Abstract: This invention is directed to a lattice touch-sensing system for detecting a position of a touch on a touch-sensitive surface. The lattice touch-sensing system may include two capacitive sensing layers, separated by an insulating material, where each layer consists of substantially parallel conducting elements, and the conducting elements of the two sensing layers are substantially orthogonal to each other. Each element may comprise a series of diamond shaped patches that are connected together with narrow conductive rectangular strips. Each conducting element of a given sensing layer is electrically connected at one or both ends to a lead line of a corresponding set of lead lines.

Abstract: A capacitive touch sensor with symmetrical electrical interconnections for use with a touch sensor of a device is disclosed. The touch sensor includes several sensor bars, with a unique pair of lead lines coupled to each sensor bar. No inter-connection is provided between individual sensor bars. The sensor bars may be substantially transparent, and may comprise indium tin oxide. The touch sensor may be disposed on a viewing screen or proximate thereto. Also disclosed is a system for providing a signal for use in determining a touch location. The touch sensor receives an electrical field, receives a touch, and provides a signal representative of the modulation of the electrical field caused by the touch, wherein the modulation is a function of the location of the touch and the signal is suitable for use by controller to determine the location of the touch.

Abstract: Described is a touch-sensitive screen having a sensing circuit capable of discriminating where a perturbation of an electric field created by the sensing circuit occurs. The invention may be implemented in a capacitive touch sensor in which each of multiple conductive sensor bars is connected to a conductive lead line. There are fewer lead lines than sensor bars. Thus, at least one and likely several lead lines are connected to more than one sensor bar. The particular connections of lead lines to sensor bars are selected to avoid ambiguity created by a given signal being possibly generated on more than a single conductive bar. More specifically, the invention provides a technique for laying out lead line to sensor bar connections to enable distinguishing which sensor bar, having common lead lines with other sensor bars, has experienced or is closest to a touch on the sensor.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a lattice touch-sensing system for detecting a position of a touch on a touch-sensitive surface. The lattice touch-sensing system may include two capacitive sensing layers, separated by an insulating material, where each layer consists of substantially parallel conducting elements, and the conducting elements of the two sensing layers are substantially orthogonal to each other. Each element may comprise a series of diamond shaped patches that are connected together with narrow conductive rectangular strips. Each conducting element of a given sensing layer is electrically connected at one or both ends to a lead line of a corresponding set of lead lines.

Abstract: A capacitive touch sensor is arranged to enable more accurate resolution of a touch location by increasing the signal generated by a touch over background signals. A thin film dielectric protective layer comprising various materials 0.030 inches and less in thickness is disposed on a capacitive touch sensor circuit. The thin film allows the touch to occur in closer proximity to the capacitive touch sensor circuit, thus generating a stronger signal in response to the touch. The thin film can be transparent or opaque, and can be rigid or flexible. The invention also provides a system for returning a signal for use in accurately determining the location of a touch. The system receives an electrical field from a controller, receives a touch, and provides a signal representing the modulation of the electrical field suitable caused by the touch suitable for use in determining the location of the touch.

Abstract: A capacitive touch sensor with symmetrical electrical interconnections for use with a touch sensor of a device is disclosed. The touch sensor includes several sensor bars, with a unique pair of lead lines coupled to each sensor bar. No inter-connection is provided between individual sensor bars. The sensor bars may be substantially transparent, and may comprise indium tin oxide. The touch sensor may be disposed on a viewing screen or proximate thereto. Also disclosed is a system for providing a signal for use in determining a touch location. The touch sensor receives an electrical field, receives a touch, and provides a signal representative of the modulation of the electrical field caused by the touch, wherein the modulation is a function of the location of the touch and the signal is suitable for use by controller to determine the location of the touch.

Abstract: Described is a touch-sensitive screen having a sensing circuit capable of discriminating where a perturbation of an electric field created by the sensing circuit occurs. The invention may be implemented in a capacitive touch sensor in which each of multiple conductive sensor bars is connected to a conductive lead line. There are fewer lead lines than sensor bars. Thus, at least one and likely several lead lines are connected to more than one sensor bar. The particular connections of lead lines to sensor bars are selected to avoid ambiguity created by a given signal being possibly generated on more than a single conductive bar. More specifically, the invention provides a technique for laying out lead line to sensor bar connections to enable distinguishing which sensor bar, having common lead lines with other sensor bars, has experienced or is closest to a touch on the sensor.