EP2643748A1 - Tactile sensor with matrix array of conducting tracks and tactile control screen - Google Patents

Tactile sensor with matrix array of conducting tracks and tactile control screen

Info

Publication number
EP2643748A1
EP2643748A1 EP11799769.2A EP11799769A EP2643748A1 EP 2643748 A1 EP2643748 A1 EP 2643748A1 EP 11799769 A EP11799769 A EP 11799769A EP 2643748 A1 EP2643748 A1 EP 2643748A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
touch sensor
conductive tracks
columns
network
rdn
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP11799769.2A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Pascal Joguet
Guillaume Largillier
Julien Olivier
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Stantum SAS
Original Assignee
Stantum SAS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Stantum SAS filed Critical Stantum SAS
Publication of EP2643748A1 publication Critical patent/EP2643748A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/041—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
    • G06F3/0416—Control or interface arrangements specially adapted for digitisers
    • G06F3/04164—Connections between sensors and controllers, e.g. routing lines between electrodes and connection pads
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/041—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
    • G06F3/045—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means using resistive elements, e.g. a single continuous surface or two parallel surfaces put in contact
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/041—Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
    • G06F3/0416—Control or interface arrangements specially adapted for digitisers
    • G06F3/04166—Details of scanning methods, e.g. sampling time, grouping of sub areas or time sharing with display driving

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a touch sensor matrix network conductive tracks.
  • the present invention relates to the field of tactile sensors, and in particular multicontact touch sensors for simultaneously detecting multiple contact areas of an object with the touch sensor, such as a stylus or the finger of a user.
  • this touch sensor When this touch sensor is associated with a display screen, there is a touch control screen allowing, depending on the elements displayed on the display screen (graphic objects, icons, images) to generate control actions of a software or equipment and / or manipulation of displayed items taking into account data acquired from the transparent touch sensor.
  • This touch sensor comprises a tactile detection zone comprising a matrix network of conductive tracks constituting columns on a first insulating layer and lines on a second insulating layer.
  • first and second insulating layers of the touch sensor are arranged facing one another so as to create the matrix network of conductive tracks.
  • a row / column matrix of conductive tracks is thus obtained which, by detecting an impedance variation (resistance, capacitance) at each crossing zone of the conductive tracks, detects the presence of an object (stylet, finger of the user) on the touch sensor, next to this crossing zone.
  • the touch sensor also includes a network of conductive tracks extending between the rows and columns of the matrix array, and an interface connector for communicating with a touch sensor control system to manage its operation and exploit the data. acquired, and in particular the transmitted electrical signals.
  • This network of conductive tracks is adapted to the transfer of electrical signals between the rows and columns and the interface connector. It occupies an important place in the touch sensor and all the more important as the number of columns and lines is important in the matrix network.
  • a tactile sensor adapted to writing, with an accuracy of 250 DPI (Point Per Inch or DPI in English terminology for "Dots Per Inch”), having a tactile detection zone having a diagonal 25 cm, has 2000 rows and about 500 columns.
  • the present invention aims to simplify the realization of such a touch sensor, and in particular to reduce the number of conductive tracks necessary for the operation and exploitation of the data acquired by the touch sensor.
  • the present invention relates to a touch sensor comprising a tactile detection zone comprising a matrix network of conductive tracks constituting columns on a first insulating layer and lines on a second insulating layer, the first and second insulating layers being arranged in with respect to each other, and a network of conductive tracks adapted to the transfer of electrical signals between the rows and columns of the matrix network and an interface connector with a control system of the touch sensor.
  • the touch sensor comprises control circuits associated respectively with the rows and columns of the matrix network of conductive tracks, the network of conductive tracks extending between the control circuits and the interface connector.
  • the network of conductive tracks comprises a subset of conductive tracks adapted to transfer a binary addressing signal to the control circuits.
  • control circuits are controlled by means of a binary addressing signal.
  • a limited number of conductive tracks makes it possible to address such a binary addressing signal to a large number of rows and columns of the matrix network.
  • each control circuit is adapted, upon receipt of a predetermined binary addressing signal, to supply voltage to a column of the matrix network, respectively a row of the matrix network, the other columns, respectively the other lines, being put in high impedance.
  • each control circuit is adapted, on receiving a predetermined bit addressing signal, to transmit an electrical signal of one line of the matrix network, respectively of one column of the matrix network, the other lines, respectively the others. columns, being grounded.
  • each line and each column of the matrix network it is thus possible to control the independent operation of each line and each column of the matrix network in order to achieve the detection of one or more points of support on the touch sensor by varying the characteristics of an electrical signal.
  • a unique binary addressing signal is associated with each line and a unique binary addressing signal is associated with each column of the matrix network.
  • a sequential scanning of the rows and columns of the matrix network of conductive tracks is implemented, the subset of conductive tracks being adapted to sequentially transfer all the associated unique binary addressing signals. respectively to rows and columns.
  • control circuits are formed on the first and second insulating layers of the touch sensor.
  • control circuits can be made on each insulating layer of the touch sensor, for example by printing a conductive ink or etching a conductive layer, during the production of the network of conductive tracks and the matrix network of lines and columns of the tactile detection zone on each insulating layer.
  • the present invention also relates to a touch control screen comprising a touch sensor as described above and a juxtaposed display screen.
  • This touch control screen has features and advantages similar to those previously described in connection with the touch sensor.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a touch sensor according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating control circuits of the lines of the tactile sensor illustrated in FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating control circuits of the columns of the tactile sensor illustrated in FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 4 is an electronic diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a control circuit of a column
  • FIG. 5 is an electronic diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a control circuit of a line.
  • Such a touch sensor 10 comprises a tactile detection zone 1.
  • This tactile detection zone is preferably called multicontact, that is to say, adapted to simultaneously detect several points of support or pressure exerted on the surface of the touch sensor 10 at the level of this tactile detection zone 11.
  • FIG. 1 diagrammatically illustrates a matrix network of conductive tracks thus forming lines and columns in the tactile detection zone 1 1.
  • the lines R are made from a first series of parallel conductive tracks, made on a first insulating layer, and the columns C are made from a second series of parallel conductive tracks, made on a second insulating layer of the touch sensor.
  • these two insulating layers are arranged facing one another with an air layer or an insulating material separating the two sets of conductive tracks arranged perpendicularly to one another in the zone of tactile detection 10.
  • an interface connector 12 is also provided for electrically connecting this touch sensor 10 to an external operating system, for managing the data acquired at the touch sensor 10.
  • this network of conductive tracks 13, 14 is here limited in number of conductive tracks because of the integration in the touch sensor of control circuits associated with each row R and columns C of the sensor Touch 10.
  • the touch sensor 10 comprises a set of control circuits RD (acronym for the term “Row Driver” ') adapted to control the operation of the lines R and a set of control circuits CD (acronym for the English term “Column Driver ”) adapted to control the operation of the columns C.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates in more detail an example of a set of control circuits RD associated with the lines R.
  • this set of control circuits RD comprises control circuits RDn respectively associated with each line Rn.
  • the number of lines Rn of the touch sensor 10 is equal to 64.
  • the index n varies from 0 to 63.
  • each control circuit RDn is controlled in operation from an addressing signal, or key, for independently controlling each control circuit RDn from a particular address.
  • a binary addressing signal is addressed to all the control circuits RDn, this binary addressing signal varying over an interval corresponding to the particular addresses of each control circuit RDn.
  • the number n of lines Rn being equal to 64, a binary addressing signal can be transferred by means of a subset of conductive tracks 13a composed of six conductive tracks (this network of six conductive tracks allowing thus to transfer in binary 2 6 different values).
  • Each control circuit RDn is also powered by a second subset of conductive tracks 13b adapted to transfer control signals taken into account or ignored by the different control circuits RDn, in particular as a function of the value of the binary addressing signal received. at every moment.
  • the second subset of conductive tracks 13b makes it possible in particular to transfer an electrical voltage signal VR, for example equal to 5 volts, to a grounding GND ( acronym for the term "Ground”) of the different lines Rn or the transfer of control signals C and E whose use will be described later with reference to Figures 4 and 5.
  • VR electrical voltage signal
  • GND acronym for the term "Ground”
  • This number is in any case much lower than the 64 conductive tracks required in the state of the art to connect each line Rn to the interface connector 12.
  • a set of control circuits CD associated with the columns C of the matrix sensor 10 has likewise been illustrated.
  • this set of control circuits CD comprises control circuits CDm respectively associated with each column Cm.
  • the number of columns Cm of the touch sensor 10 is equal to 128.
  • the index m varies from 0 to 127.
  • each control circuit CDm is controlled in operation from an addressing signal, or key, for independently controlling each control circuit CDm from a particular address.
  • a binary addressing signal is addressed to all the control circuits CDm, this binary addressing signal varying over an interval corresponding to the particular addresses of each control circuit CDm.
  • a binary addressing signal can be transferred by means of a subset of conductive tracks 14a composed of seven conductive tracks (this network of seven conductive tracks allowing thus to transfer in binary 2 7 different values).
  • Each control circuit CDm is also powered by a second subset of conductive tracks 14b adapted, as before, to transfer control signals taken into account or ignored by the various control circuits CDm as a function in particular of the value of the signal d binary addressing received at each moment.
  • the second subset of conductive tracks 14b allows in particular the transfer of an electrical voltage signal VC, for example equal to 5 volts, a grounding GND of different columns Cm or the transfer of control signals C and E whose use will be described later.
  • the number of conductive tracks 14a, 14b of the conductive track network 14 is relatively small, and in this example equal to 10.
  • This number is in any case much lower than the 128 conductive tracks required in the state of the art for connecting each column Cm to the interface connector 12.
  • the set of control circuits CDm associated with the columns Cm and the set of control circuits RDn associated with the lines Rn make it possible to control, during a scan of the rows Rn and columns Cm of the matrix array of the touch sensor 10, on the one hand the voltage supply each column (or each line), and on the other hand the measurement of an electrical characteristic on each line (or on each column).
  • control circuits CDm associated with each column Cm control the voltage supply of each column Cm during the scanning of the matrix network
  • the control circuits RDn associated with the lines Rn control the sequential measurement of an electrical signal on each line Rn.
  • the sequential scan may further be alternated periodically.
  • the first control circuit RD0 sets the first line R0 to ground and the second control circuit RD1 is adapted to transmit the electrical signal from the second line R1, and so on until the set of lines Rn was swept away.
  • the first control circuit CDO puts the first column C0 in high impedance and the second control circuit CD1 is in turn allowed to supply voltage to the second column C1 and the sequential scanning of the lines Rn is then implemented as described. previously.
  • the control circuit CDm consists of a logic gate 40 of the AND type which acts as a key.
  • the control circuit CDm is adapted to pass the voltage signal Vc (for example equal to 5 V) according to the signal E (for "Enable” in English terminology) in the associated column Cm.
  • control circuit RDn associated with a line Rn is illustrated in FIG.
  • the control circuit RDn consists of a logic gate 50 of the AND type which acts as a key.
  • the logic gate 50 is adapted to pass an electrical signal Vr according to the signal E supplying the logic gate 50.
  • the control circuit RDn is adapted to let the electrical signal Vr coming from the line Rn, c that is to say an electrical signal whose characteristics depend on the impedance at the point of intersection of this line Rn with a column Cm fed at the same time.
  • the electrical signal Vr is then transmitted via the interface connector 12 to the control system adapted to exploit the electrical signals transmitted by the touch sensor 10 to detect the areas of contact or support.
  • the signals C and ground GND make it possible to control the grounding of the other lines Rn when they are not authorized to transmit the electrical signal Vr.
  • the integration in the touch sensor 10 of control circuits associated with each row and column of the matrix network makes it possible to limit the number of conductive tracks necessary for the operation of this touch sensor, and in particular the sequential scanning of the rows and columns. of the matrix network.
  • This type of control circuit is particularly well suited for high definition touch sensors, comprising a large number of rows and columns.
  • the address of each control circuit associated with each line can be defined by a binary signal transmitted by eleven conductive tracks and the address of each control circuit associated with each column may be defined by a binary signal transmitted by eleven conductive tracks.
  • a network of thirty conductive tracks makes it possible to ensure the overall operation of the touch sensor provided with 2000 rows and 1500 columns.
  • This low number is to compare the number of 3500 conductive tracks required in the state of the art to manage the independent operation of the 2000 rows and 500 columns.

Abstract

A tactile sensor (10) comprises a tactile detection zone (11) comprising a matrix array of conducting tracks constituting columns (C) on a first insulating layer and rows (R) on a second insulating layer, the first and second insulating layers being disposed opposite one another, and an array of conducting tracks (13, 14) adapted to the transfer of electrical signals between the rows (R) and columns (C) of the matrix array and an interface connector (12) for interfacing with a control system of the tactile sensor (10). The tactile sensor (10) comprises control circuits (CD, RD) associated respectively with the rows (R) and columns (C) of the matrix array of conducting tracks, the array of conducting tracks (13, 14) extending between the control circuits (CD, RD) and the interface connector (12). Use in particular in a tactile control screen.

Description

Capteur tactile à réseau matriciel de pistes conductrices et écran de contrôle tactile  Touch sensor with matrix network of conductive tracks and touch control screen
La présente invention concerne un capteur tactile à réseau matriciel de pistes conductrices. The present invention relates to a touch sensor matrix network conductive tracks.
Elle concerne également un écran de contrôle tactile mettant en uvre un tel capteur tactile.  It also relates to a touch control screen implementing such a touch sensor.
De manière générale, la présente invention concerne le domaine des capteurs tactiles, et notamment des capteurs tactiles multicontacts permettant de détecter simultanément plusieurs zones de contact d'un objet avec le capteur tactile, tel qu'un stylet ou le doigt d'un utilisateur.  In general, the present invention relates to the field of tactile sensors, and in particular multicontact touch sensors for simultaneously detecting multiple contact areas of an object with the touch sensor, such as a stylus or the finger of a user.
Lorsque ce capteur tactile est associé à un écran de visualisation, on dispose d'un écran de contrôle tactile permettant en fonction des éléments affichés sur l'écran de visualisation (objets graphiques, icônes, images) de générer des actions de commande d'un logiciel ou d'un équipement et/ou de manipulation des éléments affichés en prenant en compte les données acquises à partir du capteur tactile transparent.  When this touch sensor is associated with a display screen, there is a touch control screen allowing, depending on the elements displayed on the display screen (graphic objects, icons, images) to generate control actions of a software or equipment and / or manipulation of displayed items taking into account data acquired from the transparent touch sensor.
On connaît un tel capteur tactile décrit notamment dans le document EP 1 719 047.  Such a tactile sensor described in particular in EP 1 719 047 is known.
Ce capteur tactile comprend une zone de détection tactile comportant un réseau matriciel de pistes conductrices constituant des colonnes sur une première couche isolante et des lignes sur une seconde couche isolante.  This touch sensor comprises a tactile detection zone comprising a matrix network of conductive tracks constituting columns on a first insulating layer and lines on a second insulating layer.
Ces première et seconde couches isolantes du capteur tactile sont disposées en regard l'une de l'autre de manière à créer le réseau matriciel de pistes conductrices.  These first and second insulating layers of the touch sensor are arranged facing one another so as to create the matrix network of conductive tracks.
On obtient ainsi une matrice lignes/colonnes de pistes conductrices permettant, par la détection d'une variation d'impédance (résistance, capacité) au niveau de chaque zone de croisement des pistes conductrices de détecter la présence d'un objet (stylet, doigt de l'utilisateur) sur le capteur tactile, en regard de cette zone de croisement. Le capteur tactile comprend également un réseau de pistes conductrices s'étendant entre les lignes et les colonnes du réseau matriciel, et un connecteur d'interface destiné à communiquer avec un système de commande du capteur tactile, afin de gérer son fonctionnement et exploiter les données acquises, et notamment les signaux électriques transmis. A row / column matrix of conductive tracks is thus obtained which, by detecting an impedance variation (resistance, capacitance) at each crossing zone of the conductive tracks, detects the presence of an object (stylet, finger of the user) on the touch sensor, next to this crossing zone. The touch sensor also includes a network of conductive tracks extending between the rows and columns of the matrix array, and an interface connector for communicating with a touch sensor control system to manage its operation and exploit the data. acquired, and in particular the transmitted electrical signals.
Ce réseau de pistes conductrices est adapté au transfert de signaux électriques entre les lignes et colonnes et le connecteur d'interface. Il occupe une place importante dans le capteur tactile et d'autant plus importante que le nombre de colonnes et de lignes est important dans le réseau matriciel.  This network of conductive tracks is adapted to the transfer of electrical signals between the rows and columns and the interface connector. It occupies an important place in the touch sensor and all the more important as the number of columns and lines is important in the matrix network.
Ces pistes conductrices entraînent également une augmentation du coût du capteur dès lors qu'elles impliquent un nombre important d'entrées/sorties (en anglais I/O pour Input/Output) au niveau du connecteur d'interface.  These conductive tracks also lead to an increase in the cost of the sensor since they involve a large number of inputs / outputs (in English I / O for Input / Output) at the interface connector.
A titre d'exemple purement illustratif, un capteur tactile adapté à l'écriture, avec une précision de 250 PPP (Point Par Pouce ou DPI en terminologie anglo-saxonne pour "Dots Per Inch"), présentant une zone de détection tactile ayant une diagonale de 25 cm, comporte 2000 lignes et 500 colonnes environ.  As a purely illustrative example, a tactile sensor adapted to writing, with an accuracy of 250 DPI (Point Per Inch or DPI in English terminology for "Dots Per Inch"), having a tactile detection zone having a diagonal 25 cm, has 2000 rows and about 500 columns.
Il est alors nécessaire de prévoir 3500 pistes conductrices reliant chaque ligne et chaque colonne à un port d'entrée/sortie du connecteur d'interface.  It is then necessary to provide 3500 conductive tracks connecting each line and each column to an input / output port of the interface connector.
La présente invention a pour but de simplifier la réalisation d'un tel capteur tactile, et notamment de diminuer le nombre de pistes conductrices nécessaires pour le fonctionnement et l'exploitation des données acquises par le capteur tactile.  The present invention aims to simplify the realization of such a touch sensor, and in particular to reduce the number of conductive tracks necessary for the operation and exploitation of the data acquired by the touch sensor.
A cet effet, la présente invention concerne un capteur tactile comprenant une zone de détection tactile comportant un réseau matriciel de pistes conductrices constituant des colonnes sur une première couche isolante et des lignes sur une seconde couche isolante, les première et seconde couches isolantes étant disposées en regard l'une de l'autre, et un réseau de pistes conductrices adaptées au transfert de signaux électriques entre les lignes et colonnes du réseau matriciel et un connecteur d'interface avec un système de commande du capteur tactile. For this purpose, the present invention relates to a touch sensor comprising a tactile detection zone comprising a matrix network of conductive tracks constituting columns on a first insulating layer and lines on a second insulating layer, the first and second insulating layers being arranged in with respect to each other, and a network of conductive tracks adapted to the transfer of electrical signals between the rows and columns of the matrix network and an interface connector with a control system of the touch sensor.
Selon l'invention, le capteur tactile comprend des circuits de commande associés respectivement aux lignes et colonnes du réseau matriciel de pistes conductrices, le réseau de pistes conductrices s'étendant entre les circuits de commande et le connecteur d'interface.  According to the invention, the touch sensor comprises control circuits associated respectively with the rows and columns of the matrix network of conductive tracks, the network of conductive tracks extending between the control circuits and the interface connector.
Ainsi, en intégrant directement dans le capteur tactile des circuits de commande (également appelés en terminologie anglo-saxonne "drivers") adaptés à gérer directement le fonctionnement de chaque ligne et colonne du réseau matriciel, il est possible de diminuer le nombre de pistes conductrices nécessaires pour gérer le fonctionnement global du capteur tactile.  Thus, by integrating directly into the touch sensor control circuits (also called in English terminology "drivers") adapted to directly manage the operation of each row and column of the matrix network, it is possible to reduce the number of conductive tracks necessary to manage the overall operation of the touch sensor.
Selon une caractéristique avantageuse de l'invention, le réseau de pistes conductrices comprend un sous-ensemble de pistes conductrices adaptées à transférer un signal d'adressage binaire aux circuits de commande.  According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the network of conductive tracks comprises a subset of conductive tracks adapted to transfer a binary addressing signal to the control circuits.
Ainsi, les circuits de commande sont contrôlés au moyen d'un signal d'adressage binaire. Un nombre limité de pistes conductrices permet d'adresser un tel signal d'adressage binaire à un nombre important de lignes et colonnes du réseau matriciel.  Thus, the control circuits are controlled by means of a binary addressing signal. A limited number of conductive tracks makes it possible to address such a binary addressing signal to a large number of rows and columns of the matrix network.
Dans un mode pratique de mise en œuvre du capteur tactile, chaque circuit de commande est adapté, à réception d'un signal d'adressage binaire prédéterminé, à alimenter en tension électrique une colonne du réseau matriciel, respectivement une ligne du réseau matriciel, les autres colonnes, respectivement les autres lignes, étant mises en haute impédance.  In a practical mode of implementation of the touch sensor, each control circuit is adapted, upon receipt of a predetermined binary addressing signal, to supply voltage to a column of the matrix network, respectively a row of the matrix network, the other columns, respectively the other lines, being put in high impedance.
Simultanément, chaque circuit de commande est adapté, à réception d'un signal d'adressage binaire prédéterminé, à transmettre un signal électrique d'une ligne du réseau matriciel, respectivement d'une colonne du réseau matriciel, les autres lignes, respectivement les autres colonnes, étant mises à la masse.  Simultaneously, each control circuit is adapted, on receiving a predetermined bit addressing signal, to transmit an electrical signal of one line of the matrix network, respectively of one column of the matrix network, the other lines, respectively the others. columns, being grounded.
Il est ainsi possible de commander le fonctionnement indépendant de chaque ligne et chaque colonne du réseau matriciel afin de réaliser la détection d'un ou plusieurs points d'appui sur le capteur tactile grâce à la variation des caractéristiques d'un signal électrique. En pratique, un signai d'adressage binaire unique est associé à chaque ligne et un signal d'adressage binaire unique est associé à chaque colonne du réseau matriciel. It is thus possible to control the independent operation of each line and each column of the matrix network in order to achieve the detection of one or more points of support on the touch sensor by varying the characteristics of an electrical signal. In practice, a unique binary addressing signal is associated with each line and a unique binary addressing signal is associated with each column of the matrix network.
Selon une caractéristique avantageuse de l'invention, un balayage séquentiel des lignes et colonnes du réseau matriciel de pistes conductrices est mis en œuvre, le sous-ensemble de pistes conductrices étant adapté à transférer séquentiellement l'ensemble des signaux d'adressage binaires uniques associés respectivement aux lignes et aux colonnes.  According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, a sequential scanning of the rows and columns of the matrix network of conductive tracks is implemented, the subset of conductive tracks being adapted to sequentially transfer all the associated unique binary addressing signals. respectively to rows and columns.
En pratique, les circuits de commande sont réalisés sur les première et seconde couches isolantes du capteur tactile.  In practice, the control circuits are formed on the first and second insulating layers of the touch sensor.
Ainsi, ces circuits de commande peuvent être réalisés sur chaque couche isolante du capteur tactile, par exemple par impression d'une encre conductrice ou gravure d'une couche conductrice, lors de la réalisation du réseau de pistes conductrices et du réseau matriciel de lignes et colonnes de la zone de détection tactile sur chaque couche isolante.  Thus, these control circuits can be made on each insulating layer of the touch sensor, for example by printing a conductive ink or etching a conductive layer, during the production of the network of conductive tracks and the matrix network of lines and columns of the tactile detection zone on each insulating layer.
Selon un second aspect, la présente invention concerne également un écran de contrôle tactile comprenant un capteur tactile tel que décrit précédemment et un écran de visualisation juxtaposés.  According to a second aspect, the present invention also relates to a touch control screen comprising a touch sensor as described above and a juxtaposed display screen.
Cet écran de commande tactile présente des caractéristiques et avantages analogues à ceux décrits précédemment en relation avec le capteur tactile.  This touch control screen has features and advantages similar to those previously described in connection with the touch sensor.
D'autres particularités et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront encore dans la description ci-après.  Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the description below.
Aux dessins annexés, donnés à titre d'exemples non limitatifs :  In the accompanying drawings, given as non-limiting examples:
- la figure 1 est un schéma illustrant un capteur tactile selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention ;  - Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a touch sensor according to one embodiment of the invention;
- la figure 2 est un schéma illustrant des circuits de commande des lignes du capteur tactile illustré à la figure 1 ;  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating control circuits of the lines of the tactile sensor illustrated in FIG. 1;
- la figure 3 est un schéma illustrant des circuits de commande des colonnes du capteur tactile illustré à la figure 1 ;  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating control circuits of the columns of the tactile sensor illustrated in FIG. 1;
- la figure 4 est un schéma électronique illustrant un exemple de réalisation d'un circuit de commande d'une colonne ; et - la figure 5 est un schéma électronique illustrant un exemple de réalisation d'un circuit de commande d'une ligne. FIG. 4 is an electronic diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a control circuit of a column; and FIG. 5 is an electronic diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a control circuit of a line.
On va décrire tout d'abord en référence à la figure 1 un capteur tactile 10 conforme à un mode de réalisation de l'invention.  We will first describe with reference to Figure 1 a touch sensor 10 according to one embodiment of the invention.
Un tel capteur tactile 10 comprend une zone de détection tactile 1. Such a touch sensor 10 comprises a tactile detection zone 1.
Cette zone de détection tactile est de préférence dite multicontact, c'est-à-dire adaptée à détecter simultanément plusieurs points d'appui ou de pression exercés sur la surface du capteur tactile 10 au niveau de cette zone de détection tactile 11. This tactile detection zone is preferably called multicontact, that is to say, adapted to simultaneously detect several points of support or pressure exerted on the surface of the touch sensor 10 at the level of this tactile detection zone 11.
On a illustré schématiquement à la figure 1 un réseau matriciel de pistes conductrices formant ainsi des lignes et des colonnes dans la zone de détection tactile 1 1.  FIG. 1 diagrammatically illustrates a matrix network of conductive tracks thus forming lines and columns in the tactile detection zone 1 1.
Selon une convention d'orientation telle qu'illustrée à la figure 1 , les lignes R (dénommées en terminologie anglo-saxonne "Row") s'étendent horizontalement et les colonnes C (dénommées en terminologie anglo-saxonne According to an orientation convention as illustrated in FIG. 1, the R lines (referred to in the English terminology as "Row") extend horizontally and the columns C (referred to as English terminology).
"Column") s'étendent verticalement, perpendiculairement aux lignes R. "Column") extend vertically, perpendicular to the R lines.
De manière connue, les lignes R sont réalisées à partir d'une première série de pistes conductrices parallèles, réalisée sur une première couche isolante, et les colonnes C sont réalisées à partir d'une seconde série de pistes conductrices parallèles, réalisée sur une seconde couche isolante du capteur tactile.  In known manner, the lines R are made from a first series of parallel conductive tracks, made on a first insulating layer, and the columns C are made from a second series of parallel conductive tracks, made on a second insulating layer of the touch sensor.
Lors de la fabrication, ces deux couches isolantes sont disposées en regard l'une de l'autre avec une couche d'air ou un matériau isolant séparant les deux séries de pistes conductrices disposées perpendiculairement l'une à l'autre dans la zone de détection tactile 10.  During manufacture, these two insulating layers are arranged facing one another with an air layer or an insulating material separating the two sets of conductive tracks arranged perpendicularly to one another in the zone of tactile detection 10.
On se reportera avantageusement à la description du document EP 1 719 047 pour une description détaillée d'un tel capteur tactile 10.  Advantageously, reference will be made to the description of document EP 1 719 047 for a detailed description of such a touch sensor 10.
La matrice de lignes et de colonnes définit ainsi des zones ou points de croisement au niveau desquels la détection d'une variation d'impédance, et par exemple d'une résistance, permet de détecter la présence d'un objet en regard de cette zone de croisement. Afin de gérer le fonctionnement de ce capteur tactile, un connecteur d'interface 12 est également prévu pour permettre de relier électriquement ce capteur tactile 10 à un système d'exploitation externe, permettant de gérer les données acquises au niveau du capteur tactile 10. The matrix of rows and columns thus defines zones or crossing points at which the detection of an impedance variation, and for example a resistance, makes it possible to detect the presence of an object facing this zone. crossing. In order to manage the operation of this touch sensor, an interface connector 12 is also provided for electrically connecting this touch sensor 10 to an external operating system, for managing the data acquired at the touch sensor 10.
II est ainsi nécessaire de prévoir dans ce capteur tactile un réseau de pistes conductrices 13, 14 permettant de relier électriquement la zone de détection tactile 1 1 du capteur tactile 0 au connecteur d'interface 12.  It is thus necessary to provide in this touch sensor a network of conductive tracks 13, 14 for electrically connecting the tactile detection area 1 1 of the touch sensor 0 to the interface connector 12.
Comme cela ressortira de la description ci-après, ce réseau de pistes conductrices 13, 14 est ici limité en nombre de pistes conductrices du fait de l'intégration dans le capteur tactile de circuits de commande associés à chaque ligne R et colonnes C du capteur tactile 10.  As will emerge from the description below, this network of conductive tracks 13, 14 is here limited in number of conductive tracks because of the integration in the touch sensor of control circuits associated with each row R and columns C of the sensor Touch 10.
Plus précisément, le capteur tactile 10 comprend un ensemble de circuits de commande RD (acronyme du terme anglais "Row Driver"') adapté à commander le fonctionnement des lignes R et un ensemble de circuits de commande CD (acronyme du terme anglais "Column Driver") adapté à commander le fonctionnement des colonnes C.  More specifically, the touch sensor 10 comprises a set of control circuits RD (acronym for the term "Row Driver" ') adapted to control the operation of the lines R and a set of control circuits CD (acronym for the English term "Column Driver ") adapted to control the operation of the columns C.
On a illustré plus en détail à la figure 2 un exemple d'un ensemble de circuits de commande RD associé aux lignes R.  FIG. 2 illustrates in more detail an example of a set of control circuits RD associated with the lines R.
Ainsi, cet ensemble de circuits de commande RD comprend des circuits de commande RDn associés respectivement à chaque ligne Rn.  Thus, this set of control circuits RD comprises control circuits RDn respectively associated with each line Rn.
Dans cet exemple de réalisation, et de manière nullement limitative, on considère que le nombre de lignes Rn du capteur tactile 10 est égal à 64.  In this embodiment, and in no way limiting, it is considered that the number of lines Rn of the touch sensor 10 is equal to 64.
Ainsi, dans cet exemple particulier, l'indice n varie de 0 à 63. Thus, in this particular example, the index n varies from 0 to 63.
Dans son principe, chaque circuit de commande RDn est commandé en fonctionnement à partir d'un signal d'adressage, ou clef, permettant de commander indépendamment chaque circuit de commande RDn à partir d'une adresse particulière. In principle, each control circuit RDn is controlled in operation from an addressing signal, or key, for independently controlling each control circuit RDn from a particular address.
A cet effet, un signal d'adressage binaire est adressé à l'ensemble des circuits de commande RDn, ce signal d'adressage binaire variant sur un intervalle correspondant aux adresses particulières de chaque circuit de commande RDn. Dans cet exemple particulier, le nombre n de lignes Rn étant égal à 64, un signal d'adressage binaire peut être transféré au moyen d'un sous- ensemble de pistes conductrices 13a composé de six pistes conductrices (ce réseau de six pistes conductrices permettant ainsi de transférer en binaire 26 valeurs différentes). For this purpose, a binary addressing signal is addressed to all the control circuits RDn, this binary addressing signal varying over an interval corresponding to the particular addresses of each control circuit RDn. In this particular example, the number n of lines Rn being equal to 64, a binary addressing signal can be transferred by means of a subset of conductive tracks 13a composed of six conductive tracks (this network of six conductive tracks allowing thus to transfer in binary 2 6 different values).
Chaque circuit de commande RDn est également alimenté par un second sous-ensemble de pistes conductrices 13b adapté à transférer des signaux de commande pris en compte ou ignorés par les différents circuits de commande RDn en fonction notamment de la valeur du signal d'adressage binaire reçu à chaque instant.  Each control circuit RDn is also powered by a second subset of conductive tracks 13b adapted to transfer control signals taken into account or ignored by the different control circuits RDn, in particular as a function of the value of the binary addressing signal received. at every moment.
Dans ce mode de réalisation, et de manière nullement limitative, le second sous-ensemble de pistes conductrices 13b permet notamment le transfert d'un signal électrique de tension VR, par exemple égale à 5 volts, d'une mise à la masse GND (acronyme du terme anglais "Ground") des différentes lignes Rn ou encore le transfert de signaux de commande C et E dont l'utilisation sera décrite ultérieurement en référence aux figures 4 et 5.  In this embodiment, and in no way limiting, the second subset of conductive tracks 13b makes it possible in particular to transfer an electrical voltage signal VR, for example equal to 5 volts, to a grounding GND ( acronym for the term "Ground") of the different lines Rn or the transfer of control signals C and E whose use will be described later with reference to Figures 4 and 5.
On notera que grâce à l'association des circuits de commande RDn à chaque ligne Rn, le nombre de pistes conductrices 13a, 13b du réseau de pistes conductrices 13 est relativement faible, et dans cet exemple égal à 9.  It will be noted that by combining the control circuits RDn with each line Rn, the number of conductive tracks 13a, 13b of the network of conductive tracks 13 is relatively small, and in this example equal to 9.
Ce nombre est en tout état de cause très inférieur aux 64 pistes conductrices requises dans l'état de la technique pour connecter chaque ligne Rn au connecteur d'interface 12.  This number is in any case much lower than the 64 conductive tracks required in the state of the art to connect each line Rn to the interface connector 12.
On a illustré de manière analogue un ensemble de circuits de commande CD associé aux colonnes C du capteur matriciel 10.  A set of control circuits CD associated with the columns C of the matrix sensor 10 has likewise been illustrated.
Ainsi, cet ensemble de circuits de commande CD comprend des circuits de commande CDm associés respectivement à chaque colonne Cm.  Thus, this set of control circuits CD comprises control circuits CDm respectively associated with each column Cm.
Dans cet exemple de réalisation, et de manière nullement limitative, on considère que le nombre de colonnes Cm du capteur tactile 10 est égal à 128.  In this embodiment, and in no way limiting, it is considered that the number of columns Cm of the touch sensor 10 is equal to 128.
Ainsi, dans cet exemple particulier, l'indice m varie de 0 à 127.  Thus, in this particular example, the index m varies from 0 to 127.
Comme précédemment, chaque circuit de commande CDm est commandé en fonctionnement à partir d'un signal d'adressage, ou clef, permettant de commander indépendamment chaque circuit de commande CDm à partir d'une adresse particulière. As before, each control circuit CDm is controlled in operation from an addressing signal, or key, for independently controlling each control circuit CDm from a particular address.
A cet effet, un signal d'adressage binaire est adressé à l'ensemble des circuits de commande CDm, ce signal d'adressage binaire variant sur un intervalle correspondant aux adresses particulières de chaque circuit de commande CDm.  For this purpose, a binary addressing signal is addressed to all the control circuits CDm, this binary addressing signal varying over an interval corresponding to the particular addresses of each control circuit CDm.
Dans cet exemple particulier, le nombre m de colonnes Cm étant égal à 128, un signal d'adressage binaire peut être transféré au moyen d'un sous-ensemble de pistes conductrices 14a composé de sept pistes conductrices (ce réseau de sept pistes conductrices permettant ainsi de transférer en binaire 27 valeurs différentes). In this particular example, the number m of columns Cm being equal to 128, a binary addressing signal can be transferred by means of a subset of conductive tracks 14a composed of seven conductive tracks (this network of seven conductive tracks allowing thus to transfer in binary 2 7 different values).
Chaque circuit de commande CDm est également alimenté par un second sous-ensemble de pistes conductrices 14b adapté, comme précédemment, à transférer des signaux de commande pris en compte ou ignorés par les différents circuits de commande CDm en fonction notamment de la valeur du signal d'adressage binaire reçu à chaque instant.  Each control circuit CDm is also powered by a second subset of conductive tracks 14b adapted, as before, to transfer control signals taken into account or ignored by the various control circuits CDm as a function in particular of the value of the signal d binary addressing received at each moment.
Dans ce mode de réalisation, et de manière nullement limitative, le second sous-ensemble de pistes conductrices 14b permet notamment le transfert d'un signal électrique de tension VC, par exemple égale à 5 volts, d'une mise à la masse GND des différentes colonnes Cm ou encore le transfert de signaux de commande C et E dont l'utilisation sera décrite ultérieurement.  In this embodiment, and in no way limiting, the second subset of conductive tracks 14b allows in particular the transfer of an electrical voltage signal VC, for example equal to 5 volts, a grounding GND of different columns Cm or the transfer of control signals C and E whose use will be described later.
Comme précédemment, on notera que grâce à l'association des circuits de commande CDm à chaque colonne Cm, le nombre de pistes conductrices 14a, 14b du réseau de pistes conductrices 14 est relativement faible, et dans cet exemple égal à 10.  As previously, it will be noted that by combining the control circuits CDm with each column Cm, the number of conductive tracks 14a, 14b of the conductive track network 14 is relatively small, and in this example equal to 10.
Ce nombre est en tout état de cause très inférieur aux 128 pistes conductrices requises dans l'état de la technique pour connecter chaque colonne Cm au connecteur d'interface 12.  This number is in any case much lower than the 128 conductive tracks required in the state of the art for connecting each column Cm to the interface connector 12.
L'ensemble des circuits de commande CDm associés aux colonnes Cm et l'ensemble de circuits de commande RDn associés aux lignes Rn permettent de contrôler, lors d'un balayage des lignes Rn et des colonnes Cm du réseau matriciel du capteur tactile 10, d'une part l'alimentation en tension électrique de chaque colonne (ou de chaque ligne), et d'autre part la mesure d'une caractéristique électrique sur chaque ligne (ou sur chaque colonne). The set of control circuits CDm associated with the columns Cm and the set of control circuits RDn associated with the lines Rn make it possible to control, during a scan of the rows Rn and columns Cm of the matrix array of the touch sensor 10, on the one hand the voltage supply each column (or each line), and on the other hand the measurement of an electrical characteristic on each line (or on each column).
On considère de manière purement illustrative dans ce mode de réalisation que les circuits de commande CDm associés à chaque colonne Cm contrôlent l'alimentation en tension électrique de chaque colonne Cm lors du balayage du réseau matriciel, alors que les circuits de commande RDn associés aux lignes Rn contrôlent la mesure séquentielle d'un signal électrique sur chaque ligne Rn.  In this embodiment, it is considered purely illustrative that the control circuits CDm associated with each column Cm control the voltage supply of each column Cm during the scanning of the matrix network, whereas the control circuits RDn associated with the lines Rn control the sequential measurement of an electrical signal on each line Rn.
Bien entendu, le balayage pourrait être inverse, les lignes étant alimentées en courant et les signaux électriques étant lus sur chaque colonne.  Of course, the scanning could be reversed, the lines being supplied with current and the electrical signals being read on each column.
Dans un mode de réalisation, le balayage séquentiel peut en outre être alterné périodiquement.  In one embodiment, the sequential scan may further be alternated periodically.
Un tel procédé de balayage séquentiel alterné est notamment décrit dans le document FR 2 925 7 5.  Such an alternating sequential scanning method is described in particular in document FR 2 925 7 5.
En pratique, pour réaliser ce balayage séquentiel, le premier circuit de commande CDO alimente en tension la première colonne C0 alors que les autres circuits de commande CDm mettent les autres colonnes Cm en haute impédance ; le premier circuit de commande RDO est alors adapté à transmettre le signal électrique provenant de la première ligne R0, les autres circuits de commande RDn étant adaptés à placer les autres lignes Rn à la masse.  In practice, in order to carry out this sequential scanning, the first control circuit CDO supplies voltage to the first column C0 while the other control circuits CDm put the other columns Cm in high impedance; the first control circuit RD0 is then adapted to transmit the electrical signal from the first line R0, the other control circuits RDn being adapted to place the other lines Rn to ground.
Puis le premier circuit de commande RDO met la première ligne R0 à la masse et le second circuit de commande RD1 est adapté à transmettre le signal électrique provenant de la seconde ligne R1 , et ainsi de suite jusqu'à ce que l'ensemble des lignes Rn ait été balayé.  Then the first control circuit RD0 sets the first line R0 to ground and the second control circuit RD1 is adapted to transmit the electrical signal from the second line R1, and so on until the set of lines Rn was swept away.
Ensuite, le premier circuit de commande CDO met la première colonne C0 en haute impédance et le second circuit de commande CD1 est à son tour autorisé à alimenter en tension la seconde colonne C1 et le balayage séquentiel des lignes Rn est ensuite mis en œuvre comme décrit précédemment.  Then, the first control circuit CDO puts the first column C0 in high impedance and the second control circuit CD1 is in turn allowed to supply voltage to the second column C1 and the sequential scanning of the lines Rn is then implemented as described. previously.
Le balayage séquentiel est ainsi effectué sur l'ensemble des colonnes Cm. On va décrire en référence à la figure 4 un circuit électronique mis en œuvre dans un circuit de commande CDm associé à l'alimentation d'une colonne Cm. The sequential scanning is thus performed on all the columns Cm. An electronic circuit implemented in a control circuit CDm associated with the supply of a column Cm will be described with reference to FIG.
Le circuit de commande CDm est constitué d'une porte logique 40 du type AND qui agit comme une clef.  The control circuit CDm consists of a logic gate 40 of the AND type which acts as a key.
Ainsi, lorsque le signal d'adressage transmis par le premier sous- ensemble de pistes conductrices 14a correspond à l'adresse de la colonne Cm, le circuit de commande CDm est adapté à laisser passer le signal de tension Vc (par exemple égale à 5 V) en fonction du signal E (pour "Enable" en terminologie anglo-saxonne) dans la colonne associée Cm.  Thus, when the addressing signal transmitted by the first subset of conductive tracks 14a corresponds to the address of the column Cm, the control circuit CDm is adapted to pass the voltage signal Vc (for example equal to 5 V) according to the signal E (for "Enable" in English terminology) in the associated column Cm.
Les signaux C (pour "Clear" en terminologie anglo-saxonne) et de masse GND permettent de contrôler la mise à la masse des colonnes Cm lorsqu'elles ne sont pas alimentées par le signal de tension Vc.  The signals C (for "Clear" in English terminology) and ground GND make it possible to control the grounding of the columns Cm when they are not powered by the voltage signal Vc.
De manière analogue, un circuit de commande RDn associé à une ligne Rn est illustré à la figure 5.  Similarly, a control circuit RDn associated with a line Rn is illustrated in FIG.
Le circuit de commande RDn est constitué d'une porte logique 50 du type AND qui agit comme une clef. La porte logique 50 est adaptée à laisser passer un signal électrique Vr en fonction du signal E alimentant la porte logique 50.  The control circuit RDn consists of a logic gate 50 of the AND type which acts as a key. The logic gate 50 is adapted to pass an electrical signal Vr according to the signal E supplying the logic gate 50.
Ainsi, lorsque le signal d'adressage transmis par le premier sous- ensemble de pistes conductrices 13a correspond à l'adresse de la ligne Rn, le circuit de commande RDn est adapté à laisser passer le signal électrique Vr provenant de la ligne Rn, c'est-à-dire un signal électrique dont les caractéristiques dépendent de l'impédance au niveau du point de croisement de cette ligne Rn avec une colonne Cm alimentée au même instant.  Thus, when the addressing signal transmitted by the first subset of conductive tracks 13a corresponds to the address of the line Rn, the control circuit RDn is adapted to let the electrical signal Vr coming from the line Rn, c that is to say an electrical signal whose characteristics depend on the impedance at the point of intersection of this line Rn with a column Cm fed at the same time.
Le signal électrique Vr est alors transmis via le connecteur d'interface 12 au système de commande adapté à exploiter les signaux électriques transmis par le capteur tactile 10 pour détecter les zones de contact ou d'appui.  The electrical signal Vr is then transmitted via the interface connector 12 to the control system adapted to exploit the electrical signals transmitted by the touch sensor 10 to detect the areas of contact or support.
Les signaux C et de masse GND permettent de contrôler la mise à la masse des autres lignes Rn lorsqu'elles ne sont pas autorisées à transmettre le signal électrique Vr. Ainsi, l'intégration dans le capteur tactile 10 de circuits de commande associés à chaque ligne et colonne du réseau matriciel permet de limiter le nombre de pistes conductrices nécessaires pour le fonctionnement de ce capteur tactile, et notamment le balayage séquentiel des lignes et des colonnes du réseau matriciel. The signals C and ground GND make it possible to control the grounding of the other lines Rn when they are not authorized to transmit the electrical signal Vr. Thus, the integration in the touch sensor 10 of control circuits associated with each row and column of the matrix network makes it possible to limit the number of conductive tracks necessary for the operation of this touch sensor, and in particular the sequential scanning of the rows and columns. of the matrix network.
Ce type de circuit de commande est particulièrement bien adapté pour les capteurs tactiles haute définition, comportant un nombre important de lignes et de colonnes.  This type of control circuit is particularly well suited for high definition touch sensors, comprising a large number of rows and columns.
Ainsi, lorsque le capteur tactile comporte par exemple 2000 lignes et 1500 colonnes, l'adresse de chaque circuit de commande associé à chaque ligne peut être définie par un signal binaire transmis par onze pistes conductrices et l'adresse de chaque circuit de commande associé à chaque colonne peut être définie par un signal binaire transmis par onze pistes conductrices.  Thus, when the touch sensor comprises for example 2000 rows and 1500 columns, the address of each control circuit associated with each line can be defined by a binary signal transmitted by eleven conductive tracks and the address of each control circuit associated with each column may be defined by a binary signal transmitted by eleven conductive tracks.
En reprenant l'exemple précédent dans lequel huit signaux de commande sont transmis pour le fonctionnement des circuits de commande CDm, RDn, un réseau de trente pistes conductrices permet d'assurer le fonctionnement global du capteur tactile muni de 2000 lignes et 1500 colonnes.  Using the previous example in which eight control signals are transmitted for the operation of the control circuits CDm, RDn, a network of thirty conductive tracks makes it possible to ensure the overall operation of the touch sensor provided with 2000 rows and 1500 columns.
Ce faible nombre est à rapprocher du nombre de 3500 pistes conductrices nécessaires dans l'état de la technique pour gérer le fonctionnement indépendant des 2000 lignes et 500 colonnes.  This low number is to compare the number of 3500 conductive tracks required in the state of the art to manage the independent operation of the 2000 rows and 500 columns.
Bien entendu, la présente invention n'est pas limitée aux exemples de description donnés ci-dessus.  Of course, the present invention is not limited to the description examples given above.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Capteur tactile comprenant une zone de détection tactile (11) comportant un réseau matriciel de pistes conductrices constituant des colonnes (Cm) sur une première couche isolante et des lignes (Rn) sur une seconde couche isolante, lesdites première et seconde couches isolantes étant disposées en regard l'une de l'autre, et un réseau de pistes conductrices (13, 14) adaptées au transfert de signaux électriques entre lesdites lignes (Rn) et colonnes (Cm) du réseau matriciel et un connecteur d'interface (12) avec un système de commande dudit capteur tactile (10), caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend des circuits de commande (RDn, CDm) associés respectivement auxdites lignes (Rn) et colonnes (Cm) du réseau matriciel de pistes conductrices, ledit réseau de pistes conductrices (13, 14) s'étendant entre les circuits de commande (RDn, CDm) et ledit connecteur d'interface (12). A touch sensor comprising a touch detection zone (11) comprising a matrix network of conductive tracks constituting columns (Cm) on a first insulating layer and lines (Rn) on a second insulating layer, said first and second insulating layers being arranged opposite one another, and a network of conductive tracks (13, 14) adapted to the transfer of electrical signals between said rows (Rn) and columns (Cm) of the matrix network and an interface connector (12). ) with a control system of said touch sensor (10), characterized in that it comprises control circuits (RDn, CDm) associated respectively with said lines (Rn) and columns (Cm) of the matrix network of conductive tracks, said network conductive tracks (13, 14) extending between the control circuits (RDn, CDm) and said interface connector (12).
2. Capteur tactile conforme à la revendication 1 , caractérisé en ce que ledit réseau de pistes conductrices (13, 14) comprend un sous-ensemble de pistes conductrices (13a, 14a) adaptées à transférer un signal d'adressage binaire auxdits circuits de commande (RDn, CDm).  Touch sensor according to claim 1, characterized in that said network of conductive tracks (13, 14) comprises a subset of conductive tracks (13a, 14a) adapted to transfer a binary addressing signal to said control circuits. (RDn, CDm).
3. Capteur tactile conforme à la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que chaque circuit de commande (RDn, CDm) est adapté, à réception d'un signal d'adressage binaire prédéterminé, à alimenter en tension électrique une colonne (Cm) dudit réseau matriciel, respectivement une ligne (Rn) dudit réseau matriciel, les autres colonnes (Cm), respectivement les autres lignes (Rn), étant mises en haute impédance.  3. Touch sensor according to claim 2, characterized in that each control circuit (RDn, CDm) is adapted, upon receipt of a predetermined binary addressing signal, to supply voltage to a column (Cm) of said network. matrix, respectively a line (Rn) of said matrix network, the other columns (Cm), respectively the other lines (Rn), being put in high impedance.
4. Capteur tactile conforme à l'une des revendications 2 ou 3, caractérisé en ce que chaque circuit de commande (RDn, CDm) est adapté, à réception d'un signal d'adressage binaire prédéterminé, à transmettre un signal électrique d'une ligne (Rn) dudit réseau matriciel, respectivement d'une colonne (Cm) dudit réseau matriciel, les autres lignes (Rn), respectivement les autres colonnes (Cm), étant mises à la masse.  4. Touch sensor according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that each control circuit (RDn, CDm) is adapted, on receipt of a predetermined binary addressing signal, to transmit an electrical signal of a line (Rn) of said matrix network, respectively of a column (Cm) of said matrix network, the other lines (Rn), respectively the other columns (Cm), being grounded.
5. Capteur tactile conforme à l'une des revendications 2 à 4, caractérisé en ce qu'un signal d'adressage binaire unique est associé à chaque ligne (Rn) et un signal d'adressage binaire unique est associé à chaque colonne (Cm) du réseau matriciel. Touch sensor according to one of Claims 2 to 4, characterized in that a single binary addressing signal is associated with each line (Rn) and a unique binary addressing signal is associated with each column (Cm) of the matrix network.
6. Capteur tactile conforme à la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce qu'un balayage séquentiel desdites lignes (Rn) et colonnes (Cm) du réseau matriciel de pistes conductrices est mis en uvre, ledit sous-ensemble de pistes conductrices (13a, 14a) étant adapté à transférer séquentiellement l'ensemble des signaux d'adressage binaires uniques associés respectivement auxdites lignes et auxdites colonnes.  6. Touch sensor according to claim 5, characterized in that a sequential scan of said rows (Rn) and columns (Cm) of the matrix network of conductive tracks is implemented, said subset of conductive tracks (13a, 14a). ) being adapted to sequentially transfer all of the unique bit addressing signals associated respectively with said lines and said columns.
7. Capteur tactile conforme à l'une des revendications 1 à 6, caractérisé en ce que lesdits circuits de commande (RDn, CDm) sont réalisés sur lesdites première et seconde couches isolantes du capteur tactile (10).  7. Touch sensor according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said control circuits (RDn, CDm) are formed on said first and second insulating layers of the touch sensor (10).
8. Ecran de contrôle tactile, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend un capteur tactile conforme à l'une des revendications 1 à 7 et un écran de visualisation juxtaposés.  8. Touch control screen, characterized in that it comprises a touch sensor according to one of claims 1 to 7 and a display screen juxtaposed.
EP11799769.2A 2010-11-26 2011-11-23 Tactile sensor with matrix array of conducting tracks and tactile control screen Withdrawn EP2643748A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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FR1004616A FR2968102B1 (en) 2010-11-26 2010-11-26 TOUCH SENSOR WITH MATRIX NETWORK OF CONDUCTIVE TRACKS AND TOUCH CONTROL SCREEN
PCT/FR2011/052734 WO2012069762A1 (en) 2010-11-26 2011-11-23 Tactile sensor with matrix array of conducting tracks and tactile control screen

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EP2643748A1 true EP2643748A1 (en) 2013-10-02

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EP (1) EP2643748A1 (en)
KR (1) KR20130122952A (en)
CN (1) CN103229131A (en)
FR (1) FR2968102B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2012069762A1 (en)

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CN113777940A (en) * 2021-09-03 2021-12-10 广东科谷智能科技有限公司 Method for realizing efficacy of health-care nourishing lighting system by using rail array transformation

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FR2866726B1 (en) * 2004-02-23 2006-05-26 Jazzmutant CONTROLLER BY HANDLING VIRTUAL OBJECTS ON A MULTI-CONTACT TOUCH SCREEN
US20060050062A1 (en) * 2004-08-19 2006-03-09 Masanori Ozawa Input device
KR101359921B1 (en) * 2007-03-02 2014-02-07 삼성디스플레이 주식회사 Display device
JP4872113B2 (en) * 2007-09-10 2012-02-08 株式会社ワコム Position detection device
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WO2012069762A1 (en) 2012-05-31
US20130241878A1 (en) 2013-09-19
FR2968102B1 (en) 2013-01-04
CN103229131A (en) 2013-07-31
FR2968102A1 (en) 2012-06-01
KR20130122952A (en) 2013-11-11

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