Guard accessory device for an electronic and/or computer apparatus, and apparatus equipped with such an accessory device

An accessory device for use with an electronic user apparatus is disclosed. The electronic user apparatus includes at least one capacitive sensor for detection of at least one control object with respect to a control surface, and at least one apparatus guard placed at an alternating guard potential (VG), different from a ground potential of the at least one control object, and identical to a potential of the capacitive sensor. The accessory device includes at least one accessory guard capable of being set to the alternating guard potential (VG) by coupling with the electronic user apparatus.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a National Phase application under 35 U.S.C. §371 of International Application No. PCT/EP2014/065258, filed Jul. 16, 2014, which claims the priority benefit of French Patent Application No. 1357096, filed Jul. 18, 2013, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties for all intended purposes.

TECHNICAL DOMAIN

The present invention concerns a guarded accessory device for an electronic and/or computer apparatus comprising a means of capacitive detection of one or more control objects. It also concerns an electronic and/or computer apparatus equipped with such an accessory device

The domain of the invention is more particularly, although not limited to, contactless man-machine interfaces implementing a capacitive detection technology, and more particularly a capacitive detection technology implementing a guard plane of capacitive electrodes.

STATE OF THE ART

More and more portables apparatuses, such as tablets and smart phones, are equipped with a touchscreen and offer man-machine interface functions. Such apparatuses utilize transparent touch pads as interface on the screens, and opaque at a control surface disposed at the periphery of the screen.

Most of such pads utilize capacitive technology. This currently very widespread technology makes it possible to detect one or more objects (fingers, stylus, etc.) in contact on the touch-sensitive surface.

Known from the patent FR 2 893 711, filed by the Applicant, is a capacitive solution enabling the two-dimensional position of a finger to be detected on a control surface at a distance of several centimeters, and of a hand at more than 10 cm.

Also known is the patent application, filed by the Applicant, published under number FR 2 971 066 A1, which describes an interface making it possible to determine, in addition to the two-dimensional position of an object in the plane formed by a control surface, a vertical distance between the control surface and the object, and to trigger specific functions based on the value of said vertical distance, such as intensive browsing.

However, the detection range and the functioning of all of such detection interfaces depends on the electrostatic environment of the control surface. The proximity detection range is for example degraded when the apparatus is held in the user's hand or when the apparatus is placed on a table. In these situations, the hand or the table is polarized to the ground of the apparatus and deforms the lines of electrostatic field generated by the electrodes of the control surface, degrading the performance and functioning of the detection interface.

There are hardware solutions (guard electrodes) or software solutions (calculation algorithms) to limit or attenuate the interferences between the capacitive electrodes and the environment of the apparatus, but such solutions do not compensate for the loss of detection range of the touch-sensitive interface.

A purpose of the present invention is to remedy the aforementioned disadvantages.

Another purpose of the present invention is to propose an accessory device for a user apparatus comprising a capacitive detection means making it possible to reduce the effects of interfaces, caused by the electrostatic environment of said apparatus, degrading the detection performance of said apparatus.

Finally, another purpose of the present invention is to propose an accessory device for a user apparatus comprising a capacitive detection means making it possible to improve the detection range and/or the precision of detection of said apparatus, even when it is held in the hand or placed on a surface.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

At least one of these objectives is achieved by an accessory device for an electronic and/or computer apparatus, called user apparatus, said user apparatus comprising:at least one contactless means of capacitive detection of at least one control object with respect to a control surface, andat least one means, called guard apparatus, placed at an alternating potential, called guard, different from a ground potential, of said at least one control object, and substantially identical to the potential of said at least one capacitive detection means;
said accessory device comprising at least one means, called accessory guard, intended to be set at a potential similar or identical to said guard potential by coupling with said user apparatus.

Thus, the accessory device comprises a guard, disposed at a potential substantially identical to the guard potential utilized in the user apparatus to guard the capacitive detection means. The guard formed in the accessory device constitutes a barrier that attenuates the electrostatic interferences caused by the electrostatic environment of said apparatus which has been degrading the detection performance of said apparatus, particularly when the apparatus is placed on a surface such as a table or when the apparatus is held in the hand in order to be used.

Consequently, the accessory device according to the invention enables the detection performance of the user apparatus to be improved, and in particular the capacitive detection means, and thus increase the detection range and/or the detection precision of said apparatus, compared to existing solutions, in a given configuration of use.

According to the invention, the accessory guard means can preferably form, at least in part, an electrically conductive plane.

Such a guard means can be obtained by a matrix of electrically conductive electrodes forming a plane or by a layer of a conductive material.

Indeed, according to a particularly preferred characteristic of the device according to the invention, the accessory guard means can be integrated, at least in part, in/on a wall/surface, in particular one that is substantially plane, of said device.

During use, such a wall/surface can be disposed next to the detection means of the user apparatus.

Moreover, the accessory device or the accessory guard means can be arranged in such a way that, in one configuration of use, the accessory guard means forms a plane substantially parallel to a plane formed by the control surface, and in particular to a plane formed by the capacitive detection means, forming a zero angle therewith.

Preferably, the accessory guard means can have a width, and/or a length greater than that of the touch-sensitive surface, and/or that of the user apparatus, in particular when the accessory guard means forms or is integrated into a wall provided to accommodate the user apparatus.

For example, when the accessory device is a wireless charger for charging the user apparatus and the accessory guard means is disposed on/in a wall of the device, then the accessory guard means has a width, and/or a length greater than that of the user apparatus.

In a particular embodiment, the accessory device according to the invention can comprise at least one attachment means enabling said accessory device to be removably attached to the user apparatus.

For example, when the accessory device is a protective case for the user apparatus, then it can advantageously comprise attachment means to secure the case to the user apparatus, particularly in a way that is removable.

In a particular embodiment, the device according to the invention can comprise at least one coupling means, called accessory, intended to produce a coupling, wired or wireless, of said accessory device to said user apparatus in order to place said accessory guard means at a potential similar or identical to the guard potential.

Such a coupling means can be arranged to cooperate with a coupling means, called apparatus, provided in the user apparatus to perform such a coupling.

Such a coupling means can be in the form of a module provided to receive a synchronization/potential signal from the user apparatus and to generate or control the generation of an alternating guard potential.

In a simpler form, the coupling means can be a wired means connected to the user apparatus and intended to carry a synchronization signal for the guard potential or the guard potential signal directly from the user apparatus to the accessory apparatus.

When the coupling between the accessory device and the user apparatus is wireless, the coupling means can produce a capacitive coupling or an inductive coupling, that is, by induction of the coupling potential in the accessory guard means by one or more inductances.

Alternatively or additionally, the coupling means can comprise a wired connection/interface, particularly one that is removable, between the accessory device and the user apparatus, said wired connection/interface carrying a synchronization signal of the alternating guard potential and/ or the alternating guard potential directly.

According to the invention, the accessory device can be in the form of:a mat on which the apparatus can be placed during use: in this case the guard means can be disposed in the thickness of the mat or on the upper surface of the mat;a wireless charger comprising an accommodation surface on which to place the apparatus while it is charging; in this case the guard means can be disposed beneath/in/on/around the accommodation surface of the charger;a protection means for the user apparatus, such as a case or a cover: in this case the guard means can be disposed beneath/in/on a wall of the case or cover, in particular next to a surface that is facing the same direction as the capacitive detection means;a data entry means, such as a keyboard: in this case the guard means can be disposed in the thickness of the keyboard or on the surface of the keyboard comprising the input means; ora support comprising a housing/accommodation surface in/on which the apparatus can be placed.

According to another aspect of the invention, an electronic and/or computer apparatus is proposed, called the user apparatus, comprising:at least one contactless means of capacitive detection of at least one control object with respect to a control surface,at least one means, called apparatus guard, placed at an alternating potential called guard, different from a potential, called ground, of the said at least one control object, and substantially identical to the potential of said at least one capacitive detection means, andan accessory device according to the invention.

The apparatus according to the invention can comprise at least one coupling means, called apparatus, intended to produce a coupling, wired or wireless, of said apparatus with the accessory device, in particular by cooperating with an accessory coupling means.

The coupling means can be a module furnishing, by wired or wireless means, a synchronization signal of the guard potential or the guard potential directly to the accessory apparatus.

The coupling module can comprise a capacitive or inductive coupling means, or a wired connection/interface to be connected to the accessory means, in particular a coupling means of the accessory device.

According to the invention, the capacitive detection means can advantageously comprise a plurality of capacitive electrodes, called measurement, at least one of which, and preferably each of them, is maintained at the guard potential by the apparatus guard means.

Each of said electrodes can perform a measurement/detection of the control object by the technology called “self capacitance” or “mutual capacitance.”

According to the invention, the detection means can be integrated into/onto the control surface.

According to a particular embodiment, the control surface can be formed by a wall/surface/face of the apparatus according to the invention.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the control surface can be a touch-sensitive surface.

Still in accordance with the particularly preferred embodiment, the apparatus according to the invention can comprise a display screen. In this case, the capacitive detection means can be integrated into/onto/around/at the periphery of/behind the display screen in such a way that the control surface is formed by at least one part of said display screen and/or by a plane parallel to said display screen.

The capacitive detection means can be opaque or transparent, especially when it is positioned in/on/behind a display screen.

The apparatus according to the invention can be a computer, a telephone or smart phone, a game console, a PDA, a touchpad, etc.

It is clear that the embodiments that will be described in the following are in no way limiting. In particular, variants of the invention may be imagined that comprise only a selection of characteristics described below isolated from other described characteristics, if said selection of characteristics is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention with respect to the state of the prior art. Said selection comprises at least one preferably functional characteristic without structural details, or with only one part of the structural details if said part alone is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention with respect to the state of the prior art.

In particular, all variants and all embodiments described can be combined with each other if there is no technological obstacle to such combination.

In the figures, the elements common to several figures preserve the same reference.

We will now describe different examples of an electronic/computer apparatus according to the invention implementing different embodiments of a device according to the invention.

FIG. 1is a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a guard accessory device coupled according to the invention.

The accessory device100, represented inFIG. 1, is in a substantially flat form, and can be rigid or flexible.

The accessory device, in particular the case or housing of the device100, can be produced from a plastic or foam material, or any other electrically non-conductive material.

The accessory device is intended to be used with a user apparatus102comprising a set of capacitive sensors104, and in particular capacitive electrodes, intended to detect at least one control object in contact with and/or at a distance from a control surface106, which can for example be disposed in/on/beneath a display screen (not shown) of the user apparatus102.

The user apparatus102comprises a guard plane108, called apparatus, electrically conductive, used to guard the capacitive sensors104, and intended to be placed at an alternating guard potential VG. The guard plane108is positioned in such a way that the capacitive sensors104are disposed between the control surface106and the guard plane108.

The accessory device100comprises a layer110of electrically conductive material, for example copper or any other electrically conductive material, and intended to be placed at an alternating guard potential VGand to constitute a guard plane, called accessory.

The device100further comprises a coupling module112, called accessory, for performing a coupling of said accessory device100to the user apparatus102in order to apply the alternating guard potential VGin a manner that is synchronized with the user apparatus102, and in particular with the apparatus guard plane108.

In the example shown inFIG. 1, the accessory coupling module112wirelessly performs a coupling with the user apparatus102by cooperation with a coupling module114, called apparatus, disposed in the user apparatus102. The accessory coupling module112receives directly from the apparatus coupling module114the alternating guard potential signal VGand applies it to the accessory guard plane110.

FIG. 2is a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a guard accessory device coupled according to the invention.

The device200represented inFIG. 2comprises all of the elements of the device100represented inFIG. 1. In addition, the device200comprises a means202of generating the guard potential VG.

In the example represented inFIG. 2, the accessory coupling means112of the device200receives from the apparatus coupling module114a synchronization signal of the guard potential and not the guard potential signal. Depending on said synchronization signal, the accessory coupling module112controls the module202for generation of the guard potential which generates the alternating guard potential signal VGand applies it to the accessory guard plane110in a way that is synchronized.

In the examples represented inFIGS. 1 and 2, the accessory device has a width and/or a length greater than the width and/or the length of the user apparatus102.

In the examples represented inFIGS. 1 and 2, the guard plane110is disposed in the thickness of the device. Alternatively it can be disposed on or formed by the face of the device entering into contact with the user device or the face opposite thereto.

In the examples represented inFIGS. 1 and 2, the wireless coupling between the accessory device and the user apparatus can be accomplished by capacitive coupling, by a wireless connection such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.

In the examples represented inFIGS. 1 and 2, the wireless coupling between the accessory device and the user apparatus can be replaced or supplemented by a physical or wired electrical connection.

In the examples represented inFIGS. 1 and 2, the accessory apparatus can be:a mat or a means on which the user apparatus102can be placed during its use,a wireless charger comprising an accommodation surface intended to have the apparatus placed thereon in order to be charged: in this case the guard means can be disposed beneath/in/on the accommodation surface of the charger. Moreover, in this case the metal of which the guard is composed must be sufficiently transparent to the magnetic field generated by the charger. A very thin layer of copper or a sufficiently resistive metal can be used to limit the loss of the field emitted by the Foucault current (skin effect).a means of protection for the user apparatus, such as a case or a cover, ora data entry means such as a keyboard.

FIG. 3is a schematic representation of a third embodiment of a guard accessory device coupled according to the invention.

The device300represented inFIG. 3comprises all of the elements of the device100represented inFIG. 1, except for the accessory coupling module112and apparatus coupling module114.

The accessory coupling module112is replaced by an accessory connection interface302and the apparatus coupling module is replaced by an apparatus connection interface304. The accessory connection and apparatus connection interfaces are arranged and chosen to be interconnected so as to create an electrically conductive link.

In this example, a guard potential VGis generated in the user apparatus. Said guard potential VGis applied to the apparatus guard plane108, and can be removed by means of the apparatus connection interface304, said interface either being connected to the apparatus guard plane108or to a module (not shown) for generating the guard potential VGin the user apparatus102.

When the accessory connection interface302and apparatus interface304are interconnected, the accessory connection interface302removes the guard potential VGfrom the apparatus connection interface304, and applies it to the accessory guard plane110.

In other words, there is a physical (or wired) electrical connection between the accessory guard plane110and either the apparatus guard plane108or a module for generating the guard potential VG.

Recognition can be provided of the presence of the accessory110in order to take into account the new environment. Indeed, said guard supplement modifies the response of the sensor104and it is advantageous to take into account this new response in order to optimize touchless performance.

Said recognition can be accomplished by the physical connection but also by the measurement of infinite capacitances (without the presence of an object nearby). Said infinite capacitances are smaller with an addition of an accessory connected to the guard.

FIG. 4is a schematic representation of an example of user apparatus according to the invention provided with an accessory device according to the invention.

In the example represented inFIG. 4, the accessory device is a protective cover400and the user apparatus is a smart phone402provided with a transparent touch-sensitive capacitive pad placed on/beneath/in a display screen404.

The protective cover400comprises a part406that is fixed with respect to the smart phone402and a part408that is movable in rotation between a folded position in which it is in contact with the display screen404and an unfolded position in which it forms a non-zero angle with the plane formed by the display screen404, and more particularly an angle equal to or greater than 90°, and more particularly an angle of 180°.

The accessory guard plane410is inserted in the thickness of the protective cover400or on the upper face of the protective cover400, i.e. the face of the protective cover next to the smart phone402, over the entirety of the protective cover400or only in the movable part408.

The protective cover402is removably attached to the smart phone402by attachment means412that utilize clamping and/or clips to secure to one or more edges of the smart phone.

The coupling between the cover400and the smart phone402can be achieved according to any of the embodiments described above with reference toFIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 5is a schematic representation of another example of user apparatus according to the invention fitted with an accessory device according to the invention.

In the example represented inFIG. 5, the accessory device is a protective cover500and the user apparatus is a touch tablet502provided with a transparent capacitive touch-sensitive pad arranged on/beneath/in a display screen504.

The protective cover500comprises a part506that is fixed with respect to the tablet502and a part508that is movable in rotation between a folded position and an unfolded position as described above.

The accessory guard plane510is inserted in the thickness of the protective cover500or on the upper face of the protective cover500over the entirety of the protective cover500or only in the movable part508.

The coupling between the cover500and the tablet502can be achieved according to any one of the embodiments described above with reference toFIGS. 1-3.

The protective cover500is removably attached to the touch tablet502by attachment means512that utilize clamping and/or clips to secure to one or more edges of the tablet502, particularly at the corners of the tablet502.

FIG. 6is a schematic representation of another example of user apparatus according to the invention fitted with an accessory device according to the invention.

In the example represented inFIG. 6, the accessory device is a keyboard600and the user apparatus is a touch-sensitive tablet602provided with a transparent capacitive touch-sensitive pad arranged on/beneath/in a display screen604.

The keyboard600is movable with respect to the tablet602by rotation around an axis parallel to one of the sides of the tablet602, between a folded position and an unfolded position as described above.

The accessory guard plane610is inserted into the thickness of the keyboard600or on the upper face of the keyboard600, over the entirety of the keyboard600or only in the part of the keyboard600closest to the tablet602.

The coupling between the keyboard600and the tablet602can be achieved according to any one of the embodiments described above with reference toFIGS. 1-3.

The keyboard600is removably attached to the touch tablet602by magnetic attachment means612positioned against one of the sides of the tablet502.

FIG. 7is a schematic representation of another example of user apparatus according to the invention and of an accessory device according to the invention.

In the example represented inFIG. 7, the accessory device is a wireless charger700for smart phone and tablet and the user apparatus is a smart phone702provided with a transparent capacitive touch-sensitive pad arranged on/beneath/in a display screen704.

The wireless charger700comprises an accommodation surface706on which to place the smart phone or tablet to be charged.

The accessory guard plane710is inserted in/beneath/on the accommodation surface706over the entirety of the accommodation service706or only on a part of the wireless charger700.

The coupling between the charger700and the smart phone702can be achieved according to any one of the embodiments described above with reference toFIGS. 1-3, and preferably wirelessly.

FIG. 8is a schematic representation of another example of user apparatus according to the invention and of an accessory device according to the invention.

FIG. 9is a representation of the apparatus and of the device ofFIG. 8in a cross-sectional view along the axis “AA”.

In the example represented inFIGS. 8 and 9, the accessory device is a tablet support800and the user apparatus is a tablet802provided with a transparent capacitive touch-sensitive pad arranged on/beneath/in a display screen804.

The support800comprises a housing/accommodation surface806on which to place the tablet802.

The accessory guard plane is disposed around the accommodation housing806, over the entire periphery of the accommodation surface housing806. Alternatively, the accessory guard plane810can be disposed around only a part of the periphery of the accommodation housing806.

The coupling between the device800and the tablet802is achieved wirelessly by means of one or more coupling means114disposed on/in the edge or edges of the tablet802, and cooperating with one or more coupling means112disposed on/in the edge or edges of the accommodation housing806, as represented inFIG. 9.

Alternatively, the coupling between the device800and the tablet can be achieved according to any one of the embodiments described above with reference toFIGS. 1-3.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples that have just been described, and numerous adjustments can be made to said examples without going beyond the scope of the invention.