EP2681644A1

EP2681644A1 - Input element for operating a touch-screen

Info

Publication number: EP2681644A1
Application number: EP12706838.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: André KREUTZER; Karin Weigelt; Matthias Förster; Jan Thiele
Original assignee: Printechnologics GmbH
Current assignee: T-TOUCH INTERNATIONAL S.A R.L.
Priority date: 2011-03-01
Filing date: 2012-03-01
Publication date: 2014-01-08
Also published as: AU2012222413A1; WO2012117046A1; CN103733164A; US20140198062A1

Abstract

There is described an input element for operating a touch-screen, said input element comprising an electrically conductive layer which is applied to an electrically non-conductive substrate. The electrically conductive layer is structured and has at least one button, conductor track and/or electrode, wherein at least one electrode and/or conductor track is operatively connected to the touch-screen.

Description

Input element for operating a touch screen

The invention relates to an input element for operating a touch screen, which comprises an electrically non-conductive substrate and an electrically conductive layer applied thereto with at least one button, a conductor track and / or an electrode and at least one electrode and / or trace in operative contact with the touch screen stands. Furthermore, the invention relates to the use of the input element and the interconnection of multiple input elements to a keyboard. Numerous electronic devices are described in the prior art, which have a touch-sensitive screen (touch screen), which is also referred to as a touch screen and can be operated with fingers or input devices. Touchscreens are in almost every area of life these days. Their intuitive operation makes it easier for inexperienced users to operate technical devices in everyday life and can be used to operate an electronic device. This means that in addition to everyday use, they are also used in industry, where touchscreens are used, for example, for controlling machines, or in the field of games industry, where they are used for gaming machines or arcade games. Other examples of touch screens include smart phones, cell phones, displays, tablet PCs, tablet laptops, touchpad devices, graphics tablets, televisions, PDAs, MP3 players, and / or other input devices.

A touch screen can also be part of input devices. Such input devices are used, among others, in smartphones, PDAs, touch displays or

Notebooks used.

Generally one understands under a touch screen, also touch screen or

Called a touch screen, a touch-sensitive layer placed on the screen that responds to contact of the user with his or her finger or a stylus suitable for the technology used. The touch screen is an input device with direct effect, that is, the input is made directly on the displayed space, not off the screen, as would be the case with a mouse or keyboard. In addition, the positioning on the touchscreen is absolute, ie it is not dependent on the previous position. Consequently, touchscreens offer a very intuitive operation, since the screen also serves as a user interface and does not need to be chosen via external input devices. Most touch screens can only be operated with fingers or input devices. This means that even complex entries must be made via the screen. For this purpose, symbols, characters or numbers are shown on the screen, which must be touched by a finger, so that an input occurs. However, since the space on the screen is limited and often a field to be activated encodes several characters, it will be incorrect inputs. In general, the user is inclined to longer texts or complex inputs not via a touch screen

make.

The prior art describes input devices, such as keyboards, for operating an electronic device. A keyboard describes in the

In general, an input device containing, inter alia, as a control element a number of fingers to be pressed keys.

For example, a machine, a computer or other device can be operated via the keyboard. The keyboards described in the prior art are based on electronic, mechanical or pneumatic keys through which inputs can be accurately routed. A keyboard can still be part of a smartphone or a mobile phone. Thus, in addition to a precise input, the keyboard must have a structural design that allows integration into a mobile phone or smartphone. So-called membrane keyboards are described in the prior art, which can be used above all where dirt and water resistance or a light one

Cleanability is required or where a compact design or a low-cost

Production is desired. These keyboards find a use as a keyboard in

Computers, machines, medical devices, disinfectable applications or household electrical appliances.

The membrane keypad is flexible in principle, which makes it permanently operational even under special operating conditions. The surfaces are often made of plastics, which are usually thermally deformed and / or embossed. To allow for precise input, many membrane keyboards have an elastic suspension zone, which allows a key stroke of about half a millimeter.

Otherwise, these keyboards have essentially the same ergonomic

Features that are also used with mechanical standard pushbuttons.

Input devices are disclosed in the prior art. So describes z. B. the WO

2010/026845 A1 an input device which is integrated into electronic devices and determines the direction and intensity of an input. The analysis of the input is made by measurements of capacitance changes when areas of the input device are pressed become. The device consists of a resin film on which a movable and a fixed electrode are arranged. As soon as the movable electrode (or a deformable region thereof) is brought into contact with the fixed electrode, the capacitance changes, which can be measured by an evaluation unit.

Furthermore, US 2010/026635 A1 describes an interactive screen having marked areas, the z. B. can be operated by a user. Here, the screen can also be installed in electronic devices, such as ATMs. A user touches the areas, causing a change in the capacity of the screen, which in turn makes an entry. The touchable areas may also provide feedback to the user as to whether the entry was successful.

A disadvantage of the input devices disclosed in the prior art is that they are not universal and can be used as needed. For the realization of the equipment must be operated in terms of equipment, which completely excludes a spontaneous use of the input devices.

Starting from the prior art, it is the object of the invention to provide an input element which does not have the disadvantages or deficiencies of the prior art and over which a touch screen can be operated.

The problem is solved by the independent claims. advantageous

Embodiments emerge from the dependent claims.

It was surprising that an input element for operating at least one

Touchscreen can be provided, which does not have the disadvantages or deficiencies of the prior art. The input element according to the invention can be flexibly connected to a touch screen and can be used universally. In addition, it is manufacturer-independent and can thus be used across systems. The

Input element can be quickly and easily operatively connected to one or more touch screens. In addition, it is predestined for mobile use, since it is insensitive to acting forces and is portable because of its low weight. It is an input element for operating at least one

The touch panel provided, wherein the input element comprises at least one electrically non-conductive substrate and at least one electrically conductive layer, wherein the electrically conductive layer is patterned on the substrate and consists of at least one button, conductor and / or electrode and at least one electrode and / or conductor is operatively connected to the touch screen.

The electrically conductive layer preferably consists of two, in particular three

different functional areas. It is preferred that the electrically conductive Layer comprises at least one electrode, conductor and / or button. An input element preferably has a multiplicity (more than 1, preferably more than 5, particularly preferably more than 7) electrodes, conductor tracks and / or buttons. The conductor tracks and / or electrodes of an input element can advantageously be connected to one another so that interconnections can be produced.

For the purposes of the invention, a key designates in particular a control element. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a button may represent the end of a track being touched by a user. However, it may also be preferred that the keys have springs or domes. Characteristic of keys is that it is only on an associated effect recognizable whether a key has been pressed. Keys are distinguished into non-electrical and electrical keys. For example, in the non-electrical keys, the key initiates a mechanical mechanism that causes a reaction associated with the key. For example, in the case of electrical keys, pressing the key closes an electrical contact so that an event is triggered on a system connected to the key. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the input element may comprise at least one electrical and / or at least one non-electrical button, wherein preferably snap discs can be used in the keys.

The input element preferably has different functional areas. The first region of the input element is an electrode that is formed in particular by the electrically conductive layer on the electrically non-conductive substrate. At least one electrode and / or a conductor track is operatively connected to the touch screen and represents the interface to the touch screen. In the sense of the invention, the

Electrode or the electrically conductive layer, in particular arranged in spatial proximity to the touch screen. In the sense of the invention, a spatial proximity or an operative connection means, in particular, that a direct contact or indirect contact exists and the electrode and / or the conductor track is in functional interaction with the touchscreen.

The second region of the input element is preferably a conductor track, which connects the first and a third region to one another electrically and also in particular consists of the electrically conductive layer, ie. H. preferably a component of this is.

The interaction between the electrically conductive layer, namely at least one electrode and / or a conductor track and touch screen can be achieved by various physical principles or combinations of these, for. B. capacitive, inductive, electromagnetic or electronic. The respective interaction depends on Concretely present touchscreen type, ie from the

Touch screen technology. The function of the electrode and / or the conductive trace (i.e., the electrically conductive layer) is preferably to trigger at least one touch event on the touch screen. In the sense of the invention, a touch event, or touch event, in particular designates triggering of an event on the touch screen. It is known to the person skilled in the art that touches can trigger events on a touch screen or touch screen. Here, for example, a user brings one or more fingers into operative contact with the touch screen, whereby the contact triggers an event (a touch event) on the touch screen. The fingers can also be brought into close proximity or proximity to the touch screen, which in turn triggers touch events on the touch screen. The input element according to the invention also generates one or more of such touch events by bringing the electrically conductive layer (i.e., in particular at least one electrode and / or a printed conductor) into operative contact with the touch screen. For this purpose, a user may connect the input element, in particular the electrodes and / or traces, to the touch screen and input (i.e.

Touchevents) on the touch screen.

The third area of the input element is a key in a preferred embodiment. It represents the interface to the operator (synonymous with user) and interacts with it during use of the input element. That is, the key may be physically touched by the operator or a user. The key is preferably located outside the touch screen. In its simplest embodiment, the key represents the free end of the trace, in a preferred embodiment, the key is applied as a second electrode to the substrate with a first electrode and / or trace in operative contact with the touch screen.

In a preferred embodiment, the electrode is in direct interaction with the touch screen, the trace preferably provides the electrical connection between the electrode and a button. It is preferred that the electrode and conductor track are made of the same material and can thus be produced in the same process step. They then differ preferably in their geometric shape and size. It is also preferred that the track is made in a different material than the electrode. In a further preferred embodiment, the key is operatively connected to the electrode and the touch screen via a trace so as to establish a connection between the operator and the touch screen. In a further embodiment, the input element may have a cover layer which covers the electrically conductive layer and / or the substrate. Since the electrically conductive layer is not present over the entire surface of the substrate, but only partially applied to the substrate, the cover layer can cover only the substrate, only the electrically conductive layer or both. The cover layer is preferably made in a first embodiment of paper, plastic and / or metal and can with a dyeing and / or

Paint layer to be printed or coated. The cover layer can advantageously be an adhesive layer, a paper layer, a color layer, a lacquer layer and / or a film. Of course, it is also conceivable to apply combinations of the aforementioned. As substrates of the cover layer, in a further preferred embodiment, preferably all electrically non-conductive materials may be used, such as paper, cardboard, wood-based materials, composites, laminates and / or plastics. The

Input element can be protected by the top layer from contamination but also from external forces. For example, the input element can be easily transported and sent. It was completely surprising that the electrically conductive layer has a higher electrical stability due to the cover layer and

Voltage fluctuations essentially do not occur.

In a preferred embodiment, at least one conductor, electrode and / or key of the input element is connected to a connecting means of a connector. In this case, the connector, which can also be referred to in the sense of the invention as an interface, plug, connection or connector, comprises electrodes, conductor tracks and at least one connection means. Advantageously, the connecting means has an electrical access to the electrodes or conductor tracks of the connector, so that an electrical connection to at least one input element can be produced. Due to the configuration of the connector, an electrical conductivity can be ensured. This is advantageous if, in a preferred embodiment, another input element or an input device is connected to the connector.

It was completely surprising that the input element is easily connectable to the connector and thereby the functionality and applicability of the input element is considerably expanded. It may be preferable for a first input element to be operatively connected to a touch screen and also to be in contact via printed conductors or electrodes with electrodes of a second or further input element or input device. As a result, essentially a series connection of a plurality of input elements or input devices connected in series is realized, wherein the connector as a connector of the first input element with a further input element or

Input device acts. In a preferred embodiment, the connector is a component of the first

Input element. It may also be preferred that the connector is reversibly connectable to the input element and configured as a disposable article. The connector preferably comprises at least one connecting means, which connects to the first or

can make second input element. This can be a

Receiving device, such as a slot or slot or a tray act, in which the input member is inserted or on which the input member is attachable.

It is also preferred that the connector with other input devices or

Input elements is connectable. That is, the connector is preferably connected to a first input element, which in turn is operatively connected to the touch screen. In addition, the connector can be connected to another input element or an input device, with which an input on the touch screen via the first input element can be performed. The further input element or

Input device is preferably connected via a connecting means with the connector. The connector allows a quick and easy connection of the other

Input element or input device to the first, with the touch screen operatively connected input element. It was completely surprising that the connector can be considered as a universal interface that is compatible with differently shaped input devices. So it may be advantageous to use the connector as Art

view "established / standardized" interface.

Input devices in the sense of the invention in particular means by which an input to an electronic device can be made. examples for

Input devices include z. Pointing devices (mouse, touchpad or joystick), keyboards or graphics tablets, digital pens, gamepads, scanners or voice input systems. The

The skilled person knows what is to be subsumed under the term "input device" for the purposes of the invention The input devices can also be connected to the connector by means of connection means These connection means are, for example and without limitation, typical connectors in the prior art For example, connectors, sockets, cables, clamps, pliers, butt connectors, solder connectors, flat cables, spring and male connectors, socket strips, spring contacts or exposed surfaces made of a conductive material. or keys of the input element connected so that an electrical connection between the two exists. Through the combination of the technical features, an input element can be provided, with which a simple and comfortable operation of a touch screen is achieved. It can complex, but also simple inputs on the with the

Screen connected buttons of the input element are performed. The keys of the input element are preferably larger than the input fields on

Touchscreen designed so that small input fields on the touch screen can be operated by means of large buttons, which greatly simplifies the input. In particular, for visually impaired persons, the input element may be advantageous. The buttons of the input element can be equipped with tactile elements, whereby touch screens for visually impaired persons are available. Furthermore, characters on the keys of the input element can be displayed enlarged, for example, to simplify the recognition of the keys to older people. In this regard, it may be advantageous if a special input device is connected to the input element and the touch screen via the connector, which in particular allows an input to visually impaired persons. This may be z. For example

Voice input system or keyboard with enlarged buttons that are simply connected to the connector.

It is preferred that the substrate of the input element is selected from the group comprising plastic, paper, cardboard, wood material, foil, composite material, glass, ceramic, textiles, leather or a combination thereof. It was completely surprising that the substrate may in particular be an electrically non-conductive layer (eg a dye or lacquer layer), which may also function as an intermediate layer or release layer. The substrate may preferably electrically isolate regions of the electrically conductive layer from one another, so that multilayer input elements may also be realized in which the electrically conductive layer is printed on the release layer or intermediate layer. The substrate is in particular an electrically non-conductive substance, which is preferably flexible and has a low weight. It can be translucent or

opaque substrates are used. It was surprising that such a substrate can be used to provide an input element with which a touch screen can be operated. A significant advantage of the preferred substrate is that it has a low weight and is portable.

On the substrate, an electrically conductive layer is applied, wherein the layer is preferably present as a surface area on the substrate. The shape of the surface is arbitrary and can be designed in different designs. So can

for example, round, angular or oval surfaces or combinations on the substrate. It can also be realized complex geometric shapes or more individual surfaces combined with each other. In addition, it may be preferred that a plurality of electrically conductive surfaces are applied to a substrate. Advantageously, the shape, orientation, number, orientation, spacing and / or position of the surfaces can vary.

The surface can be flat or uneven, for example, raised; positively embossed or thermo-printed or recessed or negatively embossed, which greatly simplifies an operation or actuation of the input element, since, for example, a finger can be assigned a unique position on the key. Advantageously, the electrically conductive layer and / or the cover layer may be flat or uneven. Thus, a tactile or haptic perception of the key is possible. It may also be preferable to apply tactile or haptic elements to the topsheet or the electrically conductive layer to enhance perception. It is also possible to carry out the key with additional elements, such as spacers, domes, tactile elements or other variants known from keyboards or switches. A key is in particular an operating element which is actuated by contact, preferably by pressing.

The keys can advantageously be supplemented by one or more LEDs, so that it is not only recognizable by an effect whether they have been actuated, but also by an optical signal. That is, at least one LED may be in a preferred one

Embodiment be connected to the button and play the state of the key. In addition, it is also preferred that the input element comprises acoustic means (eg loudspeakers) which provide a user with feedback about an action taken by the user via an acoustic signal.

The electrically conductive layer is preferably a metal layer, a layer containing metal particles, a layer containing electrically conductive particles, an electrically conductive polymer layer or a layer of at least one combination of these layers. In general, any material that is electrically conductive can be used. In addition, organometallic materials consisting of a compound of metal and

Carbon can be used. For the purposes of the invention, metals denote, in particular, chemical elements which, in contrast to the non-metals in the periodic table, are to the left of the diagonal dividing line beginning with the element beryllium (2nd group) up to the polonium (16th group), as well as their alloys and intermetallic compounds (comprising Laves phases, Heusler phases, Zintl phases, Hume-Rothery phases, NiTi, Co5, Nb3Sn or Ni3AI) with characteristic metallic properties. Metals include, but are not limited to, aluminum, lead, chromium, iron, gold, indium, cobalt, copper, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, sodium, nickel, silver, titanium, tungsten, zinc, or tin. Furthermore, metal oxides such as indium tin oxide can be used. This is particularly advantageous because it is electrically conductive, but also transparent. Thus, an input element can be provided, which preferably consists of a transparent substrate, a transparent electrically conductive layer and possibly a transparent cover layer, so that no area on the touch screen is optically covered by the input element when connected to the touch screen in FIG

Contact is active.

In the context of the invention, polymers designate, in particular, a substance which consists of a group of chemically uniformly structured but generally differing macromolecules with regard to the degree of polymerization, molecular weight and chain length

(Polymer molecules). The polymers are preferably electrically conductive. In such polymer-unitary substances, all macromolecules are preferably of identical construction and differ only in their chain length (degree of polymerization). Such polymers can be referred to as polymer homologs. Polymers may be selected from the group consisting of inorganic polymers, organometallic polymers of fully or partially aromatic polymers, homopolymers, copolymers, biopolymers, chemically modified polymers and / or synthetic polymers. Particularly preferred are polymers selected from paraphenylene, polyacetylene, polypyrrole, polythiophene, polyaniline (PANI) and PEDOT.

Electrically conductive substances are furthermore, in particular, carbon black or graphite particles. Carbon black describes a manifestation of carbon that is incomplete

Combustion or thermal decomposition of vapor-containing carbon

Forms substances. Carbon black can be used in the form of powder or granules. It is also possible to use carbon black preparations, for example as liquid, pasty or solid carbon black solvent concentrates in which the carbon black is uniformly dispersed. Depending on the method of production and the raw material, carbon black can contain hydrogen, nitrogen or oxygen in addition to carbon. Carbon black has excellent pigment properties, as well as insolubility in all solvents, resistance to most chemicals

Light fastness, high color depth and color intensity. In the context of the invention, graphite refers in particular to a stable modification of the carbon. Due to its layered structure graphite is a good conductor.

The electrically conductive layer is preferably applied structured on the substrate. In the sense of the invention, structured means, in particular, that the electrically conductive layer does not cover the substrate completely, but partially, ie, partially. It is preferable that the substrate has portions which are not covered by the electrically conductive layer. By linking the electrical conductivity with the structured application, it is surprisingly successful, a targeted

To achieve interaction between the input element and the touch screen.

It is preferred that the electrically non-conductive substrate, on or on the

Touch screen is attached with a positive and / or cohesive connection. The preferred attachment of the input element ensures that the electrodes of the input element are in contact or at least in spatial proximity with the touch screen, which allows an interaction with the touch screen. The positive and / or material connection with the touch screen is preferably reversible. That is, the state before the connection is established can be restored without the input element or the

Touch screen or its environment undergo lasting changes. It may also be preferred that the input element, in particular the substrate after

Sticky note principle (e.g., post-it notes) or other adhesive adhesives on the

Touch screen is attached. The three preferred areas of the input element (key, printed circuit board and / or electrode) are advantageously made of the same or a similar electrically conductive material.

It is further preferred that further means for temporary or permanent fixation of the input element are used on the touch screen. It was surprising that essentially all forms of adhesive (electrically conductive and electrically non-conductive) or glues, rubbers, banderoles, insertion aids, staples, etc. can be used for this purpose. This allows stable contact between the input element and the touch screen so that slipping or shifting is minimized. It was further surprising that typical device housings and protective covers are connectable to the input element and can establish an effective contact between input element and touch screen. It is preferred that all technically relevant methods for cohesive or positive fixing of the input element on

Touch screen can be used. Advantageously, at least two input elements can be operatively connected to a touch screen. It may also be preferred that at least one input element is connected to at least one, preferably two touch screens. As a result, it is surprisingly possible to use a plurality of touch screens with an input element.

Since the electrically conductive layers present on the substrate preferably consist of the same or a similar electrically conductive material, can

advantageously only one technological process can be used to produce these areas simultaneously. As a result, the input element as a mass product is easily and economically feasible. It was surprising that the structuring of the electrically conductive layer on the electrically nonconductive substrate can be achieved with a large number of technological processes. This includes, for example, additive processes such as printing processes, stamping processes, PVD and CVD processes, galvanic processes, as well as subtractive processes such as laser structuring, brushing processes, milling processes, etc. Of course, semi-additive processes such as etching processes can also be used.

In this regard, it was completely surprising that the input element can be produced in a preferred embodiment by a transfer method. It is preferred that the electrically conductive layer is applied to the substrate by a transfer foil method, particularly preferably by a cold foil transfer method. The person skilled in the art knows such methods. Of course, all other methods for the structured application of an electrically conductive layer can be used.

The touchscreen-containing device is preferably selected from the group consisting of smartphones, cell phones, displays, tablet PCs, tablet notebooks, touchpad devices, graphics tablets, televisions, PDAs, MP3 players, and input devices. On

For example, touchscreen may also be part of input devices. A touchscreen may also be referred to as a touchscreen, touchscreen or touchscreen in the sense of the invention. Such input devices are used, inter alia, in smartphones, PDAs, touch displays or notebooks.

A capacitive touch screen described in the prior art is a transparent metal oxide (eg ITO - because of the rarity of the element indium, substances such as ITO are very expensive, therefore approaches already exist to replace ITO with cheaper transparent but electrically conductive materials) coated glass substrate or Plastic. A voltage applied to the corners of the coating creates a constant, uniform electric field and produces a smaller one

Charge transport, which is measurable in the discharge cycle in the form of a current at the corners. The resulting currents from the corners are in direct proportion to one

Touch position and are processed by a controller accordingly. Another implementation of a capacitive touchscreen utilizes two levels of conductive strips orthogonal to each other. One level serves as a sensor, the other takes over the task of the driver. If a finger is located at the crossing point of both strips, the capacitance of the capacitor changes and an altered and / or detuned signal is registered on the receiver strip.

It was completely surprising that the input element can be used for a variety of different touch screens. Experiments have shown that In particular, capacitive touch screens are particularly well suited. Here, preferably, at least one input element is connected to the touch screen, wherein the substrate of the input element on, near or not on the

Touchscreen comprehensive device is attached.

It is preferred if the substrate of the input element at least partially rests on the device or the screen. The attachment of the substrate on the

Touch screen can preferably be done by means of a reversible material connection. As a result, a quick attachment and removal of the substrate is possible. For the purposes of the invention, cohesive compounds in particular compounds in which the connection partners are held together by atomic or molecular forces, and include, for. As gluing or tape.

Advantageously, the area of the substrate which is connected to the touchscreen is designed as adhesive, whereby an optimal attachment with the

Touch screen can be produced.

The invention further relates to a keyboard comprising at least two input elements, wherein the at least two input elements are operatively connected via at least one conductor track and in each case at least one electrode and / or conductor track to a touch screen. The input elements are arranged to each other such that a preferably complete keyboard layout is realized. For this purpose, the input elements z. B. may be arranged overlapping. The input elements can be in another

Embodiment of the invention may also be arranged such that the input elements are located on one or at least two substrates, which are arranged overlapping at least partially and a multi-layer keyboard is realized. Furthermore, it is preferred if the input elements have an identical substrate or different substrates, which are arranged overlapping at least in regions.

In the overlapping region of the invention, in particular, at least one part of an input element (eg, electrically conductive layer and / or substrate) overlaps with at least one part of another input element. This can provide a complex multi-layer keyboard in which complex

Track trains can be realized. Surprisingly, so can any

Short circuits between electrical layers are avoided. It may be preferable to connect the substrates by means of cohesive or positive connections, wherein the substrates are also attachable directly to the touch screen via such compounds.

Advantageously, the structure of the input elements corresponds to an arrangement of keys, a set of tracks and an array of electrodes, the electrodes are particularly preferably designed as surfaces that are preferably recognized by the touch screen as a touch. In a preferred embodiment, the arrangement of keys corresponds to the keys of a keyboard, and the arrangement of electrodes of an array of touch pads, which preferably comprises a virtual keyboard on a keyboard

Makes touchscreen operable. That is, the input element is preferably configured such that the layout of the keys is similar to a keyboard layout known to those skilled in the art. The user is familiar with such layouts so that he knows where the keys are located, which greatly simplifies operability. The symbols corresponding to a keyboard can preferably be printed on the top surface (synonymous with cover layer). In a further embodiment, in combination with

Software development freely configurable touch surfaces or areas on the

Touch screen can be realized, which trigger a specific action.

As soon as a user touches the electrode applied to the substrate in the region of the button with a finger, an electrical capacitance of the user is transferred from the electrically conductive button via the conductor tracks or tracks to the electrodes and thus to the touch screen directed. The thus projected touch of the user on the touch screen may advantageously invoke actions or make inputs. In the sense of the invention, active connection means in particular that the input element is connected or linked to the touch-sensitive area of the touch screen in such a way that an event or an effect on the touch screen is triggered by an operator of the key via the conductor track and / or the electrode. Examples of operatively connected elements are, for example, the light bulb and the light switch, which are connected together via an effect or function. Actively connected means in the simplest sense in particular that something is mechanically connected to each other at least temporarily. Furthermore, it may be connected, eg electronically, so that energy and / or information is transmitted (for example, without a mechanical connection being present); ie two elements are arranged or linked together so that the desired effect is realized. The button is brought into contact with the touch screen via the trace and then the electrode of the input element. For the purposes of the invention, bringing into contact means that in particular there is preferably no free space between the electrode of the input element and the touch-sensitive area of the touch screen. That is, the electrode is preferably in touch contact with the touch screen. However, it may also be preferred that there is no direct contact between the electrode of the input element and the touch screen, but only an approximation sufficient to trigger an event or action. This is in particular, when liners and / or substrates prevent direct contact between the electrode and the touchscreen. This depends on the structure of the input element itself, as well as its fixation on the touch screen.

Advantageously, a plurality of input elements in combination, in particular next to each other and / or one above the other and / or in chronological succession of the

Touch screen or, the touch screen having electronic device are used, in particular each key of the input element

is preferably connected via at least one conductor to at least one electrode, which in turn are in preferred contact with the touch screen.

What was surprising was that the usability of existing touchscreens (e.g.

Mobile phones or tablet computers) is significantly improved. The input field on a too small touch screen can be increased as desired, as well as adapted in the layout and the preferences of the user. In addition, the buttons of the input element can be arbitrarily positioned and are not close to the

Instructed on touchscreen. Furthermore, advertising and / or continuing

Information on the input elements or the keyboard on or be applied.

Preferably, advertising and additional information on the back or cover layers are applied. This results in additional advertising and marketing space and of course a hitherto unique forum for it.

The invention also relates to the use of at least one input element

especially as a keyboard for operating a touch screen. The comments on the input element listed above apply analogously to the use of the input element as a keyboard. Multiple uses of the input element are preferred. These include, for example, the applications in advertising and

Marketing area, where the input element can be used as a booklet or flyer. Particularly advantageous is the use in direct connection with Virtual Items or in the download area for music, videos, texts, data or e-books or for bonus brands or corresponding programs.

It was completely surprising that at least one input element can be used in particular as a keyboard for operating a touchscreen. Due to the preferred use of the input element, the interaction between the electrode and / or printed circuit of the input element and the touch screen preferably triggers an event on the device carrying the touch screen. The event advantageously triggers actions such as activating and / or terminating an application, changing numeric values and / or texts Manipulating graphics, altering databases or gaining access to information technology services without being limited thereto.

It is preferred that the input element is used such that at least one key of the input element at least one record in a

Data processing system is assigned and the record remains constant. In another embodiment, at least one key is associated with one or more records. In a preferred embodiment, at least one key is assigned to one or more data sets in a data processing system, whereby the data record changes or the data records change. This can happen, for example, by using the button and / or by time.

Advantageously, at least one key may be used in such a way that, in conjunction with a touch screen, it can be used over the trace of an action of a

Data processing system can be assigned or triggers. This action applies in particular to non-networked data processing systems, and more preferably to networked data processing systems.

The invention also relates to a kit for operating a touch screen, comprising an input element and a connector, wherein the input element is operatively connectable to the touch screen. The input element comprises, as shown above, an electrically conductive layer which is arranged on an electrically non-conductive substrate. The electrically conductive layer preferably consists of at least one electrode, button and / or conductor track, wherein in particular at least one electrode and / or conductor track is operatively connected to a touch screen. The

Input element may preferably be connected to a connector. The kit allows easy operation of a touch screen and can be mass produced. It may also be advantageous if the kit is offered as a disposable item.

Furthermore, it is preferred if the kit additionally comprises a further input element and / or an input device, wherein the further input element or the input device is connected to the connector. That is, it is preferable that a first input element is operatively connected to the touch screen and a connector is connected to the first input element. The connector can be regarded as a universal interface, the connection of a second (further) input element or a

Input device allows. The fact that an electrical line between the individual components, it can be done with the other input element or input device, an operation of the touch screen. It was completely surprising that an input device (such as a keyboard) can be connected to the connector in turn, the operation of the touch screen is ensured via the first input element. According to the invention, such a compound can be referred to in particular as an active compound. The explanations for the input element are to be applied analogously to the kit.

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to an embodiment, but without being limited thereto; it shows:

Fig. 1 A-C example of a game application

Fig. 2 A-C Example of a keyboard application

Fig. 3 A-B Further game application

Fig. 4 embodiments of the electrodes

Fig. 5 A-C Use of the keyboard for PIN entry

Fig. 6 A-C keyboard with few or double occupied keys

Fig. 7 A-C touchscreen surface with two touch surfaces, which as

Input points act

Fig. 8 A-C execution of the keyboard as a multilayer

Fig. 9 A-C multilayer keyboard

Fig. 10 A-C Projected dynamic input command

Fig. 11A-C Further example of a dynamic input

Fig. 12 A-C connection options

Fig. 13 A-C Example of a connection of several input elements

Fig. 14 A-C connection of an input element with a connector

Fig. 15 A-C Another example of a connection via a connector Fig. 1 A-C shows an example of a game application. Several input elements, including key 3, conductor tracks 4 and / or electrodes 5 are connected to a keyboard 2

combined, which can be configured such that through the

Operatively connect areas on touch screen 1 intended for a game application. The input element 2 preferably comprises conductor tracks 4, keys 3 and electrodes 5, which are arranged as an electrically conductive layer on an electrically non-conductive substrate 2a. In this case there is a contact between electrodes 5 of the input element 2 and a cursor field on the touch screen 1, by which a game over loads 3 can be controlled. For example, four

Directions plus an action button be activated.

Fig. 2 A-C shows a preferred application of the keyboard in the form of a keyboard application in the form of a keyboard. The keyboard 2 is designed such that via the keys 3,

Leiterzüge or -bahnen 4 and electrodes 5 piano keys on a touch screen 1 can be activated or operated.

Fig. 3 A-B shows another game application. Two keyboards 2 can be placed on or attached to a touch screen 1 so that two persons can play a game, for example, from opposite sides. The

Input elements 2 include electrodes 5, traces 4 and keys 3 arranged on a substrate 2a, the electrodes 5 being in operative contact with the touch screen 1. Furthermore, it may be advantageous for the conductor tracks (synonymous with conductor tracks) 4 to be in operative contact with the touch screen 1. It can be operated by a player / user 6, for example, two buttons 3, with single and

Multi-touch entries are possible.

FIG. 4 illustrates further exemplary embodiments of the electrodes. This can save area and possibly leave a larger area of the touch screen free. The conductor tracks 4, 3 keys and electrodes 5 are arranged offset on the substrate 2 a of the input element 2.

Fig. 5 A-C shows a preferred use of the keyboard for PIN entry. The keyboard 2 can be connected to the touch screen 1 via an adhesive tape, for example. A user operates the electrically conductive buttons 3 on the substrate 2a, which are operatively connected to the touch screen 1 via printed conductors 4 and / or electrodes 5. For example, the keyboard 2 can also be used to enter a PIN via a touch screen 1.

Fig. 6 A-C shows a keyboard with z. T. double occupied keys. A keyboard 2 may advantageously be provided with several or a few keys. In this case, the actuation of a multi-assigned key 3 can trigger an input according to the first letter on the touch screen 1. An input program (software) in the background searches for the most likely words (for example, T9 input help) as well, following input from a dictionary. This allows a small keyboard with full functionality can be realized.

Fig. 7 A-C show a touch screen surface with two touch surfaces, which as

Input points act. Fig. 7A shows the touch screen surface on a Touch screen 1 with two touch surfaces, which act as input points. Fig. 7B illustrates a plurality of input elements as the keyboard 2, with two over the two

As a result, the keyboard 2 is operatively connected to the touch screen 1 via the electrodes 5, and the electrodes 5 connected to the screen 1 are made into a round surface. Advantageously, the size of the electrode surface corresponds to an area on the screen that can trigger an action or an event. Advantageously, the keys 3 can also be designed in such a way (see middle key) that a multitouch event is triggered by a touch or approach of an operator 6 of the middle key (at least two points simultaneously), while the other two keys 3 or keypoints (left and right) trigger only a single touch.

Fig. 8 A-C shows the execution of the keyboard as a multilayer. The conductive layer with its three preferred regions is distributed on two substrate planes 2a. This allows an overlap of the areas, as they are separated by an electrically non-conductive layer (eg separating layer), which does not lead to a short circuit. The advantage here is that a high packing density can be realized on the touch screen and also very complex and branched keyboards 2 are possible. In particular, the input element 2 comprises two substrate layers 2 a, on each of which conductor tracks 4, electrodes 5 and keys 3 are arranged. Accordingly, an intermediate layer or layer functions, in particular, as substrate 2a for a further electrically conductive layer or separates two substrates 2a from one another.

Fig. 9 A-C shows the simplified representation of a complete keyboard layout as a multilayer keyboard. In order to provide complex keyboards 2, the electrically conductive surfaces may be applied to different substrate layers 2a (for simplicity, all electrically conductive regions are placed in the foreground), these preferably being separated by non-conductive layers. The respective electrically conductive buttons 3 are interconnects 4 to be activated areas, the

Electrodes 5, connected on the touch screen 1. Such complex keyboards 2 can be provided which can activate numerous characters.

Fig. 10 A-C shows a projection of a dynamic input command. It is

advantageously also possible to simulate a dynamic movement or gesture by means of the keyboard 2. Here, several keys 3 are arranged one behind the other, which are actuated by a user 6 in a fluid movement. That is, the user 6 preferably moves his finger over the keys 3 of the input element 2 so that a sequence of touch events on the touch screen 1 triggered by the touch screen 1 is triggered via the tracks 4 and electrodes 5 Input is interpreted. It can be performed as a dynamic input command, such. B. a gesture. It is known to the person skilled in the art that single touch, multitouch or gestures can be executed on a touch screen. Gestures include z. For example, slide-to-unlock gesture, scroll, pinch-to-zoom, enter symbols such as Okay check marks or question marks. Fig. 11 AC represents a dynamic input via a keyboard. Using the keyboard 2, a dynamic input can be made. There is also the possibility of one

Perform two-finger zoom with the input element 2, in which a plurality of electrically conductive layers or surfaces by a simple operation with a finger, which is done from left to right on the zoom button, is performed. Here, a user 6 performs a finger on a sequence of keys 3 on the input element 2, which in turn are electrically connected via interconnects 4 with electrodes 5, which are in operative contact with the touch screen 1. Furthermore, it is shown that a connection of a plurality of electrically conductive electrodes 5 on the substrate 2 a is possible, and thereby short cable paths are achieved. In the specific example, only one conductor 4 leads from a respective key 3 to an electrode 5, from which in turn a further conductor 4 leads to a further electrode 5. As a result, a plurality of electrodes 5 can be controlled at the same time, whereby a movement takes place with one finger on the keyboard 2 in one direction and as a result a zoom is achieved. This makes it possible with one

one-dimensional movement a two-dimensional motion on the

To execute touch screen 1. In addition, more complex gestures can be simplified.

Fig. 12 A-C shows various connection possibilities for mounting the

Input element on a touch screen. FIGS. A-C illustrate, by way of example only, how the input element 2 can be attached to the touch screen 1, whereby the previously illustrated input elements 2 may be similar or identical to the touch screen 1. The input element 2 (eg, the substrate 2a) may be connected to a fastener 7, e.g. B. a cohesive or positive connection to the touch screen 1 or one, the

Touchscreen 1 accommodating housing 8 or sheath 8 are attached. For example, Fig. 12A shows how a connection can be made by means of a

Fastener 7 such. B. a bonding agent (eg., Adhesive) or a

Sticky note principle is produced. The compound is preferably reversible and can be easily and quickly, without the retention of residues or damage to the

Input element 2 or the touch screen 1, are removed after use. Rubber bands can furthermore be used as fastening means 7 for producing a connection, as illustrated by way of example in FIG. The input element can also be connected by means of a shell housing, panel, cover, mobile phone shell or frame 8 with the touch screen 1 (Fig. 12 C). In essence, the input element 2 may be attached to the touch screen 1 or an object 8 that houses the touch screen. Here, the input element 2 is preferably designed such that it is in or on the shell 8 of the

Touchscreen 1 having device can be fastened. In order to improve the connection, folds may be provided on the input element 2, which allows a buckling of the element at designated locations.

Figs. 13A-C show an example of connection of a plurality of input elements. The ends of the tracks 4 of the input element 2 are preferably used as a connection point for a further input element 10. Accordingly, in accordance with the invention a

Active connection between the other input element 10 via the first input element 2 made with the touch screen 1. The electrodes 5 or ends of the conductor tracks 3 of the first input element 2 can be designed such that they function as a universal interface for connecting further input elements 10.

FIGS. 14A-C show an exemplary connection of an input element to a connector. The input element 2 can be designed in several parts and comprise a connector 9, which provides a simple connection of a further input element or

Input device 10 allows. The connector 9 preferably has one, preferably two connection points, via which a connection with the first input element 2 and a further input element or input device 10 can be produced. This may, for example, be a receiving device, such as a slot or slot, into which the input element 2 and the further input element or input device 10 are inserted or which can be plugged in via connecting plugs. However, it may also be advantageous to use another connection technique known to the person skilled in the art in order to connect the first input element 2 and the further input element or input device 10 to the connector 9. The connector 9 can thus be regarded as a universal means, further input elements or input devices 10 such as keyboards or number pads for operating a touch screen 2

to join.

Fig. 15 A-C shows a connector as a universal interface. About the connector 9 can further electronic input devices 10, such as joysticks, gamepads,

Game controllers or keyboards next to an input element 2 for touch screens 1 are used. The connector 9 thus makes possible an easily realizable and universal interface for operating a touchscreen 1. LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 touch screen

2 input element / keyboard

2a substrate

3 keys / ends of a ladder

4 conductor tracks

5 electrodes

6 users

7 fasteners

8 touch screen housing object

9 connector

10 input device / further input element

Claims

claims

1 . Input element for operating at least one touch screen, wherein the input element comprises at least one electrically non-conductive substrate and at least one electrically conductive layer,

characterized in that

the electrically conductive layer is patterned on the substrate and consists of at least one key, trace and / or electrode and at least one electrode and / or trace is operatively connected to the touch screen.

2. Input element according to claim 1,

characterized in that

Electrodes and / or traces are interconnected.

3. input element according to claim 1 or 2,

characterized in that

the input element is connected to the touch screen with a positive and / or material connection.

4. input element according to one or more of the preceding claims,

characterized in that

at least two input elements are operatively connected to a touch screen.

5. input element according to one or more of the preceding claims,

characterized in that

the input element has a cover layer.

6. input element according to one or more of the preceding claims,

characterized in that

the input element is produced by an additive process, preferably a printing process and particularly preferably a transfer film process.

7. input element according to one or more of the preceding claims,

characterized in that

the electrically conductive layer and / or the cover layer is flat or uneven.

8. input element according to one or more of the preceding claims,

characterized in that

at least one conductor, electrode and / or key of the input element is connected to a connecting means of a connector.

9. keyboard comprising at least two input elements according to claims 1 to 8,

characterized in that

the at least two input elements are operatively connected via at least one conductor track and in each case at least one electrode to a touchscreen.

10. Keyboard according to claim 9,

characterized in that

the input elements have an identical substrate or different substrates, which are arranged overlapping at least partially.

1 1. Use of at least one input element according to claims 1 to 8 as a keyboard for operating a touch screen.

12. Use according to claim 1 1, wherein the input element triggers an event on the device containing the touch screen.

13. Use according to claim 1 1 or 12, wherein at least one key is associated with at least one record in a data processing system and the record remains constant or changed.

14. Use of one or more of the preceding claims, wherein at least one input element of an action of a data processing system is assigned or triggers.

15. A kit for operating a touch screen, comprising an input element according to claims 1 to 8 and a connector, wherein the input element is operatively connected to the touch screen.

16. Kit according to claim 15, additionally comprising a further input element and / or input device, wherein the further input element or the input device is connected to the connector.