Patent Description:
Touch screens are used in many electronic devices, including mobile phones, tablets, computers, vehicle dashboards, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), Point-Of-Sale (POS) terminals, and Automated Teller Machines (ATMs).

Some touch screens include a display screen that is overlaid with a touch sensor that is generally transparent so that the display screen can be viewable. The touch sensor includes a layer having a number of conductive traces that can be used to detect touch input but are suitably thin so as to be transparent.

As wireless communication devices are designed to be more compact, smaller and thinner, there is a desire to fit as many components into a limited space as possible. For example, the conductive elements for the antennas have conventionally been on a separate circuit board or packaging than the touch screen.

Previous attempts have been made to integrate an antenna into the screen, for example by adding one or more layers to the screen to accommodate the antenna, or by using "dead area" outside of the portion of the screen that is sensitive to touch. However, this causes design challenges, such as increasing the thickness of the device or requiring a portion of the screen to be unable to accept touch input.

Document <CIT> discloses a method of saving power in a battery powered device that includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag reader and a touch sensor, said method comprising: providing a touch sensor that can perform proximity and touch sensing; providing a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag reader for reading data from an RFID tag; detecting an RFID tag using proximity sensing of the touch sensor; activating the RFID tag reader; reading the RFID tag; and deactivating the RFID tag reader in order to conserve power in the battery powered device.

Document <CIT> discloses a touch input device comprising: a transparent electrode having a plurality of unit electrodes; a switch configured to reconfigure an electrical connection state of the transparent electrode; and a controller configured to control the switch that reconfigures the electrical connection state of the transparent electrode.

Document <CIT> discloses a method for communication, the method comprising: in a wireless device comprising a touchscreen interface: configuring one or more antennas in said touchscreen interface by capacitively-coupling conductive layers in said touchscreen interface; and communicating RF signals utilizing said one or more configured antennas in said touchscreen interface.

Document <CIT> discloses a touch display apparatus with a transparent antenna.

It is desired to provide transparent touch sensors and touch screens that can use a conductive element as both a touch sensor and an antenna.

This background information is provided to reveal information believed by the applicant to be of possible relevance. No admission is necessarily intended, nor should be construed, that any of the preceding information constitutes prior art.

Embodiments and aspects described hereafter which are not covered by the claims are presented not as embodiments of the invention but as examples useful for understanding the invention.

An example embodiment is a transparent antenna-integrated touch sensor device that can be used in touch screens and portable mobile communication devices such as tablets and mobile phones.

In an example embodiment, the touch sensor device includes a layer of conductive material having an electromagnetically conductive element. The electromagnetically conductive element is used as both a touch sensor and an antenna.

In an example embodiment, the conductive material is a conductive mesh that has a thickness so as to appear to be generally transparent.

An object of at least some example embodiments is to provide a device and method for improved antenna-integrated touch sensors.

An object of at least some example embodiments is to reduce an amount of space required to integrate antennas into touch sensors when compared to other existing devices.

An example embodiment is a touch sensor device, comprising: a layer of conductive material that includes an electromagnetically conductive element; a touch sensor controller configured to operate the electromagnetically conductive element as a touch sensor; and an antenna controller configured to operate the electromagnetically conductive element as an antenna.

In an example embodiment, the touch sensor device further comprises one or more transparent dielectric layers that cover the conductive material.

In an example embodiment of any of the above touch sensor devices, the touch sensor device further comprises, the touch sensor controller and the antenna controller are further configured to operate the electromagnetically conductive element as the touch sensor at a different time than operating the electromagnetically conductive element as the antenna.

In an example embodiment of any of the above touch sensor devices, the touch sensor device further comprises a memory that stores a whitelist of one or more applications, and wherein operation of the electromagnetically conductive element is switched from operation as the antenna to operation as the touch sensor based on detecting execution of one of the applications in the whitelist.

In an example embodiment of any of the above touch sensor devices, operation of the electromagnetically conductive element as the antenna is switched to operation of the electromagnetically conductive element as the touch sensor based on criteria stored in memory.

In an example embodiment of any of the above touch sensor devices, operation of the electromagnetically conductive element as the antenna is performed on a duty cycle, and wherein operation of the electromagnetically conductive element as the touch sensor is performed when the duty cycle is off cycle.

In an example embodiment of any of the above touch sensor devices, the conductive material is a conductive mesh, the touch sensor device further comprising a transparent substrate for supporting the conductive mesh.

In an example embodiment of any of the above touch sensor devices, the touch sensor device further comprises one or more transparent dielectric layers that cover the transparent substrate and the conductive mesh.

In an example embodiment of any of the above touch sensor devices, the conductive mesh is arranged in a plurality of rows, the touch sensor controller configured to detect a change in capacitance of at least one of the rows.

In an example embodiment of any of the above touch sensor devices, the antenna controller is configured to operate the conductive material from more than one row collectively as a single antenna.

In an example embodiment of any of the above described touch sensor devices, at least one row of the transparent mesh layer further comprises a plurality of conductive mesh areas connected in series.

In an example embodiment of any of the above described touch sensor devices, the electromagnetically conductive element is located at one end of at least one of the rows and is insulated from the plurality of conductive mesh areas connected in series.

In an example embodiment of any of the above described touch sensor devices, the touch sensor device further comprises a second layer of conductive material insulated from said layer of conductive material, the second conductive material being arranged in a plurality of columns that are orthogonal to the plurality of rows, wherein the touch sensor controller is configured to operate the second conductive material as the touch sensor.

In an example embodiment of any of the above described touch sensor devices, the touch sensor controller is configured to detect a touch position of one of the rows and one of the columns using said layer of conductive material and said second layer of conductive material.

In an example embodiment of any of the above described touch sensor devices, the touch sensor controller is configured to: detect a touch position of one of the columns, determine that no touch event has been detected on any of the rows, and infer a touch position of the row or rows that are currently being used by the antenna controller as the antenna.

In an example embodiment of any of the above described touch sensor devices, the second conductive material includes a second electromagnetically conductive element wherein the antenna controller is configured to operate the second electromagnetically conductive element as the antenna and wherein the touch sensor controller is configured to operate the second conductive material as the touch sensor.

In an example embodiment of any of the above described touch sensor devices, the touch sensor device further comprises a second layer of conductive material insulated from said layer of conductive material and including a second electromagnetically conductive element, wherein the touch sensor controller is configured to operate the second electromagnetically conductive element as the touch sensor, wherein the antenna controller is configured to operate the second electromagnetically conductive element as the antenna.

In an example embodiment of any of the above described touch sensor devices, the second electromagnetically conductive element is located at a different touch position than said electromagnetically conductive element of said layer of conductive material.

In embodiments according to the invention of any of the above described touch sensor devices, the layer of conductive material includes a plurality of electromagnetically conductive elements that are separated by an insulating material to operate as a parasitic patch antenna by the antenna controller.

In an example embodiment of any of the above described touch sensor devices, the electromagnetically conductive element is a patch antenna.

In an example embodiment of any of the above described touch sensor devices, the conductive mesh has conductive strands that are substantially transparent.

In an example embodiment of any of the above described touch sensor devices, the touch device further comprises a switch configured to selectively provide connection between the electromagnetically conductive element and touch sensor controller and the antenna controller.

Another example embodiment is a method for controlling a touch sensor device, the touch sensor device including a layer of conductive material that includes an electromagnetically conductive element, the method comprising: operating, using a touch sensor controller, the electromagnetically conductive element as a touch sensor; and operating, using a antenna controller, the electromagnetically conductive element as an antenna.

Another example embodiment is a non-transitory computer readable medium containing instructions for controlling a touch sensor device, the touch sensor device including a layer of conductive material that includes an electromagnetically conductive element, the non-transitory computer readable medium comprising instructions executable by one or more controllers of a wireless communication device, the one or more controllers including a touch sensor controller and an antenna controller, the instructions comprising: instructions for the touch sensor controller to operate the electromagnetically conductive element as a touch sensor; and instructions for the antenna controller to operate the electromagnetically conductive element as an antenna.

Another example embodiment is a touch display, comprising: a display screen; a layer of conductive material that overlays the display screen and includes a plurality of electromagnetic conductive elements; a touch sensor controller configured to operate the plurality of electromagnetic conductive elements as a touch sensor; and an antenna controller configured to operate the plurality of electromagnetic conductive elements as a parasitic patch antenna.

Embodiments will now be described by way of examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals may be used to indicate similar features, and in which:.

An example embodiment is a transparent antenna-integrated touch sensor device that can be used in touch screens (also referred to as touch displays) and portable mobile communication devices such as tablets and mobile phones.

In an example embodiment, the touch sensor device includes electromagnetically conductive material in the form of a transparent conductive mesh. A dielectric is layered on top of the transparent conductive mesh for detecting changes in capacitance due to surface touch events on the dielectric. The transparent conductive mesh can also be used as an antenna.

Another example embodiment is a touch display, comprising: a display screen; a layer of conductive material that overlays the display screen and includes an electromagnetically conductive element; a touch sensor controller configured to operate the electromagnetically conductive element as a touch sensor; and an antenna controller configured to operate the electromagnetically conductive element as an antenna.

Another example embodiment is a wireless communication device that includes a touch sensor or touch display in accordance with any of the above, and operates using a method in accordance with any of the above.

Reference is first made to <FIG>, which illustrates a topological view of an example touch sensor device <NUM> having integrated antenna function, in accordance with an example embodiment. The touch sensor device <NUM> can be overlaid onto a display screen (not shown here). The touch sensor device <NUM> includes an electromagnetically conductive element <NUM>. The electromagnetically conductive element <NUM> can be a conductive mesh or can be non-mesh. The touch sensor device <NUM> includes a touch sensor controller <NUM> configured to operate the electromagnetically conductive element <NUM> as a touch sensor, for touch sensor function. The touch sensor device <NUM> also includes an antenna controller <NUM> configured to operate the electromagnetically conductive element <NUM> as an antenna, for antenna function. In an example embodiment, the electromagnetically conductive element <NUM> is operated for the touch sensor function and the antenna function at different times, and not simultaneously. A touch sensor mode of operation refers to the electromagnetically conductive element <NUM> being used as the touch sensor. An antenna mode of operation refers to the electromagnetically conductive element <NUM> being used as the antenna.

The antenna controller <NUM> uses the electromagnetically conductive element <NUM> as an electromagnetic conductor, for at least one of transmission and reception of electromagnetic signals over-the-air for at either or both of to and from the electromagnetically conductive element <NUM>. The antenna controller <NUM> can include a processor and a memory that stores instructions that are executable by the processor.

In an example embodiment, the electromagnetically conductive element <NUM> is shaped as a patch antenna. For example, the patch antenna generally has a small area and is flat and thin (depth not shown here).

In an example embodiment, the touch sensor controller <NUM> uses the electromagnetically conductive element <NUM> to detect touch events (touch input). For example, the touch sensor controller <NUM> is configured to detect a change in capacitance at the electromagnetically conductive element <NUM> due to the touch event from a conductor such as a human finger. The touch sensor controller <NUM> can include a processor and a memory that stores instructions that are executable by the processor.

As shown in <FIG>, the touch sensor controller <NUM> and the antenna controller <NUM> each have a respective conductive lead to the electromagnetically conductive element <NUM>. In other example embodiments (not shown here), the connection from the electromagnetically conductive element <NUM> to either of the touch sensor controller <NUM> and the antenna controller <NUM> can be selectively controlled, for example using a switch, a hub, a router, a relay, a controllable bus, a multiplexer (MUX), etc. One or more conductive leads may be used for the connection. In other example embodiments, the touch sensor controller <NUM> and the antenna controller <NUM> are in a same chip packaging, circuit board or processor, and selectively process, switch, or route the signals using software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware. Any of these forms of selective connectivity to each of the touch sensor controller <NUM> and the antenna controller <NUM> can be implemented in example embodiments of touch sensor devices described herein. In other example embodiments, the touch sensor controller <NUM> and the antenna controller <NUM> are in different chip packagings, circuit boards or processors.

<FIG> illustrates a topological view of another example touch sensor device <NUM>, in accordance with another example embodiment. The touch sensor device <NUM> includes a conductive mesh <NUM>. The touch sensor controller <NUM> is configured to use the conductive mesh <NUM> as a touch sensor, for the touch sensor function, and the antenna controller <NUM> is configured to use the conductive mesh <NUM> as an antenna, for the antenna function. The conductive mesh <NUM> comprises conductive material that is transparent. Reference to conductive material being "transparent" in example embodiments herein means the conductive material is of a suitable thickness that is generally transparent to the human eye or a detector (such as a 1D or 2D barcode scanner). The conductive mesh <NUM> is typically arranged as thin strands in a mesh pattern. Suitable example materials for the conductive material include metal material such as gold, silver, copper, palladium, platinum, aluminum, nickel, tin, alloys thereof, and combinations thereof. An example thickness of the strands of the transparent conductive material is <NUM> micrometers to <NUM> micrometers in some example embodiments. Factors that can affect the appropriate thickness can include the type of conductive material, the desired amount of transparency, limitations of production, cost, etc. The strands can all be the same thickness in an example embodiment, and can have different thicknesses in other example embodiments. In some other example embodiments, the conductive material can be semi-transparent rather than fully transparent.

<FIG> illustrates a topological view of another example touch sensor device <NUM>, in accordance with another example embodiment. <FIG> illustrates that some electromagnetically conductive elements can be used as the touch sensor only, and not used as the antenna. The touch sensor device <NUM> includes a first conductive area <NUM> that includes conductive material and a second conductive area <NUM> that includes conductive material. In some example embodiments, the conductive material of the first conductive area <NUM> or the second conductive area <NUM> can be transparent conductive mesh or can be a non-mesh conductive material. The first conductive area <NUM> and the second conductive area <NUM> are on the same layer. Both the touch sensor controller <NUM> and the antenna controller <NUM> have a respective conductive lead to the first conductive area <NUM>. In this example embodiment, only the antenna controller <NUM> has a conductive lead to the second conductive area <NUM>. Both the touch sensor controller <NUM> and the antenna controller <NUM> are connected to the first conductive area <NUM>, and in this example, only the touch sensor controller <NUM> and not the antenna controller <NUM> is connected to the second conductive area <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a topological view of another example touch sensor device <NUM>, in accordance with another example embodiment. <FIG> illustrates that some electromagnetically conductive elements can be used as an antenna only, some electromagnetically conductive elements can be used as a touch sensor only, and some electromagnetically conductive elements can be shared for use as both an antenna and a touch sensor. The touch sensor device <NUM> includes a layer having a first conductive area <NUM>, a second conductive area <NUM>, a third conductive area <NUM>, and a fourth conductive area <NUM>. In example embodiments, the electromagnetically conductive element of any one or more of the first conductive area <NUM>, the second conductive area <NUM>, the third conductive area <NUM>, and the fourth conductive area <NUM> can be non-mesh conductive material or can be transparent conductive mesh material. In the example touch sensor device <NUM>, only the touch sensor controller <NUM> has a conductive lead to operate the first conductive area <NUM>, and the antenna controller <NUM> does not. Therefore, the antenna controller <NUM> does not use the first conductive area <NUM> as an antenna in this example. The second conductive area <NUM>, the third conductive area <NUM>, and the fourth conductive area <NUM> can collectively function as one antenna <NUM> and are collectively operated by the antenna controller <NUM> as an antenna. As well, the touch sensor controller <NUM> is connected by respective conductive leads to the second conductive area <NUM> and the third conductive area <NUM> to operate as a touch sensor. In this example, the fourth conductive area <NUM> is only used as an antenna and not as a touch sensor.

Referring still to <FIG>, in an example embodiment, the antenna <NUM> is a parasitic patch antenna. The parasitic patch antenna <NUM> is generally formed by discrete electromagnetically conductive elements (which can be referred to as "strips" or "metal strips"), in this case the second conductive area <NUM>, the third conductive area <NUM>, and the fourth conductive area <NUM>. The strips can be formed of transparent conductive mesh. The strips are separated by a dielectric material (can also be referred to as an "insulating material" for the purposes of example embodiments). Depending on the dielectric material and the distances between the second conductive area <NUM>, the third conductive area <NUM>, and the fourth conductive area <NUM>, the strips interact with each other to collectively operate as the parasitic patch antenna <NUM>. For example, there can be induction, electromagnetic coupling, capacitance, or other interactions that occur between the second conductive area <NUM>, the third conductive area <NUM>, and the fourth conductive area <NUM>. The strips are flat and thin (depth not specifically shown here). In an example embodiment, the particular number, dimensions and spacing of the strips can be calculated or selected based on the desired frequency response of the parasitic patch antenna <NUM>.

In an example embodiment of the parasitic patch antenna <NUM>, not all of the conductive areas need a direct conductive path to the antenna controller <NUM>. For example, in <FIG>, only the strip of the fourth conductive area <NUM> is conductively connected to the antenna controller <NUM>. The remaining strips of the second conductive area <NUM> and the third conductive area <NUM> do not necessarily need to conductively connect to the antenna controller <NUM>, because their signals electromagnetically interact with the fourth conductive area <NUM>. In other example embodiments, not shown, antenna controller <NUM> is connected to any one or more of the second conductive area <NUM>, the third conductive area <NUM>, and the fourth conductive area <NUM>. In other example embodiments, not shown here, the antenna controller <NUM> is conductively connected to all of the second conductive area <NUM>, the third conductive area <NUM>, and the fourth conductive area <NUM>, therefore such an antenna <NUM> operates collectively as a (non-parasitic) patch antenna or a microstrip patch antenna. The particular dimensions of the strips are calculated or selected based on the desired frequency response of the patch antenna.

In <FIG>, the strips of the parasitic patch antenna <NUM> are on the same layer as the touch sensor device <NUM>. In other example embodiments, not shown, additional strips of the parasitic patch antenna are located on additional layers of the touch sensor device <NUM>, or can be in different orientations that are not necessarily parallel to the layers of the touch sensor device <NUM>, or at least one of the strips can be across more than one layer of the touch sensor device <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an example cross-sectional profile of an example touch sensor device <NUM>, in accordance with an example embodiment. The touch sensor device <NUM> includes a plurality of layers, and includes an electromagnetically conductive element <NUM> in one of the layers. The touch sensor controller <NUM> and the antenna controller <NUM> are configured to operate the electromagnetically conductive element <NUM> for their respective touch sensor or antenna functions, at different times. The electromagnetically conductive element <NUM> is covered with at least one transparent dielectric layer <NUM> (one layer shown in <FIG>).

The touch sensor controller <NUM>, for the touch sensor function, can be configured to detect a touch event using the electromagnetically conductive element <NUM>. The touch event can be performed by a conductor <NUM> such as a finger (as shown), conductive glove or conductive stylus. The conductor <NUM> touches a surface of the transparent dielectric layer <NUM>. The electromagnetically conductive element <NUM> is used by the touch sensor controller <NUM> to detect a change in capacitance of the transparent dielectric layer <NUM> due to the touch event by the conductor <NUM>.

The electromagnetically conductive element <NUM> is supported by a transparent substrate <NUM>, that is typically formed of insulating material (dielectric material). Additional layers and substrates (not shown) can be layered below the transparent substrate <NUM>. The touch sensor device <NUM> can then be overlaid onto a display screen <NUM>, forming a transparent window over the display screen <NUM> that can be used for both the touch sensor function and the antenna function. This collectively forms a touch screen (also referred to as a touch display).

In an example embodiment, additional electromagnetically conductive elements <NUM>, <NUM> can be connected to and used by one or both of the touch sensor controller <NUM> and the antenna controller <NUM>. As shown, the electromagnetically conductive element <NUM> and the additional electromagnetically conductive elements <NUM>, <NUM> are on the same layer and are separated by insulating material (shown as white space in <FIG>).

In <FIG>, in various example embodiments, the layers are flat or curved. In various example embodiments, the layers are rigid or flexible. Each layer is not necessarily a flat rigid plane. In various example embodiments, there are additional layers that contain one or more electromagnetically conductive elements that can be used as the antenna, as the touch sensor, or as both.

In various example embodiments, the cross-sectional profile or layers of <FIG> can be the general cross-sectional profile for any one of the touch sensor devices <NUM> (<FIG>), the touch sensor device <NUM> (<FIG>), touch sensor device <NUM> (<FIG>), or the touch sensor device <NUM> (<FIG>), with suitable modifications as necessary.

<FIG> shows a block diagram illustrating a wireless communication device <NUM> to which example embodiments can be applied. The wireless communication device <NUM> includes a communication subsystem <NUM>. A touch screen of the wireless communication device <NUM> includes a display screen <NUM> and a touch sensor device (also referred to as a touch sensor overlay). The touch sensor device has a touch-sensitive input surface which overlays the display screen <NUM>. The touch sensor device is connected to the touch sensor controller <NUM>. The touch sensor device uses conductive material such as a transparent conductive mesh <NUM> as a touch sensor to detect touch positions. In various example embodiments, the display screen <NUM> can be flat or curved. In various example embodiments, the display screen <NUM> can be rigid or flexible. In an example embodiment, the touch screen can be provided as a separately manufactured or Original Equipment Manufacture (OEM) device, that can be subsequently integrated with the wireless communication device <NUM>, or other devices, after manufacture.

The communication subsystem <NUM> may generally be used by the wireless communication device <NUM> for enabling wireless communications to be received, transmitted, or both. The communication subsystem <NUM> may for example be used by any of the various subsystems of the mobile communication device <NUM> that may require wireless communications. The communication subsystem <NUM> includes the antenna controller <NUM>, including a receiver <NUM>, a transmitter <NUM>, and associated components, local oscillators (LOs) <NUM>, and a processing module such as a digital signal processor (DSP) <NUM>. The DSP <NUM> acts as a local controller for the communication subsystem <NUM>, and may be in communication with the antenna controller <NUM>. The receiver <NUM> is associated with one or more antenna elements 218a, 218b,. , 218n (each or collectively referred to as <NUM>), and the transmitter <NUM> is associated with one or more antenna elements 220a, 220b,. , 220n (each or collectively referred to as <NUM>). As would be understood in the art, the antenna elements <NUM>, <NUM> are electromagnetically conductive elements for receiving or transmitting (or both) of electromagnetic signals. Although antenna elements <NUM> and <NUM> are illustrated separately, in some example embodiments at least some of the antenna elements <NUM>, <NUM> are shared by both receiver and transmitter, and enabled for both transmitting and receiving.

As will be apparent to those skilled in the field of communication, the particular design of the wireless communication subsystem <NUM> depends on the wireless network and any associated frequency or frequency bands in which mobile communication device <NUM> is designed to operate. In some example embodiments, the electrically conductive properties of the antenna elements <NUM>, <NUM> are also used by the touch sensor controller <NUM> as a touch sensor. The antenna elements <NUM>, <NUM> are part of the transparent conductive mesh <NUM> that is used by the touch sensor controller <NUM> as the touch sensor.

The antenna elements <NUM>, <NUM> are the "antenna areas" as described in greater detail herein, and can be formed of conductive mesh. As well, some of the antenna elements <NUM>, <NUM> do not necessarily need to be directly conductively connected to any of the transmitter <NUM> or the receiver <NUM>, for example in the case of a parasitic patch antenna.

<FIG> illustrates an exploded perspective diagrammatic view of an example touch screen <NUM>, in accordance with an example embodiment. The touch screen <NUM> includes a touch sensor device <NUM> overlaid onto the display screen <NUM>. The touch sensor device <NUM> provides a transparent window over the display screen <NUM> and is used as both a touch sensor and an antenna.

The touch sensor device <NUM> includes a transparent dielectric layer <NUM>, a layer of first conductive mesh <NUM>, and a layer of second conductive mesh <NUM>. The first conductive mesh <NUM> includes at least one antenna area <NUM> (one shown here) that is used as an antenna. The second conductive mesh <NUM> includes at least one antenna area <NUM> (one shown here) that is used as an antenna. The first conductive mesh <NUM> and the second conductive mesh <NUM> are transparent. The first conductive mesh <NUM> is insulated from the second conductive mesh <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the first conductive mesh <NUM> can be supported by a first transparent substrate <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the second conductive mesh <NUM> can be supported by a second transparent substrate <NUM>. A third transparent dielectric layer <NUM> can be layered between the first transparent substrate <NUM> and the second transparent substrate <NUM>. Additional transparent layers (not shown) may be present between the second transparent substrate <NUM> and the display screen <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, a cover <NUM> overlays the first transparent substrate. The cover is formed of transparent dielectric material in order to maintain the capacitive touch sensor properties of the touch sensor function. The cover <NUM> can be made of glass in an example embodiment. Generally, the cover <NUM> includes relatively strong material to resist exterior elements, scratching, bending (when rigidity is desired), etc. The cover <NUM> can have additional coating such as anti-reflection coating and ultraviolet protection coating. In <FIG>, the cover <NUM> is shown with an opaque border. In other example embodiments, not specifically shown in <FIG>, there is no opaque border and the transparency of the cover <NUM> extends edge-to-edge, for example.

In an example embodiment, the first transparent dielectric layer <NUM> and the third transparent dielectric layer <NUM> are formed of an optically clear adhesive (OCA) so as to assist in binding different layers together. In an example embodiment, more than one layer may be used in place of each of the first transparent dielectric layer <NUM> and the third transparent dielectric layer <NUM>.

In an example embodiment, the first transparent substrate <NUM> and the second transparent substrate <NUM> are formed of an insulating material (dielectric material).

In an example embodiment, the first conductive mesh <NUM> is etched onto the first transparent substrate <NUM>, and the second conductive mesh <NUM> is etched on the second transparent substrate <NUM>. In an alternate example embodiment, not shown, the second conductive mesh <NUM> is positioned (e.g. by etching) onto the underside of the first transparent substrate <NUM>, and therefore the second transparent substrate <NUM> and the third transparent dielectric layer <NUM> are not needed.

The touch sensor controller <NUM> can be configured to detect a touch event from a conductor (e.g. finger) on an exterior surface of the cover <NUM>. A change in capacitance resulting from the touch event is detectable using the first conductive mesh <NUM> and the second conductive mesh <NUM>.

In an example embodiment, the first conductive mesh <NUM> has conductive material that is arranged in rows. The second conductive mesh <NUM> has conductive material that is arranged in columns, that is orthogonal to the rows. For example, a touch event can occur on the surface of the cover <NUM>. The touch sensor controller <NUM> can determine which row and which column has a change in capacitance due to the touch event, and the touch sensor controller <NUM> is configured to determine where the touch event has occurred on the cover <NUM>. The location of the touch event can be referred to as a "touch position" or a "touch point". The touch position can correspond to desired inputs of a user interface that is displayed on the display screen <NUM>. Reference to touch position can mean a specific point or a localized area that received the touch event on the surface of the cover <NUM>.

The antenna controller <NUM> can operate the antenna areas <NUM>, <NUM> as an antenna. The antenna areas <NUM>, <NUM> are also used as touch sensors. The antenna area <NUM> of the first conductive mesh <NUM> and the antenna area <NUM> of the second conductive mesh <NUM> are at different touch positions. In other words, the antenna area <NUM> of the first conductive mesh <NUM> and the antenna area <NUM> of the second conductive mesh <NUM> are not vertically aligned with each other when viewed from above through the cover <NUM>. This allows touch positions to be detected even when one antenna area <NUM>, <NUM> in the first conductive mesh <NUM> or the second conductive mesh <NUM> is currently being used as an antenna, because the other of the first conductive mesh <NUM> or the second conductive mesh <NUM> can be used to detect a touch position at the same area.

<FIG> illustrates an example arrangement of the first conductive mesh <NUM>, and <FIG> illustrates an example arrangement of the second conductive mesh <NUM>, in accordance with an example embodiment. In <FIG>, the first conductive mesh <NUM> has its transparent conductive material arranged in a plurality of rows, indicated as rows x1, x2, x3,. In an example embodiment, each row of transparent conductive material is separated by insulating material, for example the first transparent substrate <NUM> (<FIG>). As shown in <FIG>, each row can comprise a series of conductive mesh areas <NUM> (shown as squares) connected in series by one or more respective conductive leads (shown as a respective resistor <NUM>). Typically, the connection in series is one or two respective conductive leads. Each conductive mesh area <NUM> is used to detect a touch event in its row based on a change of capacitance, and therefore it can be determined which row was touched. A resistor <NUM> is used to represent each conductive lead because the one or two conductive leads generally have lower conductivity (higher resistivity) than the interconnections within each conductive mesh area <NUM>.

In <FIG>, the second conductive mesh <NUM> has its transparent conductive material arranged in a plurality of columns, indicated as columns y1, y2, y3,. In an example embodiment, each column of transparent conductive material is separated by insulating material, for example the second transparent substrate <NUM> (<FIG>). As shown in <FIG>, each column can comprise a series of conductive mesh areas <NUM> (shown as squares) connected in series by a conductive lead (shown as a respective resistor <NUM>). Each conductive mesh area <NUM> can be used to detect a touch event in its column based on a change of capacitance, and therefore it can be determined which column was touched. <FIG> therefore illustrate how the rows and columns of the transparent conductive material can be used to determine a specific row (x) and column (y) of a touch position on the touch screen <NUM> (<FIG>).

In an example embodiment, each square conductive mesh area <NUM> in the first conductive mesh <NUM> is vertically aligned with a square conductive mesh area <NUM> in the second conductive mesh <NUM>, so as to determine the specific (x) and (y) pair of squares, and therefore the corresponding (x) and (y) touch position on the cover <NUM>, that had received the touch event.

Referring still to <FIG>, at the end of one of the rows x1, there is an antenna area x1a formed of transparent conductive mesh that can be used as both an antenna and a touch sensor. The antenna area x1a is square shaped, similar to the other square conductive mesh areas <NUM>. The antenna area x1a is insulated from the series of conductive mesh areas <NUM> in row x1. The antenna area x1a can be used to detect a change in surface capacitance, when operating as the touch sensor, for example. By locating the antenna area x1a at the end of the row x1, this provides an easier position for a respective conductive trace to be made to the touch sensor controller <NUM> and the antenna controller <NUM>. The antenna area x1, being of transparent conductive mesh, also has optical (visual) uniformity with the remaining rows and their conductive mesh areas <NUM>. The antenna area x1 can be dimensioned as a square of approximately the same dimensions as one of the conductive mesh areas <NUM>, for optical (visual) uniformity.

The touch sensor function of the first conductive mesh <NUM> and the second conductive mesh <NUM>, to individually detect capacitance at an intersection of a row and a column, is referred to as self-capacitance. In another example embodiment, mutual capacitance is used to determine a touch position that occurred at a specific row and a specific column, as is understood by those skilled in the art. Each row and column pair is scanned by the touch sensor controller <NUM> using a suitable duty cycle and order of scanning, as understood in the art. For example, one row is activated for detection, and then every column that intersects with that row is sequentially activated for detection in a scanning order, in order to measure the capacitance value at each row-column intersection. This is repeated for the next row, and cycles through all of the rows. This allows multiple touch positions to be detected, in an example embodiment.

<FIG> illustrates another example arrangement of the first conductive mesh <NUM> (<FIG>), and <FIG> illustrates another example arrangement of the second conductive mesh <NUM>, in accordance with an example embodiment. This arrangement is similar to the arrangement of <FIG>. Referring to <FIG>, at the end of two (or more) of the rows x1, x2, there is a respective antenna area x1a, x2a formed of transparent conductive mesh that can be used for antenna function and as a touch sensor. In an example embodiment, antenna areas x1a, x2a collectively define a parasitic patch antenna, and are separated from each other by insulating material (dielectric material). The antenna areas x1a, x2a are insulated from the series of conductive mesh areas <NUM> in their respective rows (x1, x2). The insulation is provided by the first transparent substrate <NUM>.

In another example embodiment, not specifically shown in <FIG>, the antenna areas x1a, x2a are conductively connected and collectively define a (non-parasitic) patch antenna that spans across more than row.

<FIG> illustrates another example arrangement of respective rows and columns of the first conductive mesh <NUM> and the second conductive mesh <NUM> (<FIG>), in accordance with an example embodiment. A touch position can be determined for a specific row and column combination. The example arrangement has four rows (x1, x2, x3, x4) and six columns (y1, y2, y3, y4, y5, y6), that can be used for touch sensor function. The rows and columns can be entire rectangular rows/columns of transparent conductive mesh in an example embodiment, or in other example embodiments can be a connected series of conductive mesh areas (e.g. squares). A respective antenna area (x1a, x2a, x3a) is located at the end of each row (x1, x2, x3). The antenna areas (x1a, x2a, x3a) are formed of transparent conductive mesh, in an example embodiment. The antenna areas (x1a, x2a, x3a) are insulated from their respective rows (x1, x2, x3). The antenna areas (x1a, x2a, x3a) are used for the antenna function. At least one of the antenna areas (x1a, x2a, x3a) is also used as a touch sensor. The antenna areas (x1a, x2a, x3a) may span more than one column, such as columns (y5, y6) in this example.

In an example embodiment, the antenna areas (x1a, x2a, x3a) collectively define a parasitic patch antenna, and are separated from each other by insulating material (dielectric material). In an example embodiment, only one conductive trace from the parasitic patch antenna to the antenna controller <NUM> is used, typically from the middle antenna area (x2a).

In <FIG>, a touch position can be determined for row and column combinations of (x1, x2, x3) and (y1, y2, y3, y4), by detecting a change in capacitance in a row and a column intersection. A touch position can also be determined using row and column combinations of row x4 and columns (y1, y2, y3, y4), by detecting a change in capacitance at a row and a column intersection. To determine a touch position for row and column combinations of (x1a, x2a, x3a) and (y5, y6), an example embodiment is described with respect to <FIG> as follows.

<FIG> illustrates an example controller-implemented method <NUM> for determining a touch position, in accordance with an example embodiment. The method <NUM> illustrates how to determine the touch position for row and column combinations of (x1a, x2a, x3a) and (y5, y6) in <FIG>, in an example embodiment. In example embodiments, the method <NUM> can be performed by the touch sensor controller <NUM>.

At step <NUM>, the touch sensor controller <NUM> determines whether the antenna areas (x1a, x2a, x3a) are in antenna mode (antenna function), for example by receiving a notification from the processor <NUM> or the antenna controller <NUM>. If not, the touch sensor controller <NUM> operates the antenna areas (x1a, x2a, x3a) as touch sensors to detect touch positions. At step <NUM>, the touch sensor controller <NUM> can detect a touch event at a specific row and column pair. At step <NUM>, the touch sensor controller <NUM> determines the specific touch position from the detected row and column pair.

If the antenna areas (x1a, x2a, x3a) are in antenna mode (antenna function), at step <NUM> the touch sensor controller <NUM> may detect a touch event at one of the columns (y5, y6). At step <NUM>, the touch sensor controller <NUM> determines whether there is a touch event in one of the rows. If so (row x4 would be the only row in the example of <FIG>), at step <NUM> the touch sensor controller <NUM> determines the specific touch position for the determined row (x4) and column (y5 or y6).

Referring again to step <NUM>, if there has been no touch event detected by the touch sensor controller <NUM> at any of the rows, at step <NUM> it can be inferred that a touch position occurred at the collective region of the antenna areas (x1a, x2a, x3a) at the detected column (y5 or y6).

<FIG> illustrates another example touch sensor device <NUM> having an integrated antenna <NUM>, in accordance with an example embodiment. The antenna <NUM> is used as an antenna by the antenna controller <NUM>, and at least part of the antenna <NUM> is used as a touch sensor by the touch sensor controller <NUM> as well. Conductive connection can be made from the antenna <NUM> to the antenna controller <NUM> or the touch sensor controller <NUM> by connection to metal strips <NUM>. In <FIG>, the antenna <NUM> has an area of <NUM> by <NUM>. Other dimensions may be used in other example embodiments, for example depending on design parameters, screen space limitations and the frequency requirements.

In an example embodiment, the antenna <NUM> is formed of one or more metal strips, defining a patch antenna. The antenna <NUM> may be formed of transparent conductive mesh. The remainder of the touch sensor device <NUM> includes transparent conductive mesh <NUM> that can be used as an antenna and as a touch sensor. In an example embodiment, the transparent conductive mesh <NUM> of the touch sensor device <NUM> can be arranged in rows or columns, as described herein (not shown here).

<FIG> illustrates an S11 graph <NUM> in dB versus frequency of the antenna <NUM> of <FIG>. S11 is a measure of how much of the power to be transmitted by the antenna <NUM> is reflected back by the antenna <NUM>. A smaller S11 indicates a higher amount of the energy input to the antenna has been transmitted by the antenna. As shown in the graph <NUM>, there is peak transmission (lowest reflection) in the <NUM> range, and so the antenna <NUM> is suitable for various wireless applications such as proposed 5th Generation (<NUM>) that uses the <NUM> to <NUM> range, and other wireless wide area networks (WWANs). The particular peak transmission can be varied for a specific operating frequency, for example by designing a particular dimension of the antenna <NUM>. The illustrated simulation is for the antenna <NUM> being formed by one or more non-mesh metal strips (patch antenna). The antenna <NUM> can also be a transparent conductive mesh in other example embodiments, and can be dimensioned to be approximately the same, with suitable adjustments to account for conductive mesh versus non-mesh, to achieve peak transmission at <NUM> or other desired frequencies.

<FIG> illustrates another example touch sensor device <NUM> having an integrated antenna <NUM>, in accordance with an example embodiment. The antenna <NUM> is used as an antenna, and at least part of the antenna <NUM> is used as a touch sensor as well. In an example embodiment, the integrated antenna <NUM> is formed of a plurality of metal strips <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, the metal strips being separated by insulating material, defining a parasitic patch antenna. There is conductive connection from the metal strip <NUM> to the antenna controller <NUM> by way of one or more further metal strips <NUM>, <NUM>. There is conductive connection (not shown here) from the metal strips <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to the touch sensor controller <NUM>.

In an example embodiment, a combined area of the metal strips is <NUM> by <NUM>. Other dimensions may be used in other example embodiments, for example depending on design parameters, screen space limitations and the frequency requirements. In an example embodiment, the metal strips <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are not used for touch sensor function and are only used for antenna function.

In an example embodiment, not shown here, the remainder of the touch sensor device <NUM> includes transparent conductive mesh <NUM> that can be used for the antenna function and the touch sensor function. In an example embodiment, the transparent conductive mesh <NUM> of the touch sensor device <NUM> can be arranged in rows or columns, as described herein (not shown here).

<FIG> illustrates a S11 graph <NUM> in dB versus frequency of the antenna <NUM> of <FIG>. As shown in the graph <NUM>, there is peak transmission (lowest reflection) in the <NUM> range, and so is suitable for various wireless applications such as proposed 5th Generation (<NUM>) that uses the <NUM> to <NUM> range, and other wireless wide area networks (WWANs). The simulation is for the antenna <NUM> being formed by one or more non-mesh metal strips. The antenna <NUM> can also be a transparent conductive mesh in other example embodiments, and can be dimensioned to be approximately the same, with suitable adjustments to account for conductive mesh versus non-mesh, to achieve peak transmission at <NUM> or other desired frequencies.

<FIG> illustrates an example touch sensor device <NUM> in an example arrangement of the first conductive mesh <NUM> (e.g., "X Layer" in rows) and the second conductive mesh <NUM> (e.g., "Y Layer" in columns), as introduced above in reference to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates the touch sensor mode of operation, and <FIG> illustrates the antenna mode of operation. In the example embodiment shown, there are four antenna areas. The first antenna area <NUM> and second antenna area <NUM> are part of the first conductive mesh <NUM>; and the third antenna area <NUM> and fourth antenna area <NUM> are part of the second conductive mesh <NUM>.

The antenna areas <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are not vertically aligned with each other when viewed from above through the first conductive mesh <NUM> and the second conductive mesh <NUM>. The allows touch positions to be detected when one antenna area of the first conductive mesh <NUM> or the second conductive mesh <NUM> is currently being used as an antenna, so that the other of the first conductive mesh <NUM> or the second conductive mesh <NUM> can be used to detect a touch position.

The first antenna area <NUM>, for example, is a parasitic patch antenna that has three conductive elements <NUM> that span three rows of the first conductive mesh <NUM> and that are insulated from each other. Similarly, the other antenna areas <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are parasitic patch antennas that each have three conductive elements that span three rows or columns, as shown. In other example embodiments, not shown, the antenna areas <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are non-parasitic patch antennas.

<FIG> illustrates the touch sensor mode of operation. The three conductive elements for each of the antenna areas <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are used to detect individual touch positions, for example. <FIG> illustrates the antenna mode of operation. For the first antenna area <NUM>, for example, the three conductive elements <NUM>, and the intermediary insulating areas that contain longitudinal conductive elements <NUM>, collectively operate as a single parasitic patch antenna. For the single parasitic patch antenna, a single conductive lead (trace) can connect the center conductive element <NUM> of the first antenna area <NUM> to the antenna controller <NUM>, and the other conductive elements do not require conductive connection to the antenna controller <NUM>. Similar configurations and connections are shown for antenna areas <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates another example layer of a touch sensor device <NUM>, in accordance with an example embodiment. <FIG> illustrates in greater detail an example antenna area <NUM> of the touch sensor device <NUM>. In <FIG>, in an example embodiment, the touch sensor device <NUM> is an example arrangement of the first conductive mesh <NUM> (<FIG>). For example, the first conductive mesh <NUM> and the antenna area <NUM> may be formed of transparent conductive mesh. The antenna area <NUM> is used as an antenna. At least part of the antenna area <NUM> can be used as the touch sensor. There is more than one antenna area <NUM> in other example embodiments. In an example embodiment, the first conductive mesh <NUM> can be arranged in rows, as in <FIG>.

In <FIG>, the touch sensor device <NUM> has a number of rows x1, x2, x3, x4, that intersect with a number of columns y1, y2, y3, y4, y5, etc. (e.g., the columns that are defined by the second conductive mesh <NUM>, as in <FIG>, not shown here). Each row is a series of conductive mesh areas. Each mesh area is square shaped in this example. In <FIG>, adjacent conducive mesh areas in the series are connected by two conductive leads, for example first conductive lead <NUM> and second conductive lead <NUM> as labelled in <FIG>. More or fewer leads may be used in other example embodiments.

In the touch sensor device <NUM>, between each of the rows x1, x2, x3, x4 is a longitudinal region <NUM> that insulates a row from an adjacent row. Within each longitudinal region <NUM> is a longitudinal conductive mesh or strip. The longitudinal conductive mesh or strip has mesh interconnections that provide for optical (visual) uniformity with the rest of the mesh areas. The longitudinal conductive mesh is not used for any touch sensor function. The longitudinal conductive mesh is used for antenna function only, as described in greater detail herein below.

In example embodiments, not shown, a similar arrangement of transparent conductive mesh can be made for the second conductive mesh <NUM> (<FIG>), for example as columns as in <FIG>. The second conductive mesh <NUM> can have one or more antenna areas. In other example embodiments, the second conductive mesh <NUM> is used as a touch sensor only and does not have any antenna areas, and only the first conductive mesh <NUM> is used as an antenna.

<FIG> illustrates the antenna area <NUM> in greater detail. The antenna area <NUM> includes a plurality of sub areas, being sub area x2y1, sub area x2y2, sub area x3y1, sub area x3y2, and sub area x23y12. These sub areas collectively define a parasitic patch antenna, in which at least one of the sub areas is insulated from the other sub areas. Sub area x2y1, sub area x2y2, sub area x3y1, and sub area x3y2 are each transparent conductive mesh in a generally square shape, as shown.

In an example embodiment, sub area x23y12 is a longitudinal region that also includes therein a longitudinal conductive mesh or strip, for the purposes of optical (visual) uniformity with the corresponding insulating area <NUM> (<FIG>). Sub area x23y12 also provides insulation between sub areas. Sub area x23y12 can itself be used for antenna function.

In an example embodiment, one or more isolation areas <NUM> provide insulation between the antenna area <NUM> and the rest of the touch sensor device <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the one or more isolation areas <NUM> can include longitudinal conductive mesh or strip, for the purposes of optical (visual) uniformity.

In <FIG>, the sub area x2y1 and the sub area x2y2 are connected in series, for example using first conductive lead <NUM> and second conductive lead <NUM>, as shown. The sub area x3y1 and the sub area x3y2 are connected in series, for example using first conductive lead <NUM> and second conductive lead <NUM>, as shown. More or fewer conductive leads are used in other example embodiments, typically fewer than the number of interconnections within the mesh of the sub areas. Rows of the sub areas are insulated from each other. In an example embodiment, for operation as a parasitic patch antenna, the antenna controller <NUM> is conductively connected to the sub area x23y12 and not to sub area x2y1 or sub area x2y1.

In another example embodiment, not shown, all of the sub-areas of the antenna area <NUM> are conductively connected, defining a non-parasitic patch antenna or a microstrip patch antenna.

<FIG> illustrates an example method <NUM> for operating one of the electromagnetically conductive elements of the touch screen, in accordance with an example embodiment. The method <NUM> is performed by the processor <NUM>, in an example embodiment. At step <NUM>, the processor <NUM> instructs or controls the touch sensor controller <NUM> to operate the electromagnetically conductive element as the touch sensor, for the touch sensor function. At step <NUM>, the processor <NUM> instructs or controls the antenna controller <NUM> to operate the electromagnetically conductive element as the antenna, for the antenna function. The touch sensor function and the antenna function do not operate at the same time. The processor <NUM> includes a software module that performs a switch function <NUM> to switch operation of the electromagnetically conductive element between the touch sensor function and the antenna function. In other example embodiments, aspects of the method <NUM> can be executed by any one of the touch sensor controller <NUM>, the antenna controller <NUM>, or another controller.

In an example, the processor <NUM> executes the switch function <NUM> by causing only one of the touch sensor controller <NUM> and the antenna controller <NUM> to use the electromagnetically conductive element as the touch sensor or the antenna. If the electromagnetically conductive element is already in touch sensor mode, and the switch function <NUM> determines that the electromagnetically conductive element should be in touch sensor mode, then the processor <NUM> maintains the electromagnetically conductive element as being operated in touch sensor mode. Similarly, if the electromagnetically conductive element is already in antenna mode, and the switch function <NUM> determines that the electromagnetically conductive element should be in antenna mode, then the processor <NUM> maintains the electromagnetically conductive element as being operated in antenna mode.

In an example, the processor <NUM> executes the switch function <NUM> by controlling a switch <NUM>, a hub, a router, a relay, a controllable bus, a multiplexer (MUX), etc., in order to switch the conductive connection between the electromagnetically conductive element and one of the touch sensor controller <NUM> or the antenna controller <NUM>.

Examples of the switch function <NUM> will now be described. In one example embodiment, the antenna function has a specified duty cycle for each electromagnetically conductive element, and the touch sensor function is used when the antenna function is off cycle. In another example embodiment, the switch function <NUM> is based on a whitelisted application that is running on the wireless communication device <NUM>. For example, the antenna function may be more suitable for a calling or videoconferencing application, a video application, or a file transfer, because these applications can require more wireless communication data, and the switch function <NUM> therefore switches to the antenna function for these applications. The touch sensor function may be more suitable for a touch screen based video game, drawing application, etc., and the switch function <NUM> therefore can switch to the touch sensor function for these applications. As well, some applications may only require a part of the screen for touch sensor function, such as some applications that display a virtual keyboard that is not on a same location on the touch screen as the electromagnetically conductive element used as an antenna. A database, list or table of applications, such as a whitelist or a blacklist, can be stored in the memory <NUM> (<FIG>) to be referenced by the processor <NUM> to decide to perform the switch function <NUM>, in an example embodiment.

In another example embodiment, when wireless functions are turned off on the wireless device, such as manually turned off or when on an airplane, the switch function <NUM> can switch to the touch sensor function.

Referring still to the switch function <NUM>, in example embodiments where there are two layers of conductive material, being the x row layer and the y column layer, one of the layers can be used to detect the touch event while the other layer has an antenna area that is being used as an antenna. In response to detecting the touch event in one layer at the same alignment as the antenna area of the other layer, the antenna function in the antenna area of the other layer is switched off, and the touch sensor function for that antenna area of the other layer is switched on, to provide better touch position accuracy. Any remaining antenna areas of the other layer can be activated, or remain activated if already activated, for antenna function in such a case.

Referring still to the switch function <NUM>, in example embodiments where there is more than one antenna area in the conductive material, the duty cycle for operating as the antenna may include sequential activation/operation of each antenna area. A touch position may be detected in one antenna area when off cycle, and the duty cycle may skip that one antenna area for a specified time period after touch events are no longer detected in that one antenna area.

In an example embodiment, the switch function <NUM> is based on determining an amount of wireless traffic that is being transmitted or received. For example, if the amount of wireless traffic exceeds a threshold, the switch function <NUM> can then activate operation of the antenna function for a relatively longer duration from a normal duty cycle, and activate the touch sensor function for a relatively shorter duration, and vice versa.

In an example embodiment, the switch function <NUM> is based on determining a number or frequency of touch events being detected. For example, if the number or frequency of touch events exceeds a threshold (e.g. number of touch events per second or minute), for each duty cycle, the switch function <NUM> can activate the touch sensor function for a relatively longer duration from a normal duty cycle and activate the antenna function for a relatively shorter duration, and vice versa.

In an example embodiment, the switch function <NUM> is based on predetermined or specified criteria. In an example embodiment, the switch function <NUM> is also used to maintain activation of the antenna function or the touch sensor function when the particular electromagnetically conductive element is already in that state. In an example embodiment, the switch function <NUM> is used to turn on the antenna function or the touch sensor function from an off state of the wireless communication device <NUM>, such as from a sleep state, a standby state, or a powered off state. In an example embodiment, the switch function <NUM> is used to turn off both the antenna function and the touch sensor function.

Referring again to <FIG>, the example wireless communication device <NUM> will now be described in greater detail. The wireless communication device <NUM> can be configured for cellular or mobile communication, in an example embodiment. The wireless communication device <NUM> is a two-way communication device having at least data and possibly also voice communication capabilities, and the capability to communicate with other computer systems, for example, via Local Area Networks (LANs), wireless wide area networks (WWANs) and the Internet.

The wireless communication device <NUM> includes a case that can be rigid or flexible. The wireless communication device <NUM> includes a controller including at least one processor <NUM> (such as a microprocessor) that controls the overall operation of the wireless communication device <NUM>. The processor <NUM> interacts with the communication subsystem <NUM> for exchanging radio frequency signals to perform communication functions. The display screen <NUM> can be, for example, a light emitting diode (LED) screen or a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen. The processor <NUM> interacts with additional device subsystems including input devices <NUM> such as a keyboard and control buttons, memory <NUM>, speaker <NUM>, microphone <NUM>, short-range communication subsystem <NUM>, and other device subsystems. The communication subsystem <NUM> can also be configured for wired communication (not shown).

Signals wirelessly received by the antenna elements <NUM> are input to the receiver <NUM>, which may perform such receiver functions as signal amplification, signal combining, frequency down conversion, filtering, channel selection, etc., as well as analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion, as would be understood in the art. A/D conversion of a received signal allows more complex communication functions such as demodulation and decoding to be performed in the DSP <NUM>. In a similar manner, signals to be transmitted are processed, including modulation and encoding, for example, by the DSP <NUM>. These DSP-processed signals are input to the transmitter <NUM> for digital-to-analog (D/A) conversion, frequency up conversion, filtering, amplification, and transmission via the antennas <NUM>. The DSP <NUM> not only processes communication signals, but may also provide for receiver and transmitter control. For example, the gains applied to communication signals in the receiver <NUM> and the transmitter <NUM> may be adaptively controlled through automatic gain control algorithms implemented in the DSP <NUM>.

The receiver <NUM>, through control by the DSP <NUM>, may be used to independently activate each antenna element 218a, 218b,. The transmitter <NUM>, through control by the DSP <NUM>, may be used to independently activate each antenna element 220a, 220b,. Reference to activating for example includes using an individual antenna element <NUM> to detect electromagnetic radiation, typically by way of activating associated switches or amplifiers, or similar components.

The short-range communication subsystem <NUM> is an additional optional component that provides for communication between the wireless communication device <NUM> and different systems or devices. For example, the short-range communication subsystem <NUM> may include a Bluetooth (TM) communication module to provide for communication with similarly-enabled systems and devices. The short-range communication subsystem <NUM> uses the communication subsystem <NUM> and the associated antenna elements <NUM>, <NUM> in some example embodiments.

A number of applications that control basic device operations, including data and possibly voice communication applications, will normally be installed on the wireless communication device <NUM> during or after manufacture. Additional applications or upgrades to the operating system or software applications may also be loaded onto the wireless communication device <NUM>. For data communication, a received data signal such as a text message, an email message, or Web page download will be processed by the communication subsystem <NUM> and input to the processor <NUM> for further processing. A user of the wireless communication device <NUM> may also compose data items, such as email messages, for example, using the input devices in conjunction with the display screen <NUM>. These composed items may be transmitted through the communication subsystem <NUM> over the wireless network. The wireless communication device <NUM> can also provide telephony functions and operates as a typical mobile phone. Received signals are output to the speaker <NUM> and signals for transmission are generated by a transducer such as the microphone <NUM>. The telephony functions are provided by a combination of software/firmware (e.g., a voice communication module) and hardware (e.g., the microphone <NUM>, the speaker <NUM> and input devices).

In an example embodiment, the wireless communication device <NUM> is a personal basic service set (PBSS) control point (PCP), an access point (AP) or a station (STA) in a network compliant with one or more of the IEEE <NUM> standards, as understood in the art.

In an example embodiment, at least one of the modules of the wireless communication device <NUM> is implemented by an electronic component. The electronic components may be provided as a semiconductor circuit, for example forming part or all of an integrated circuit package. The electronic components may be provided as different semiconductor circuits, chip packagings, circuit boards or processors. The circuitry may be digital circuitry or analog circuitry. In other embodiments, the circuitry is reconfigurable and reprogrammable via a control interface or user interface.

Example embodiments of the wireless communication device <NUM> includes mobile phones, tablets, computers, vehicle dashboards, Global Positioning Systems (GPS), and Point-Of-Sale (POS) terminals.

Various example embodiments can be applied to signal transmission, signal receiving, and signal processing in millimeter wave (mmWave) wireless communication systems. Some example embodiments are applicable to signal transmission, signal receiving, and signal processing in Wi-Fi (TM) communication systems, as specified in the IEEE <NUM> series of standards. It will be readily appreciated that example embodiments may be applied to other wireless communication systems, as well as other communication environments.

Some example embodiments are applied for signal processing in single channel systems, multiple channel systems, beamforming, multiple channel systems, Multiple-Input-Multiple-Output (MIMO) systems, massive MIMO systems, multiple channel systems, or multicarrier systems. Some example embodiments may be used to operate in wireless systems, including <NUM> and <NUM>, and could be used with higher generation systems including <NUM>.

An example embodiment is a method of manufacture of any of the described touch sensor devices. The method includes etching a conductive material onto a transparent substrate, the conductive material having an electromagnetically conductive element. The transparent substrate is formed of insulating material (dielectric material) that insulates the layers of conductive material. The method includes providing, e.g., by etching, one or more conductive leads from the conductive material to the touch sensor controller <NUM> and to the antenna controller <NUM>. This allows the electromagnetically conductive element of the conductive material to be used as both a touch sensor and an antenna. The method includes layering one or more transparent dielectric layers onto the conductive material, for operation as a capacitive touch sensor.

In the described example embodiments, reference to "layer" does not necessarily mean a flat plane. In some examples, "layer" can include multiple layers.

The example embodiments described above may be implemented by using hardware only or by using software and a necessary universal hardware platform. Based on such understandings, the technical solution of some example embodiments may be embodied in the form of a software product. The software product may be stored in a non-volatile or non-transitory storage medium, which can be a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), USB flash disk, or a removable hard disk. The software product includes a number of instructions that enable a computer device (personal computer, server, or network device) to execute the methods provided in the example embodiments. The software product may additionally include a number of instructions that enable a computer device to execute operations for configuring or programming a digital logic apparatus in accordance with example embodiments.

Example apparatuses and methods described herein, in accordance with example embodiments, can be implemented by one or more controllers. The controllers can comprise hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software, depending on the particular application, component or function. In some example embodiments, the one or more controllers can include analog or digital components, and can include one or more processors, one or more non-transitory storage mediums such as memory storing instructions executable by the one or more processors, one or more transceivers (or separate transmitters and receivers), one or more signal processors (at least one of analog and digital), and one or more analog circuit components.

In the described methods or block diagrams, the boxes may represent at least one of events, steps, functions, processes, modules, messages, and state-based operations, etc. Although some of the above examples have been described as occurring in a particular order, it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that some of the steps or processes may be performed in a different order provided that the result of the changed order of any given step will not prevent or impair the occurrence of subsequent steps. Furthermore, some of the messages or steps described above may be removed or combined in other embodiments, and some of the messages or steps described above may be separated into a number of sub-messages or sub-steps in other embodiments. Even further, some or all of the steps may be repeated, as necessary. Elements described as methods or steps similarly apply to systems or subcomponents, and vice-versa. Reference to such words as "sending" or "receiving" could be interchanged depending on the perspective of the particular device.

Claim 1:
A touch sensor device, comprising:
a layer of conductive material that includes a plurality of electromagnetically conductive elements;
a touch sensor controller (<NUM>) configured to operate the plurality of electromagnetically conductive elements as a touch sensor; and
an antenna controller (<NUM>) configured to operate the plurality of electromagnetically conductive elements as an antenna;
characterized in that the plurality of electromagnetically conductive elements are separated by an insulating material to operate as a parasitic patch antenna by the antenna controller.