Abstract: The disclosed translucent or semi-transparent touch screen device includes a mesh composed of a low resistive material and method for forming a touch screen and applying components to the touch screen according to a heat based process. The low resistivity of the mesh beneficially allows pattern traces a small width, and therefore allows more touch zones per specified area than previously available. The disclosed semi-transparent touch screen device may incorporated into a mobile communication device such as a clam shell form factor device with a flip is configured so that an adjacent main display screen is visible through the touch screen device. Input received by the touch screen device is responsive to indicia displayed on the display screen. Since the disclosed touch screen may include many touch zones, beneficially the functionality of the device in the closed position is improved over previous semi-transparent touch screens.

Abstract: Disclosed is a touch screen of semi-transparent mesh that may be utilized by, for example, a mobile communication device. The mesh may be utilized for both a touch screen and an electrical circuit for an electronic component attached to it. That is, the mesh may be in part a touch screen, and in part an electrical circuit. The touch surface includes mesh composed of a conductive material configured to provide input signals from activation points of the touch surface to the control circuit of the device. The mesh of a conductive material also includes an electrical circuit configured to provide audio signals from the control circuit of the device to the speaker. Since the disclosed semi-transparent mesh acts an electrical circuit, artwork to hide electrical circuits from the electronic component to the controller is not necessary. A switchable ground eliminates interference between the touch screen and the electrical circuit.