CN101089802B - Two dimensional position sensor - Google Patents

Abstract

A two-dimensional position sensor comprising a substrate with a sensitive area defined by a pattern of electrodes including electrodes for determining x-position and electrodes for determining y-position. The x-electrodes and y-electrodes generally extend in the x-direction and are interleaved in the y-direction. The x-electrodes comprise at least first, second and third groups of elements shaped such that adjacent ones of the elements of the different x-electrode groups co-extend in the x-direction so that the x-electrodes provide ratiometric capacitive signals, thereby providing quasi-continuous x-position sensing across the sensitive area. In addition, the y-electrodes may be resistively connected or arranged in ratiometric pairs to provide quasi-continuous y-position sensing. Alternatively, the x-electrode groups may be interdigitated to form pairs of x-adjacent blocks of differing area to provide stepwise x-position sensing in combination with stepwise y-position sensing provided by the y-electrodes.

Description

Two-dimensional position sensor

Technical field

The present invention relates to the typical case by people's the finger or the two-dimentional capacitive position transducer of stylus driving.Example device comprises touch-screen and touch pads, particularly covers those touch-screens and touch pad on display, stylus input writing plate or the scrambler of the LCD (LCD) of the equipment that is used for the FEEDBACK CONTROL purposes or cathode ray tube (CRT) and other types.

Background technology

Can trace back at least 1908 years to the stylus of machine or the record that touches input, as at patent DE 203,719[1] in embodied.

Touch-screen and indication device become more and more popular and are general, not only are used for personal computer, but also are used for various other equipment such as PDA(Personal Digital Assistant), point of sale (POS) terminal, electronic information and ticket booth, kitchen utensils.These equipment sustainable developments are the lower product of price, and the result just requires constantly to reduce production costs when keeping high quality and level of stability.

Touch-screen is divided into condenser type and this two class of resistance-type usually.

For the condenser type device, term " 2 dimension capacitance type sensor " or " 2DCT " are used for not leading to with limiting and refer to have surface or the volume that can report at least two-dimensional coordinate (Cartesian coordinates or other coordinate) relevant with the position of object or person body portion by capacitance sensing mechanism, and to mechanical hook-up or feedback system carry out the touch-screen, touch sensing pad of position sensing, near sensing unit; The display screen of illiteracy on LCD, PDP display or CRT screen and so on covers touch-screen; Or the control surface of other types, or the like.

For the resistance-type device, term " 2 dimension resistance sensor " or " 2DRT " are used for leading to touch-screen or the stylus entering apparatus that refers to based on pure direct current (galvanic) principle.

Term " 2DxT " is meant the element of 2DCT or 2DRT type.

Term " touch " means that intensity is enough to produce the contact of the human body parts of capacitive signals of required output or mechanical part or approaching.On the meaning of " approaching ", 2DCT can to owing to object near being enough to cause that touch can also mean " sensings " 2DCT and not have direct physical to contact under the situation that electric capacity that appropriate reaction produces responds.

Term " element (element) " is meant the active sensor element of 2DCT or 2DRT.Term " electrode " is meant the tie point in the element periphery.

Term " band (stripe) " is meant as the ingredient of element and has the wire conductor of two ends.Band can be a lead.Band can have sizable current resistor (galvanic resistance) of arranging intentionally, and lead has minimum resistance.If the element under it physically is crooked, band also will be physically crooked.

Term " pincushion distortion (pin cushion) " is meant any distortion from the signal of 2DCT, no matter is 2 dimension distortion of parabola shaped, barrel-shaped or other shapes.

The 2DCT of many types is known all to be characterized as the geometric distortion of " pincushion distortion " or " hyperbola " or " parabola shaped ", thereby the contact coordinate of being reported is owing to the electrical effect on the sensing surface has error.These effects are in each other patents, for example at the US 4,198 that is listed as the Pepper that is quoted for referencial use, 539[2] in, more deep explanation is arranged.At the row people's such as Babb that quoted for referencial use US 5,940,065[3] and US 6,506,983[4] in can see outstanding summary to the problem of known reason, solution and the solution of geometric distortion.US 5,940,065[3] understand that in brief two main classes proofread and correct: the electromechanical means that 1) relates to the design or the modification of sensing surface or connection electrode; 2) with the correcting distorted modeling method of mathematical algorithm.

Electromechanical means

The edge treated of plane component:People such as K ü pfm ü ller are at US 2,338,949[5] use in (application in 1940) in rectangle hangover very long on X and the Y and solve edge distortion problem in the 2DRT electronic chart around very little available area.K ü pfm ü ller takes further measures these four hangover grooves is cut to each band; These bands are not invaded the user input area, but play a part really in non-homogeneous mode along the resistance of each limit raising parallel with electric current to electric current.This idea is at people's such as Yaniv US 4,827 after 50 years almost, 084[6] in reappear with slightly different form.K ü pfm ü ller remains the most similar prior art with the present invention.

Becker is at US 2,925,467[7] in the 2DRT electronic chart has at first been described, thereby by using the intrinsic much lower skirt materials of sheet resistance of resistance ratio element to eliminate the nonlinear edge effect.This method also can be used for constituting 2DCT.

Pepper is at patent US 4,198,539[2], US 4,293,734[8] and US 4,371,746[9] in the edge electric resistance structure described by control element make the linearizing method of 2DCT.

Talmage is at US 4,822,957[10] in described a kind of in conjunction with 2DRT element and sensing sheet (pick-off sheet) with similar third edge pattern Pepper.Deliver other numerous such patents already, used the whole bag of tricks, and this respect had remained the fertile soil that can produce new patent so far.Have found that these methods are difficult to development and reproduction, and they suffer the error that the difference heating causes and the influence of production problem easily.Very small amount of locality error or drift can cause the coordinate response that sizable change is arranged.The low resistance of the edge strip of composition causes the problem of driving circuit, forces driving circuit to consume more power, than other measure costliness many.A lot of patent references the has been arranged patent of Pepper, and these patents claim that what do is similar thing.The given improvement of people such as Pepper might not substantially exceed Becker because at least the scheme of Becker for producing than be easier to and also good reproducibility some.

Edge resistance with wire element:Kable is at US 4,678,869[11] in a kind of 2 dimension arrays that are used for stylus input are disclosed, on two axles, use the electric resistance partial pressure chain, the electrode of high conductivity is connected on these chains, the electrode that is used to detect has some unintentional resistance (uninteded resistance), and detection signal carries out interpolation according to the signal that produces between two adjacent electrodes.Unintentional resistance causes in the response a small amount of pincushion distortion being arranged.This patent has also been described a kind of algorithm measure that compensates the caused slight pincushion distortion of this technology.Unless use the stylus connected, otherwise the Kable method can't work, promptly it not have description can people's finger be responded.The patent of Kable need cross-over connection between conductor, therefore needs at least three structural sheets (conductor layer, insulation course, conductor layer).

A plurality of active edge electrodes:Turner is at US 3,699,439[12] in a kind of even resistance-type screen with active probe is disclosed, this active probe has a plurality of electrodes and connects on all four limits, so that the result is carried out linearization.

People such as Yoshikawa are at US 4,680,430[13] in and Wolfe at US5,438,168[14] the middle a plurality of electrode points that are in each limit (opposite) of use that propose with the bight, so that help by reducing to reduce pincushion distortion from the electric current of the electrode on the axle and the interaction of the electrode on other.Though this element is a simple sheet resistance, this measure relates at unusual a large amount of active electronics near each tie point place of this element and connects (such as the linear array of diode or MOSFET).

Nakamura is at US 4,649,232[15] in similar with Yoshikawa and Wolfe that proposed, but have the sensing stylus of resistance-type.

The strip member that is sequentially scanned:People such as Greanias are at US 4,686,332[16] and US 5,149,919[17] in, people such as Boie is at US 5,463,388[18] in and Landmeier at US 5,381,160[19] in propose along X and Y-axis by the method for the member sensor of each band conductor of drive and detection alternately, explain the finger contact in view of the above or with senser element, stylus position contacting.This structure relates to multilayer material and special processing.Interpolation between the Greanias proposition use band obtains the higher resolution on two axles.The two all needs three or above layer, to allow the cross-over connection of element inner wire.The two all depends on the measurement to the electric capacity of each band, and does not rely on the cross-couplings amount of taking alternative in vitro test from a bar to.Boie has also proposed a kind of special protective surface.

Binstead is at US 5,844,506[20] and US 6,137,427[21] in a kind of touch-screen that uses discrete thin wire in the similar mode that is proposed with Kable, Allen, Gerpheide and Greanias is proposed.Binstead uses very thin row and column lead to reach transparent.This patent also proposes to use the Greanias method of interpolation between electrode cable to obtain higher resolution.Scanning depends on the measurement to each band electric capacity over the ground, and does not rely on the cross-couplings amount of taking alternative in vitro test from a bar to.

Evans is at US 4,733,222[22] in also described and a kind ofly driven the system of each bar in proper order along X and Y-axis, this system also uses the array of capacitors of an outside, to draw transducing signal by the capacitor partial pressure effects.Use interpolation to try to achieve than independent with the getable higher resolution of band.

Volpe is at US 3,921,166[23] in a kind of mechanical keyboard of discrete keys has been described, this keyboard has used the condenser type scan method.The row of line of input that existence is driven in proper order and order sensing.Pressing key makes the coupling increase that is listed as from going to, so just can realize that the n key rolls by (n-keyrollover); And do not need interpolation.Though be not 2DCT, Volpe has indicated the strip member 2DCT technology that is scanned.The application's applicant's oneself US 6,452,514[24] also belong to such sensor.

Itaya is at US 5,181,030[25] in a kind of 2DRT with resistive band is disclosed, these bands are coupled with the resistance face of reading contacting points position under pressure.These bands, perhaps face has the one dimension voltage gradient that applies thereon, makes the position of contact point on particular bands can be easy to identification.Each band needs at least one electrode of its special use to connect.

Be recycled the strip member of scanning:People such as Gerpheide are at US 5,305,017[26] in proposed a kind ofly to give directions device based on contact mat CALCULATION OF CAPACITANCE machine, this indication device uses the orthogonal array of a plurality of overlapping metal bands that separated by insulation course.Sweep trace is arranged in the circulation repeat patterns, to minimize the requirement of driving circuit.The cycle specificity of the wiring of this invention has prevented from this 2DCT is used for the location, absolute position.This invention be applicable to be used for replacing mouse do not need determine physical location and the touch pads of importantly relative motion sensing.Gerpheide proposes a kind of signal equalizing method between the opposite signal of two phase places of contact position.

The parallel strip member that reads:People such as Allen are at US 5,914,465[27] in a kind of element that has by the scanning band of the row and column of mimic channel parallel read-out has been proposed.This patent was declared than the lower noise of the element of sequential scanning and response time faster.This method is particularly suitable for replacing the touch pads of mouse, but for bigger size and not really suitable.As the situation of all strip member 2DCT, need a plurality of structural sheets.The Allen method needs large scale integrated circuit and a large amount of lead-in wires that is connected.It obtains than with the accessible higher resolution of the original band of these quantity with interpolation.

At WO 04/040240[28] Philipp has illustrated that in conjunction with Figure 12 a kind of some independent ohmic 1 dimension bars that use bring the method for making touch-screen in " charge transfer capacitance formula position transducer (ChargeTransfer Capacitive Position Sensor) ".These can walk abreast and also can read in proper order, because be separate to the connection of these bands.The coupling of the interpolation between adjacent lump electrode member and the object such as finger also has been described in conjunction with Fig. 6 in addition.WO 04/040240[28] here classify as with reference to being quoted.

At WO 2005/020056[29] in Philipp a kind of position transducer has been described, this position transducer has the first and second resistive total lines (bus bar), separates (Fig. 3 that sees this application) by a non-homogeneous conduction region that is between them.In the non-homogeneous conduction region owing to contact or near the electric current preferential flow that induces to the total line that will detect by testing circuit.Because induction current for example by those induction currents of driving circuit induction, preferentially flow along a direction, so the pincushion distortion in the location estimation is limited on this single direction to a great extent.1 dimension distortion like this can be proofreaied and correct very simply by using the scalar correction factor, thereby needing to avoid complicated vector to proofread and correct.This provides and has been used for the 2 dimension patterns of sensing at the conductive material of plastics or face glass or other media electric capacity behind, and it can be used as 2DxT, no matter is rendered as the touch-screen form or is rendered as " touch pads " form.Conductor can be limpid, for example uses indium tin oxide (ITO) to form, so that provide suitable transparent emulsion sheet for display or other back side.

This measure is for being applicable to that cellular diagonal line can work well up to the smaller screen of about 2 inches (50 millimeters), but for the situation such as the required bigger screen of some white household electrical appliance (for example micro-wave oven), performance will reduce.In addition, use this design, the finger shade effect may produce some problems.

At US 6,288,707[30] in Philipp described a kind of will be as the capacitive position transducer of the part of computer pointing device, this position transducer has adopted ratio system (ratiometric) capacitive character sensing technology.Arranged the array of pattern metal electrodes on dielectric substrate layers, wherein the geometric configuration of electrode is selected to along with the user points and crosses over that electrod-array moves and the electric capacity output that changes.

Fig. 1 in the accompanying drawing has duplicated US 6,288,707[30] Fig. 4.Arranged the pattern metal electrodes array on insulation course, wherein the geometric configuration of electrode is selected to along with the user points and crosses over that electrod-array moves and the electric capacity output that changes.This arrangement comprises the electrode group of four distributions of two of each dimensions.The group of x axle is leg-of-mutton, and this finds out easily and understands.First group of triangle 1 all is electrically connected on the output bus that is designated as X1 together.Also be connected to together on the output bus that is designated as X2 for second group 2.User's palmistry can be determined according to the ratio from the signal of X1 and X2 the position of x axle.Because electric capacity directly is directly proportional with surface area, and since the sheet that is connected on the X1 have in the left side altogether than the sheet of receiving X2 big surface area (vice versa) altogether, therefore as long as enough big finger area just guarantees to obtain the ability of the ratio of X1/X2 or X2/X1 with the signal intensity that is enough to provide enough near distance above pattern.The sheet of respective sets is connected on Y1 and the Y2 bus.The group that Y connects also is a ratio system, though that mode and X organize is different.The Y group comprises that Y1 alternately connects the rectangle band that is connected with Y2, is denoted as 3 and 4, has the y shaft size that changes along with the position, and its mode makes and produces along with the level and smooth Y1 that changes of position Y and the ratio of the surface area between the Y2.Make every pair of adjacent y axle band 3 and 4 and become constantly, make for any two pairs of bands, electric capacity be identical, promptly C (Y1)+C (Y2)=C (Y) is all arranged for every pair of band.So along with user's finger moves along the y axle, to measure detected capacity ratio with the mode that C (X1)/C (X2) ratio is identical, promptly Zui Da value becomes the molecule of mark.

Yet this 2DCT dimension that is designed on the x direction only provides limited ability.

Numerical method

Nakamura is at US 4,650,926[31] thus in described and use 2 original dimension coordinate data of look-up table system compensation the electronic chart system such as the figure input card to be carried out the system of data calibration.

Drum is at US 5,101,081[32] in the system that the electronic chart system such as the figure input card is carried out data calibration by telechiric device has been described.

McDermott is at US 5,157,227[33] in proposed to use the constant stored to proofread and correct 2DxT numerical method, these constants are used for controlling one or more polynomial expressions during operation, to proofread and correct the position contacting by section or quadrant report.

People such as Babb are at US 5940,065[3] and 6,506,983[4] in proposed to use the coefficient during learning process, determined that the uniform piece element of 2DxT is carried out linearizing numerical method, do not need to carry out segmentation with section or quadrant, and based on independent unit, so that proofread and correct or even small process variation.The method that Babb disclosed is very complicated, relates to " 80 coefficients " and quadravalence polynomial expression, and the coefficient of these methods must be determined by strict and time-consuming calibration process.In the test that the present inventor presided over, having been found that during normal use needs just can draw acceptable accuracy with 6 rank polynomial expressions, and the result still is very easy to be calibrated the back because the influence of the extremely slight follow-up variation that thermal drift and so on causes.Particularly, have been found that the bight connects the reason of the maximum that is long-term coordinate fluctuating, just connects the singular point that size and quality play a part to have the high-gain factor because these bights connect.In addition, the method for this data calibration needs high-resolution digital conversion, so that produce even the simplest resolution output.For example, have found that for quality is provided be that the coordinate result of 9 bits need be with the ADC of 14 bits.The required extra cost of amplifier system and ADC and power may be unallowed in many application.

Problem

Worked though in this field, before done widely, but still be necessary to develop the 2DCT of the low cost that has the fewer outside of quantity and connect, individual layer, large tracts of land, transparent, little distortion.

Summary of the invention

The invention provides a kind of two-dimensional position sensor, this two-dimensional position sensor comprises the substrate with sensing unit, this sensing unit is used for determining that by comprising the electrode of x position and the pattern of the electrode of the electrode that is used for definite y position limit, wherein x electrode and y electrode are totally along x direction extension and staggered on the y direction, and wherein the x electrode comprises first, second and the 3rd group element, described element forms and makes first and second groups the adjacent elements of element extend jointly in a part of upper edge of sensing unit x direction, and the adjacent elements of second and the 3rd group element extends jointly in another part upper edge of sensing unit x direction, makes the x electrode provide along the corresponding ratio system capacitive signals of x direction across sensing unit.

The x electrode can also comprise the 4th group element, and the adjacent elements of third and fourth group element extends in the another part of sensing unit jointly, makes the x electrode provide along the corresponding ratio system capacitive signals of x direction across sensing unit.

This principle can expand to and increase the 5th and more groups x electrode.On topology, this principle can infinite expanding be gone down.Yet in fact, being used for the outside thickness at the electrode feeder line at the peripheral edge position of sensing unit that connects will be more and more thinner, therefore consider that to certain degree the restriction of noise and other related factors increases x electrode group again and just becomes unpractiaca.

In various embodiments of the present invention, disposed the many external cable circuits that are connected with electrode in the periphery of sensing unit, these external cable circuits comprise: corresponding each electrical wiring that is connected with the element of each x electrode group; And many electrical wirings that are connected with the y electrode.

In one group of embodiment, disposed the median ridge (central spine) that extends along the y direction from the periphery of sensing unit, the element of the 3rd group of x electrode extending from the both sides of median ridge that is used for interconnecting, thus allow the element of the 3rd group of x electrode can be from the peripheral outside contact of sensing unit.

Preferably, median ridge is crossed over sensing unit continuously from top to bottom and is extended, and being arranged on sensing unit the top or nethermost single external contact in this case just is enough to satisfy the demand.As an alternative, also median ridge can be separated, need be with two external contact at sensing unit outer in this case, one in the top of sensing unit, the bottom at sensing unit.

When disposing median ridge, the corresponding y electrode that the median ridge both sides are on the equal height (being identical y position) can connect jointly, uses extra external connection line road to save.For example, single external connection line road can be connected with the y electrode of median ridge either side by the conductive trajectory around the peripheral disposition of sensing unit.

In having the embodiment of median ridge, can use many external cable circuits to be connected with electrode in the periphery of sensing unit, these external cable circuits comprise: thus just be connected with median ridge also and the 3rd group of electrical wiring that the x electrode contacts, and median ridge symbolically is divided into sensing unit left side and right side; With the element wire connecting circuit that is in the median ridge left side in first group of x electrode; With the element wire connecting circuit that is in the median ridge right side in first group of x electrode; With the element wire connecting circuit that is in the median ridge left side in second group of x electrode; With the element wire connecting circuit that is in the median ridge right side in second group of x electrode; And many electrical wirings that are connected with the y electrode.

The x electrode can be configured to multiple topological form, so that common extension is provided.

For example, the element of the common extension of corresponding each x electrode group can have complementary degree of splaying on their common distances of extending, so that ratio system capacitive signals to be provided.As an alternative, the element of the common extension of x electrode group has adjacent block that some areas change along the x direction on the common distance of extending at them separately, so that ratio system capacitive signals to be provided.

For example, with reference to embodiment with median ridge and first, second and the 3rd group of x electrode, first and three element can be respectively to or splay from peripheral and median ridge, and second element has with the first and the three-element bilateral of benefit of splaying mutually and splays.As alternative replacement scheme, in the difference of same embodiment realizes, first and three element can take area respectively to or from the form of the piece of peripheral and the interconnection that median ridge reduces, and second element has and first and the piece of the area change of the three-element complementation.

The y electrode is connected with corresponding each external cable circuit individually and/or in groups, thereby is provided at the positional information on the y direction.This is the better way approach, and wherein the y positional information is inferred from the circuit that signal occurs simply.In addition, if significant signal on the electrical wiring more than, occurs, just can use interpolation or some other approximation method.Typically, not having abundant outside line can make each y electrode pair answer an outside line.Therefore, must for example use guide to outside line the conducting metal path with adjacent y combination of electrodes together.For example, the y electrode can be grouped into two, three or four.

Described y electrode can be interconnected by resistance element, and the feasible external cable circuit that is connected by the subclass with the y electrode is exported ratio system capacitive signals, thereby is provided at the positional information on the y direction.In this realization, connect the y electrode with form as at WO 2004/040240[28] in disclosed what is called " sliding part (slider) ".Specifically, the resistive band covers part on the y electrode because in parallel with conductive electrode and by short circuit, and the part of extending between adjacent y electrode provides ohmic interconnection, as WO 2004/040240[28] Fig. 6 a shown in.So just can be with minimum two outside lines that are in each end of sliding part respectively (be connected with uppermost y electrode, another root is connected with nethermost y electrode) sensing (pick off) ratio system signal.Can obtain higher precision by sensing (promptly increasing one or more additional external circuit) in the middle of increasing to the y of centre electrode.This approach is quite flexibly, because the quantity of available outside line is that finite sum is restricted usually, typical quantity is 11.If adopt the sliding part approach, in case the outside line that distributes essential quantity to connect the x electrode, remaining available outside line just can all be used for the connection of y electrode.

The y electrode can be arranged in some vertical adjacent groups with at least two y electrodes, the y electrode of each group has different vertical width, make external cable circuit output ratio system capacitive signals, thereby be provided at the positional information on the y direction by connecting with the different y electrode of each group.Preferably, the y electrode of each group is directly vertically adjacent, does not promptly have the x electrode holder between them.Yet if the x electrode has ratio finger or the little width of other executive items of expecting on the y direction, y electrode group just can have the x electrode of insertion.The ratio system approach of this different vertical width based on the y electrode is at US 6,288,707[30] in open, Fig. 4 embodiment wherein particularly.

Electrode can use transparent material or any other the suitable material such as indium tin oxide (ITO) to form.Substrate also can form with transparent material, such as glass or transparent plastic material, for example, the organic glass (polymethylmethacrylate such as Perspex, PMMA), the perhaps cyclenes copolymer (COP) such as Zeonor (TM) or Topas (TM).Yet, in some applications, the opaque situation of electrode and/or substrate is arranged also.

Should be appreciated that x and y direction are by the appropriate coordinate system definition, prevailing is the cartesian coordinate system of x and y direction quadrature, and x also can become non-orthogonal angle with the y direction certainly.In addition, sometimes x and y direction are called level and vertical direction below for convenience's sake, certainly this and do not mean that and the aiming at such as the space of the reality that is as the criterion with gravity direction of refering in particular to.

Description of drawings

In order to understand the present invention better and to illustrate how can realize the present invention, will carry out exemplary illustration to accompanying drawing below, in these accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 is the schematic plan view of electrode pattern that the 2DCT of prior art is shown.

Fig. 2 is the schematic plan view of some parts of electrode pattern that the 2DCT of the first embodiment of the present invention is shown.

Fig. 3 is the planimetric map according to the 2DCT prototype of first embodiment, shows electrode pattern and first articulamentum that is connected with the y electrode in the periphery in electrode pattern district.

Fig. 4 is the planimetric map of the 2DCT prototype of Fig. 3, shows electrode pattern and second articulamentum that is connected with the x electrode in the periphery in electrode pattern district, and second articulamentum also is connected to y electrode shown in Figure 3 with the outside feeder line of y electrode and connects.

Fig. 5 is the driving of first embodiment and the system level diagram of data acquisition circuit.

Fig. 6 is the schematic plan view that the some parts that the electrode pattern of the 2DCT of the second embodiment of the present invention is connected with y is shown.

Fig. 7 is for similarly illustrating the schematic plan view of the some parts that the electrode pattern of the modification of second embodiment is connected with y with Fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is the planimetric map according to the prototype of the 2DCT of second embodiment, shows electrode pattern and first articulamentum that is connected with the y electrode in the periphery in electrode pattern district.

Fig. 9 is the planimetric map according to the 2DCT prototype of second embodiment, shows resistance element is connected on resistive layer between the y electrode.

Figure 10 is the planimetric map of the 2DCT prototype of Fig. 8, shows second articulamentum that electrode pattern and periphery in the electrode pattern district are connected with the x electrode, and second articulamentum also is connected to y electrode shown in Figure 8 with the outside feeder line of y electrode and connects.

Figure 11 is the schematic plan view that the partial electrode pattern of the 3rd embodiment is shown.

Figure 12 is the planimetric map that electrode pattern is shown according to the 2DCT prototype of the 3rd embodiment.

Figure 13 is the schematic plan view of some parts that the electrode pattern of the 4th embodiment is shown.

Figure 14 is the schematic plan view of some parts that the electrode pattern of the 5th embodiment is shown.

Figure 15 is the schematic plan view of some parts that the electrode pattern of the 6th embodiment is shown.And

Figure 16 is the schematic plan view that comprises the glass touch panel that embodies 2DCT of the present invention.

Embodiment

Fig. 2 is the schematic plan view of representative part of electrode pattern that the 2DCT of first embodiment is shown, and wherein electrode pattern defines the sensing unit of this device.These electrode spread are still having on the substrate that is in the upper surface on the figure paper plane of obviously not illustrating.Substrate can suitably be flexible transparent plastic material, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET).Substrate normally insulate.Electrode pattern resistivity be hundreds of Europe/square indium tin oxide (ITO) form.This is a transparent material, therefore is fit to the visible beneath button of display application or other needs or the application of other templates.

Usually, electrode pattern can or be removed any suitable conductive material by deposit and forms.Deposit can be for example by vapor deposition or serigraphy.Removing can be for example by laser or chemical etching.

Electrode pattern defines the x electrode 14,16,18,20,22,24 that is used for determining the y electrode 10,12 of y position and is used for determining the x position.What go out as shown is such, and x electrode and y electrode totally all extend along the x direction, and interlock on the y direction.Y electrode 10,12 is shaped as simple vertical bar, promptly elongated rectangle, and x-electrode 14-24 has splay triangular shaped.

Describe the x electrode at first in further detail, and then describe the y electrode.

The X electrode can be divided into three groups.First group is the leg-of- mutton electrode 14,24 of splaying, and is arranged in the left side and the right side of sensing unit.Second group is the triangular-shaped electrodes 16,22 that bilateral is splayed, and is arranged in respectively and inwardly extends towards central authorities from the left side and the right side of sensing unit.The 3rd group of x electrode 18,20 stretches out towards left side and right side respectively from integrally formed median ridge 26.The adjacent elements 14,16 and 24,22 of first and second groups element extends towards the left side and the right side of sensing unit respectively along the x direction in the Outboard Sections I of sensing unit and IV respectively jointly.The adjacent elements 16,18 and 22,20 of second and the 3rd group element extends along the x direction in the inside part II of the sensing unit of median ridge both sides and III respectively jointly.

By this way, the x electrode of first and second of every pair of adjacent common extension groups x electrode or second and the 3rd group formed one as in list of references [28] illustrated so-called sliding part.Specifically, this sliding part is at this type shown in Figure 15 of list of references [28], describes the related content of the operational circumstances of this sliding part in the list of references [28] and here classifies as with reference to being quoted.Should be appreciated that the relative executive item of the shape and size of these electrode members (being typically people's finger) is suitably designed, so that the ratio system capacitive signals of extending the length of (that is, overlapping) across them along the x direction jointly on the x direction is provided.

The x electrode 16 that the left side bilateral is splayed is by peripheral left hand edge place near x electrode 16 is connected on the X1 of external connection line road jointly along the conducting wire 30 that the y direction is arranged on the left side of sensing unit.It is to be noted that the bilateral electrode of splaying has at their left end and is convenient to this outside pad area 33 that connects.

The x electrode of splaying in the left side 14 is received on the X2 of external connection line road along the conducting wire 32 that the y direction is arranged near x electrode 14 left hand edge places jointly by the periphery, left side at sensing unit.

The x electrode of splaying 18 that stretches out from median ridge 26 is connected by median ridge 26 certainly jointly with 20, and the periphery by median ridge 26 and sensing unit has and electrically contacts.External connection line road X3 is connected with median ridge by the electrical wiring 34 with median ridge 26 substrates contact.

The x electrode of splaying in the right side 24 by at sensing unit right peripheral near x electrode 24 right edge along conducting wire 36 that the y direction is arranged to be connected to jointly on the X4 of external connection line road with corresponding left side x electrode 14 similar modes.

The x electrode 22 that the right side bilateral is splayed by in the right peripheral right edge near x electrode 22 of sensing unit along conducting wire 38 that the y direction is arranged to receive jointly on the X5 of external connection line road by means of the pad area 39 of expansion with corresponding left side x electrode 16 similar modes.

By this way, 5 external connection line road X1-X5 that are used to read of the outside contact of x electrode 14-24.

The y electrode is divided into two groups 10 and 12 that are in median ridge 26 left sides and right side respectively.Such as already mentioned, they have simple vertical bar shape, and between each the adjacent set x electrode 14,16,18 on the left of being arranged in and between each adjacent set x electrode 20,22,24 on right side.Y electrode 10 connects into some vertical adjacent groups with 12 by the conducting wire, so the y resolution of sensing unit just is limited in and the corresponding vertical range of the vertical range of these interconnective y electrodes in this embodiment.Like this y combination of electrodes has been reduced y resolution together, but can make the quantity on the required external connection line road of y electrode few.Shown in this example in, nethermost y electrode group comprises four pairs of y electrodes, they are received on the conductive trajectory 50 of a part that forms external connection line road Y1 jointly.Though obviously do not illustrate among the figure, the every pair of y electrode that is in equal height is connected jointly by a periphery path.This group up comprises three pairs of y electrodes, though only show first pair among the figure, they are connected on the path 52, so that be connected on the outside line Y2.Always having 7 groups of y electrodes is connected on separately the outside line Y1-Y7 by associated conductive trajectory.In this embodiment, the y value goes out from these 7 external connection line roods, and for simple control algolithm, this only provides the y resolution of 7 units, though can reach the extra y resolution of possibility by carry out interpolation between adjacent y circuit.

Put it briefly, this 2DCT provides quasi-continuous x resolution by being arranged in along the x direction across the sliding part of four areal coverage I-IV of sensing unit width, and combination is with by connecting into the stepped y resolution that vertical 3,4 one group adjacent horizontally extending electrode strip provides jointly.Used 12 external connection line roads altogether, 5 are used for X, and 7 are used for Y.

The electrode of splaying in median ridge and both sides is combined, allows sensing unit to have bigger scope can make transparent sensing unit to provide big in the x direction, and do not contain outside the connection except the periphery.In addition, the kind electrode design means that the finger shade effect is not remarkable, because because any barycenter drift of the capacitive signals that the physical location of finger obtains is subjected to the restriction of the horizontal expansion of electrode.For example, for this design, can produce the sensing unit diagonal line is the device of 6 inches (150 millimeters).

Fig. 3 is the planimetric map according to 1: 1 ratio (being physical size) of the 2DCT prototype of first embodiment design, shows electrode pattern and first articulamentum that is connected with the y electrode in periphery, electrode pattern district.For ease of reference, the zone that is covered by previous synoptic diagram illustrates at the bottom of this figure with dashed lines rectangle.Also roughly show the profile of finger among the figure pari passu.

Obviously, the electrode pattern of common ITO has covered the major part of substrate 40.In this example, pattern covers need form the rectangular area that the zone of transducing part is complementary with touch-screen or other equipment.Four areal coverage I-IV of previous described x electrode have also been marked among the figure.Rectangular substrate 40 also has one at the outstanding neck protruding 42 in the left side of substrate midway substantially.Neck protruding 42 is used for carrying out outside contact, as will in conjunction with the next one scheme illustrated.Left side at substrate 40, that promptly adjacent side with neck protruding 42, can see 7 groups of conductive trajectory 50-62 are arranged, form the external connection line road Y1-Y7 of y electrode, circuit Y2-Y7 respectively is connected on three y electrodes by path 52-62, and Y1 is connected with four y electrodes by path 50, always has 22 y electrodes in this left-half (being the left half side of median ridge 26) of device.On the right side, have and arrange 22 corresponding fully y electrodes, except that four of bottom be connected together in groups, all be triplets be connected together.The left side of substrate is led on the top that the path 50-62 of the external connection line road Y1-Y7 on substrate right side walks around substrate, makes the corresponding y electrode pair on left side and right side and the group of the common y electrode pair that is connected be engaged by single conductive trajectory.

Fig. 4 is the planimetric map of the 2DCT prototype of Fig. 3, shows second articulamentum that electrode pattern and periphery in the electrode pattern district are connected with the x electrode, and second articulamentum also is connected the outside feeder line of y electrode and is connected with y electrode shown in Figure 3.Between first and second layers shown in Fig. 3 and 4, be inserted with an insulation course, in order to the open zone that the insulation layer that electrically contacts between some part that prevents first and second articulamentum is provided and guarantees to electrically contact between some other part of first and second articulamentum.

The situation that the y electrode connects is at first described.7 conductive trajectories 44 extend to the left part of the main areas of substrate 40 along the upper parallel of neck protruding 42 on the x direction.Then, they scatter and with in first articulamentum of Fig. 3, be used for the part of path 50-62 that each y electrode is connected Y1-Y7 directly over contact mat 46 terminations of expansion, make and issue and can contact path 44 feed-ins and feed out by the outside from the signal of each y electrode group.Each contact mat 46 place in insulation course have the open zone, to guarantee electrically contacting between each among the Y1-Y7 electric wire path 50-62 in each and first articulamentum in the Y1-Y7 path 44 on second articulamentum.In insulation course, also have and cover the insulation layer be in each in the left side of substrate and right side and Y1-Y7 path that the y electrode contacts above the ITO pattern.

The following describes the situation that the x electrode connects.The 5 wire circuit 30-38 that are used for the outside X1-X5 of connection are described in conjunction with Fig. 2, and can see in second articulamentum of Fig. 5 mesarcs.As can be seen, the x electrode connects to be provided on second articulamentum fully, and this is distributed between first and second articulamentums different with the connection of y electrode.That is to say that it is protruding 42 that the bottom that path 30-38 walks around substrate 40 can be synthesized 5 parallel paths guiding necks then, the y electrode connection junction parallel with 7 at this place.It is to be noted, be arranged vertically the path that is connected with x electrode x electrode contact above every side in ITO zone and be connected the path isolation with the y electrode by insulation course with pad.

Fig. 5 is the system level diagram of the multichannel sensor circuit 140 of the touch-screen use of cooperation first embodiment.In this drawing, sensor circuit 140 is depicted as to have from 5 capacitive electrodes of x electrode and imports X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 and represent the single capacitive electrode input Yn that 7 y electrodes are imported.In fact, have 7 such lines, corresponding one of each y electrode input, thus 12 required circuits are provided altogether.Charging operation circuit 157 uses the charge switch 156 that is connected to reference voltage line 158, simultaneously to whole capacitive character input end X1-X5 and Y1-Y7 charging.

In a modification, saved charging operation circuit 157, and charge switch 156 usefulness replace the pullup resistor that each electrode is connected on the voltage source consistently.The resistance value of pullup resistor is chosen to and makes the RC time constant greater than layer being discharged into the used discharge of electric charge detector array at interval.This resistance value for example can be between 15 kilo-ohms to 25 kilo-ohms.

Passage X1-X5 and Y1-Y7 move when sending electric charge to electric charge detector simultaneously, as shown in FIG., make all fill electric electrode discharge by using single discharge operation circuit 163 to drive discharge switch 162.After having carried out electric charge transmission or the transmission of a succession of electric charge, analog multiplexer 182 is selected which output in the capacitor output of electric charge detector will be fed amplifier 184 and ADC 186 under the control of microprocessor 168, thereby feed external control and data acquisition circuit, typically a PC.In addition, the reset switch array 188 of control line 190 controls that resetted activates behind each pulse or train of impulses, makes the capacitive character input end reset to known reference value (for example, resetting to earth potential).Those skilled in the art can be clear, omitted many circuit components of each channel sensor for clarity among the figure.With regard to x passage X1-X5, these passages need obtain driving, and signal demand obtains handling, to consider the use ratio system information that illustrated " sliding part " approach need obtain in the prior art patent open (such as list of references [28] and [30]) of Harald Philipp from these signals.Sensor circuit and with the method for train of impulses driver sensor circuit etc. more detailed condition can be open referring to the prior art patent of Harald Philipp, such as list of references [28], [30] and [34].

Corresponding first embodiment puts it briefly, and what can see now is, this design has centrosymmetric electrode pattern, and median ridge is divided into left and right sides two halves with sensor region.Median ridge forms " trunk " form of " Christmas tree ", tree " branch " is the one-sided electrode of splaying that stretches out from the trunk both sides, second of the electrode of splaying with two groups of bilaterals that are external to the sensor region side is splayed, and part is common extends, and first part of splaying is extended jointly with two other the one-sided electrode group of splaying that also is external to the sensor region side and this bilateral is splayed.These electrodes all are used for the sensing on the horizontal direction, and they are staggered with the bar that is external to sensor region side and formation upright position sensing electrode in vertical direction.Sensitive zones was operated with 12 outside connections, 5 are used for horizontal sensing, being connected to each organizes on the electrode of splaying, and 7 to be used for 22 vertical electrodes capable, this minimizing is to connect jointly by the vertical adjacent group that 3 or 4 adjacent vertical electrodes are capable to reach, thereby is the sum of the outside connection of cost minimizing with the loss vertical resolution.In addition, illustrated also how structure has 4 layers, two-layer being used for connects, and an insulation course is used for controlling two connections between the articulamentum, and the electrode pattern layer that can be removed and directly form on articulamentum therein.

Below the second embodiment of the present invention is described.Aspect most of, second embodiment is identical with first embodiment.Use identical ITO electrode pattern.In addition, it is identical that the outside of x electrode connects, so electrode pattern layer and first conductive layer are identical.Difference between second embodiment and first embodiment is the y sensing.In first embodiment, electrode strip provides discrete y positional information, its intermediate-resolution is limited by the perpendicular separation of y electrode strip, perhaps in order to reduce the external connection line road with a plurality of adjacent y electrode strips under the common situation about connecting resolution limit by the perpendicular separation of the group of the y electrode strip of common connection.In a second embodiment, adopt same y electrode spread, be that the horizontal bar interleave is between the x electrode, but y electrode strip resistive is interconnected to so-called " sliding part " and arranges [28], can obtain quasi-continuous positional information in vertical direction by being connected to suitable externally measured circuit.

Fig. 6 illustrates the schematic plan view that the partial electrode pattern of the 2DCT of the second embodiment of the present invention is connected with y.Also roughly be shown to scale people's finger among the figure.For clarity, omit x electrode and their outside and be connected path.There is shown the left half side center section of sensitive zones that similarly has the y electrode strip 10 (among the figure illustration 13) of some vertical shifts with first embodiment.Each bar is that metal wire 70 is connected with vertical adjacent bar by the conduction that is in series with discrete resistor 72.Y electrode strip 10 carries out outer the connection by the conductive trajectory that causes the external connection line road that is used for the Y sensing.There is shown 4 such external connection line road 54 '-60 being connected on per the 3rd or the 4th the y electrode '.

On electric, resistance 72 and their interconnection line 70 provide the resistive paths between the adjacent y electrode strip 10, this resistive paths vertical adjacent conductive external connection line road 54 ' with 56 ', 56 ' and 58 ' etc. between extension.(under the situation of any a pair of adjacent circuit (for example 54 ' and 56 '), this on electric with list of references [28] in Fig. 6 a shown in the sliding part of embodiment identical.) as illustrated in the list of references [28], the analysis of usage rate system is detected the y position, for example use as metering circuit or other used for this reason metering circuits known in this technical field illustrated in list of references [28].

Usually, minimum in a second embodiment must have two such external connection lines, connects with the end that forms sliding part.These ends connections preferably should be connected to topmost and on the nethermost y electrode, perhaps be connected at least near the top and following y electrode.Also useful is one or more additional outside to be set between these two ends connect again to connect, to improve y position sensing precision by forming a plurality of sliding parts along the y direction effectively.Usually owing to the reason of cost can wish the outside connection is limited in fixing quantity, owing to can provide the outside of many y electrodes to connect, its quantity can be corresponding to idle no outside connection the after having distributed enough circuits for the x electrode in this case.

Fig. 7 is and the similar schematic plan view of Fig. 6, shows the electrode pattern of modification of second embodiment and the some parts of y connecting line.Y electrode strip 10 and external connection line 52 '-60 ' play a part with in conjunction with illustrated identical of Fig. 6.In this modification, be not to use discrete resistors to connect vertical adjacent y electrode, but vertically extended to arrange the evenly resistive band 74 of (on the y direction) of per unit length resistance above the y electrode strip at each.Because these electrode strips are metal basically, i.e. conduction, so the part that is stacked on the y electrode of resistive band is invalid on electric, because in fact in parallel from these parts of vertical direction with the y electrode, thus fallen by short circuit.The resistive band therefore formed resistive paths between each y electrode in the mode identical in the part between each y electrode strip with the discrete resistors of Fig. 6.The resistive band 74 usefulness high resistance membranes thick film of carbon (for example based on) are made.

Fig. 8 is the planimetric map according to the 2DCT prototype of second embodiment design, show electrode pattern with at peripheral first articulamentum that is connected with the y electrode in electrode pattern zone.Fig. 8 can compare with Fig. 3 of first embodiment.Basically, the substrate 40 with neck protruding 42 is loaded with identical structure, and only difference is the per the 3rd or the 4th a y electrode with external connection line road 50 '-60 ' be connected and the common connection of having saved first embodiment.The exception be nethermost two y electrodes, they be connected to jointly electric path 50 ' on.In addition, it is to be noted that the y electrode is furnished with 6 external connection line road Y1-Y6 altogether, rather than 7.

Fig. 9 is the planimetric map according to the 2DCT prototype of second embodiment design, shows resistance element is connected resistive layer between the y electrode.This layer is that second embodiment is peculiar, and is provided at each side of sensing unit vertically extending resistive paths 74 on the end of y electrode strip outer end.The single path of the material that each vertically extending resistive paths 74 usefulness resistivity is suitable forms.It is to be noted that this layer also is coated with high resistive material 75 (gray shade) in the part, it covered the peripheral position of substrate and neck protruding with the part substrate body adjacency.Resistive material has been terminated to city wall shape or jagged shape 74, in the scope of whole associated resistive material path 75, replace back and forth, make resistive paths 75 directly be connected with the outer end portion of each y electrode strip, but the place, end that strides across the x electrode at it is capped, thereby has prevented undesirable and the electrical interference x electrode.An alternative replacement scheme is to have sinuous path 74, for example follows city wall shape or jagged path, to avoid the end portions cross with the x electrode.

Figure 10 is the planimetric map of the 2DCT prototype of Fig. 8, shows the electrode pattern and second articulamentum, and second articulamentum provides in the periphery in electrode pattern district and being connected and the outside feeder line of y electrode is received being connected on the y electrode connecting line shown in Figure 8 of x electrode.This is almost identical with Fig. 4 of first embodiment, and just the Y line will lack.That is to say, it is identical with associated path 30-38 that x electrode outside connects X1-X5, and stretches out so that the external connection line road 44 of the outside Y1-Y6 of connection of the Y that is connected with the coupling path of first articulamentum also is same (being to lack one in a second embodiment) from neck protruding 42.In addition, insulation course has and similar suitable open zone and insulation layer in first embodiment.

Driving and data acquisition circuit and top to illustrated similar of first embodiment are just in this case except handling needing also the x electrode signal that the y electrode signal is carried out " sliding part " type.Such as already mentioned, suitable circuit can be referring to the disclosed previous patent publications of Harald Philipp name, such as list of references [28] and list of references [30] and [34].

Figure 11 is the schematic plan view of each several part that the electrode pattern of the 3rd embodiment is shown.Different with first and second embodiment, the 3rd embodiment does not have median ridge.As an alternative, the splay common zone institute of extending of electrode group of electrode of the bilateral that contacted with right hand external by the left side at device of the middle body of sensitive zones limits.As seen from the figure, do not having under the situation of median ridge, y electrode 10 is some single vertical bars that respectively extend across opposite side from a side of sensing unit.Y electrode 10 can be only from the left side or right side or part from the left side or right side or redundant ground from contact both sides.The x electrode spread and is made up of 4 groups of x electrodes 80,82,84 and 86 between each is to vertical adjacent y electrode 10.X electrode group 80 and 86 is the one-sided electrodes of splaying that extend from the left side and the right side of sensitive zones respectively.X electrode group 82 and 84 is the bilateral that also extends from the left side of sensing unit and the right side respectively electrodes of splaying.The responsive part that is used for x resolution of sensitive zones is formed by common three parts of extending of different x electrode groups, that is: by x electrode group 80 and 82 common I of first that is in the sensitive zones left side that is limited that extends on the x direction, by bilateral x electrode the group 82 and 84 common second portion II that is in the sensitive zones middle part that is limited that extends on the x direction that splays, and by x electrode group 84 and 86 common third part III that is in the sensitive zones right side that is limited that extends on the x direction.By this way, first and second of each adjacent common extension groups x electrode pair or second and the 3rd group x electrode pair or third and fourth group x electrode pair have respectively formed one as so-called sliding part illustrated in list of references [28].Outside connection is similar with first and second embodiment, therefore here no longer illustrates.Yet, should be noted that, will need 4 external connection line road X1-X4 for the x electrode.For the y electrode, can carry out and identical consideration first and second embodiment.It is to be noted that in this respect the addressing of y electrode can be followed first or second embodiment for the 3rd embodiment.

Figure 12 is the planimetric map that electrode pattern is shown according to the 2DCT prototype of the 3rd embodiment design.The patterning that this has adopted Figure 12, the 16 row y electrode strips that have 15 row x electrode groups and interlock with x electrode group.It is also noted that it is protruding 42 that substrate 40 has the neck that is arranged on the bottom side, this hereto embodiment be more convenient distribution.Nethermost 4 y electrode strips connect (abide by first embodiment approach) jointly, connect and other y electrode strip triplets ground is common, and so that the y that is restricted to 5 discrete lines to be provided resolution, these 55 circuit Y1-Y5 that worked are connected to externally measured circuit.Y resolution can be improved by prototype being modified as the approach of abideing by second embodiment.In 4 x electrode groups each has external connection line road X1-X4 separately respectively.Therefore always have 9 external connection line roads.For brevity, embodiment does not illustrate other layers of prototype hereto, but should be appreciated that, can follow the substantially similar approach with first and second embodiment.

Figure 13 is the schematic plan view of each several part that the electrode pattern of the 4th embodiment is shown.X electrode 82,84,86,88 with the 3rd embodiment in identical mode arrange, so that the x electrode of the three row x position sensings that cover I, II and III to be provided.(in alternatives, the x electrode can be arranged by first and second embodiment.Yet), the arrangement of y electrode is different with top these embodiment in the 4th embodiment.That is to say that in the 4th embodiment, the y electrode is followed the pairing of ratio system approach, i.e. the y electrode structure shown in Figure 4 of list of references [30] of the prior art shown in Figure 1 in the accompanying drawing.

In this arrangement, each unit for electrode pattern, the adjacent independently addressable paired y electrode with different area is arranged between the row of each adjacent x electrode 82,84,86,88, therefore when user's finger or these y electrodes of other executive items vicinity, two adjacent independently addressable y electrodes provide the relative area proportional corresponding signal of size with them separately.By changing the independently addressable right relative area of y electrode strip adjacent in every row, just can make the ratio of these signals characterize the interior y position of each y electrode unit.Shown in this example in, each unit has 5 y rows of electrodes, area is 1: 0,1: 2,1: 1,2: 1,0: 1 than from top to bottom, wherein first value is rendered as from first group of 90 signal that draws of the y electrode 92,94,96,98 of common connection, and second value is rendered as from second group of 100 signal that draws of the y electrode 102,104,106,108 of common connection.Null value represents that the y electrode is only formed by the y electrode from another group for this delegation, and this is the top of each unit and the situation of nethermost y rows of electrodes in this example.Receive on the circuit Y1 first group of 90 outside, and second group of 100 outside is connected on the circuit Y2.Other each electrode pattern unit will need other two outside Y connecting lines.For example, in the sensor that uses electrode pattern unit shown in Figure 13,, 3 unit will be arranged, and need 6 Y to connect Y1-Y6 and be connected X1-X4, promptly altogether 10 with 4 X if 15 row y electrodes and 14 row x electrodes are arranged.

In principle, any amount of y rows of electrodes can be divided into groups into a unit, have the y electrode group of two common addressing.Yet in fact, this quantity will be subjected to the restriction of accuracy constraint.The line number of the y rows of electrodes of every unit is 3 row at least, but also can be 4,5 (as shown in FIG.), 6,7,8,9,10 even more a plurality of row.

Should be appreciated that, though shown in this example in used the y electrode pair, but can use 3 or above y electrode in principle and use their relative area to be encoded in the position, in this case, for given noise level, can manufacture bigger unit, thus promptly wherein can be by the unit of single outside y position connection to a large amount of row of addressing.

In addition, though the ratio that treatment circuit produces as in an example shown with the level and smooth surface area that changes in the y position in each unit is easily, this in principle change with y can be arbitrarily under the situation that adopts suitable treatment circuit.

The Y group comprises that Y1 alternately connects the rectangle band that is connected with Y2, is denoted as 3 and 4, has the Y-axis width that changes along with the position, this feasible generation along with the level and smooth Y1 that changes of position Y and the ratio of the surface area between the Y2 that shift gears.Make every pair of adjacent y axle band 3 and 4 and become constant, therefore for any two pairs of bands, electric capacity be identical, promptly C (Y1)+C (Y2)=C (Y) is all arranged for every pair of band.So along with user's finger moves along the y axle, bigger capacitance just becomes the molecule of mark.

Figure 14 is the schematic plan view that the partial electrode pattern of the 5th embodiment is shown.These embodiment are different at this this pattern and front, are, splay x electrode 16 ' be inverted to " recessed " shape from " protruding " shape of bilateral is wherein splayed and splayed towards the centre that bilateral is splayed, rather than splays towards both sides from the centre.This bilateral splay shape be with reference to have median ridge 26 ' embodiment shown in, but it also can be used to not have the design of median ridge.The one-sided x electrode of splaying 14 ', 18 ' corresponding putting upside down, with form necessary and spill bilateral splay electrode 16 ' common extension.

Figure 15 is the floor map of each several part that the electrode pattern of the 6th embodiment is shown.This embodiment can understand by comparing with first embodiment shown in Figure 2.As among first embodiment, sensing unit is by median ridge 26 " is divided into left and right sides two halves.The y sensing is carried out by left and right side y electrode strip 10 ", 12 ", and they are staggered with each row left and right side x electrode 14 ", 16 ", 18 " and 20 ", 22 ", 24 " respectively.It is to be noted that identical Reference numeral is used for marking corresponding electrode, but for the two apostrophes of having added of the 6th embodiment.

Though the overall arrangement of x and y electrode is basically the same as those in the first embodiment, and the shape of y electrode is also identical, and the shape of x electrode is different.The x electrode that forms common zone of extending is not to have the level and smooth leg-of-mutton shape of splaying, but has zigzag fashion, wherein the common extension of x electrode group 14 " with 16 ", 16 " with 18 ", 20 " with 22 " and 22 " with 24 " is formed by the interdigitate on the y direction, thereby defines the location-specific area ratio for x by the adjacent block that the electrode pair of common extension causes.From the area that provides in the y direction by interdigital recently, has suitable size as long as drive area (for example pointing contact area), as among the figure schematically with a sensing unit left side shown in the dotted ellipse on half side, still can realize the change of depending on x of desirable common extension from the x electrode to the ratio system signal that draws.The arrangement of this interdigital formula may be preferable for the sensor region that is mainly used in array of buttons, because it provides the staged with the corresponding x positional information of width (being shown " w " in the drawings) of each interdigital unit to change.By this way, can be the preferred staged sensitivity that realizes for x and y positional information provide for array of buttons.Shown in this example in, can see in the ratio system signal of x position, 14 ladders, median ridge 26 being arranged " each 7 ladder of both sides.

The embodiment of this staged sensitivity that sensing unit symbolically is subdivided into rectangular grid on level and vertical both direction is opposite with the second or the 4th embodiment of the quasi-continuous sensitivity on level and vertical both direction that is wherein provided by " sliding part " type configuration of x and y electrode.

Figure 16 is the schematic plan view that the glass touch panel device of the 2DCT that designs according to any embodiments of the invention discussed above is housed.The illustrated 2DCT sensor region in the front that substrate 40 is carried be attached to face glass 116 below, face glass 116 is 5 millimeters thick for example, has the button pattern sheet 110 between the following and substrate 40 that is clipped in face glass 116.Button pattern sheet 110 is the static sheets that print, but can replace with display that can dynamically change between a plurality of button pattern and/or the display that has such as the continuous feature of the elongate strip of one of projection certain scalar of control (such as power or time) in other cases, it is relevant with control to device that this 2DCT is housed.Usually, panel 116 needs not to be glass, also can be any suitable dielectric substance.Usually it will be transparent, so that can integrate with static or dynamic display.Panel typically will form the top panel of door such as micro-wave oven, cooking pot or for the part than large equipment the casing of the portable workflow tracking means of the on-the-spot use of maintainer.

For example, button pattern sheet 110 is illustrated as the array consistent with the 5x6 grid is shown, and the button of a twice size is arranged in the lower right corner, thereby 30-1=29 button altogether is provided.Offer the metering circuit of printed circuit board (PCB) (PCB) 112 carryings via neck protruding 42 from the external connection line road that sensor regions picks out.Metering circuit PCB receives the end of neck protruding 42, and also be fixed on face glass 116 below.Cable 114 is received metering circuit on other digital electron devices and the power supply.

Should be appreciated that, embody 2DCT of the present invention and can have many other features.For example, desirable in some applications is to have " waking up " function, thus entire device " dormancy " or be in certain inactive state or be in background state.Under these circumstances, often desirable is to have as long as human body parts is in the function that will cause wake-up signal in certain distance range.Element can be used as single big capacitive electrode driven and need not consider the location, this unit is in background state simultaneously.During this state, the electronic driver logic is sought very little signal change, need not be as big as to can be used as the processing of 2 dimension coordinates, is being close to but be enough to definite object or person.So electron device " wakes " total system up, element is activated, thereby becomes genuine 2DCT once more.

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Claims (12)

1. two-dimensional position sensor, comprise substrate with sensing unit, this sensing unit is used for determining that by comprising the electrode of x position and the pattern of the electrode of the electrode that is used for definite y position limit, wherein x electrode and y electrode are totally along x direction extension and staggered on the y direction, and wherein the x electrode comprises first, second and the 3rd group element, described element forms and makes first and second groups the adjacent elements of element extend jointly in first's upper edge x direction of sensing unit, and the adjacent elements of second and the 3rd group element extends jointly in the second portion upper edge of sensing unit x direction, make the x electrode provide along the corresponding ratio system capacitive signals of x direction across sensing unit, wherein said first is defined by common extension of the adjacent elements of described first and second groups element, and described second portion is limited by common extension of the adjacent elements of described second and the 3rd group element.

2. the sensor of claim 1, wherein the x electrode also comprises the 4th group element, the adjacent elements of third and fourth group element extends on the third part of sensing unit jointly, make the x electrode provide along the corresponding ratio system capacitive signals of x direction across sensing unit, wherein said third part is limited by common extension of the adjacent elements of described third and fourth group element.

3. the sensor of claim 2 also is included in many external cable circuits that the periphery of sensing unit is connected with electrode, and these external cable circuits comprise:

Corresponding each electrical wiring that is connected with the element of each x electrode group respectively; And

Many electrical wirings that are connected with the y electrode.

4. the sensor of claim 1 also comprises the median ridge that extends along the y direction from the periphery of sensing unit, the element of the 3rd group of x electrode extending from the both sides of median ridge of being used for interconnecting, thus make the element of the 3rd group of x electrode can be from the peripheral outside contact of sensing unit.

5. the sensor of claim 4 also is included in many external cable circuits that the periphery of sensing unit is connected with electrode, and these external cable circuits comprise:

Thereby be connected the electrical wiring that contacts with the 3rd group of x electrode with median ridge, median ridge is divided into left side and right side with sensing unit;

With the element wire connecting circuit that is in the median ridge left side in first group of x electrode;

With the element wire connecting circuit that is in the median ridge right side in first group of x electrode;

With the element wire connecting circuit that is in the median ridge left side in second group of x electrode;

With the element wire connecting circuit that is in the median ridge right side in second group of x electrode; And

Many electrical wirings that are connected with the y electrode.

6. the sensor of any one claim in the claim 1 to 5, the element of the common extension of wherein corresponding each x electrode group has complementary degree of splaying on their common distances of extending, so that ratio system capacitive signals to be provided.

7. the sensor of any one claim in the claim 1 to 5, wherein corresponding each x electrode group on their common distances of extending, have the adjacent block that area changes at the common element that extends on the x direction, so that ratio system capacitive signals to be provided.

8. the sensor of any one claim in the claim 1 to 5, wherein the y electrode is connected with corresponding external cable circuit individually and/or in groups, thereby is provided at the positional information on the y direction.

9. the sensor of any one claim in the claim 1 to 5, wherein the y electrode is interconnected by resistance element, makes the external cable circuit that is connected by the subclass with the y electrode export ratio system capacitive signals, thereby is provided at the positional information on the y direction.

10. the sensor of any one claim in the claim 1 to 5, wherein the y electrode spread becomes the vertical adjacent group that respectively has at least two y electrodes, the y electrode of each group has different vertical width, make external cable circuit output ratio system capacitive signals, thereby be provided at the positional information on the y direction by connecting with the different y electrode of each group.

11. the sensor of any one claim in the claim 1 to 5, wherein electrode is made with transparent material.

12. the sensor of any one claim in the claim 1 to 5, wherein substrate is made with transparent material.

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