TW201528085A

TW201528085A - Touch sensor with plastic cover lens

Info

Publication number: TW201528085A
Application number: TW103135758A
Authority: TW
Inventors: Thomas Blair; Neerja Saran; Jalil Shaikh; Esat Yilmaz
Original assignee: Atmel Corp
Priority date: 2013-12-19
Filing date: 2014-10-15
Publication date: 2015-07-16
Also published as: CN104731427A; DE102014224060A1

Abstract

According to one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a substrate, a touch sensor and a cover lens. The touch sensor is disposed on the substrate. A conductive mesh forms portions of the touch sensor, and the conductive mesh comprises fine lines of metal. The cover lens is coupled to the touch sensor and is at most 0.4 mm thick. The cover lens comprises plastic.

Description

具塑膠覆蓋鏡片之觸碰感測器 Touch sensor with plastic cover lens

相關申請案Related application

本申請案係2013年3月15日提出申請之序列號為13/841,675之美國申請案之一部分接續案，本發明藉此以引用方式併入本文中。 This application is a continuation-in-part of the U.S. Application Serial No. 13/841,675, filed on Mar.

本發明一般而言係關於觸碰感測器。 The present invention is generally directed to touch sensors.

舉例而言，一觸碰感測器可在上覆於一顯示螢幕上之觸碰感測器之一觸敏區域內偵測一物件(諸如一使用者之手指或一手寫筆)之一觸碰或接近之存在及位置。在一觸敏顯示器應用中，觸碰感測器可使得一使用者能夠與顯示於螢幕上之內容直接互動而非藉助一滑鼠或觸碰墊間接互動。一觸碰感測器可附接至以下各項或作為以下各項之部分而提供：一桌上型電腦、膝上型電腦、平板電腦、個人數位助理(PDA)、智慧型電話、衛星導航裝置、可攜式媒體播放器、可攜式遊戲控制台、資訊亭電腦、銷售點裝置或其他適合裝置。一家用電器或其他電器上之一控制面板可包含一觸碰感測器。觸碰感測器可進一步包含在汽車中。 For example, a touch sensor can detect one of an object (such as a user's finger or a stylus) in a touch sensitive area of a touch sensor overlying a display screen. The presence and location of touching or approaching. In a touch sensitive display application, the touch sensor enables a user to interact directly with the content displayed on the screen without indirectly interacting with a mouse or touch pad. A touch sensor can be attached to or provided as part of a desktop, laptop, tablet, personal digital assistant (PDA), smart phone, satellite navigation A device, a portable media player, a portable game console, a kiosk computer, a point of sale device, or other suitable device. A control panel on a household appliance or other appliance can include a touch sensor. The touch sensor can be further included in the car.

存在若干種不同類型之觸碰感測器，諸如(舉例而言)電阻性觸碰螢幕、表面聲波觸碰螢幕及電容式觸碰螢幕。本文中，在適當之情況下，對一觸碰感測器之提及可囊括一觸碰螢幕且反之亦然。當一物件觸碰或接近電容式觸碰螢幕之表面時，在觸碰螢幕內在觸碰或接近之位置處可發生一電容改變。一觸碰感測器控制器可處理電容改變以判定其在觸碰螢幕上之位置。 There are several different types of touch sensors, such as, for example, resistive touch screens, surface acoustic wave touch screens, and capacitive touch screens. Herein, where appropriate, a reference to a touch sensor can include a touch screen and vice versa. When an object touches or approaches the surface of the screen, it touches or approaches the touch screen. A change in capacitance can occur at the location. A touch sensor controller can process the change in capacitance to determine its position on the touch screen.

100‧‧‧實力性裝置/裝置/適合裝置/任何適合裝置 100‧‧‧Strength device/device/fit device/any suitable device

110‧‧‧覆蓋鏡片/彎曲覆蓋鏡片/塑膠覆蓋鏡片 110‧‧‧Overlay lens/bend cover lens/plastic cover lens

120‧‧‧實力性觸碰感測器/觸碰感測器/任何適合觸碰感測器 120‧‧‧Strong touch sensor/touch sensor/any suitable touch sensor

130‧‧‧機械堆疊/實例性機械堆疊/任何適合機械堆疊 130‧‧‧Mechanical stacking/example mechanical stacking/any suitable for mechanical stacking

210‧‧‧光學透明黏合劑/第一光學透明黏合劑層/第二光學透明黏合劑層 210‧‧‧Optical Clear Adhesive/First Optically Clear Adhesive Layer/Second Optically Clear Adhesive Layer

220‧‧‧感測電極 220‧‧‧Sensor electrode

225‧‧‧驅動電極 225‧‧‧ drive electrode

230‧‧‧基板/聚對苯二甲酸乙二酯基板 230‧‧‧Substrate/polyethylene terephthalate substrate

235‧‧‧塗層/抗反射塗層/疏油塗層/防刮擦塗層 235‧‧‧Coating/anti-reflective coating/oleophobic coating/scratch resistant coating

310‧‧‧導電材料軌跡/軌跡/特定軌跡 310‧‧‧Conductive material track/track/specific track

315‧‧‧裝置顯示器 315‧‧‧ device display

320‧‧‧連接墊 320‧‧‧Connecting mat

330‧‧‧連接/任何適合連接 330‧‧‧Connect/any suitable connection

340‧‧‧實例性觸碰感測器控制器/觸碰感測器控制器/任何適合觸碰感測器控制器 340‧‧‧Instance touch sensor controller/touch sensor controller/any suitable touch sensor controller

圖1圖解說明具有一觸碰感測器之一實例性裝置。 Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary device having a touch sensor.

圖2圖解說明圖1之實例性裝置之一實例性機械堆疊。 FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary mechanical stack of one of the example devices of FIG. 1.

圖3A及圖3B圖解說明受重新傳輸效應影響的圖1之實例性裝置之一實例性觸碰感測器之效能。 3A and 3B illustrate the performance of an exemplary touch sensor of one of the example devices of FIG. 1 affected by a retransmission effect.

圖4A及圖4B圖解說明使用金屬細線(FLM)形成電極的圖1之實例性裝置之效能。 4A and 4B illustrate the performance of the exemplary device of FIG. 1 using electrodes of metal thin wires (FLM) to form electrodes.

圖5圖解說明圖1之實例性裝置之一實例性觸碰感測器及一實例性觸碰感測器控制器。 5 illustrates an example touch sensor and an example touch sensor controller of the example device of FIG. 1.

本發明闡述具有一觸碰感測器之一裝置。該觸碰感測器包含至多0.4mm厚之一覆蓋鏡片。在某些實施例中，該觸碰感測器進一步包含由配置成一雙層網格之金屬細線形成之驅動及感測電極，該網格可使得驅動與感測電極之間的電場在觸碰感測器之表面附近較均勻。作為較均勻場之一結果，覆蓋鏡片之厚度可減小至0.4mm及低於0.4mm，而不會引入由其他材料(諸如氧化銦錫)形成之觸碰感測器將經歷之不期望副效應。此等問題可包含濕氣敏感度及重新傳輸效應，所有此等均具有使裝置變得不可操作或以其他方式不可接受之可能性。 The present invention describes an apparatus having a touch sensor. The touch sensor includes one of the cover lenses up to 0.4 mm thick. In some embodiments, the touch sensor further includes a driving and sensing electrode formed of metal thin wires configured as a two-layer grid, the grid enabling the electric field between the driving and sensing electrodes to be touched The vicinity of the surface of the sensor is relatively uniform. As a result of one of the more uniform fields, the thickness of the cover lens can be reduced to 0.4 mm and below 0.4 mm without introducing undesirable touches that would be experienced by touch sensors formed from other materials such as indium tin oxide. effect. Such problems may include moisture sensitivity and retransmission effects, all of which have the potential to render the device inoperable or otherwise unacceptable.

圖1圖解說明具有一實例性觸碰感測器120之一實例性裝置100。觸碰感測器120包含一機械堆疊130。機械堆疊130包含一覆蓋鏡片110。在某些實施例中，覆蓋鏡片110具有0.4mm及低於0.4mm之一厚度。即使覆蓋鏡片110可具有0.4mm及低於0.4mm之一厚度，濕氣敏感度及重新傳輸效應亦可不致使裝置100及/或觸碰感測器120不適當地操作。 FIG. 1 illustrates an example device 100 having an example touch sensor 120. Touch sensor 120 includes a mechanical stack 130. Mechanical stack 130 includes a cover lens 110. In certain embodiments, the cover lens 110 has a thickness of 0.4 mm and less than 0.4 mm. Even though the cover lens 110 can have a thickness of 0.4 mm and less than 0.4 mm, the moisture sensitivity and retransmission effects may not cause the device 100 and/or the touch sensor 120 to operate improperly.

裝置100可係一智慧型電話、一PDA、一平板電腦、一膝上型電腦、一桌上型電腦、一資訊亭電腦、一衛星導航裝置、一可攜式媒體播放器、一可攜式遊戲控制台、一銷售點裝置、另一適合裝置100、此等裝置中之兩者或兩者以上之一適合組合或此等裝置中之一或多者之一適合部分。本發明涵蓋具有擁有任何適合形狀(包含但不限於：全部地或部分地為平面的、全部地或部分地為彎曲的、全部地或部分地為撓性的或者此等形狀之一適合組合)及任何適合大小之任何適合數目個任何適合表面之任何適合裝置100。 The device 100 can be a smart phone, a PDA, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a kiosk computer, a satellite navigation device, a portable media player, and a portable device. One of the game console, a point of sale device, another suitable device 100, one or more of these devices is suitable for combination or one of the devices is suitable for the portion. The invention encompasses having any suitable shape (including but not limited to: wholly or partially planar, wholly or partially curved, wholly or partially flexible or one of such shapes suitable for combination) And any suitable device 100 of any suitable number suitable for any suitable size.

裝置100可包含一觸碰感測器120。觸碰感測器120可偵測一物件(舉例而言，一使用者之手指或一手寫筆)之一觸碰或接近之存在及位置。觸碰感測器120可在裝置100之一或多個表面之部分上方延伸。本發明涵蓋具有任何適合數目個觸碰感測器之裝置100。觸碰感測器120可在任何適合數目個任何適合表面上具有任何適合形狀及大小。 Device 100 can include a touch sensor 120. The touch sensor 120 can detect the presence and location of one of the objects (for example, a user's finger or a stylus) that touches or approaches. The touch sensor 120 can extend over a portion of one or more surfaces of the device 100. The present invention contemplates apparatus 100 having any suitable number of touch sensors. Touch sensor 120 can have any suitable shape and size on any suitable number of any suitable surface.

觸碰感測器120可包含一機械堆疊130。機械堆疊130可含有各種材料層，諸如機械堆疊130之頂部處之一覆蓋鏡片110、一基板(或多個基板)及形成觸碰感測器120之驅動或感測電極之導電材料。覆蓋鏡片110可係透明的且由適合於重複觸碰之一彈性材料(諸如(舉例而言)玻璃、聚碳酸酯、聚對苯二甲酸乙二酯(PET)或聚(甲基丙烯酸甲酯)(PMMA)、環烯烴聚合物(COP)、環烯烴共聚物(COC)、纖維增強玻璃或任何適合塑膠)製成。在特定實施例中，觸碰感測器120之驅動及感測電極以及基板及/或覆蓋鏡片110之材料組成之設計允許覆蓋鏡片110具有處於或低於0.4mm之一厚度，同時仍減少或消除可致使裝置100不適當地表現及/或根本不操作之特定副效應。將進一步參考圖2來論述機械堆疊之設計。 The touch sensor 120 can include a mechanical stack 130. The mechanical stack 130 can contain various layers of material, such as one of the tops of the mechanical stack 130 covering the lens 110, a substrate (or multiple substrates), and a conductive material that forms the drive or sense electrodes of the touch sensor 120. The cover lens 110 can be transparent and made of an elastic material suitable for repeated touches (such as, for example, glass, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or poly(methyl methacrylate) ) (PMMA), cycloolefin polymer (COP), cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), fiber reinforced glass or any suitable plastic. In a particular embodiment, the design of the drive and sense electrodes of the touch sensor 120 and the material composition of the substrate and/or cover lens 110 allows the cover lens 110 to have a thickness at or below 0.4 mm while still decreasing or Certain side effects that can cause device 100 to be unduly and/or not operational at all are eliminated. The design of the mechanical stack will be discussed further with reference to FIG.

圖2圖解說明圖1之實例性裝置100之一實例性機械堆疊130。如圖2所提供，機械堆疊130可包含一覆蓋鏡片110、光學透明黏合劑 (OCA)210、包括PET之一基板230、驅動電極225及感測電極220。一塗層235可施加至覆蓋鏡片110。舉例而言，塗層235可係一疏水塗層、一硬塗層、一抗反射塗層及任何其他適合塗層。機械堆疊130可耦合至裝置100之一顯示器215。驅動電極225、感測電極220及基板230之設計可允許減小覆蓋鏡片110之厚度，而不會引入通常由薄覆蓋鏡片110導致之負面副效應，諸如濕氣敏感度及重新傳輸效應。藉由減小覆蓋鏡片110之厚度，可減小裝置100之大小。減小之大小可改良可攜性及電池壽命。此外，藉由減小覆蓋鏡片110之厚度，可減少在構造裝置100中所使用之材料之量。 FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary mechanical stack 130 of the example device 100 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the mechanical stack 130 can include a cover lens 110, an optically transparent adhesive. (OCA) 210, including one of the PET substrate 230, the driving electrode 225, and the sensing electrode 220. A coating 235 can be applied to the cover lens 110. For example, coating 235 can be a hydrophobic coating, a hard coating, an anti-reflective coating, and any other suitable coating. Mechanical stack 130 can be coupled to display 215 of one of device 100. The design of drive electrode 225, sense electrode 220, and substrate 230 may allow for a reduction in the thickness of cover lens 110 without introducing negative side effects, such as moisture sensitivity and retransmission effects, typically caused by thin cover lens 110. By reducing the thickness of the cover lens 110, the size of the device 100 can be reduced. The reduced size improves portability and battery life. Moreover, by reducing the thickness of the cover lens 110, the amount of material used in the construction device 100 can be reduced.

機械堆疊130包含安置於基板230之不同側上之驅動電極225及感測電極220。驅動電極225及感測電極220由金屬細線(FLM)或其他導電材料形成。舉例而言，驅動電極225及/或感測電極220可由銅、銀或者基於銅或基於銀之一材料形成，且導電材料細線可以一規劃圖案、網格圖案或其他適合圖案佔據其形狀之區域之約5%。本文中，在適當之情況下，對FLM之提及囊括此材料。雖然本發明闡述或圖解說明由形成具有特定填充物(具有特定圖案)之特定形狀之特定導電材料製成之特定電極，但本發明涵蓋由形成具有任何適合填充百分比(具有任何適合圖案)之任何適合形狀之任何適合導電材料製成之任何適合電極。 The mechanical stack 130 includes drive electrodes 225 and sense electrodes 220 disposed on different sides of the substrate 230. The drive electrode 225 and the sense electrode 220 are formed of thin metal wires (FLM) or other conductive materials. For example, the driving electrode 225 and/or the sensing electrode 220 may be formed of copper, silver or a material based on copper or based on silver, and the thin lines of conductive material may occupy a shape of a shape in a planned pattern, a grid pattern or other suitable pattern. About 5%. In this context, references to FLM include this material where appropriate. Although the present invention sets forth or illustrates a particular electrode made of a particular conductive material that forms a particular shape with a particular filler (having a particular pattern), the present invention encompasses any formation by forming any suitable fill percentage (with any suitable pattern). Any suitable electrode of any suitable shape suitable for the shape of the material.

驅動電極225可配置成正交於感測電極220。兩個FLM層可形成可藉以偵測觸碰之一感測器。由於FLM之低電阻，降低了驅動電極225及感測電極220之電阻，此有助於改良觸碰偵測。此外，可對感測器之佈局(例如，驅動電極225及感測電極220之大小、形狀、之間的距離及/或組態)進行最佳化。作為一結果，由驅動電極225及感測電極220產生之電場在與由其他材料(諸如氧化銦錫(ITO))形成之驅動電極225及感測電極220所產生之電場相比時較均勻。較均勻電場改良觸碰感測器120之觸碰偵測使得可減小覆蓋鏡片110之厚度。 Drive electrode 225 can be configured to be orthogonal to sense electrode 220. The two FLM layers can form one of the sensors through which the touch can be detected. Due to the low resistance of the FLM, the resistance of the drive electrode 225 and the sense electrode 220 is reduced, which helps to improve the touch detection. In addition, the layout of the sensor (eg, the size, shape, distance, and/or configuration of the drive electrodes 225 and sense electrodes 220) can be optimized. As a result, the electric field generated by the drive electrode 225 and the sense electrode 220 is relatively uniform when compared to the electric field generated by the drive electrode 225 and the sense electrode 220 formed of other materials such as indium tin oxide (ITO). More uniform electric field improved touch The touch detection of the sensor 120 makes it possible to reduce the thickness of the cover lens 110.

若不使用FLM網格設計，則當減小覆蓋鏡片110之厚度時可在裝置100中發生某些不期望副效應。舉例而言，當使用ITO形成驅動電極225及感測電極220時，具有0.70mm之厚度之一覆蓋鏡片110將經歷數種不期望效應。首先，當覆蓋鏡片110過薄時，觸碰感測器120遭受濕氣敏感度之影響。當來自一使用者之手之一液體(諸如水或汗液)與覆蓋鏡片110進行接觸時，觸碰感測器120可偵測到對覆蓋鏡片110之幻觸碰(亦即，誤判肯定(false positive)觸碰)。在某些例項中，觸碰感測器120甚至可在已自覆蓋鏡片110移除液體之後亦偵測到快速系列之幻觸碰。當觸碰感測器120開始偵測到該系列之幻觸碰時，裝置100可以不期望之行為做出回應及/或變得不可操作。舉例而言，若一使用者用出汗手指觸碰觸碰感測器120，則來自手指之汗液可跨越覆蓋鏡片110塗抹。汗液可致使觸碰感測器120在未發生或未在發生觸碰時判定已發生或正在發生一觸碰。作為一結果，裝置100表現得如同使用者正觸碰觸碰感測器120與濕氣接觸之部分，且裝置100可變得對使用者所做出之實際觸碰無回應。當移除汗液時，觸碰感測器120可能經歷難以調整以適應在觸碰感測器120上不存在汗液之情形。作為一結果，觸碰感測器120可能不能偵測後續觸碰，諸如(舉例而言)，在觸碰感測器120之曾與汗液接觸之區附近之觸碰。雖然包含一疏水材料之一塗層之施加可減輕由濕氣導致之問題，但使用FLM來形成驅動電極225及感測電極220可在不施加此一塗層之情況下減輕此等問題。 If the FLM mesh design is not used, some undesirable side effects can occur in the device 100 when the thickness of the cover lens 110 is reduced. For example, when ITO is used to form drive electrode 225 and sense electrode 220, having one of the thicknesses of 0.70 mm overlying lens 110 will experience several undesirable effects. First, when the cover lens 110 is too thin, the touch sensor 120 is affected by moisture sensitivity. When a liquid (such as water or sweat) from a user's hand comes into contact with the cover lens 110, the touch sensor 120 can detect a magical touch on the cover lens 110 (ie, a false positive (false) Positive) touch). In some instances, the touch sensor 120 can detect a series of magical touches even after the liquid has been removed from the cover lens 110. When the touch sensor 120 begins detecting the series of magic touches, the device 100 may respond and/or become inoperable with undesired behavior. For example, if a user touches the touch sensor 120 with a sweaty finger, sweat from the finger can be applied across the cover lens 110. The sweat may cause the touch sensor 120 to determine that a touch has occurred or is occurring when a touch does not occur or is not occurring. As a result, device 100 behaves as if the user is touching the portion of touch sensor 120 that is in contact with moisture, and device 100 may become unresponsive to the actual touch made by the user. When sweat is removed, the touch sensor 120 may experience difficulty adjusting to accommodate the absence of sweat on the touch sensor 120. As a result, the touch sensor 120 may be unable to detect subsequent touches, such as, for example, a touch near the area of the touch sensor 120 that was in contact with sweat. Although the application of a coating comprising one of the hydrophobic materials can alleviate the problems caused by moisture, the use of FLM to form the drive electrode 225 and the sense electrode 220 can alleviate such problems without applying such a coating.

其次，當覆蓋鏡片110過薄時，觸碰感測器120可開始遭受重新傳輸效應之影響。當一使用者觸碰覆蓋鏡片110之一個以上部分時，可在被觸碰部分之間產生一有效短路。該短路可防止觸碰感測器120偵測由使用者執行之觸碰。自觸碰感測器120之角度，此等短路或反觸碰遮罩及/或抵消覆蓋鏡片110上之實際觸碰。當觸碰感測器120評估所接收信號時，觸碰感測器120不能彼此區分多個觸碰及/或不能區分其中未發生觸碰之一情形。自使用者之角度，裝置100可在使用者觸碰覆蓋鏡片110之一個以上部分時變得無回應。舉例而言，使用者可跨越觸碰感測器120拖移兩個或兩個以上手指以指示使用者希望在顯示器上放大。然而，重新傳輸效應可阻止觸碰感測器120判定發生了兩個或兩個以上觸碰。換言之，重新傳輸效應可阻止觸碰感測器120在由兩個或兩個以上手指做出之兩個或兩個以上觸碰之間及/或在發生一觸碰與未發生觸碰之間進行區分。自使用者之角度，裝置100可不正確地做出回應及/或完全不能對使用者之觸碰做出回應。 Second, when the cover lens 110 is too thin, the touch sensor 120 can begin to suffer from the retransmission effect. When a user touches more than one portion of the cover lens 110, an effective short circuit can be created between the touched portions. This short circuit prevents the touch sensor 120 from detecting a touch performed by the user. From the perspective of the touch sensor 120, the short or reverse touches the mask and/or counteracts the actual touch on the cover lens 110. When the touch sensor 120 reviews When estimating the received signal, the touch sensor 120 cannot distinguish between multiple touches from each other and/or cannot distinguish between a situation in which no touch occurs. From the perspective of the user, the device 100 can become unresponsive when the user touches more than one portion of the cover lens 110. For example, a user can drag two or more fingers across the touch sensor 120 to indicate that the user wishes to zoom in on the display. However, the retransmission effect may prevent the touch sensor 120 from determining that two or more touches have occurred. In other words, the retransmission effect can prevent the touch sensor 120 between two or more touches made by two or more fingers and/or between one touch and no touch. Make a distinction. From the perspective of the user, device 100 may respond incorrectly and/or may not respond at all to the user's touch.

圖3A及圖3B圖解說明受重新傳輸效應影響的圖1之實例性裝置100之一實例性觸碰感測器120之效能。圖3A圖解說明在觸碰感測器120偵測到跨越觸碰感測器120之一區之觸碰時觸碰感測器120之信號量測。在圖3A中，已將觸碰接地以便最小化重新傳輸效應以更佳地圖解說明重新傳輸效應如何影響觸碰感測器120。如圖3A中所展示，觸碰感測器120之信號量測在觸碰附近增加至其最大值。在特定實施例中，觸碰感測器120可藉由判定信號量測在何處超過一臨限值而偵測觸碰。圖3B圖解說明在不最小化及/或移除重新傳輸效應之情況下觸碰感測器120對相同觸碰之信號回應。在圖3B中，觸碰感測器120可係浮動及/或不接地的。如圖3B中所展示，觸碰感測器120之信號回應不包含如在圖3A中之矩形峰值。作為一結果，觸碰感測器120可不偵測到在與圖3A中相同之區中發生之觸碰。圖3B中觸碰感測器120之信號回應與圖3A中之信號回應不同之一個原因係重新傳輸效應可致使在觸碰之區附近發生負信號位準。此等負信號位準可減小由觸碰導致之信號峰值。當在某些位準處存在重新傳輸效應時，負信號位準可具有充足量值來不期望地減小由觸碰導致之信號峰值，使得觸碰感測器120可偵測不到觸碰。如在圖3B中可見，信號回應在觸碰感測器 120之數個區中變為負的。 3A and 3B illustrate the performance of an exemplary touch sensor 120 of one of the example devices 100 of FIG. 1 that is affected by a retransmission effect. FIG. 3A illustrates signal measurement of touch sensor 120 when touch sensor 120 detects a touch across a region of touch sensor 120. In FIG. 3A, the touch has been grounded to minimize the retransmission effect to better illustrate how the retransmission effect affects the touch sensor 120. As shown in Figure 3A, the signal measurement of touch sensor 120 increases to its maximum near the touch. In a particular embodiment, the touch sensor 120 can detect a touch by determining where the signal measurement exceeds a threshold. FIG. 3B illustrates the response of touch sensor 120 to the same touch without minimizing and/or removing the retransmission effect. In FIG. 3B, the touch sensor 120 can be floating and/or ungrounded. As shown in Figure 3B, the signal response of touch sensor 120 does not include a rectangular peak as in Figure 3A. As a result, the touch sensor 120 may not detect a touch that occurs in the same area as in FIG. 3A. One reason that the signal response of touch sensor 120 in Figure 3B differs from the signal response in Figure 3A is that the retransmission effect can cause a negative signal level to occur near the touched area. These negative signal levels reduce the peak value of the signal caused by the touch. When there is a retransmission effect at some levels, the negative signal level may have a sufficient magnitude to undesirably reduce the signal peak caused by the touch, such that the touch sensor 120 may not detect the touch. . As can be seen in Figure 3B, the signal is reflected in the touch sensor The number of areas in 120 becomes negative.

可進行特定量測及計算以判定重新傳輸效應是否可使得觸碰感測器120變得不可操作或不令人滿意。舉例而言，可根據以下公式來計算觸碰感測器120之一重新傳輸位準：R_L=((V_G-V_F/V_G)×100。V_G係在已藉由(舉例而言)將觸碰接地而最小化及/或移除重新傳輸效應時觸碰感測器120之信號回應之峰值電壓。V_F係在不最小化及/或移除重新傳輸效應之情況下觸碰感測器120之信號回應之最小電壓位準(通常係負的)。在某些實施例中，若R_L小於140，則觸碰感測器120被視為適當地處置重新傳輸效應。 Specific measurements and calculations can be made to determine if the retransmission effect can make the touch sensor 120 inoperable or unsatisfactory. For example, one of the touch sensors 120 can be re-transmitted according to the following formula: R _L = ((V _G - V _F / V _G ) × 100. V _G is already used (for example The peak voltage of the signal response of the touch sensor 120 when the grounding is minimized and/or removed. The _VF is touched without minimizing and/or removing the retransmission effect. The minimum voltage level (usually negative) of the signal response of the touch sensor 120. In some embodiments, if the R _{L is} less than 140, the touch sensor 120 is deemed to properly handle the retransmission effect.

藉由使用FLM形成驅動電極225及感測電極220且藉由將驅動電極225及感測電極220安置於使用PET形成之一基板230上，可減小覆蓋鏡片110之厚度同時仍減少或消除濕氣及/或重新傳輸效應之影響。當使用FLM時，由驅動電極225及感測電極220產生之電場在觸碰感測器120之表面附近可變得較均勻，藉此甚至在減小覆蓋鏡片110之厚度時亦改良觸碰偵測。當覆蓋鏡片110係0.70mm厚時，使用其他材料(諸如ITO)形成驅動電極225及感測電極220之觸碰感測器120可開始經歷副效應。然而，本發明涵蓋甚至在具有自0.1mm至0.5mm之一厚度之一覆蓋鏡片110之情況下亦適當偵測觸碰之一觸碰感測器120。本發明進一步涵蓋甚至在具有低於0.1mm之一厚度之一覆蓋鏡片110之情況下亦適當偵測觸碰之觸碰感測器120。因此，藉由以一雙層FLM網格形成驅動電極225及感測電極220，可減小覆蓋鏡片110之厚度同時維持裝置100之可操作性。 By forming the driving electrode 225 and the sensing electrode 220 using the FLM and by disposing the driving electrode 225 and the sensing electrode 220 on one of the substrates 230 formed using PET, the thickness of the covering lens 110 can be reduced while still reducing or eliminating the wetness. The effect of gas and/or retransmission effects. When the FLM is used, the electric field generated by the driving electrode 225 and the sensing electrode 220 can become relatively uniform near the surface of the touch sensor 120, thereby improving the touch detection even when the thickness of the covering lens 110 is reduced. Measurement. When the cover lens 110 is 0.70 mm thick, the touch sensor 120 that forms the drive electrode 225 and the sense electrode 220 using other materials such as ITO may begin to experience side effects. However, the present invention contemplates detecting one of the touch sensors 120 as appropriate even in the case of having one of the thicknesses of 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. The present invention further encompasses the touch sensor 120 that properly detects the touch even in the case of having one of the thicknesses of less than 0.1 mm. Therefore, by forming the driving electrode 225 and the sensing electrode 220 in a double-layer FLM grid, the thickness of the covering lens 110 can be reduced while maintaining the operability of the device 100.

舉例而言，在觸碰感測器120之表面處之一較均勻電場可允許觸碰感測器120恰當地偵測覆蓋鏡片110上之濕氣而非將濕氣感知為一觸碰且恰當地偵測何時已移除彼濕氣而非經歷難以調整以適應彼濕氣移除之情形。覆蓋鏡片110上之濕氣可減小觸碰感測器120之節點之間的電阻使得可在節點之間發生類似於一短路之一效應。此效應可致使觸碰感測器120不恰當地偵測由濕氣在觸碰感測器120上導致之一或多個觸碰。觸碰感測器120之表面處之一較均勻電場可減小此效應使得觸碰感測器120可不會不恰當地偵測此等一或多個觸碰。舉例而言，此一觸碰感測器120可不將由與覆蓋鏡片接觸之一液體導致之一效應視為一觸碰。作為另一實例，觸碰感測器120可判定一所偵測觸碰係由觸碰感測器120上之濕氣而非一實際觸碰導致且忽視所偵測觸碰。作為另一實例，濕氣或液體可不以致使觸碰感測器120感測已發生一觸碰之此一方式干擾由驅動電極225及感測電極220產生之電場。此外，觸碰感測器120可忽視覆蓋鏡片110上之濕氣而非將濕氣偵測為假觸碰。 For example, a relatively uniform electric field at the surface of the touch sensor 120 may allow the touch sensor 120 to properly detect moisture on the cover lens 110 rather than sensing moisture as a touch and appropriate The ground detects when the moisture has been removed rather than undergoing a difficult adjustment to accommodate the moisture removal. The moisture covering the lens 110 can reduce the relationship between the nodes of the touch sensor 120 The resistor makes it possible to have an effect similar to a short circuit between the nodes. This effect can cause the touch sensor 120 to improperly detect one or more touches caused by moisture on the touch sensor 120. A more uniform electric field at the surface of the touch sensor 120 may reduce this effect such that the touch sensor 120 may not improperly detect such one or more touches. For example, the one touch sensor 120 may not treat one effect caused by the liquid in contact with the cover lens as a touch. As another example, the touch sensor 120 can determine that a detected touch is caused by moisture on the touch sensor 120 rather than an actual touch and ignores the detected touch. As another example, the moisture or liquid may not interfere with the electric field generated by the drive electrode 225 and the sense electrode 220 in such a manner that the touch sensor 120 senses that a touch has occurred. In addition, the touch sensor 120 can ignore the moisture on the cover lens 110 rather than detecting the moisture as a false touch.

作為另一實例，一較均勻電場可減少重新傳輸效應使得觸碰感測器120可恰當偵測覆蓋鏡片110上之兩個或兩個以上同時觸碰。此外，由於FLM及PET基板230之撓性性質，驅動電極225、感測電極220及基板230可類似於一撓性網格膜薄片。以此方式，驅動電極225、感測電極220及基板230可較佳地適應彎曲顯示器215及彎曲覆蓋鏡片110。舉例而言，藉由使用FLM及PET，觸碰感測器120可形成於一汽車之一彎曲內部表面上。 As another example, a more uniform electric field can reduce the retransmission effect such that the touch sensor 120 can properly detect two or more simultaneous touches on the overlay lens 110. Moreover, due to the flexible nature of the FLM and PET substrate 230, the drive electrode 225, the sense electrode 220, and the substrate 230 can be similar to a flexible mesh film sheet. In this manner, the drive electrode 225, the sense electrode 220, and the substrate 230 can preferably accommodate the curved display 215 and the curved cover lens 110. For example, by using FLM and PET, the touch sensor 120 can be formed on a curved interior surface of a car.

圖4A及圖4B圖解說明使用FLM形成電極的圖1之實例性裝置100之效能。圖4A圖解說明在觸碰感測器120偵測到觸碰時觸碰感測器120之信號回應。在圖4A中，已將觸碰接地以便最小化重新傳輸效應以更佳地圖解說明重新傳輸效應如何影響觸碰感測器120。如圖4A中所展示，觸碰感測器120之信號回應在觸碰附近增加至其最大值。圖4B圖解說明在並不最小化及/或移除重新傳輸效應之情況下觸碰感測器120對相同觸碰之信號回應。在圖4B中，觸碰感測器120可係浮動及/或不接地的。如圖4B中所展示，觸碰感測器120之信號回應仍在觸碰附近增加至其最大值。雖然在此實例中，已由重新傳輸效應稍微減小信號回應之量值，但重新傳輸效應可不充分強而致使觸碰感測器120不能偵測到觸碰。 4A and 4B illustrate the performance of the example device 100 of FIG. 1 using an FLM to form an electrode. FIG. 4A illustrates the signal response of the touch sensor 120 when the touch sensor 120 detects a touch. In FIG. 4A, the touch has been grounded to minimize the retransmission effect to better illustrate how the retransmission effect affects the touch sensor 120. As shown in Figure 4A, the signal response of touch sensor 120 increases to its maximum near the touch. 4B illustrates the response of touch sensor 120 to the same touch without minimizing and/or removing the retransmission effect. In FIG. 4B, the touch sensor 120 can be floating and/or ungrounded. As shown in FIG. 4B, the signal response of the touch sensor 120 is still touching. Increase to the maximum near the touch. Although in this example, the magnitude of the signal response has been slightly reduced by the retransmission effect, the retransmission effect may not be sufficiently strong to cause the touch sensor 120 to fail to detect the touch.

在某些實施例中，由於塑膠材料之相對電容率，可藉由用塑膠形成覆蓋鏡片110而進一步減小覆蓋鏡片110之厚度，同時仍減少或消除濕氣及/或重新傳輸效應之影響。舉例而言，本發明涵蓋包含一塑膠覆蓋鏡片110以及使用FLM形成之驅動電極225及感測電極220之一觸碰感測器。塑膠覆蓋鏡片110可具有約0.1mm至0.5mm之一厚度，而不經歷可致使裝置100不正確地做出回應及/或完全不能對使用者之觸碰做出回應之副效應。舉例而言，塑膠覆蓋鏡片110可具有約0.1mm、0.2mm、0.3mm、0.4mm、0.5mm之一厚度或在此等值之間的任何適合厚度，而不致使裝置100不正確地做出回應及/或完全不能對使用者之觸碰做出回應。本發明涵蓋與本文中所闡述之厚度之偏差，諸如可由用於形成覆蓋鏡片110之製造程序產生之偏差。 In some embodiments, due to the relative permittivity of the plastic material, the thickness of the cover lens 110 can be further reduced by forming the cover lens 110 with plastic while still reducing or eliminating the effects of moisture and/or retransmission effects. For example, the present invention contemplates a touch sensor including a plastic cover lens 110 and a drive electrode 225 and sense electrode 220 formed using FLM. The plastic cover lens 110 can have a thickness of about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm without undergoing a side effect that can cause the device 100 to respond incorrectly and/or not respond at all to the user's touch. For example, the plastic cover lens 110 can have a thickness of about 0.1 mm, 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.5 mm, or any suitable thickness between such values, without causing the device 100 to make the incorrect Respond and/or not respond at all to the user's touch. The present invention encompasses deviations from the thicknesses set forth herein, such as deviations that may result from the manufacturing process used to form the cover lens 110.

在特定實施例中，塑膠材料可提供一或多個優點。舉例而言，塑膠可係撓性的且抵抗破裂，此可改良耐久性及安全性。塑膠材料之撓性可減小覆蓋鏡片110將在裝置100之製造期間斷裂或破裂之可能性。塑膠材料可比用於形成覆蓋鏡片110之其他材料更輕且更廉價。 In a particular embodiment, the plastic material can provide one or more advantages. For example, plastics can be flexible and resistant to cracking, which can improve durability and safety. The flexibility of the plastic material reduces the likelihood that the cover lens 110 will break or break during manufacture of the device 100. The plastic material can be lighter and less expensive than other materials used to form the cover lens 110.

本發明涵蓋機械堆疊130之層之任何適合組態。舉例而言，機械堆疊130可包含一硬塗層及OCA 210與顯示器215之間的一氣隙。作為另一實例，與顯示器215接觸之OCA 210可係一經紫外線固化OCA。第一OCA層210可安置於覆蓋鏡片110與具有形成驅動或感測電極之導電材料之基板230之間。機械堆疊130亦可包含一第二OCA層210及一介電層(其可由PET或另一適合材料製成，類似於具有形成驅動或感測電極之導電材料之基板)。作為一替代方案，在適當之情況下，可替代第二OCA層210及介電層施加一介電材料之一薄塗層。第二OCA層 210可安置於具有構成驅動或感測電極之導電材料之基板230與介電層之間，且該介電層可安置於第二OCA層210與至一顯示器215之一氣隙之間。僅作為一實例且不以限制方式，覆蓋鏡片110可具有約0.4mm之一厚度；第一OCA層210可具有約0.05mm之一厚度；具有形成驅動或感測電極之導電材料之基板230可具有約0.05mm之一厚度；第二OCA層210可具有約0.05mm之一厚度；且該介電層可具有約0.05mm之一厚度。作為又一實例，驅動電極225可較靠近於覆蓋鏡片110而安置於基板230之表面上且感測電極220可較靠近於顯示器215而安置於基板230之表面上。本發明涵蓋機械堆疊130之任何層之厚度由於用於形成機械堆疊130及/或裝置100之製造程序而與一預期厚度有偏差。本發明涵蓋具有由任何適合材料製成且具有任何適合厚度之任何適合數目個任何適合層之任何適合機械堆疊130。 The present invention contemplates any suitable configuration of layers of mechanical stack 130. For example, the mechanical stack 130 can include a hard coat layer and an air gap between the OCA 210 and the display 215. As another example, the OCA 210 in contact with the display 215 can be UV-cured OCA. The first OCA layer 210 can be disposed between the cover lens 110 and the substrate 230 having the conductive material forming the drive or sense electrodes. Mechanical stack 130 can also include a second OCA layer 210 and a dielectric layer (which can be made of PET or another suitable material, similar to a substrate having a conductive material that forms a drive or sense electrode). As an alternative, a thin coating of one of the dielectric materials may be applied instead of the second OCA layer 210 and the dielectric layer, where appropriate. Second OCA layer The 210 may be disposed between the substrate 230 having a conductive material constituting the driving or sensing electrode and the dielectric layer, and the dielectric layer may be disposed between the second OCA layer 210 and an air gap to a display 215. By way of example only and not by way of limitation, the cover lens 110 can have a thickness of about 0.4 mm; the first OCA layer 210 can have a thickness of about 0.05 mm; the substrate 230 having a conductive material forming the drive or sense electrodes can be There is a thickness of about 0.05 mm; the second OCA layer 210 can have a thickness of about 0.05 mm; and the dielectric layer can have a thickness of about 0.05 mm. As yet another example, the drive electrode 225 can be disposed on the surface of the substrate 230 closer to the cover lens 110 and the sense electrode 220 can be disposed on the surface of the substrate 230 closer to the display 215. The present invention contemplates that the thickness of any layer of mechanical stack 130 deviates from a desired thickness due to the manufacturing process used to form mechanical stack 130 and/or device 100. The present invention contemplates any suitable mechanical stack 130 having any suitable number of any suitable layers made of any suitable material and having any suitable thickness.

觸碰感測器120之基板230之一或多個部分可由聚對苯二甲酸乙二酯(PET)或另一適合材料製成。觸碰感測器120中之驅動或感測電極可由金屬細線或其他導電材料製成。作為一實例且不以限制方式，該導電材料之一或多個部分可係銅或基於銅且具有約5μm或小於5μm之一厚度及約10μm或小於10μm之一寬度。作為另一實例，該導電材料之一或多個部分可係銀或基於銀且類似地具有約5μm或小於5μm之一厚度及約10μm或小於10μm之一寬度。 One or more portions of the substrate 230 of the touch sensor 120 can be made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or another suitable material. The drive or sense electrodes in the touch sensor 120 can be made of thin metal wires or other conductive materials. As an example and not by way of limitation, one or more portions of the electrically conductive material may be copper or copper-based and have a thickness of about 5 μm or less and a width of about 10 μm or less. As another example, one or more portions of the electrically conductive material can be silver or silver based and similarly have a thickness of about 5 [mu]m or less than 5 [mu]m and a width of about 10 [mu]m or less than 10 [mu]m.

一或多個驅動電極225可共同形成水平地或垂直地或以任何適合定向延伸之一驅動線。類似地，一或多個感測電極220可共同形成水平地或垂直地或以任何適合定向延伸之一感測線。在特定實施例中，驅動線可實質上垂直於感測線而延伸。本文中，在適當之情況下，對一驅動線之提及可囊括構成該驅動線之一或多個驅動電極225且反之亦然。類似地，在適當之情況下，對一感測線之提及可囊括構成該感測線之一或多個感測電極220且反之亦然。 One or more of the drive electrodes 225 can collectively form a drive line that extends horizontally or vertically or in any suitable orientation. Similarly, one or more of the sensing electrodes 220 can collectively form one of the sensing lines extending horizontally or vertically or in any suitable orientation. In a particular embodiment, the drive line can extend substantially perpendicular to the sense line. Herein, reference to a drive line may include one or more drive electrodes 225 constituting the drive line and vice versa, where appropriate. Similarly, where appropriate, reference to a sense line can encompass one or more of the sense electrodes 220 and vice versa.

塗層235可施加至覆蓋鏡片110以改良覆蓋鏡片110之某些態樣。舉例而言，塗層235可係降低覆蓋鏡片110之頂部表面之折射率之一抗反射(AR)塗層235。當頂部表面之折射率過高時，覆蓋鏡片110可在周圍光中產生不期望之反射(眩光)。在某些實施例中，將AR塗層235施加至覆蓋鏡片110可降低折射率，此可減少眩光。以此方式，在裝置100之一使用者在周圍光中看覆蓋鏡片110時，該使用者可較清楚地看見裝置100之顯示器而非一反射。 A coating 235 can be applied to the cover lens 110 to improve certain aspects of the cover lens 110. For example, the coating 235 can be an anti-reflective (AR) coating 235 that reduces the refractive index of the top surface of the lens 110. When the refractive index of the top surface is too high, the cover lens 110 can produce undesirable reflections (glare) in the surrounding light. In some embodiments, applying AR coating 235 to cover lens 110 can reduce the refractive index, which can reduce glare. In this manner, when a user of device 100 views cover lens 110 in ambient light, the user can see the display of device 100 more clearly than a reflection.

作為另一實例，塗層235可係排斥油之一疏油塗層235。在某些實施例中，將疏油塗層235施加至覆蓋鏡片110可排斥原本將接觸裝置100之油。舉例而言，在無疏油塗層235之情況下，當一使用者觸碰覆蓋鏡片110時，使用者之手指上之油可保留在覆蓋鏡片110上且在覆蓋鏡片110上可看似為一指紋。在具有疏油塗層235之情況下，油可保留在使用者之手指上而非轉移至裝置100之一表面。作為一結果，使用者對裝置100之顯示器之觀看可不被指紋阻擋。 As another example, the coating 235 can be one of the oil oleophobic coatings 235. In certain embodiments, applying the oleophobic coating 235 to the cover lens 110 can repel the oil that would otherwise contact the device 100. For example, in the absence of the oleophobic coating 235, when a user touches the cover lens 110, the oil on the user's finger may remain on the cover lens 110 and may appear to be on the cover lens 110. A fingerprint. With the oleophobic coating 235, the oil can remain on the user's finger rather than being transferred to one of the surfaces of the device 100. As a result, the user's viewing of the display of device 100 may not be blocked by fingerprints.

作為又一實例，塗層235可係保護覆蓋鏡片110之表面不受刮擦之一防刮擦塗層235。在某些實施例中，將防刮擦塗層235施加至覆蓋鏡片110可減少刮擦之出現。作為一結果，若裝置100之一使用者過於用力地按壓觸碰感測器120或掉落裝置100，則防刮擦塗層235可防止覆蓋鏡片110被刮擦及/或減少確實在覆蓋鏡片110上出現之刮擦之出現。以此方式，使用者對裝置100之顯示器之觀看可不被刮擦阻擋。 As yet another example, the coating 235 can protect the surface of the cover lens 110 from scratching one of the scratch-resistant coatings 235. In some embodiments, applying the anti-scratch coating 235 to the cover lens 110 may reduce the occurrence of scratches. As a result, if one of the devices 100 presses the touch sensor 120 or the drop device 100 too hard, the anti-scratch coating 235 can prevent the cover lens 110 from being scratched and/or reduce the actual coverage of the lens. The occurrence of scratches on the 110. In this manner, the user's viewing of the display of device 100 may not be blocked by scratching.

圖5圖解說明圖1之實例性裝置100之一實例性觸碰感測器120及一實例性觸碰感測器控制器340。觸碰感測器120及觸碰感測器控制器340可偵測一物件在觸碰感測器120之一觸敏區域內之一觸碰或接近之存在及位置。本文中，在適當之情況下，對一觸碰感測器120之提及可囊括觸碰感測器120及其觸碰感測器控制器340兩者。類似地，在適當之情況下，對一觸碰感測器控制器340之提及可囊括觸碰感測器控制器340及其觸碰感測器120兩者。在適當之情況下，觸碰感測器120可包含一或多個觸敏區域。觸碰感測器120可包含安置於可由一介電材料製成之一或多個基板上之一驅動與感測電極陣列(或一單個類型之一電極陣列)。本文中，在適當之情況下，對一觸碰感測器120之提及可囊括該觸碰感測器之電極及該等電極安置於其上之基板兩者。另一選擇係，在適當之情況下，對一觸碰感測器120之提及可囊括該觸碰感測器之電極，但不囊括該等電極安置於其上之基板。 FIG. 5 illustrates one example touch sensor 120 and an example touch sensor controller 340 of the example device 100 of FIG. The touch sensor 120 and the touch sensor controller 340 can detect the presence and location of an object touching or approaching in one of the touch sensitive areas of the touch sensor 120. Herein, reference to a touch sensor 120 may include both the touch sensor 120 and its touch sensor controller 340, where appropriate. Similarly, reference to a touch sensor controller 340 may include touch sensor control, where appropriate. Both the controller 340 and its touch sensor 120. Touch sensor 120 can include one or more touch sensitive areas, where appropriate. The touch sensor 120 can include an array of drive and sense electrodes (or an array of electrodes of a single type) disposed on one or more of the substrates that can be made of a dielectric material. Herein, where appropriate, reference to a touch sensor 120 may include both the electrodes of the touch sensor and the substrate on which the electrodes are disposed. Alternatively, reference to a touch sensor 120, where appropriate, may include the electrodes of the touch sensor, but does not include the substrate on which the electrodes are disposed.

觸碰感測器120可實施一電容性形式之觸碰感測。觸碰感測器120可包含形成一電容性節點陣列之一驅動與感測電極陣列。一驅動電極與一感測電極可形成一電容性節點。形成電容性節點之驅動與感測電極可彼此靠近但並不彼此進行電接觸。而是，該等驅動與感測電極可跨越其之間的一空間而彼此電容性耦合。(藉由觸碰感測器控制器340)施加至驅動電極之一脈衝或交流電壓可在感測電極上誘發一電荷，且所誘發之電荷量可易受外部影響(諸如一物件之一觸碰或接近)。當一物件觸碰或接近電容性節點時，可在電容性節點處發生一電容改變，且觸碰感測器控制器340可量測該電容改變。藉由量測整個陣列中之電容改變，觸碰感測器控制器340可在觸碰感測器120之觸敏區域內判定該觸碰或接近之位置。 Touch sensor 120 can implement a capacitive form of touch sensing. Touch sensor 120 can include an array of drive and sense electrodes that form a capacitive node array. A driving electrode and a sensing electrode can form a capacitive node. The drive and sense electrodes forming the capacitive node may be close to each other but not in electrical contact with each other. Rather, the drive and sense electrodes can be capacitively coupled to one another across a space therebetween. Applying a pulse or alternating voltage to one of the drive electrodes (by touch sensor controller 340) induces a charge on the sense electrode and the amount of charge induced can be susceptible to external influences (such as one of an object touch) Touch or approach). When an object touches or approaches a capacitive node, a change in capacitance can occur at the capacitive node, and the touch sensor controller 340 can measure the change in capacitance. By measuring the change in capacitance across the array, the touch sensor controller 340 can determine the location of the touch or proximity within the touch sensitive area of the touch sensor 120.

如上文所闡述，觸碰感測器120之一電容性節點處之一電容改變可指示該電容性節點之位置處之一觸碰或接近輸入。觸碰感測器控制器340可偵測並處理該電容改變以判定觸碰或接近輸入之存在及位置。觸碰感測器控制器340可然後將關於觸碰或接近輸入之資訊傳遞至裝置100之一或多個其他組件(諸如一或多個中央處理單元(CPU))，該一或多個其他組件可藉由起始該裝置之一功能(或在裝置100上運行之一應用程式)來對該觸碰或接近輸入做出回應。本發明涵蓋關於任何適合裝置100及任何適合觸碰感測器120具有任何適合功能性之任何適合觸碰感測器控制器340。 As explained above, a change in capacitance at one of the capacitive nodes of one of the touch sensors 120 can indicate that one of the locations of the capacitive node touches or approaches the input. The touch sensor controller 340 can detect and process the change in capacitance to determine the presence and location of a touch or proximity input. The touch sensor controller 340 can then communicate information about the touch or proximity input to one or more other components of the device 100, such as one or more central processing units (CPUs), the one or more other The component can respond to the touch or proximity input by initiating a function of the device (or running an application on device 100). The present invention contemplates any suitable device 100 and any suitable touch sensor 120 having any suitable functionality. Suitable for touching the sensor controller 340.

觸碰感測器控制器340可係一或多個積體電路(IC)，諸如(舉例而言)一般用途微處理器、微控制器、可程式化邏輯裝置或陣列、特殊應用IC(ASIC)。在特定實施例中，觸碰感測器控制器340包括類比電路、數位邏輯及數位非揮發性記憶體。在特定實施例中，觸碰感測器控制器340安置於接合至觸碰感測器120之基板之一撓性印刷電路(FPC)上，如下文所闡述。在特定實施例中，多個觸碰感測器控制器340安置於該FPC上。在某些實施例中，該FPC可不具有安置於其上之觸碰感測器控制器340。該FPC可將觸碰感測器120耦合至位於別處(諸如(舉例而言)裝置之一印刷電路板上)之一觸碰感測器控制器340。觸碰感測器控制器340可包含一處理器單元、一驅動單元、一感測單元及一儲存單元。該驅動單元可將驅動信號供應至觸碰感測器120之驅動電極。該感測單元可感測觸碰感測器120之電容性節點處之電荷並將表示該電容性節點處之電容之量測信號提供至處理器單元。該處理器單元可控制由驅動單元將驅動信號供應至驅動電極並處理來自感測單元之量測信號以偵測並處理觸碰感測器120之觸敏區域內之一觸碰或接近輸入之存在及位置。該處理器單元亦可追蹤觸碰感測器120之觸敏區域內之一觸碰或接近輸入之位置改變。該儲存單元可儲存供處理器單元執行之程式化，包含用於控制驅動單元以將驅動信號供應至驅動電極之程式化、用於處理來自感測單元之量測信號之程式化及在適當之情況下其他適合程式化。雖然本發明闡述具有一特定實施方案之具有特定組件之一特定觸碰感測器控制器，但本發明涵蓋具有任何適合實施方案之具有任何適合組件之任何適合觸碰感測器控制器。 The touch sensor controller 340 can be one or more integrated circuits (ICs) such as, for example, general purpose microprocessors, microcontrollers, programmable logic devices or arrays, special application ICs (ASICs) ). In a particular embodiment, touch sensor controller 340 includes analog circuitry, digital logic, and digital non-volatile memory. In a particular embodiment, the touch sensor controller 340 is disposed on a flexible printed circuit (FPC) that is bonded to a substrate of the touch sensor 120, as set forth below. In a particular embodiment, a plurality of touch sensor controllers 340 are disposed on the FPC. In some embodiments, the FPC may not have a touch sensor controller 340 disposed thereon. The FPC can couple the touch sensor 120 to one of the touch sensor controllers 340 located elsewhere, such as, for example, one of the devices on a printed circuit board. The touch sensor controller 340 can include a processor unit, a driving unit, a sensing unit, and a storage unit. The driving unit can supply a driving signal to the driving electrodes of the touch sensor 120. The sensing unit can sense the charge at the capacitive node of the touch sensor 120 and provide a measurement signal indicative of the capacitance at the capacitive node to the processor unit. The processor unit can control the driving signal to be supplied to the driving electrode by the driving unit and process the measuring signal from the sensing unit to detect and process one touch or proximity input in the touch sensitive area of the touch sensor 120. Existence and location. The processor unit can also track a change in position of one of the touch sensitive areas of the touch sensor 120 that touches or approaches the input. The storage unit can store a program for execution by the processor unit, including a program for controlling the drive unit to supply the drive signal to the drive electrode, a program for processing the measurement signal from the sensing unit, and appropriate Other situations are suitable for stylization. Although the present invention sets forth a particular touch sensor controller having a particular embodiment with a particular component, the present invention contemplates any suitable touch sensor controller having any suitable components with any suitable implementation.

安置於觸碰感測器120之基板上之導電材料軌跡310可將觸碰感測器120之驅動或感測電極耦合至亦安置於觸碰感測器120之基板上之連接墊320。如下文所闡述，連接墊320促進將軌跡310耦合至觸碰感測器控制器340。軌跡310可延伸至觸碰感測器120之觸敏區域中或圍繞觸碰感測器120之觸敏區域(例如，在其邊緣處)延伸。特定軌跡310可提供用於將觸碰感測器控制器340耦合至觸碰感測器120之驅動電極之驅動連接，觸碰感測器控制器340之驅動單元可透過該等驅動連接將驅動信號供應至驅動電極。其他軌跡310可提供用於將觸碰感測器控制器340耦合至觸碰感測器120之感測電極之感測連接，觸碰感測器控制器340之感測單元可透過該等感測連接而感測觸碰感測器120之電容性節點處之電荷。軌跡310可由金屬細線或其他導電材料製成。作為一實例且不以限制方式，軌跡310之導電材料可係銅或基於銅的且具有約100μm或小於100μm之一寬度。作為另一實例，軌跡310之導電材料可係銀或基於銀且具有約100μm或小於100μm之一寬度。在特定實施例中，軌跡310可全部地或部分地由金屬細線或其他導電材料製成。雖然本發明闡述由具有特定寬度之特定材料製成之特定軌跡，但本發明涵蓋由具有任何適合寬度之任何適合材料製成之任何適合軌跡。除軌跡310以外，觸碰感測器120亦可包含端接於觸碰感測器120之基板之一邊緣處之一接地連接器(其可係一連接墊320)處之一或多個接地線(類似於軌跡310)。 The conductive material traces 310 disposed on the substrate of the touch sensor 120 can couple the drive or sense electrodes of the touch sensor 120 to the connection pads 320 that are also disposed on the substrate of the touch sensor 120. As explained below, the connection pads 320 facilitate coupling the trajectory 310 to a touch sensation Detector controller 340. The trajectory 310 can extend into or around the touch sensitive area of the touch sensor 120 (eg, at its edge). The particular trajectory 310 can provide a drive connection for coupling the touch sensor controller 340 to the drive electrodes of the touch sensor 120 through which the drive unit of the touch sensor controller 340 can drive The signal is supplied to the drive electrodes. The other trajectory 310 can provide a sensing connection for coupling the touch sensor controller 340 to the sensing electrodes of the touch sensor 120, and the sensing unit of the touch sensor controller 340 can transmit the sensation The connection is sensed to sense the charge at the capacitive node of the touch sensor 120. The track 310 can be made of thin metal wires or other conductive materials. As an example and not by way of limitation, the conductive material of track 310 can be copper or copper based and have a width of about 100 [mu]m or less than 100 [mu]m. As another example, the conductive material of track 310 can be silver or silver based and have a width of about 100 [mu]m or less than 100 [mu]m. In a particular embodiment, the track 310 can be made entirely or partially of thin metal wires or other electrically conductive material. Although the present invention sets forth a particular trajectory made of a particular material having a particular width, the present invention contemplates any suitable trajectory made of any suitable material having any suitable width. In addition to the track 310, the touch sensor 120 can also include one or more grounds at one of the ground terminals (which can be connected to the connection pad 320) at one of the edges of the substrate of the touch sensor 120. Line (similar to track 310).

連接墊320可沿著基板之一或多個邊緣位於觸碰感測器120之觸敏區域外部。如上文所闡述，觸碰感測器控制器340可在一FPC上。連接墊320可由與軌跡310相同之材料製成且可使用一各向異性導電膜(ACF)接合至該FPC。連接330可包含該FPC上之將觸碰感測器控制器340耦合至連接墊320之導電線，連接墊320又將觸碰感測器控制器340耦合至軌跡310且耦合至觸碰感測器120之驅動或感測電極。在另一實施例中，連接墊320可連接至一機電連接器(諸如一零***力線至板連接器)；在此實施例中，連接330可不需要包含一FPC。本發明涵蓋觸碰感測器控制器340與觸碰感測器120之間的任何適合連接330。 The connection pads 320 can be located outside of the touch sensitive area of the touch sensor 120 along one or more edges of the substrate. As explained above, the touch sensor controller 340 can be on an FPC. The connection pad 320 can be made of the same material as the track 310 and can be bonded to the FPC using an anisotropic conductive film (ACF). Connection 330 can include a conductive line on the FPC that couples touch sensor controller 340 to connection pad 320, which in turn couples touch sensor controller 340 to track 310 and is coupled to touch sensing. The drive or sense electrode of the device 120. In another embodiment, the connection pads 320 can be coupled to an electromechanical connector (such as a zero insertion force line to board connector); in this embodiment, the connection 330 need not include an FPC. The present invention encompasses any suitable connection 330 between the touch sensor controller 340 and the touch sensor 120.

本文中，對一電腦可讀儲存媒體之提及囊括一或多個非暫時性有形電腦可讀儲存媒體處理結構。作為一實例且不以限制方式，一電腦可讀儲存媒體可包含一基於半導體之或其他積體電路(IC)(諸如(舉例而言)一場可程式化閘陣列(FPGA)或一特殊應用IC(ASIC))、一硬磁碟、一HDD、一混合硬碟機(HHD)、一光學光碟、一光碟機(ODD)、一磁光碟、一磁光碟機、一軟磁碟、一軟磁碟機(FDD)、磁帶、一全像儲存媒體、一固態磁碟機(SSD)、一RAM磁碟機、一安全數位卡、一安全數位磁碟機或另一適合電腦可讀儲存媒體或者在適當之情況下此等各項中之兩者或兩者以上之一組合。本文中，對一電腦可讀儲存媒體之提及排除對於根據35 U.S.C.§ 101之專利保護而言不合法之任何媒體。本文中，對一電腦可讀儲存媒體之提及在信號發射之暫時形式(諸如，本身為一傳播電或電磁信號)對於根據35 U.S.C.§ 101之專利保護而言不合法之情況下將其排除。一電腦可讀非暫時性儲存媒體可係揮發性、非揮發性或在適當之情況下揮發性與非揮發性之一組合。 As used herein, reference to a computer readable storage medium encompasses one or more non-transitory tangible computer readable storage medium processing structures. As an example and not by way of limitation, a computer-readable storage medium may comprise a semiconductor-based or other integrated circuit (IC) such as, for example, a programmable gate array (FPGA) or a special application IC (ASIC)), a hard disk, an HDD, a hybrid hard disk drive (HHD), an optical optical disk, an optical disk drive (ODD), a magneto-optical disk, a magneto-optical disk drive, a floppy disk, a floppy disk drive (FDD), magnetic tape, a holographic storage medium, a solid state disk drive (SSD), a RAM drive, a secure digital card, a secure digital disk drive or another suitable computer readable storage medium or In the case of a combination of two or more of these items. In this document, a reference to a computer readable storage medium excludes any media that is not legal under the patent protection of 35 U.S.C. § 101. As used herein, a reference to a computer readable storage medium excludes a temporary form of signal transmission (such as a propagating electrical or electromagnetic signal) from being illegal under the patent protection of 35 USC § 101. . A computer readable non-transitory storage medium may be volatile, non-volatile or, where appropriate, a combination of volatile and non-volatile.

本文中，「或」係包含性而非排他性，除非內容脈絡另有明確指示或另有指示。因此，本文中，「A或B」意指「A、B或兩者」，除非內容脈絡另有明確指示或另有指示。此外，「及」既為聯合的又為各自的，除非內容脈絡另有明確指示或另有指示。因此，本文中，「A及B」意指「A及B，聯合地或各自地」，除非內容脈絡另有明確指示或另有指示。 In this document, “or” is inclusive rather than exclusive, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise or otherwise. Therefore, in this document, "A or B" means "A, B or both" unless the context clearly indicates otherwise or otherwise. In addition, "and" is both a combination and a separate, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise or otherwise. Therefore, in this document, "A and B" means "A and B, jointly or separately" unless the context clearly indicates otherwise or otherwise.

本發明涵蓋熟習此項技術者將領會之對本文中之實例性實施例之所有改變、替換、變化、更改及修改。此外，在隨附申請專利範圍中對經調適以、經配置以、能夠、經組態以、經啟用以、可操作以或操作以執行一特定功能之一設備或系統或者一設備或系統之一組件之提及涵蓋該設備、系統、組件，不論其或彼特定功能是否被啟動、接通或解除鎖定，只要彼設備、系統或組件經如此調適、經如此配置、能夠如此、經如此組態、經如此啟用、可如此操作或如此操作即可。 The present invention is intended to cover various modifications, alternatives, changes, changes and modifications of the embodiments of the present invention. Further, in the scope of the accompanying claims, a device or system or a device or system adapted, configured, capable, configured, enabled, operable, or operable to perform a particular function is provided. A reference to a component encompasses the device, system, component, whether or not it is activated or connected Passing or unlocking, as long as the device, system or component is so adapted, configured, can be so configured, enabled, operated, or otherwise operated.

220‧‧‧感測電極 220‧‧‧Sensor electrode

225‧‧‧驅動電極 225‧‧‧ drive electrode

315‧‧‧裝置顯示器 315‧‧‧ device display

Claims

一種設備，其包括：一基板；一觸碰感測器，其安置於該基板上；一導電網格，其形成該觸碰感測器之部分，該導電網格包括金屬細線；及一覆蓋鏡片，其耦合至該觸碰感測器，其中：該覆蓋鏡片係至多0.4mm厚；且該覆蓋鏡片包括塑膠。 An apparatus comprising: a substrate; a touch sensor disposed on the substrate; a conductive mesh forming part of the touch sensor, the conductive mesh comprising metal thin wires; and a cover a lens coupled to the touch sensor, wherein: the cover lens is at most 0.4 mm thick; and the cover lens comprises plastic.

如請求項1之設備，其中該塑膠係聚對苯二甲酸乙二酯及聚甲基丙烯酸甲酯中之至少一者。 The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plastic is at least one of polyethylene terephthalate and polymethyl methacrylate.

如請求項1之設備，其中該塑膠係聚碳酸酯。 The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plastic is a polycarbonate.

如請求項1之設備，其中該覆蓋鏡片係至多0.3mm厚。 The device of claim 1 wherein the cover lens is at most 0.3 mm thick.

如請求項1之設備，其中該覆蓋鏡片係至多0.2mm厚。 The device of claim 1, wherein the cover lens is at most 0.2 mm thick.

如請求項1之設備，其中該觸碰感測器可操作以不將由與該覆蓋鏡片接觸之一液體導致之一效應視為一觸碰。 The device of claim 1, wherein the touch sensor is operative to not treat one effect caused by contact with the cover lens as a touch.

如請求項6之設備，其中該觸碰感測器可操作以在移除該液體之後恰當地偵測該液體曾與之接觸的該覆蓋鏡片之一部分上之一觸碰。 The device of claim 6, wherein the touch sensor is operative to properly detect one of the portions of the cover lens with which the liquid has been in contact after the liquid is removed.

如請求項1之設備，其中該觸碰感測器可操作以恰當地偵測該覆蓋鏡片上之至少兩個同時觸碰。 The device of claim 1, wherein the touch sensor is operative to properly detect at least two simultaneous touches on the overlay lens.

一種系統，其包括：一顯示元件，其可操作以呈現一虛擬顯示；一感測器元件，其耦合至該顯示元件，該感測器元件包括由一導電網格形成之複數個電極元件，該感測器元件可操作以偵測一物件；一鏡片元件，其耦合至該感測器元件，其中：該鏡片元件係至多0.4mm厚；且該鏡片元件包括塑膠。 A system comprising: a display element operable to present a virtual display; a sensor element coupled to the display element, the sensor element comprising a plurality of electrode elements formed from a conductive grid, The sensor element is operable to detect Measuring an object; a lens element coupled to the sensor element, wherein: the lens element is at most 0.4 mm thick; and the lens element comprises plastic.

如請求項9之系統，其中該複數個電極元件包括一感測元件及電容性耦合至該感測元件之一驅動元件。 The system of claim 9, wherein the plurality of electrode elements comprise a sensing element and a driving element capacitively coupled to the sensing element.

如請求項10之系統，其中該感測元件安置於一基板之一第一表面上且該驅動電極安置於該基板之一第二表面上。 The system of claim 10, wherein the sensing element is disposed on a first surface of a substrate and the driving electrode is disposed on a second surface of the substrate.

如請求項9之系統，其中該塑膠係聚對苯二甲酸乙二酯及聚甲基丙烯酸甲酯中之至少一者。 The system of claim 9, wherein the plastic is at least one of polyethylene terephthalate and polymethyl methacrylate.

如請求項9之系統，其中該塑膠係聚碳酸酯。 The system of claim 9, wherein the plastic is a polycarbonate.

如請求項9之系統，其中該鏡片元件係至多0.3mm厚。 The system of claim 9, wherein the lens element is at most 0.3 mm thick.

如請求項9之系統，其中該鏡片元件係至多0.2mm厚。 The system of claim 9, wherein the lens element is at most 0.2 mm thick.

如請求項9之系統，其中該感測器元件可操作以不將由與該鏡片元件接觸之一液體導致之一效應視為一觸碰。 The system of claim 9, wherein the sensor element is operative to not treat one effect caused by the liquid in contact with the lens element as a touch.

如請求項16之系統，其中該感測器元件可操作以在移除該液體之後恰當地偵測該液體曾與之接觸的該鏡片元件之一部分上之一觸碰。 The system of claim 16, wherein the sensor element is operative to properly detect one of the portions of the lens element with which the liquid has contacted after the liquid is removed.

如請求項16之系統，其中該感測器元件可操作以偵測該鏡片元件上之至少兩個同時觸碰。 The system of claim 16, wherein the sensor element is operative to detect at least two simultaneous touches on the lens element.

一種設備，其包括：一觸碰感測器，其包括形成複數個電極之一導電網格，該複數個電極包括：一驅動電極；及一感測電極，其電容性地耦合至該驅動電極；及一覆蓋鏡片，其耦合至該觸碰感測器，其中：該覆蓋鏡片係至多0.4mm厚；且該覆蓋鏡片包括塑膠。 An apparatus comprising: a touch sensor comprising a conductive grid forming a plurality of electrodes, the plurality of electrodes comprising: a drive electrode; and a sense electrode capacitively coupled to the drive electrode And a cover lens coupled to the touch sensor, wherein: The cover lens is up to 0.4 mm thick; and the cover lens comprises plastic.

如請求項19之設備，其中該覆蓋鏡片係至多0.3mm厚。 The device of claim 19, wherein the cover lens is at most 0.3 mm thick.

如請求項19之設備，其中該覆蓋鏡片係至多0.2mm厚。 The device of claim 19, wherein the cover lens is at most 0.2 mm thick.

如請求項19之設備，其中該塑膠係聚對苯二甲酸乙二酯及聚甲基丙烯酸甲酯中之至少一者。 The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the plastic is at least one of polyethylene terephthalate and polymethyl methacrylate.

如請求項19之設備，其中該觸碰感測器可操作以恰當地偵測該覆蓋鏡片上之至少兩個同時觸碰。 The device of claim 19, wherein the touch sensor is operative to properly detect at least two simultaneous touches on the overlay lens.

如請求項19之設備，其進一步包括安置於該覆蓋鏡片上之一抗反射塗層。 The device of claim 19, further comprising an anti-reflective coating disposed on the cover lens.