm and display presented herein be not inherently related to any certain computer or other devices.It is various General-purpose system can with program according to the teaching of this article using or it can prove to be conveniently constructed more special device to hold The required method and step of row.Required structure for these a variety of systems will occur from following description.In addition, the present embodiment is simultaneously Not with describe with reference to any specific programming language.It should be understood that various programming languages can be used to implement as herein The introduction of the embodiment described.

Numerous specific details are set forth for above description, such as particular system, component, method example, in order to provide this The good understanding of several embodiments of invention.But for those skilled in the art it will be apparent that, of the invention at least one A little embodiments may be practiced without these specific details.In other instances, well known component or method do not have It is described in detail or is listed in the format of simple block diagram, to avoid the present invention is unnecessarily obscured.Therefore, the detail of above-mentioned elaboration It is only exemplary.Specific implementation can be different from these exemplary details, but still may be considered in the present invention Within the scope of.

It should be understood that above description be intended to it is illustrative rather than restrictive.It is above-mentioned in reading and understanding In explanation, many other embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be with reference to institute Attached claim, the full scope of the equivalent assigned together with these claims determine.

Claims

1. a kind of method for detecting the activation of at least one virtual-sensor, including：

The capacitance of multiple sensors of array is measured, each in the sensor is located at the sense limited by touch-screen display It surveys in area；

Capacitance based on measurement is detected with the multiple sensor of the adjacent edges positioned at the touch-screen display at least The presence of one close conductive body；

It will be by least one measurement electricity of the multiple sensor of the adjacent edges positioned at the touch-screen display Hold the capacitance obtained and be assigned at least one virtual-sensor, wherein at least one virtual-sensor is located at by described Outside the sensing area that touch-screen display limits；And

Based on the specified capacitance of at least one virtual-sensor, activation with limited by the touch-screen display The associated at least one control element in position outside sensing area.

2. the method for claim 1, wherein the capacitance on the multiple sensor is mutual capacitance.

3. the method for claim 1, wherein the capacitance on the multiple sensor is self-capacitance.

4. the method for claim 1, wherein at least one virtual-sensor correspond to by the touch screen display Show at least one of the associated multiple control elements in position outside the sensing area of device restriction.

5. the method as described in claim 1 further comprises：

Detect the variation in the direction of the touch-screen display；And

If the control of at least one activation associated with the position outside the sensing region limited by the touch-screen display Element corresponds to expected control element, makes to include that the equipment of the touch-screen display enters second mode.

6. method as claimed in claim 5, wherein the second mode is image capture mode.

7. method as claimed in claim 6, wherein at least one control element includes shutter release button.

8. the method for claim 1, wherein at least one control element includes being made of multiple virtual-sensors Sliding block.

9. a kind of user interface apparatus, including：

More than first a capacitance sensing electrodes being arranged along the first axle of array；

More than second a capacitance sensing electrodes being arranged along the second axis of array；

Controller, the controller are configured as：

Measure the mutual capacitance between a capacitance sensing electrode more than described first and more than second a capacitance sensing electrode；

In the adjacent edges of the array, there are conductive bodies for detection；And

It will be obtained by the measurement capacitance between more than described first a capacitance sensing electrodes and more than second a capacitance sensing electrode Capacitance be assigned at least one virtual-sensor, at least one virtual-sensor is located at by more than described first a capacitances Outside the region that sensing electrode and more than second a capacitance sensing electrode limit, and；

Processor, the processor are configured as the specified capacitance based at least one virtual-sensor, determine Along the activation of at least one control element at the edge of the user interface apparatus.

10. user interface apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the processor is further configured to detect the use The behaviour that the variation and entrance in the direction of family interface equipment can be used by the virtual-sensor and the direction changed Operation mode.

11. user interface apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the processor is further configured to：

Detect the biological information of user；And

Based on the biological information of the user, change the characteristic of the information on display.

12. user interface apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the control element is the shutter release button of camera.

13. user interface apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the control element is volume control interface.

14. user interface apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the presence of the conductive body of the adjacent edges of the array It is based on the more of the infall between a capacitance sensing electrode more than described first and more than second a capacitance sensing electrode The capacitance of list bit location.

15. a kind of hand-held display device, including：

Touch-screen display；

Multiple capacitance sensing electrodes in the top of the touch-screen display are set, and the multiple capacitance sensing electrode forms more A capacitive sensing node；And

Touch controller, the touch controller are configured as measuring the capacitance on the multiple capacitance sensing electrode and determination The state of activation of at least one virtual-sensor, wherein：

It will be by least one measurement capacitance of multiple capacitance sensing electrodes of the adjacent edges positioned at the touch-screen display The capacitance obtained is assigned at least one virtual-sensor,

Based on the specified capacitance of at least one virtual-sensor, activation with limited by the touch-screen display The associated at least one control element in position outside sensing area, and

At least one virtual-sensor is located at outside the region limited by the multiple capacitive sensing node, and the touch Controller is configured as detecting the conductive body on the edge of the touch-screen display.

16. hand-held display device as claimed in claim 15, wherein at least one virtual-sensor is located at and is provided with On the surface of the vertical hand-held display device of the substrate of the multiple capacitance sensing electrode.

17. hand-held display device as claimed in claim 15, wherein at least one virtual-sensor and at least one use Family interface element alignment.

18. hand-held display device as claimed in claim 17, wherein at least one user interface elements are to be configured to The sliding block of the resolution ratio output valve bigger than the resolution ratio of at least one virtual-sensor.

19. hand-held display device as claimed in claim 17, wherein at least one user interface elements are touched described It touches and shows and be configured to be led by outside the region that the multiple capacitive sensing node limits existing on the edge of panel type display Electric object is come the button that activates.