Abstract:
A multi-contact tactile sensor including an elastically deformable interaction layer and a supporting layer, a lower surface of the interaction layer including an array of strip conductors and an upper surface of the supporting layer including an array of strip conductors that are not parallel to the array of strip conductors on the interaction layer. The interaction layer and the supporting layer are separated by a first series of rigid insulating spacers. A second series of conducting spacers is in contact with at least one of the two arrays of strip conductors. The impedance and dimensions of the spacers of the second series are determined to prevent contact at rest and enable local contact during deformation of the interaction layer between the spacers of the second series and the array of strip conductors of the layer opposite the spacers. A controller can control one such sensor, a multi-contact tactile screen can include one such sensor, and a keyboard including a set of discrete keys can be formed by one such sensor.
Abstract:
A transparent conductive film includes: a transparent film substrate; a transparent conductor layer provided on one or both sides of the transparent film substrate; and at least one undercoat layer interposed between the transparent film substrate and the transparent conductor layer; wherein: the transparent conductor layer is patterned; and a non-patterned portion not having the transparent conductor layer has the at least one undercoat layer.
Abstract:
An in-mould molding touch module includes a plastic film, a touch circuit and a molding rind. The plastic film includes an inner surface and an outer surface for handling and touching. At least one region of the inner surface and a corresponding region of the outer surface define a touch area. The touch circuit is arranged on the inner surface in the touch area. The molding rind is integrated on the inner surface by an in-mould injecting mode to contain the touch circuit for forming a one-piece body. In addition, the invention also provides a method for manufacturing an in-mould molding touch module.
Abstract:
A touch screen assembly includes a first outer layer (102) and a second outer layer (110) separated by a separator layer (118). The first and second outer layers are transparent, and the separator layer has openings (120) at button locations where buttons will be defined. On each of the outer layers is a layer of transparent conductor (104, 112). On the first outer layer the transparent conductor is in the form of a contiguous trace or path. The touch screen assembly is placed on a display element (203) and images displayed on the display element can be seen through the touch screen assembly. Images such as characters are displayed at button locations, and when a user presses on one of the images the conductive layers on the first and second outer layers of the touch screen assembly come into contact.
Abstract:
A variable resistance transducer responsive to an applied pressure including a smooth resistive layer on a flexible substrate and deposited thereon by printing or imaging technology, small points of nonconductive or semiconductive material, and resistive interdigitating fingers where in one finger is a wiper so that position on the resistive layer can be sensed.
Abstract:
A keyboard switch assembly includes a thin, flexible, glass top layer forming a membrane. Disposed on an inner surface of the glass membrane is a first conductive layer forming an electrode. Disposed beneath the first conductive layer is an insulating layer or spacer having an aperture therein that defines a switch contact area. Beneath the spacer a rigid portion of the keyboard switch assembly is provided. The rigid portion of the keyboard switch assembly includes a rigid substrate with a conductive coating formed thereon to provide a second conductive layer or electrode disposed beneath the spacer. A flexible polymer layer may further be disposed between the rigid substrate and the second conductive layer to reduce point contact degradation in the keyboard switch assembly. Decorative paint layers may be formed on the inner surface of the glass membrane between the glass membrane and the first conductive layer. Alternatively, where the layers forming the keyboard switch assembly are transparent, a decorative paint layer may be disposed on an outer surface of the rigid substrate.
Abstract:
A panel for a liquid crystal or other visual display is formed by depositing onto a transparent backing a transparent conductive material, such as indium-tin oxide, and then a metal such as nickel that will serve as a bus to power the transparent conductive material. The nickel is first etched to a bus configuration, and then the indium-tin oxide is etched to produce one or more picture elements.
Abstract:
A more transparent capacitance membrane switch in which capacitance elements are offset from their associated switch locations so as to be out of the transparent field of view through the switch.
Abstract:
A location sensitive touch panel for use on a rigid substrate. The substrate carries a first set of conductive strips. A resilient plastic membrane overlaying it carries a second set of conductive strips orthogonal to and spaced from the first set. Finger pressure can cause electrical contact between any one of the first set of strips and any one of the second set of strips. The substrate may be either flat or curved, with the membrane conforming to its contour.