DE202018003659U1 - Device for generating and deflecting a time-dependent signal on a capacitive area sensor, as well as an electrically conductive structure for such an apparatus for interactive packaging - Google Patents

Abstract

Device (10) for generating a time-dependent signal (28) on a capacitive surface sensor (22), characterized in that
a) the device (10) comprises an electrically conductive structure (12),
b) wherein the electrically conductive structure (12) with the capacitive area sensor (22) is at least partially in a first active contact (30),
c) and the electrically conductive structure (12) with an input means (24) at least partially in a second active contact (32) and the input means (24) simultaneously with the capacitive surface sensor (22) at least partially in a third operative contact (33) .
d) wherein the device (10) comprising the electrically conductive structure (12) is configured such that dynamic input can be carried out by means of the input means (24) on the electrically conductive structure (12) and simultaneously on the capacitive area sensor (22),
e) wherein the dynamic input on the capacitive surface sensor (22) a time-dependent signal (28) is generated, which at the time of its formation by the electrically conductive structure (12) of the device (10) is deflected.

Description

The invention relates to a device for generating and deflecting a time-dependent signal on a capacitive surface sensor, as well as an electrically conductive structure for such a device. Moreover, the invention relates to a system comprising such a device and an area sensor.

The invention is in the technical field of auto-identification technologies. Known technologies for the automatic device-based identification of objects are e.g. optical codes or RFID tags (radio frequency identification). Optical codes are known in the form of classic barcodes (barcodes) or 2D barcodes. The disadvantage of optical codes is above all the ease of copying, so that corresponding marked objects are not optimally protected against counterfeiting attempts.

RFID tags are electronic circuits that are read out using radio waves. These tags are much more forgery-proof compared to optical codes. However, for many mass applications, RFID tags are too expensive, especially because they often require high volume applications.

As another alternative auto-identification technology, capacitive data carriers have been developed in recent years that combine the advantages of low cost and improved security against counterfeiting. Capacitive data carriers in various forms are known from the prior art, as well as methods for their production and methods and systems for identifying the data carriers.

In WO 2011/154524 A1 a system with capacitive information carrier for the detection of information is disclosed. The invention describes a system comprising a capacitive information carrier in which an electrically conductive layer is arranged on an electrically non-conductive substrate and an area sensor, wherein the information carrier is brought into contact with the area sensor. The electrically conductive layer comprises a touch structure comprising a touch point, a coupling surface and a conductor track. Such a structure can be evaluated with a data processing system connected to the area sensor and processed by software. The resulting touch inputs on the area sensor generate a static image of multiple touch points, which can be evaluated by the data processing system.

In DE 10 2012 023 082 A1 the interaction of a flat portable data carrier with a terminal is disclosed. The portable data carrier, which may be a value document, for example; comprises an electrically conductive structure which is provided on at least one surface and / or in the interior of the data carrier, wherein individual regions of the conductive structure are electrically conductively or capacitively connected to one another. The terminal has a touch-sensitive capacitive surface, in particular a capacitive display.

The DE 10 2013 101 881 A1 describes a multilayer body with a carrier and an electrically conductive layer arranged thereon, comprising an information area and a background area, which are galvanically separated from one another. In each information area, a first zone of electrically conductive material is provided, over the entirety of which its electrically conductive material is conductively connected. In each background area, a plurality of second zones of electrically conductive material are provided, which are galvanically separated from one another. This multi-layer body can be read out by means of a capacitive sensing input device.

These two applications are characterized in that the electrically conductive structure, which represents the information area, is electrically conductively connected. The static image, which generates the electrically conductive structure on a capacitive terminal, is evaluated in each case.

In US 20100045627 A1 A method is described which describes the generation of a touch signal on a touch screen by the shape or pattern of an object as well as its recognition by software and the triggering of an associated action. The bearing surface of the entire object generates an input signal on the touch screen.

The prior art objects and devices are objects or devices that are either entirely or partially made of electrically conductive material and cause a particular input pattern on a capacitive touch screen. This input pattern, or the so-called "footprint", is compared to the relative position of Contact areas evaluated and assigned to a record or an action. It is always a static input pattern, which is present at a given time, evaluated. Since in the systems mentioned always a static input pattern is evaluated, this can also be imitated. Thus, in the systems which are known from the prior art, no security against counterfeiting for safety-relevant applications.

A disadvantage of the prior art devices is that the limited data density, i. the number of different identifiers (IDs) per area bounded by the type of coding, which is usually a geometric coding. A larger number of different IDs results in a large area requirement, which can not be guaranteed in many applications. In addition, ease of use is not optimal for some of the prior art systems because the user must be aware of which part of the volume must and can not rest on the touch screen and which must not rest.

Furthermore, it is disadvantageous in the devices of the prior art that the application is essentially limited to the pure identification of the object. Both with barcodes, 2D barcodes, radio tags as well as with capacitive data carriers, which are known from the prior art, only a detection of the data carrier is possible. Extended interaction possibilities of the user with the data carrier, e.g. the detection of different operating directions, are not yet possible.

The object of the invention is to provide devices and electrical structures for such devices for generating an input pattern on a capacitive area sensor, which does not have the deficiencies and disadvantages of the prior art and are also particularly tamper-proof, allow the storage of large amounts of data in a small space and are designed to be particularly user-friendly.

Description of the invention:

1. a) die Vorrichtung eine elektrisch leitfähige Struktur umfasst,
2. b) wobei die elektrisch leitfähige Struktur mit dem kapazitiven Flächensensor mindestens teilweise in einem ersten Wirkkontakt steht,
3. c) und die elektrisch leitfähige Struktur mit einem Eingabemittel mindestens teilweise in einem zweiten Wirkkontakt steht und das Eingabemittel gleichzeitig mit dem kapazitiven Flächensensor mindestens teilweise in einem dritten Wirkkontakt steht,
4. d) wobei die Vorrichtung umfassend die elektrisch leitfähige Struktur dazu eingerichtet ist, dass eine dynamische Eingabe mittels des Eingabemittels auf der elektrisch leitfähigen Struktur und gleichzeitig auf dem kapazitiven Flächensensor ausführbar ist,
5. e) wobei durch die dynamische Eingabe auf dem kapazitiven Flächensensor ein zeitabhängiges Signal erzeugt wird, das zum Zeitpunkt seiner Entstehung durch die elektrisch leitfähige Struktur der Vorrichtung ablenkbar ist.

According to the invention, the object is to provide a device for generating a time-dependent signal on a capacitive surface sensor, wherein

1. a) the device comprises an electrically conductive structure,
2. b) wherein the electrically conductive structure is at least partially in a first operative contact with the capacitive area sensor,
3. c) and the electrically conductive structure with an input means is at least partially in a second active contact and the input means is at least partially in a third active contact simultaneously with the capacitive surface sensor,
4. d) wherein the device comprising the electrically conductive structure is configured such that a dynamic input can be carried out by means of the input means on the electrically conductive structure and at the same time on the capacitive area sensor,
5. e) wherein the dynamic input on the capacitive surface sensor, a time-dependent signal is generated, which is deflected at the time of its formation by the electrically conductive structure of the device.

It may be particularly preferred according to the invention that the device comprises an electrically conductive structure and is at least partially in a first operative contact with the capacitive area sensor, wherein the generation of the time-dependent signal on the capacitive area sensor is effected by a dynamic input on the capacitive area sensor , It is particularly preferred according to the invention that the time-dependent signal can be deflected at the time of its formation by the electrically conductive structure of the device. It is preferred for the purposes of the invention that a time-dependent signal is preferably a time-varying signal, i. a signal that changes in the course of time of itself or by an external influence. In the context of the present invention, the time-dependent signal is generated by a dynamic input on the capacitive area sensor, wherein the time-dependent signal at the time of its formation can be deflected by the electrically conductive structure of the device.

It is preferred in the sense of the invention that a second active contact is formed by a contact, ie a contact, between the input means and the device. It is furthermore preferred for the purposes of the invention that a third active contact is formed by a contact, ie a contact, between with the capacitive area sensor and the input means. It is particularly preferred for the purposes of the invention that the device comprising the electrically conductive structure is designed so that the dynamic input can be performed using the input means on the electrically conductive structure and simultaneously on the capacitive surface sensor.

For the purposes of the invention, the term "capacitive area sensor" preferably denotes devices with a touchscreen that are capable of perceiving external influences or influences, for example contacts, of the touchscreen area and evaluating them by means of affiliated logic. Such area sensors are used, for example, to make machines easier to operate. In order to make an input to a capacitive screen, which is also referred to as a touch screen, touch screen or surface sensor, in addition to the fingers and special styluses or similar devices can be used, which are preferably referred to as input means in the context of the invention. These are preferably capable of changing a capacitive coupling between row and column electrodes within the area sensor. The capacitive, preferably touch-sensitive screen is preferably configured to detect the position of the input means.

Typically, area sensors are provided in an electrical device, which may be smart phones, cell phones, displays, tablet PCs, tablet laptops, touchpad devices, graphics tablets, televisions, PDAs, MP3 players, trackpads, and / or capacitive input devices. without being limited to it. Touch screens are preferably also referred to as touch screens, area sensors or sensor screens. An area sensor does not necessarily have to be used in conjunction with a display or a touch screen. It may also be preferred in the sense of the invention that the surface sensor is visibly or non-visibly integrated in devices, objects and / or devices.

For the purposes of the invention, for example, it may be preferable to use multitouch-capable area sensors. Such area sensors are preferably adapted to detect multiple touches simultaneously, for example, whereby elements displayed on the area sensor can be rotated and / or scaled.

In particular, surface sensors comprise at least one active circuit, which is preferably referred to as a touch controller, which may be connected to a structure of electrodes. Surface sensors are known in the prior art whose electrodes comprise groups of electrodes which differ, for example, from one another in their function. These may, for example, be transmitting and receiving electrodes which, in a particularly preferred arrangement, may be arranged in column and row form, i. in particular, form nodes at which at least one transmitting and one receiving electrode intersect or overlap each other. Preferably, the crossing transmitting and receiving electrodes in the region of the nodes are aligned with each other so that they include each other at substantially 90 ° angle. It is particularly preferred according to the invention for an electrostatic field to form between the transmitting and receiving electrodes of the surface sensor which is sensitive to changes, for example by bringing the surface of a surface sensor into contact with an electrically conductive object or grounding it. ie an outflow of electrical charge.

It is preferred for the purposes of the invention that the touch controller preferably controls the electrodes such that an electric field is formed between in each case one or more transmitting electrodes and one or more receiving electrodes. This electric field within the area sensor can be changed by providing a first operative contact between the area sensor and the device according to the present invention, in particular by a dynamic input. As a rule, the electric field is locally reduced by contact with a finger or an electrically conductive object, ie "charges are drawn off". This can be done, for example, by placing or bringing into contact a device according to the present invention on a surface sensor, whereby a first active contact is preferably produced, and a movement is carried out on the electrically conductive structure of the device with an input means, whereby preferably second active contact is made, so that at different times different areas of the electrically conductive structure are touched by the input means. The movement may be, for example, a sliding, wiping, brushing, pulling or pushing movement, without being limited thereto. It may also be preferred according to the invention if at least one area on the device is optically marked or highlighted, which is set up for the contact and / or contacting by an input means.

It is preferred for the purposes of the invention that the device and the area sensor form a system, wherein the time-dependent signal is preferably generated by the dynamic input on the capacitive area sensor, wherein the time-dependent signal at the time of its formation deflected by the electrically conductive structure of the device can be. It is preferred that the device is a device according to the invention or a device according to one or more of the preferred embodiments of the invention. It is very particularly preferred that a time-dependent signal can be generated on the capacitive surface sensor with the dynamic input, wherein the time-dependent signal can be deflected by the electrically conductive structure or the individual elements of the electrically conductive structure. The electrically conductive structure of the device with the capacitive area sensor may preferably be at least partially in a first operative contact, wherein the time-dependent signal is deflected as a function of the configuration of the electrically conductive structure.

In particular, the device, which forms a system together with the area sensor, comprises an electrically conductive structure comprising at least two individual elements, the individual elements each comprising at least one effective area and one input area. The input and the effective range are preferably referred to as functional areas, wherein these functional areas of the individual elements are preferably present galvanically connected to each other. It is further preferred that the individual elements of the electrically conductive structure are present galvanically separated from one another.

The time-dependent signal is preferably generated by the synergistic interaction between the device and the area sensor, in particular with the inclusion of an input means. Unlike in the prior art, which discloses that a relative movement between the device and a reading device takes place, there is preferably a stationary first active contact between the device and the surface sensor according to the present invention, in which there is no relative movement between the device and the surface sensor , Instead, in the context of the present invention, a preferably dynamically formed second active contact between the device and an input device takes place, wherein the input device can be moved over the device, for example with a sliding, wiping, brushing, pulling or pushing movement. The present invention thus turns away from the prior art, in which a device, such as a printable card, must be pulled by a reader or a relative movement between the card and the reader must be effected in other ways.

In addition, in the context of the present invention, a preferably dynamically formed third active contact between an input means and the capacitive surface sensor, wherein the input means can be moved over the surface sensor, for example with a sliding, wiping, brushing, pulling or pushing movement.

It is particularly preferred that the input means is in operative contact with the device and the capacitive surface sensor simultaneously. The substantially continuous movement of the input means is preferably along the edge, which is formed in particular by the placement of the device on the capacitive surface sensor. It is very particularly preferred according to the invention for the input means to be in operative contact with the electrically conductive structure of the device during the substantially continuous movement.

For the purposes of the invention, the term "contacting" or contact preferably comprises contacting the two objects which are in contact with one another, wherein the two objects can move relative to one another. An active contact preferably comprises a stationary or dynamically formed contact, wherein the effective contact between two objects or objects moreover presupposes an interaction between the objects or objects. For the purposes of the invention, the interaction represents a capacitive coupling or capacitive interaction. For the purposes of the invention, an active contact can thus be formed preferably stationary or dynamic. A stationary active contact can be achieved, for example, by placing a device on a surface sensor, while a dynamic active contact can preferably be achieved by, for example, moving an input device on a device, for example a packaging, i. the device and the input means move relative to each other. A dynamic active contact can preferably also be achieved by, for example, moving an input means on the capacitive area sensor, i. in that the input means and the capacitive area sensor move relative to each other. The relative movement is preferably a substantially continuous movement.

This region of the electrically conductive structure, which is preferably designed to be touched, is preferably referred to as "input region" for the purposes of the invention. It is within the meaning of the invention preferred that the input areas are connected to other areas of the electrically conductive structure, which are referred to as effective range in the context of the invention. The input and effective ranges are preferably distinguished by their functionalities, wherein the effective ranges are preferably configured to be detected and / or detected individually or in their entirety by an area sensor. The input and effective ranges also differ in their use. It is particularly preferred that the input areas of the individual elements of the electrically conductive structure are not in operative contact with the area sensor, while the effective areas are preferably in a stationary first operative contact with the area sensor.

The synergistic interaction of the input regions with the effective regions of the electrically conductive structure on the device preferably makes possible the generation and / or deflection of the time-dependent signal. It is particularly preferred within the meaning of the invention that the generation and the deflection of the time-dependent signal occur simultaneously, with the person skilled in the art knowing that the term "simultaneously" should also encompass those processes which take place essentially simultaneously, ie. where there is a certain amount of time Δt between the generation and the deflection of the signal.

It is preferred for the purposes of the invention that the time-dependent signal is generated on the capacitive area sensor by the dynamic input, which takes place with the input means on the electrically conductive structure of the device and simultaneously on the capacitive area sensor, and at the same time can be deflected by the electrically conductive structure wherein the effective areas of the individual elements are at least partially in a first operative contact with the capacitive area sensor and the input areas of the individual elements are at least partially in a second operative contact with the input means and the input means is at least partially in a third operative contact with the capacitive area sensor.

For the purposes of the invention, it is preferred that one effective region is electrically and / or electrically conductively connected to a corresponding input region, wherein it is further preferred for an electrically conductive structure of the device to comprise a plurality of pairs of input and effective regions. As a result of the galvanic and / or electrically conductive connection of the active regions to the input regions, the regions of the electrically conductive structure which are thus interconnected are essentially set to a similar electrical potential, whereby the effective regions, although they are not themselves touched by the input device, become visible to the surface sensor become. Within the meaning of the invention, this visualization is preferably also referred to as activation of the effective regions of the electrically conductive structure. The contact of the input areas by way of dynamic input and the generation of a time-dependent signal, which depends essentially on the configuration of the effective ranges and preferably differs from the dynamic input, constitutes an essential feature of the invention. It is preferred that the effective ranges preferably spatially separated from the input areas, wherein the effective areas are preferably activated by the fact that the corresponding input areas are touched by an input means. As a result, the electrical potential of the input regions preferably changes, wherein this potential change advantageously also results in a potential change in the active regions due to potential equalization due to the galvanic and / or electrically conductive connection between the active regions and the input regions. Thus, the effective ranges for the surface sensor are visible, wherein the surface sensor is preferably adapted to detect changes in the electrical potential.

The elements of the electrically conductive structure which are touched by the input means at a point in time x give a snapshot A _x , which the area sensor x "sees" at this time and which results from a snapshot A _y , which the area sensor at time " looks, "can distinguish. The amount of all snapshots A _i that the area sensor "sees" over a time period T represents the time-dependent signal in the sense of the present invention. The time dependence of the signal, ie the variability of the signal with time, advantageously results from the fact that the individual snapshots A _i may be different if different elements of the electrically conductive structure of the device according to the invention are touched with the input means at different times. The sequence of the positions of the input means at the different times i preferably represents the movement on the device with which the dynamic input is generated. It is preferred for the purposes of the invention that the time-dependent signal is determined by the sequence of the detection of the snapshots A _x as a function of the configuration of the electrically conductive structure on the device, in particular the effective ranges. It is particularly preferred that the time-dependent signal is detected by the area sensor.

In the context of the invention, the dynamic input is thus preferably the movement of the input means on the electrically conductive structure of the device according to the invention. These Dynamic input is preferably referred to as a second active contact in the context of the invention, wherein the second active contact is preferably formed dynamically. In this case, different areas of the electrically conductive structure are preferably activated by this movement in the sense that they are "visible" to the area sensor. This visibility is due to a coupling between the capacitive area sensor and a conductive body when, for example, grounding of the conductive body is present, which can result in a change in the electrostatic field between the electrodes in an area sensor and / or a measurable change in capacitance. The change of the electrostatic field can be effected for example by contacting the surface sensor with an input means. In this context, contacting the input means preferably causes the signal between the electrodes to be changed. In general, the signal is reduced because the input means receives part of the signal from the transmitting electrode and thus a lower signal arrives at the receiving electrode.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the change in the electrostatic field can be effected by producing a first operative contact between a device according to the invention and an area sensor. In addition, a second operative contact between an input means and the device can be made. In other words, it may be preferred that a device according to the invention is arranged between the input means and the area sensor, the device forming a first active contact with the area sensor and a second active contact with the input means. In this case, it is particularly preferred for the device to be a three-dimensional object, for example a packaging which may, for example, be of cuboid design, wherein the first active contact can be created by placing the device, for example the packaging, on a surface sensor is made while the second operative contact is made by making contact between the input means and the device, which is a dynamic contact, in the sense that, in the sense of the invention, the contact is in the form of a movement, for example by the input means driving, wiping, painting or stroking the device without being limited thereto.

It is preferred in the sense of the invention that the input means is in a second operative contact with the electrically conductive structure of the device. It is further preferred that the input means is at least partially in a third active contact simultaneously with the capacitive surface sensor, so that the generation and the deflection of the time-dependent signal advantageously can take place substantially simultaneously. The device can be designed in particular as a folding box.

It is particularly preferred for the purposes of the invention that the device is suitable as a guide for the movement of the input means along an edge of the device. In other words, the device may preferably be used as a guide for the movement of the input means along an edge of the device. For the purposes of the invention, it may be preferable, for example, to place the device, which may be, for example, a parallelepipedic packaging, on a capacitive area sensor and with a finger, which can be regarded as input means in the sense of the invention, for example Transition between the packaging and surface sensor to stroke along. This transition region may be formed, for example, by the 90 ° angle that the package preferably encloses with the surface sensor when the package is placed on the surface sensor. By the movement of the finger, i. of the input means, along the transition region, preferably both the packaging and the surface sensor are simultaneously touched. In this case, the contact between the input means and the capacitive area sensor preferably forms the third active contact, while the contact between the finger and the packaging preferably forms the second operative contact, while the first operative contact is formed by placing the packaging on the area sensor.

It is therefore particularly preferred if three active contacts contribute to the generation and deflection of the time-dependent signal. In the case of a parallelepipedic packaging, for example, it may be preferable for the first operative contact between the device and the area sensor to be formed on an underside of the packaging, which preferably rests on the area sensor, while the second effective contact between the device and the input device arises on one of the side walls of the device. In this embodiment, it is preferred that a part of the electrically conductive structure of the device is arranged on the side surface at which the second active contact takes place, while another part of the electrically conductive structure is present on the underside of the device, which makes the first operative contact with the Surface sensor forms. Of course, in particular in the case of flat objects or packages, the second active contact can also be formed on an upper side of the device.

It is particularly preferred according to the invention for the first active contact, which is present between the device and the area sensor, to be stationary while the second active contact is dynamically formed between the device and the input device. This means according to the invention that the device preferably rests on a surface of the surface sensor without being moved, while the input means is moved on the device or on this, in particular on its electrically conductive structure, performs a movement. It follows that also the area sensor and the input means are dynamically related to each other, ie move relative to each other.

It may also be preferred within the meaning of the invention that the first active contact, which is present between the device and the surface sensor, is designed dynamically, the second active contact between the device and the input device is also designed dynamically, while the third active contact between the input device and the stationary surface sensor is formed stationary. This means, in the sense of the invention, that the device is preferably moved on the area sensor while the input device rests stationarily on the area sensor and the device is moved along the input means and thus in particular its electrically conductive structure is in dynamic active contact with the input means.

An essential feature of the invention is the dynamic expression of the second active contact between the input means and the electrically conductive structure on the device according to the invention. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, if the first operative contact between the device and the area sensor is stationary, it is preferred for the invention that the third operative contact between the input device and the area sensor be dynamically formed, i. that the area sensor and the input means move relative to each other. When the first operative contact between the device and the area sensor is dynamically formed, the third operative contact between the input device and the area sensor is preferably stationary, i. It is preferred in the sense of the invention that the area sensor and the input means do not move relative to one another.

The movement of the input means on the device, which preferably represents the dynamic input, may for example be a rectilinear movement in the form of a stroke. Such a line-shaped movement would be recognized by a surface sensor, if it were executed directly on the touch-sensitive display, as a line input. However, if the bar-shaped movement is carried out on a device according to the invention which has an electrically conductive structure, the area sensor "sees" a snapshot, which is modified by the spatial configuration of the electrically conductive structure of the device, i. usually will no longer be bar-shaped, if not coincidentally present all elements of the electrically conductive structure exclusively symmetrically and / or congruent to each other. Thus, the actual movement of the input means and the perception of the capacitive area sensor differ from this movement. It is particularly preferred for the purposes of the invention that the time-dependent signal is generated simultaneously and deflected by the electrically conductive structure which is present for example on the packaging.

The generation of the time-dependent signal on the capacitive surface sensor is preferably carried out by the dynamic input with an input means, wherein the dynamic input is preferably formed by a stroking movement, which preferably takes place simultaneously on the packaging and on the capacitive surface sensor. The dynamic input preferably corresponds to a substantially continuous movement of the input means.

Since the electrically conductive structure can be designed to be very flexible and moreover a very large number of different movements of the input means is conceivable by prescribing different possibilities of movement on the device, it is possible to provide a device which has a very high data density. It was completely surprising that the device with an electrically conductive structure according to the present invention can have, for example, a data capacity of preferably at least 8 bits, particularly preferably at least 16 bits. It was completely surprising that this data capacity can be realized on a small surface compared to the devices in the prior art, whereby a high data density can be achieved. The small surface is preferably formed by the underside and / or the side surfaces of the device, on which the functional regions of the electrically conductive structure are arranged.

In addition, the device is particularly user-friendly, since the use of the device is done by the device is placed on the surface sensor. It does not have to be like conventional ones anymore Care must be taken to ensure that certain areas of the device do not rest on special areas of the area sensor. In addition, the resulting between surface sensor and device edge is also suitable as a guide or guide to serve the input means and thus to enable a user-friendly, robust and fault-tolerant application. Preferably, the edge is formed in a transition area between the area sensor and the device.

The device also offers various interaction options. The movement of the input device on the device and preferably simultaneously on the surface sensor can, for example, take place in different directions and, as a result, start different actions on the device containing the capacitive surface sensor. This results in two directions of interaction for an electrically conductive structure. It was completely surprising that a variety of different actions can be triggered with the same device. This represents a significant advantage over the prior art. For both barcodes, 2D barcodes, RFID tags, and capacitive data carriers known in the art, the application is essentially limited to the identification of the object. In addition to the pure identification of the data carrier, the proposed device allows extended interaction options. The manner of using the device, such as the direction of movement and / or velocity of the dynamic input, may serve as input to the action to be initiated on the device incorporating the area sensor. Thus, depending on use with one and the same device, a variety of different actions can be triggered.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the electrically conductive structure comprises at least two individual elements, which each comprise an input area and an effective area as functional areas. It is preferred for the purposes of the invention that the input area is a region of the electrically conductive structure which preferably interacts with the input means, for example for forming the second active contact. For example, it may be preferred that in the input area, the movement of the input means takes place on the device, which corresponds to the dynamic input. For example, the input area may be a strip-shaped area on an outer or side surface of the device according to the invention, which is highlighted visually or haptically and on which a wiping or wiping movement of the input means, for example a finger, takes place. An optical highlighting can be achieved, for example, by a corresponding graphic design or marking on the device in the input area. Haptic emphasis can be achieved, for example, by the partial application of a lacquer, which is preferably applied in places on the electrically conductive structure, in particular the input area, and marks there the locations of the electrically conductive structure which are to be touched with the input means in order to obtain the dynamic Create input. Tests have shown that a finger used as an input means can be guided particularly well with a paint marking over the input area of the electrically conductive structure by being placed in an initial area on the painted area of the electrically conductive structure and then the painted area follows. It has proven to be particularly advantageous if the painted area is strip-shaped and has a preferred width in the order of magnitude of a human finger. The person of ordinary skill in the art will find methods of spot painting, i. known for partial painting of surfaces. In addition, haptic highlighting may also be accomplished by print further processing techniques, such as e.g. Creasing, embossing and / or folding, are achieved, whereby preferably three-dimensional guide lines are generated, which illustrate the user the input area. It is preferred for the purposes of the invention that the input area on the surface of the device is characterized by a partial marking and / or painting. In this context, the term "characterize" is preferably to be understood as meaning that the input area is highlighted or made visible by the at least partial marking and / or painting, so that the input area can be perceived by a user in a particularly simple and uncomplicated manner.

It is preferred for the purposes of the invention that the electrically conductive structure of the device comprises at least two individual elements. However, for some applications of the invention, it may be preferable for the electrically conductive structure to comprise a larger number of individual elements.

The effective range of the individual element of the electrically conductive structure can be, for example, the region of the device which forms the first operative contact between the area sensor and the device. It is preferred in one embodiment of the invention for the two functional regions of the electrically conductive structure to be present on different outer surfaces of the device, for example on a lower side for forming the first active contact and on a side surface for forming the second active contact. It is thus particularly preferred in this embodiment that the input and effective regions are spatially separated from one another.

It may be preferred for the purposes of the invention that the individual elements that form the electrically conductive structure are similar to one another, ie, for example, consist of strips with different length and / or width. However, it may also be preferred that the individual elements of an electrically conductive structure are not similar to one another, ie have different shapes.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the individual elements of the electrically conductive structure are galvanically separated from each other and the functional areas of a single element are galvanically connected to each other. The preferred spatial and / or galvanic separation of the individual elements of the electrically conductive structure from each other can be achieved, for example, that each two individual elements spaced from each other, this distance between the individual elements within an electrically conductive structure can be the same or vary.

It is furthermore preferred that the functional regions of a single element are galvanically connected to one another. This means within the meaning of the invention that each active region and one input region, which together form a single element, are galvanically connected to one another, ie. that electrical charges can be exchanged between the two functional areas. This advantageously makes it possible for there to be contact between an input means, for example a finger, and an input area, which may result, for example, in charge carrier displacements in the input means and / or on the electrical conductive structure of the apparatus or charge carriers from the input area of the electrically conductive structure Device can be deducted, this change in the charge carrier from the input area on the effective range of a single element is transferable. If, for example, charge carriers flow away from an input area to an input device and a short-term local reduction of the charge carriers occurs in the area in which the contact between input means and input area takes place, then this reduced charge carrier density can advantageously be compensated by, for example, charge carriers the effective range in the region of reduced carrier density flow, which can compensate for the local short-term carrier density fluctuations. This process advantageously leads to a reduced charge carrier density in the effective range and to a local change in the capacitance on the area sensor, as a result of which the electric field in the area sensor, in particular between the transmitting and receiving electrodes, is influenced.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the time-dependent signal is generated in that a dynamic input is effected by means of an input means on the capacitive surface sensor and thus a third active contact is formed. It is preferred that the time-dependent signal at the time of its formation on the capacitive area sensor is deflected by the simultaneous second active contact with the electrically conductive structure on the device.

It is therefore preferred that a galvanic connection between the functional areas of a single element is arranged so that the dynamic input, which takes place in the input area of the electrically conductive structure on the device, can be transmitted from an input area of a single element into the respective effective area. This is made possible, in particular, by the fact that the effective areas of the individual elements are at least partially in a first operative contact with the capacitive area sensor. The area sensor is preferably set up in such a way that it can recognize the dynamic input which is simultaneously performed on the area sensor and in the area of the input areas of the individual elements and which can be transmitted to the effective area by means of the galvanic connection between the input and effective area by the area sensor detected by the dynamic input activated individual elements. It is particularly preferred that the surface sensor recognizes the effective ranges of the individual elements as a snapshot to which the dynamic input has been transferred due to the galvanic connection between the functional regions of the electrically conductive structure. The time varying signal generated in the context of the invention is preferably the timing of these snapshots detected by the area sensor and reflecting the dynamic input on the device, the dynamic input on the area sensor and the device being dictated by the spatial configuration the electrically conductive structure is deflected.

It is provided in a further preferred embodiment of the invention that the dynamic input is effected by a substantially continuous movement of an input means along a transition region between the device and the surface sensor. The term "essentially continuous motion" is not unclear to a person skilled in the art, since he knows how an input means, for example a finger, is moved on a smartphone or along an edge of a parallelepiped-shaped packaging. While in the context of the invention it is a movement of an input means on a device, however, this swipe movement also preferably takes place in the same way as a swipe movement customary on a smartphone, wherein the speed and / or intensity of the swaging can vary. In particular, a substantially continuous movement preferably takes place continuously and without interruptions, for example in a flowing, sliding movement of the input means via the transition between the area sensor and the device, which comprises the electrically conductive structure.

The term "along a transition region between the device and the surface sensor" in the sense of the invention preferably means that the movement takes place in such a way that the device, for example a cuboid packaging, is placed on a surface sensor (first active contact) and along with the input device the edge that forms between the device and the surface sensor is painted along. As a result, there is preferably simultaneously a capacitive coupling between input means and device and input means and area sensor, whereby the generation and deflection of the time-dependent signal is effected.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the input means during the substantially continuous movement in a second operative contact with the input regions of the at least two individual elements, said second active contact is preferably formed dynamically. It is preferred for the purposes of the invention if a dynamic active contact is effected by a movement, preferably by an input means, which can preferably be assigned a time duration and a start and an end point. It is preferred that the movement starts at the starting point of the movement and ends at its end point, where the start and end points may be the same or different, with at least one at the same start and end points within the time period which can be assigned to the movement third point within the input area of the electrically conductive structure must be touched by the input means, so that it is not a static contact. For the purposes of the invention, it is particularly preferable to designate the entirety of the input regions of the individual elements as the input region of the electrically conductive structure and the entirety of the effective regions of the individual elements as the effective region of the electrically conductive structure.

It is provided in a further preferred embodiment of the invention that the time-dependent signal with respect to position, speed, direction, shape, interruption of the signal, frequency and / or signal strength can be changed. Starting from an exemplary dynamic input in the form of a straight, line-shaped, essentially continuous movement on the input region of the electrically conductive structure, this means according to the invention that the generated time-dependent signal due to the change or deflection by the device, or their electrically conductive Structure, compared to the straight, line-shaped dynamic input may have a different position, direction, shape and / or signal strength, ie For example, spatially offset from the surface sensor is detected, has a different shape than the straight, line-shaped movement, pointing in a different direction or having an unexpected signal strength.

For the purposes of the invention, it is particularly preferred that the device is set up to deflect a time-dependent signal that is currently being generated. This can preferably be done by a dynamic input, wherein the time-dependent signal in particular with respect to position, speed, direction, shape, interruption of the signal, frequency and / or signal strength is variable or deflected.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the input areas of the individual elements of the electrically conductive structure are not in operative contact with the area sensor. It has surprisingly been found that it is possible to provide an electrically conductive structure on a device which preferably does not have to be in full contact with the surface of a surface sensor, but whose structure, preferably the structure of the effective region, can still be detected by the surface sensor when the input region of the electrically conductive surface is touched by an input means. In the sense of the invention, it is particularly preferred that the input and effective regions of the electrically conductive structure are arranged on different side surfaces of the device, for example a bottom, top and / or side surface of the device. For the purposes of the invention, the attachment of the different functional regions of the electrically conductive structure on different outer surfaces of the device is preferably referred to as attachment in different planes.

It is provided in a further preferred embodiment of the invention that only the effective areas of the individual elements of the electrically conductive structure are in operative contact with the area sensor. It is preferred in the sense of the invention that the effective ranges of the individual elements are detected by the area sensor can be when they are in operative contact with the area sensor and the input areas of the respective individual elements and the area sensor are preferably simultaneously touched by an input means. It has surprisingly been found that the input areas of the individual elements for this need not be in contact with the area sensor, but that they can be advantageously arranged in another level of the device.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the individual elements of the electrically conductive structure in the input area with respect to size, distance and shape are dimensioned so that at any time of dynamic input at least two individual elements are at least partially in operative contact with the input means. If, for example, a finger is used as the input means, this preferably means that the individual elements of the electrically conductive structure in the input area, ie the input areas of the individual elements, are so large, shaped and spaced from one another that, during the movement, in the sense of the invention dynamic input, the input means is in contact with the input areas of at least two individual elements at each instant i. As a result, advantageously also two effective ranges, ie the effective range of two individual elements, are activated which then, as a snapshot M together with other snapshots M _i, deflect the time-dependent signal. For the purposes of the invention, it is particularly preferred if the at least two effective regions belong to two adjacent individual elements, and it may also be preferred for some applications if the corresponding individual elements are not juxtaposed. It turns out that the input areas have to be of a different nature and / or configured if a pin or another suitable device is used as the input means, whose bearing surface on the device is smaller, for example, than the bearing surface of a finger.

It is provided in a further preferred embodiment of the invention that a course of the time-dependent signal on the capacitive area sensor by arrangement, size, spacing and / or shape of the individual elements in the input area and in the effective range and / or by the direction and / or speed of the dynamic Input is determinable. The course of the time-dependent signal on the capacitive surface sensor in the context of the invention preferably corresponds to the detection of the effective ranges and / or the detection of snapshots M _i , which are caused by the effective ranges of the individual elements, by the surface sensor in its time course.

These snapshots M _i , which preferably form the time-dependent signal, do not necessarily correspond to the movement of the input means on the area sensor or on the device, which rests for example on the surface of the area sensor, since the dynamic input by the device, preferably its electrically conductive structure, changed or distracted. This change or deflection may preferably be effected by arrangement, size, spacing and / or shape of the functional areas of the individual elements and / or by the direction and / or speed with which the dynamic input takes place, ie with the input means via the area sensor, for example the electrically conductive structure of the device is moved.

This document also discloses a use of the device for generating and deflecting a time-dependent signal on a capacitive surface sensor, wherein an electrically conductive structure on the device with the capacitive surface sensor is at least partially in a first operative contact, wherein the generation of the time-dependent signal on the Capacitive area sensor is performed by the dynamic input by means of the input means on the capacitive area sensor and at the same time on the electrically conductive structure and the time-dependent signal is deflected simultaneously by the electrically conductive structure.

The preferred designations, technical effects and advantages of the invention also apply to this use of the device. Analogously, the technical effects and advantages mentioned for the use also apply to the device. It is preferred for the purposes of the invention if the device according to the invention is used so that the device is placed on a surface sensor, in particular its surface, and with an input means a dynamic input is caused by the input means preferably simultaneously the device, or its electrically conductive structure, as well as the surface sensor, touched. The device comprises an electrically conductive structure comprising individual elements, which in turn comprise input and action areas. It is preferred that the individual elements are arranged separately on the device, preferably separately. The input and effective range of a single area may preferably be arranged in different levels of the device, for example on different outer surfaces of the device. It is preferred that they are galvanically connected to each other, so that a charge carrier exchange between the different functional areas. By means of this galvanic connection, the dynamic input, which preferably leads to a change in the charge carrier situation in the input region of the electrically conductive structure, be transferred into the effective range of the electrically conductive structure by a balance of different carrier densities in the different functional areas of the individual elements, preferably the input - And effective ranges of the electrically conductive structure, is made possible. Thus, the dynamic input on the device or in the input area of the device preferably also generates a change in the charge carrier situation in the effective range of the electrically conductive structure, wherein the changed charge carrier situation can be detected by the area sensor.

It is preferred for the purposes of the invention that a deflection of a time-dependent signal by the device takes place in that the time-dependent signal generated by an input by means of input on the surface sensor in particular by the structure of the regions of the effective region of the electrically conductive structure, at a time x is activated by touching the corresponding input areas of the respective individual elements. However, in the sense of the invention, the term "structure of the effective region" does not mean that the perception of the surface sensor represents a 1-to-1 image of the geometry of the effective region of the electrically conductive structure, but preferably that the surface sensor detects a signal, for example is distorted by the structure and arrangement of the constituents of the effective region which are activated at a time i. It is therefore preferred in the sense of the invention that a dynamic input of an input means is distorted by the electrically conductive structure of the device, wherein at any time i activated at that time effective ranges can influence each other and so set a time-varying signal on the surface sensor in that substantially corresponds to the appearance and / or course of the effective areas, but can be distorted by interactions of the effective areas of the individual elements with one another. For the purposes of the invention, it is particularly preferable to specifically use the resulting distortions for the conversion of the dynamic input into a time-dependent signal and thus to increase, for example, the data capacity and the forgery-proof security of the device. It is particularly preferred for the purposes of the invention to refer to the distortion as a deflection of the time-varying signal.

The deflection of the time-varying signal preferably causes a deviation between dynamic input and detected time-dependent signal, which is formed by the snapshots M _{i of} the detected activation states of the effective range of the electrically conductive structure, wherein the image of these snapshots M _i can be distorted. It is preferred that the time-dependent signal is formed by the sequence of possibly distorted snapshots M _i .

In a further aspect, the invention relates to an electrically conductive structure for a device according to the invention, wherein the electrically conductive structure comprises at least two individual elements, each comprising an input area and an effective area as functional areas, wherein the individual elements of the electrically conductive structure are electrically isolated from each other and the functional areas of a single element are galvanically interconnected. For the purposes of the invention, it is particularly preferred that the configuration of the electrically conductive structure determines how the deflection of the time-varying signal takes place. It was completely surprising that a generation and deflection of a time-dependent signal can be made possible by means of an electrically conductive structure on a device.

Also for this aspect of the invention are the preferred designations, technical effects and advantages of the invention as regards the device and the use. Analogously, the technical effects and advantages mentioned for the electrically conductive structure also apply to the device and its use. It is provided in a further preferred embodiment of the invention that the individual elements of the electrically conductive structure in the input area in terms of size, spacing and shape are dimensioned so that at any time a dynamic input at least two individual elements are at least partially in operative contact with an input means.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the individual elements in the input area have a width of 0.5 mm to 10 mm and a distance of 0.1 mm to 10 mm and / or the individual elements in the effective range has a width of 0.5 mm to 20 mm and a distance of 0.1 mm to 20 mm. As a result of these deliberately selected dimensions, it is advantageously achieved that the individual elements of the electrically conductive structure are set up so that at least two individual elements or their input regions are at least partially in operative contact with an input device at any time during a dynamic input, thereby activating the corresponding effective regions and a detectability of these effective ranges is made possible by the area sensor.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the input regions and the effective regions of the individual elements of the electrically conductive structure are arranged in different planes of the device. Thus, in the context of the invention, it is preferably meant that the input and effective regions of the individual elements of the electrically conductive structure can be arranged on different outer surfaces of the device. As a result, the user-friendliness of the device can be increased by configuring the device so that it can be placed on the area sensor in a particularly simple manner and the input areas of the electrically conductive structure can be brought into contact with an input device in a particularly simple manner. In addition, the functionality of the device can be improved by, for example, the active region of the electrically conductive structure is disposed on a lower side of the device, so that a particularly good first effective contact between the device and surface sensor is formed and improved detectability of the effective ranges of the electrically conductive structure Device is achieved.

It is provided in a further preferred embodiment of the invention that the course of a time-dependent signal is wavelike. For the purposes of the invention, it is particularly preferred that the signal can be continuous, following along a line and / or an up and down movement. It may be preferred for the purposes of the invention that the spatial course of the time-variable signal on the screen of the area sensor can be displayed or reproduced. In this embodiment, the time-dependent signal in the spatial representation may take the preferred course options. This is particularly preferred when the individual elements are designed in strip form, wherein the strips have different lengths, which preferably correspond to the spatial course of the time-dependent signal. This embodiment is used for example in the 1 and 3 shown.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a first active contact between the active region and the surface sensor and a third active contact between the input device and the surface sensor are capacitively formed. In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it may be provided that the second active contact is capacitively formed. A capacitive active contact has the advantage that there does not have to be a galvanic connection between the input means and the input region of the electrically conductive structure, i. the electrically conductive structure may e.g. be covered by a paint, a color layer, an overprinted graphic, a label or sticker or any other layer. This makes it possible to optically cover the electrically conductive layer and to make the surface of the device appealing independently of the conductive structure. In addition, the electrically conductive layer can advantageously be protected from mechanical abrasion and a more reliable function can be ensured during prolonged use.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the electrically conductive structure is applied to a substrate material by means of film transfer processes which are selected from a group comprising cold foil transfer, hot embossing and / or thermal transfer. It is preferred in the sense of the invention that the device comprises the substrate material, for example in that the substrate constitutes an outer surface of the device. On this example, then the electrically conductive structure is applied by means of the preferred method. It is provided in a further preferred embodiment of the invention, without being limited to the fact that the electrically conductive structure by means of printing processes, which are selected from a group comprising offset, gravure, flexographic, screen, inkjet and / or by means of electrically conductive inks are selected from a group based on metal particles, nanoparticles, carbon, graphene and / or electrically conductive polymers, applied to a substrate material.

It is provided in a further preferred embodiment of the invention that the electrically conductive structure is covered by at least one further layer, wherein this layer may be a paper or foil-based laminate material or at least one paint / color layer. This layer may be optically transparent or opaque.

In the context of the present invention there is further provided a method of generation and deflection a time-dependent signal on a capacitive area sensor disclosed, wherein a device comprises an electrically conductive structure and is at least partially in a first operative contact with a capacitive surface sensor, wherein the time-dependent signal is generated and deflected depending on the configuration of the electrically conductive structure. For the purposes of the invention, it is particularly preferred that the dynamic input takes place by a substantially continuous movement of an input device along the input regions of the at least two individual elements, wherein the movement preferably also simultaneously includes a movement on the surface sensor. Furthermore, the input means may be in second operative contact with the input regions of the at least two individual elements during the substantially continuous movement. It is particularly preferred that a method for generating a time-dependent signal is disclosed on a capacitive area sensor, wherein a device comprises an electrically conductive structure and is at least partially in a first operative contact with a capacitive area sensor, the time-dependent signal depending on the embodiment the electrically conductive structure is generated and deflected. In a preferred embodiment of the method, the time-dependent signal is generated and deflected as a function of the configuration of the effective regions of the electrically conductive structure. It is very particularly preferred according to the invention for the input means to be in a third active contact with a capacitive area sensor during the essentially continuous movement.

The device for carrying out the method may preferably be a device according to the invention or a device according to one or more preferred embodiments of the invention. It may also be preferred that a system comprising such a device and a surface sensor is used to carry out the method. The method and the system are characterized in particular by the features of the device and / or the electrically conductive structure. The described advantages and technical effects of the device and / or the electrically conductive structure preferably apply analogously to the system and the method.

1. a) Bereitstellung eines kapazitiven Flächensensors und einer Vorrichtung umfassend eine elektrisch leitfähige Struktur,
2. b) Herstellung eines ersten Wirkkontakts zwischen der Vorrichtung und dem Flächensensor,
3. c) Bewegung eines Eingabemittels auf der elektrisch leitfähigen Struktur der Vorrichtung, wodurch ein zweiter Wirkkontakt erzeugt wird, wobei die Bewegung gleichzeitig auf dem Flächensensor erfolgt, wodurch ein dritter Wirkkontakt zwischen dem Eingabemittel und dem Flächensensor erzeugt wird,
4. d) Erzeugung und Ablenkung des zeitabhängigen Signals durch die Bewegung eines Eingabemittels,
5. e) Detektierung des zeitabhängigen Signals durch den Flächensensor.

The method preferably comprises the following steps:

1. a) providing a capacitive area sensor and a device comprising an electrically conductive structure,
2. b) producing a first operative contact between the device and the surface sensor,
3. c) movement of an input means on the electrically conductive structure of the device, whereby a second active contact is generated, wherein the movement takes place simultaneously on the surface sensor, whereby a third operative contact between the input means and the surface sensor is generated,
4. d) generation and deflection of the time-dependent signal by the movement of an input means,
5. e) Detection of the time-dependent signal by the area sensor.

It is preferred in the sense of the invention that in particular the effective regions of the electrically conductive structure with the surface sensor are in direct contact with the formation of the first active contact, while the second active contact, which is preferably designed dynamically, between the input means and the input region of the electrically conductive structure the device consists. It may be preferred, for example, that the device is a three-dimensionally formed object, wherein the effective regions of the electrically conductive structure are present, for example, on the underside of the device and the underside of the device rests on the surface sensor. In this example, it may be further preferred that the input regions of the electrically conductive structure are arranged on a side surface of the device, so that it is easier to touch the input region or its elements. The conversion of the movement of the input means into a time-dependent signal and the detection of the signal are preferably referred to as generation and deflection of the signal in the sense of the invention.

• 1 Darstellung einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Vorrichtung zur Erzeugung und Ablenkung eines zeitabhängigen Signals auf einem kapazitiven Flächensensor
• 2 Darstellung einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Vorrichtung mit einer elektrisch leitfähigen Struktur, die mit dem kapazitiven Flächensensor mindestens teilweise in einem ersten Wirkkontakt steht
• 3 Darstellung einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung
• 4 Darstellung einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung
• 5 Ausführungsbeispiel, bei dem der zweite Wirkkontakt zwischen Eingabemittel und Eingabebereich kapazitiv ausgebildet ist und die elektrisch leitfähige Struktur durch mindestens eine weitere Schicht abgedeckt ist
• 6 Darstellung einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Vorrichtung, die eine elektrisch leitfähige Struktur aufweist, die aus galvanisch voneinander getrennten streifenförmigen Einzelelementen besteht
• 7 Ausführungsbeispiele der elektrisch leitfähigen Struktur
• 8 Darstellung einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Vorrichtung mit einem dritten Wirkkontakt zwischen Eingabemittel und Flächensensor
• 9 Darstellung einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Vorrichtung mit einer Kante, die einen Übergangsbereich zwischen Vorrichtung und Flächensensor bildet

The invention will be described in more detail with reference to the following figures; it shows:

• 1 Representation of a preferred embodiment of the device for generating and deflecting a time-dependent signal on a capacitive surface sensor
• 2 Representation of a preferred embodiment of the device with an electrically conductive structure, which is at least partially in a first operative contact with the capacitive surface sensor
• 3 Representation of a preferred embodiment of the invention
• 4 Representation of a preferred embodiment of the invention
• 5 Embodiment in which the second active contact between input means and input area is capacitively formed and the electrically conductive structure is covered by at least one further layer
• 6 Representation of a preferred embodiment of the device having an electrically conductive structure consisting of galvanically separated strip-shaped individual elements
• 7 Embodiments of the electrically conductive structure
• 8th Representation of a preferred embodiment of the device with a third operative contact between input means and surface sensor
• 9 Representation of a preferred embodiment of the device with an edge, which forms a transition region between the device and the surface sensor

1 shows an embodiment of the device ( 10 ) for generating a time-dependent signal ( 28 ) on a capacitive area sensor ( 22 ). The device ( 10 ) comprises an electrically conductive structure ( 12 ) at least partially connected to the capacitive area sensor ( 22 ) in a first active contact ( 30 ) and with an input means ( 24 ) at least partially in a second active contact ( 32 ) stands. Is shown in 1 Furthermore, a third active contact ( 33 ) between the input means ( 24 ) and surface sensor ( 22 ) is formed. Through a dynamic input by means of an input means ( 24 ) on the capacitive area sensor ( 22 ) and at the same time on the electrically conductive structure ( 12 ) is applied to the capacitive area sensor ( 22 ) a time-dependent signal ( 28 ) generated at the time of its formation by the electrically conductive structure ( 12 ) of the device ( 10 ) is distractable. The arrow marks the movement ( 26 ), with which the dynamic input on the device ( 10 ) or on the electrically conductive structure ( 12 ) and on the surface sensor (22).

In particular shows 1 A preferred embodiment of the device ( 10 ), where the input area ( 16 ) and the effective range ( 18 ) of the electrically conductive structure (12) in different levels of the device ( 10 ) are arranged. It is preferred that only the effective range ( 18 ) with the capacitive area sensor ( 22 ) in a first active contact ( 30 ) stands. The input area ( 16 ) stands with the input means ( 24 ) in a second active contact ( 32 ) and at the same time the input means ( 24 ) with the surface sensor ( 22 ) in a third active contact ( 33 ). In the example shown, the input area ( 16 ) of the electrically conductive structure ( 12 ) on a side surface of the device ( 10 ), while the effective range ( 18 ) of the electrically conductive structure (12) on a lower side of the device ( 10 ), the device ( 10 ) is formed in the illustrated example of a cuboid packaging. The surface sensor ( 22 ) is integrated in this embodiment in a smartphone or tablet.

The time-dependent signal ( 28 ) is in 1 presented as if it had been recorded during the period of its formation to show the spatial waveform.

2 shows a preferred embodiment of the device ( 10 ) with an electrically conductive structure ( 12 ) connected to the capacitive area sensor ( 22 ) at least partially in a first active contact ( 30 ) stands. The electrically conductive structure ( 12 ) is in 2 of strip-shaped individual elements ( 14 ) educated. In the 2 illustrated hand represents a preferred embodiment of the input means ( 24 ) and communicates with the device in a second active contact ( 32 ). At the same time, the input means (24) with the area sensor ( 22 ) in a third active contact ( 33 ). The arrow marks the direction of movement ( 26 ), with which the dynamic input in the input area of the electrically conductive structure ( 12 ) is effected.

3 shows a device ( 10 ) for generating a time-dependent signal ( 28 ) on a capacitive area sensor ( 22 ) comprising an electrically conductive structure ( 12 ), which consists of a series of individual elements ( 14 ) can be formed. The arrow marks the movement ( 26 ) an input means ( 24 ), with which the dynamic input on the device ( 10 ) or on the electrically conductive structure ( 12 ) of the device ( 10 ) as well as on the capacitive surface sensor ( 22 ). In addition, in the 3 the three active contacts ( 30 . 32 . 33 ). The lower part of 3 shows the deflected time-dependent signal ( 28 ) connected to the device ( 10 ) on the surface sensor ( 22 ) can be generated. The time-dependent signal ( 28 ) is shown as having been recorded during the period of its formation to show the spatial waveform.

4 shows an embodiment of the device ( 10 ), in which the individual elements (14) of the electrically conductive structure ( 12 ) in the input area ( 16 ) are dimensioned in terms of size, spacing and shape so that at least two individual elements ( 14 ) at least partially with the input means ( 24 ) in active contact ( 32 ) stand.

5 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of the invention in which the second active contact (32) between input means (FIG. 24 ) and the individual elements ( 14 ) of the electrically conductive structure ( 12 ) is capacitively formed and the electrically conductive structure ( 12 ) by at least one further layer ( 34 ), this layer ( 34 ) may be a paper or film-based laminate material and / or at least one lacquer and / or color layer.

• • Anzahl der Einzelelemente N
• • Breite des Einzelelements W
• • Abstand D zwischen den Einzelelementen
• • Anordnung der Elemente in X Stufen
• • Stufenabstand V

6 shows an embodiment of the device ( 10 ), which has an electrically conductive structure ( 12 ), which consists of galvanically separated individual elements ( 14 ) consists. The electrically conductive structure ( 12 ) comprises as functional areas ( 16 . 18 ) each have an input area ( 16 ) and an effective range ( 18 ). In this embodiment, the shape of the individual elements ( 14 ) described in the description as a strip. The shape of the individual elements ( 14 ) may be rectangular, for example. The design of the electrically conductive structure ( 12 ) can be characterized by the following characteristic values:

• • Number of individual elements N
• • width of the single element W
• • Distance D between the individual elements
• • Arrangement of elements in X stages
• • Step distance V

The total width W _{tot of} the electrically conductive structure ( 12 ) can be calculated as $$W_{Ges}=W+\left(N-1\right)*D$$

The minimum depth T _{ges of} the effective range ( 18 ) of the electrically conductive structure ( 12 ) can be calculated as $$T_{Ges}=X*V$$

This results in an area requirement A _ges for the effective range ( 18 ) of the electrically conductive structure ( 12 ) from $$A_{Ges}=W_{Ges}\times T_{Ges}$$

The theoretical data capacity C is calculated according to $$C=X^N$$

For particularly reliable evaluation of the time-dependent signal ( 28 ) on the capacitive area sensor ( 22 ) it may be advantageous for example the first and last single element ( 14 ) an electrically conductive structure ( 12 ) in the zero position. In this preferred embodiment, the theoretical data capacity C is calculated as follows: $$C=X^{\left(N-2\right)}$$

The resulting data density C _A (data capacity per area of an effective range ( 18 )) is preferable to $$C_A=\frac{C}{A_{Ges}}$$

The following table gives an overview of specific preferred embodiments. The examples are based on outer dimensions of smaller packages, which are exemplified as devices ( 10 ) and are applicable to any other formats. example N W / mm L / mm D / mm X V / mm W_ges / mm T_ges / mm A_ges / mm ² C 1 8th 5 variable 6 3 5 47 15 705 6561 2 10 5 variable 6 5 5 59 25 1475 9765625 3 12 4 variable 5 5 4 59 20 1180 244140625 3A 12 4 variable 5 5 4 59 20 1180 9765625

These theoretical values are preferably gross values. The payload data may be lower by implementing checksums, redundancy, or error detection and / or correction algorithms.

7 shows exemplary embodiments of the electrically conductive structure (FIG. 12 ) on the device ( 10 ) is arranged. The upper figure shows a device ( 10 ) with an electrically conductive structure ( 12 ), their individual elements ( 14 ) is formed by individual strips, which are arranged in an equidistant distance from each other. The upper region of the electrically conductive structure ( 12 ), in which the strips start at the same height, is preferred within the meaning of the invention as an input region ( 16 ), while the lower portion of the strips, ie the individual elements ( 14 ), preferably as effective range ( 18 ) referred to as. It may be preferred according to the invention, an average height of the individual elements ( 14 ) as a zero position and starting from it longer or shorter individual elements ( 14 ) by their step spacing, which is preferably the difference between the actual length of the individual element ( 14 ) and the zero position. In the middle embodiment, the effective ranges ( 18 ) of the individual elements ( 14 ) of the electrically conductive structure (12) formed as rectangles, while the input area ( 16 ) is formed in a line or strip shape.

The lower embodiment shows individual elements ( 14 ), which in part in the active area (18) comprise a plurality of sub-elements. The underlying line shows an exemplary course of the time-varying signal ( 28 ) formed by an electrically conductive structure ( 12 ) can be generated. The time-dependent signal ( 28 ) may be due to the special arrangement of the electrically conductive structure ( 12 ) are divided in tracks and also brought together again; In the corresponding areas, it is thus preferable for a shared time-varying signal ( 28 ). The illustration shows two tracks, but more than two tracks may be provided.

8th shows a preferred embodiment of the invention, in which the device (10) is formed as a cuboid packaging and the packaging with its underside on the surface sensor ( 22 ) rests. The input areas ( 16 ) are in the in 8th illustrated embodiment arranged on a side wall of the package, while the effective ranges ( 18 ) of the electrically conductive structure ( 12 ) at the bottom of the device ( 10 ) are arranged. In particular, the effective ranges ( 18 ) in the region of the first active contact ( 30 ) between device ( 10 ) and area sensor (22), while the input areas (22) 16 ) of the electrically conductive structure ( 12 ) in the region of the second active contact ( 32 ) between input means ( 24 ) and device (10) are present. A third active contact ( 33 ) exists between the input means ( 24 ) and the area sensor ( 22 ).

9 shows a representation of a device ( 10 ), which is embodied, for example, as a parallelepipedic package which is mounted on a surface sensor ( 22 ) is arranged. Shown in 9 is in particular a transitional area ( 36 ) between device (10) and surface sensor ( 22 ), which is preferably referred to as "edge" within the meaning of the invention. Preferably, the transition region ( 36 ) around an outer edge of the preferably parallelepipedic packaging, which is a device ( 10 ) can form in the sense of the invention. The expert knows that a cuboid 12 Outer edges, these outer edges transition region ( 36 ) may be within the meaning of the invention. It is particularly preferred according to the invention that the outer edges of the device ( 10 ) as a guide for the movement ( 26 ) of the input means ( 24 ) are suitable. Preferably, the movement is ( 26 ) of the input means ( 24 ), in particular along an edge of a parallelepiped-shaped packaging, this edge preferably being the transition region ( 36 ) between device ( 10 ) and surface sensor ( 22 ).

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

contraption

12

electrically conductive structure

14

Single element

16

input Panel

18

effective range

22

area sensor

24

input means

26

Move

28

time-dependent signal

30

first operative contact between the device and the surface sensor

32

second active contact between input means and device

33

third active contact between input means and area sensor

34

covering

36

Edge / transition area between device and surface sensor

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 2011/154524 A1 [0005]
• DE 102012023082 A1 [0006]
• DE 102013101881 A1 [0007]
• US 20100045627 Al [0009]

Claims (19)

Device (10) for generating a time-dependent signal (28) on a capacitive surface sensor (22), characterized in that a) the device (10) comprises an electrically conductive structure (12), b) wherein the electrically conductive structure (12) the capacitive surface sensor (22) is at least partially in a first active contact (30), c) and the electrically conductive structure (12) with an input means (24) at least partially in a second active contact (32) and the input means (24) simultaneously with the capacitive surface sensor (22) at least partially in a third active contact (33), d) wherein the device (10) comprising the electrically conductive structure (12) is adapted to dynamic input by means of the input means (24) on the electrically conductive structure (12) and at the same time on the capacitive surface sensor (22) is executable, e) wherein the dynamic input on the capacitive surface sensor r (22) a time-dependent signal (28) is generated, which at the time of its formation by the electrically conductive structure (12) of the device (10) is deflected. Device (10) according to Claim 1 characterized in that the electrically conductive structure (12) comprises at least two individual elements (14), which comprise as functional regions (16, 18) in each case an input region (16) and an effective region (18). Device (10) according to Claim 2 characterized in that the individual elements (14) of the electrically conductive structure (12) are electrically isolated from each other and the functional areas (16, 18) of a single element (14) are electrically connected to one another. Device (10) according to Claim 2 or 3 characterized in that by the dynamic input, which with the input means (24) on the electrically conductive structure (12) of the device and at the same time on the capacitive surface sensor (22), the time-dependent signal (28) generated on the capacitive surface sensor and simultaneously is deflectable by the electrically conductive structure (12) ,, wherein the effective regions (18) of the individual elements (14) at least partially with the capacitive surface sensor (22) in a first operative contact (30) and the input areas (16) of the individual elements (16 ) at least partially with the input means (24) in a second operative contact (32) and the input means (24) at least partially with the capacitive surface sensor (22) in a third operative contact (33). Device (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (10) is adapted to set a time-dependent signal (28) on the capacitive surface sensor (22). Device (10) according to one or more of Claims 2 to 5 characterized in that the input areas (16) of the individual elements (14) of the electrically conductive structure (12) are not in operative contact with the area sensor (22). Device (10) according to one or more of Claims 2 to 6 characterized in that the effective regions (18) of the individual elements (14) of the electrically conductive structure (12) are in operative contact (30) with the surface sensor (22). Device (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the input means (24) during the substantially continuous movement (26) in operative contact (32) with the electrically conductive structure (12) of the device (10). Device (10) according to one or more of Claims 2 to 8th characterized in that the individual elements (14) of the electrically conductive structure (12) in the input area (16) are dimensioned in terms of size, spacing and shape so that at least two individual elements (14) at least partially with the input means (14) at each point in the dynamic input. 24) in operative contact (32). Device (10) according to one or more of Claims 2 to 9 characterized in that a course of the time-dependent signal (28) on the capacitive surface sensor (22) by arrangement, size, spacing and / or shape of the individual elements (14) in the input area (16) and in the active area (18) and / or by the Direction and / or speed of the dynamic input can be determined. Device (10) according to one or more of Claims 2 to 10 characterized in that the individual elements (14) in the input area (16) have a width of 0.5 mm to 10 mm and a distance of 0.1 mm to 10 mm and / or the individual elements (14) in the active area (18) a Width of 0.5 mm to 20 mm and a distance of 0.1 mm to 20 mm. Device (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (10) is a three-dimensional object. Device (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (10) is a packaging. Device (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (10) is a folding box. Device (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (10) as a guide for the movement (26) of the input means (24) along an edge of the device (10) is suitable. Device (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the input area (16) on the surface of the device (10) is characterized by a partial marking and / or painting. Electrically conductive structure (12) for a device (10) according to one or more of Claims 1 to 16 characterized in that the electrically conductive structure (12) comprises at least two individual elements (14), the functional regions (16, 18) each comprise an input region (16) and an active region (18), wherein the individual elements (14) of the electrically conductive structure (12) are electrically isolated from each other and the functional areas (16, 18) of a single element (14) are electrically connected to each other. Electrically conductive structure (12) after Claim 17 characterized in that the individual elements (14) of the electrically conductive structure (12) in the input area (16) are dimensioned in terms of size, spacing and shape so that at least two individual elements (14) at least partially with an input means (14) 24) in operative contact (32). System comprising a device (10) according to one or more of Claims 1 to 16 and an area sensor (22), characterized in that the device (10) is adapted to generate a time-dependent signal (28) on the capacitive area sensor (22), wherein an electrically conductive structure (12) of the device (10) with the capacitive surface sensor (22) is at least partially in a first operative contact (30) and the time-dependent signal (28) is determined depending on the configuration of the electrically conductive structure (12).

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