PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-10739924-B2
Application Number: US-201916417414-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: Fabric sensing device

Abstract:
A touch-sensitive textile device that is configured to detect the occurrence of a touch, the location of a touch, and/or the force of a touch on the touch-sensitive textile device. In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive textile device includes a first set of conductive threads oriented along a first direction, and a second set of conductive threads interwoven with the first set of conductive threads and oriented along a second direction. The device may also include a sensing circuit that is operatively coupled to the first and second set of conductive threads. The sensing circuit may be configured to apply a drive signal to the first and second set of conductive threads. The sensing circuit may also be configured to detect a touch or near touch based on a variation in an electrical measurement using the first or second set of conductive threads.

Claims:
We claim: 
     
       1. A touch-sensitive fabric, comprising:
 a first set of conductive threads; 
 a second set of conductive threads overlapping the first set of conductive threads; 
 an insulating spacer thread intertwined with the first and second sets of conductive threads; and 
 circuitry coupled to the first and second sets of conductive threads, wherein the circuitry detects a touch on the touch-sensitive fabric by detecting a change in capacitance across the first and second sets of conductive threads. 
 
     
     
       2. The touch-sensitive fabric defined in  claim 1 , wherein the first and second sets of conductive threads are oriented in a first direction and the thread is oriented in a second direction. 
     
     
       3. The touch-sensitive fabric defined in  claim 2 , wherein the insulating spacer thread forms at least part of a spacer structure that separates the first and second sets of conductive threads. 
     
     
       4. The touch-sensitive fabric defined in  claim 1 , wherein the circuitry applies a drive signal to the first set of conductive threads. 
     
     
       5. The touch-sensitive fabric defined in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a first set of insulating threads interwoven with the first set of conductive threads; and 
 a second set of insulating threads interwoven with the second set of conductive threads. 
 
     
     
       6. The touch-sensitive fabric defined in  claim 5 , wherein the second set of insulating threads overlaps the first set of insulating threads. 
     
     
       7. The touch-sensitive fabric defined in  claim 1 , wherein the circuitry determines a location of the touch based on the change in capacitance across the first and second sets of conductive threads. 
     
     
       8. The touch-sensitive fabric defined in  claim 1 , wherein the circuitry detects a force of the touch based on a deflection of the touch-sensitive fabric. 
     
     
       9. The touch-sensitive fabric defined in  claim 1 , wherein the first set of conductive threads comprises conductive threads with an electrically insulating coating. 
     
     
       10. The touch-sensitive fabric defined in  claim 1 , wherein the first set of conductive threads comprises conductive threads formed from a nonconductive material coated with a conductive material. 
     
     
       11. A touch sensor, comprising:
 a first set of conductive threads; 
 a second set of conductive threads interwoven with the first set of conductive threads, wherein the second set of conductive threads overlaps the first set of conductive threads to form sensing nodes; 
 non-conductive threads interwoven with the first and second sets of conductive threads; and 
 circuitry coupled to the first and second sets of conductive threads, wherein the circuitry applies a drive signal to the first set of conductive threads and senses a change in capacitance on the second set of conductive threads. 
 
     
     
       12. The touch sensor defined in  claim 11 , wherein the circuitry detects a touch gesture. 
     
     
       13. The touch sensor defined in  claim 11 , wherein the non-conductive threads include a first set of non-conductive threads that are parallel to the first set of conductive threads and a second set of non-conductive threads that are parallel to the second set of conductive threads. 
     
     
       14. The touch sensor defined in  claim 11 , wherein the change in capacitance is a change in capacitance between a first conductive thread in the first set of conductive threads and a second conductive thread in the second set of conductive threads. 
     
     
       15. The touch sensor defined in  claim 14 , wherein the second conductive thread is in a group of adjacent conductive threads that form a conductive strip region and the change in capacitance is measured with the conductive strip region. 
     
     
       16. A touch-sensitive device, comprising:
 a first layer formed from a first set of conductive threads interwoven with a first set of non-conductive threads, wherein the first set of conductive threads comprises conductive threads formed from a nonconductive material coated with a conductive material; 
 a second layer formed from a second set of conductive threads interwoven with a second set of non-conductive threads; and 
 circuitry that detects changes in capacitance between the first set of conductive threads and the second set of conductive threads. 
 
     
     
       17. The touch-sensitive device defined in  claim 16 , wherein the first layer is separated from the second layer by a distance and wherein the circuitry detects a change in the distance. 
     
     
       18. The touch-sensitive device defined in  claim 16 , wherein the first set of conductive threads are oriented in a first direction and the second set of conductive threads are oriented in a second direction that is different from the first direction in a touch-sensitive region of the touch-sensitive device. 
     
     
       19. The touch-sensitive device defined in  claim 18 , wherein the first and second sets of conductive threads are oriented in the first direction in a region of the touch-sensitive device that is different from the touch-sensitive region. 
     
     
       20. The touch-sensitive device defined in  claim 19 , further comprising:
 a shielding layer that increases electrical isolation between the first set of conductive threads and the second set of conductive threads.

Description:
This application is a continuation of patent application Ser. No. 15/514,452, filed Mar. 24, 2017, which is a national stage application, filed under 35 U.S.C. § 371, of international patent application No. PCT/US2015/050420, filed Sep. 16, 2015 which claims the benefit of provisional patent application No. 62/058,027, filed Sep. 30, 2014, all of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The following disclosure generally relates to touch-sensitive devices and, more specifically, a textile-based touch-sensitive device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Traditional electronic devices may include a variety of input devices, including buttons, keys, mice, trackballs, joysticks, and the like. Some traditional electronic devices may include a touch panel or touch screen that is configured to receive a touch input from a user. However, many traditional input devices and touch sensors are formed using rigid materials and/or a rigid substrate sheet and, therefore, may be limited to certain term factors. Therefore, it may be advantageous that input devices be formed from flexible materials that may be more easily adapted for use in a variety of applications. 
     SUMMARY 
     Some example embodiments are directed to a touch-sensitive textile device that is configured to detect changes in capacitive coupling with an object touching the textile. In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive textile device includes a first set of conductive threads oriented along a first direction, and a second set of conductive threads interwoven with the first set of conductive threads and oriented along a second direction. The device may also include a sensing circuit that is operatively coupled to the first and second set of conductive threads. The sensing circuit may be configured to apply a drive signal to the first and second set of conductive threads to produce a charge on each of the first and second set of conductive threads. The sensing circuit may also be configured to detect a variation in charge or on any one of the first and second set of conductive threads. In some embodiments, the sensing circuit is configured to detect a variation in the capacitive coupling due to an object touching or nearly touching the touch-sensitive textile device. The sensing circuit may be configured to detect a touch or near touch on the first or second set of conductive threads based on the variation in charge. The sensing circuit may also be configured to determine a location of the touch based on the variation in charge. 
     In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive textile device includes a woven textile component comprising: the first and second set of conductive threads, and a set of nonconductive threads interwoven with the first and second set of conductive threads. In some embodiments, a group nonconductive threads are oriented along the first direction forming a nonconductive strip region. The first set of conductive threads may include a group conductive threads forming a conductive strip region that is adjacent to the nonconductive strip region. In some embodiments, nonconductive strip regions and conductive strip regions are arranged in an alternating pattern in both the first and second directions. 
     Some example embodiments are directed to a touch-sensitive textile device that is configured to detect changes in resistance or impedance due to an object touching the textile. In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive textile device includes a first set of conductive threads oriented along a first direction, and a second set of conductive threads interwoven with the first set of conductive threads and oriented along a second direction. The device may also include a sensing circuit that is operatively coupled to the first and second set of conductive threads. The sensing circuit may be configured to apply a drive signal to the first and second set of conductive threads. The sensing circuit may also be configured to detect a variation in resistance between any one of the first set of conductive threads and any one of the second set of conductive threads. In some embodiments, the sensing circuit may be configured to sense a touch on the first or second set of conductive threads based on the variation in resistance. In some embodiments, the sensing circuit may be further configured to determine a location of the touch based on the variation in resistance. 
     Some example embodiments are directed to a touch-sensitive textile device that is configured to detect changes in resistance or impedance between two textile layers due to an object touching the textile. In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive textile device includes a first set of conductive threads disposed in a first textile layer, and a second set of conductive threads disposed in a second textile layer. The touch-sensitive textile may also include a spacer structure separating the first and second textile layers. The spacer structure may be configured to deflect in response to a touch on the first or second textile layer. In some embodiments, the spacer structure is a monofilament yarn interwoven between the first and second textile layers. 
     The device may also include a sensing circuit that is operatively coupled to the first and second set of conductive threads. The sensing circuit may be configured to apply a drive signal to the first and second set of conductive threads. The sensing circuit may also be configured to detect a variation in resistance between any one of the first set of conductive threads and any one of the second set of conductive threads. In some embodiments, the sensing circuit may be configured to sense a touch on the first or second textile layers based on the variation in resistance. In some embodiments, the sensing circuit may be further configured to determine a location of the touch based on the variation in resistance. 
     Some example embodiments are directed to a touch-sensitive textile device that is configured to detect the force of a touch based on changes in capacitance between two textile layers. In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive textile device includes a first set of conductive threads disposed in a first textile layer, and a second set of conductive threads disposed in a second textile layer. The touch-sensitive textile may also include a spacer structure separating the first and second textile layers. The spacer structure may be configured to deflect in response to a touch on the first or second textile layer. In some embodiments, the spacer structure is a monofilament yarn interwoven between the first and second textile layers. 
     The device may also include a sensing circuit that is operatively coupled to the first and second set of conductive threads. The sensing circuit may be configured to apply a drive signal to the first and second set of conductive threads. The sensing circuit may also be configured to detect a variation in capacitance between any one of the first set of conductive threads and any one of the second set of conductive threads. In some embodiments, the sensing circuit may be configured to detect the fore of touch on the first or second textile layers based on the variation in capacitance. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  depicts an example system of devices including a touch-sensitive textile device. 
         FIGS. 2A-B  depict an example self-capacitive touch-sensitive textile device in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 3A-B  depict an example resistive touch-sensitive textile device in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 4A-B  depict an example two-layer resistive touch-sensitive textile device in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 5A-B  depict an example two-layer capacitive touch-sensitive textile device in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIGS. 6A-B  depict an example conductive thread configuration for a touch-sensitive textile device in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 7  depicts an example process for operating a touch-sensitive textile device in accordance with some embodiments. 
         FIG. 8  depicts an example schematic diagram of a touch-sensitive textile system in accordance with some embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments described herein are generally directed to touch-sensitive textiles that may be used to receive touch input on a variety of consumer products. In particular, the devices and techniques described herein may be applied to a variety of textile materials that may be incorporated into consumer electronic products, articles of clothing, clothing accessories, handbags, upholstered items, household textiles, and other items that may include a textile component or element. The following disclosure is directed to techniques for creating touch-sensitive textiles for receiving a variety of user touch input. 
     In general, it may be advantageous to implement touch-sensitive functionality using a broad range of materials that can be integrated into a number of flexible and versatile form factors. In some implementations, a touch-sensitive textile may be incorporated into a consumer electronic product, including for example, a wearable electronic device. For example, the touch-sensitive textile may be incorporated into a portion of the band or lanyard that is used to secure the device to the body of a user. A touch-sensitive textile may also be incorporated into an article of clothing such as a shirt, jacket, glove, or other textile-based garment. For example, a touch-sensitive textile may be incorporated into a sleeve, pocket, or other portion of a garment that is readily accessible to the use. In some embodiments, a touch-sensitive textile may be incorporated into an accessory, including, for example, a purse, wallet, handbag, backpack, and or other accessory having including textile element. A touch-sensitive textile may also be incorporated into an item that is not worn, including, for example, a cloth, rug, tapestry, upholstery, or other fabric-based article or component. 
     The touch-sensitive textile may be incorporated or integrated with other electronic components or electronic circuitry to form a touch-sensitive textile device. In some implementations, a touch-sensitive textile device may be configured to recognize a touch gesture or gestures on a surface of the textile. The touch gesture(s) may include a sweep or movement of the user&#39;s finger across the surface of the textile that may be interpreted as a command or other user input. In some implementations, the touch-sensitive textile device may be configured to detect and measure the force of a touch on the textile, which may be used to interpret additional user inputs and/or commands. The touch-sensitive textile device may also be incorporated into or configured to interface with an electronic device to provide user input to programs or instructions being executed on the electronic device. 
     In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive textile may include a capacitive touch sensor that is configured to detect and estimate a location of a touch or near touch on the surface of the textile. In some implementations, the touch-sensitive textile include two sets of conductive threads that are oriented transverse to each other within a textile material. The conductive threads may be operatively coupled to a sensing circuit that is configured to produce and monitor an electrical charge on each of the conductive threads in the touch-sensitive textile. When an object, such as the user&#39;s finger, comes close to the conductive threads, the electrical charge may be dissipated or discharged, which may be detected by the sensing circuit. By determining which conductive threads have been discharged, the sensing circuit (or other processing unit) may be used to estimate the location of the touch on the textile material. 
     In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive textile may include a resistive touch sensor that is configured to text and estimate the location of a touch on the surface of the textile. In some implementations the touch-sensitive textile includes two sets of conductive threads that are interwoven within the textile, each set generally oriented transverse to the other. A touch, such as a finger, may contact the surface a thread from each set of conductive threads, which may reduce or change the resistance or impedance between the two threads. The reduced resistance or impedance caused by the touch may be detected by a sensing circuit that is configured to monitor and detect resistance and/or impedance between pairs of conductive threads. Additionally, by determining which threads are associated with the change in resistance or impedance, the sensing circuit (or other processing unit) may be used to estimate the location of the touch on the surface of the textile material. 
     In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive textile may include a two-layer touch sensor separated by a spacer, such as a monofilament yarn. Each layer of the textile may include a set of conductive threads. The spacer layer may compress or deform in response to a touch on the textile, which, in some cases, causes conductive threads from each of the layers to come into contact with each other. The contact between the conductive threads may cause a change in the electrical resistance or impedance between the layers, which may be detected by a sensing circuit. As in the previous examples, by determining which threads are associated with the change in resistance or impedance, a sensing circuit (or other processing unit) may be used to estimate the location of the touch on the textile material. 
     In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive textile may include a two-layer capacitive force sensor with each layer including a set of conductive threads, the two layers separated by a compressible spacer, such as a monofilament yarn. When a force is applied to the surface of the textile, the two layers may be forced closer together resulting in a change in capacitance between pair of conductive threads in the two layers. In some implementations, the capacitance between pairs of conductive threads in the two layers may be monitored by a sensing circuit, which may be adapted to estimate a force on the textile based on the change in capacitance. 
     One or more of the sensing configurations described above may be integrated with a touch-sensitive textile device or component that is configured to produce a touch output that can be interpreted as a command or other user input to an electronic device or system. In some implementations, the touch-sensitive textile device or component is used to receive user input for one or more of a variety of different electronic devices. By way of example and not limitation, a touch-sensitive textile device or component can be used to provide user input to a mobile telephone, a portable media player, a wearable electronic device, a tablet computing device, a notebook computing device, a desktop computing device, a television, an electronic appliance, or other electronic device or system. 
       FIG. 1  depicts an example system of devices including a touch-sensitive textile device  100 . In particular,  FIG. 1  depicts a touch-sensitive textile device that is incorporated into an article of clothing that can be worn by a user. In the example depicted in  FIG. 1 , the touch-sensitive textile device is incorporated into the sleeve of a garment. However, as described previously, in other examples, the touch-sensitive textile device may be incorporated into a bracelet, a wrist band, arm band, scarf, or other wearable item. In addition, the touch-sensitive textile device may be incorporated into a variety of other articles that are not worn by the user including, for example, a cloth, rug, tapestry, upholstery, purse, backpack, lanyard, or other fabric-based article or component. 
     In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive textile device  100  may be configured to work with a variety of electronic devices. In the example depicted in  FIG. 1  a touch-sensitive textile device  100  may be configured to provide user input to a mobile electronic device  110  and/or a computing device  120 . In the present example, the mobile electronic device  110  is a mobile telephone. In some embodiments, the mobile electronic device  110  may include a portable media player, wearable electronic device, or other mobile device. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the computing device  120  a notebook computer system. In some embodiments, the computing device  120  may include a desktop computer system, a server computing system, remote computer system connected by a communications network, or other computing device. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the touch-sensitive textile device  100  may be configured to relay a user&#39;s touch on the touch-sensitive textile device  100  to the mobile electronic device  110  and/or the computing device  120  where it may be interpreted as a command or user input. For example, a touch gesture or other type of touch command may be performed by touching the surface of the touch-sensitive textile device  100 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . In this example, the user performs the touch input by contacting the portion of the sleeve that is touch sensitive using a finger or other detectable object. The gesture or touch command performed on the touch-sensitive textile device  100  may be translated into a command or acknowledgement that is communicated to the mobile electronic device  110  and/or the computing device  120 . 
     In one example, the mobile electronic device  110  may produce an alert output that includes an audio, haptic, and/or visual output. Because the mobile electronic device  110  is located in the user&#39;s pants pocket, the mobile electronic device  110  may not be immediately accessible to the user. To acknowledge the receipt of the alert output, the user may perform a touch-based gesture or other touch input on the surface of the touch-sensitive textile device  100 . The touch-sensitive textile device  100  may then produce an output that is communicated to the mobile electronic device  110  indicating that the user has received and acknowledged the alert. In response to the acknowledgement, the mobile electronic device  110  may perform additional actions and/or conclude or silence the alert output. 
     In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive textile device  100  may be used to provide a command to the mobile device  110  and/or the computing device  120 . For example, the user may perform a gesture that corresponds to a command to initiate a communication using the mobile device  110  and/or the computing device  120 . In some cases, the user command may include instructions to initiate an e-mail, SMS, or other communication using a predetermined message that corresponds to the gesture entered on the surface of the touch-sensitive textile device  100 . When the user enters the touch gesture on the touch-sensitive textile device  100 , a communication may be sent to the mobile device  110  and/or the computing device  120  initiating the communication. 
     In some embodiments, the user command may include instructions to enter a do-not-disturb mode, which silences alerts from either the mobile device  110  or the computing device  120 . The user command may also include instructions to enter or invoke a secure mode that requires a pass code or other authentication to perform certain functionality on either the mobile device  110  or the computing device  120 . More generally, a touch on the touch-sensitive textile device  100  may be used to invoke a variety of user commands that may be performed and/or interpreted by the mobile device  110 , the computing device  120 , or any other electronic device in communication with the touch-sensitive textile device  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive textile device  100  may be used to control a program or operation being performed on the mobile electronic device  100  or the computing device  120 . For example, the touch-sensitive textile device  100  may be used to control the volume of an audio output for either the mobile electronic device  100  or the computing device  120 . The touch-sensitive textile device  100  may also be used to select the next track or index a media item to a next item during a media playback. In the present example the mobile electronic device  100  is placed in the pants pocket of the user and may not be immediately accessible to the user. However, because the touch-sensitive textile device  100  is incorporated into the sleeve of the user&#39;s garment, touch-based user control may always be within immediate reach of the user. 
     As discussed briefly above, the touch-sensitive textile device may include a variety of sensing techniques for detecting a touch and/or the force of a touch on the surface of the textile.  FIGS. 2A-B  through  5 A-B depict example sensing techniques that can be used to detect and interpret a touch input on the surface of a textile. While the following examples are provided with respect to a woven-type of cloth textile, similar principles may be applied to textiles having a different composition, including, for example, knit textiles, lace textiles, mesh textiles, and so on. 
       FIGS. 2A-B  depict an example self-capacitive touch-sensitive textile in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG. 2A  depicts a top view of a textile  200  and  FIG. 2B  depicts an example cross-sectional view taken across section  2 B- 2 B. A simplified detail view of the conductive textile  200  is depicted in  FIGS. 2A-B  for clarity. In some embodiments, the textile  200  may include other elements or components (e.g., stitching, fasteners, embroidery) that is not expressly depicted in the figures. The textile  200  may also be operatively connected to one or more sensing circuits, as described in more detail below with respect to  FIG. 8 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2A , the textile  200  include a first set of conductive threads  202  that are generally oriented along a first (horizontal) direction. The textile  200  also includes a second set of conductive threads  204  that are generally oriented along a second (vertical) direction that is transverse to the first direction. In the present embodiment, the first set of conductive threads  202  and the second set of conductive threads  204  are substantially perpendicular or orthogonal to each other. However, in other embodiments, the two sets of conductive threads may be oriented at another non-orthogonal angle with respect to each other. The textile  200  also includes a set of nonconductive threads  206  that is also generally oriented along the first (horizontal) direction and another set of nonconductive threads  208  that is generally oriented along a second (vertical) direction. 
     In the examples depicted in  FIGS. 2A-B , the first set of conductive threads  202  may be interwoven with the second set of conductive threads  204  to form a woven structure.  FIGS. 2A-B  depict a simple woven structure with the first set of conductive threads  202  forming the warp (or weft) threads and the second set of conductive threads  204  forming the weft (or warp) threads of the woven structure. The woven configuration depicted in  FIGS. 2A-B  is an illustrative example and other woven patterns may be used. 
     The conductive threads ( 202 ,  204 ) may be formed using a variety of electrically conductive materials. In some embodiments, the conductive threads are formed form an electrically conductive metallic material, including, for example, a stainless steel yarn, an iron fiber yarn, copper yarn, silver yarn, and the like. In some embodiments, the conductive threads are formed from a nonconductive material that is coated or plated with a conductive material. For example, the conductive threads may be formed from a natural or synthetic fiber that is coated with a metallic conductive material, including, for example, a silver material, nickel material, gold material, and the like. The nonconductive portion or core of the conductive thread may include synthetic materials, including a nylon material, an aramid fiber, an acrylic fiber, a polyester fiber, and so on. Natural materials include, for example, cotton, wool, flax, silk, and so on. In the present example, the conductive threads  202 ,  204  may include an electrically insulating coating or, alternatively may include an electrically conductive material along at least a portion of the exterior surface of the thread. 
     In some embodiments, the conductive threads  202 ,  204  are operatively connected to circuitry that is configured to drive the conductive threads with an electrical signal and also sense electrical properties of the conductive threads to determine the occurrence and/or location of a touch on the surface of the textile  200 . An example sensing circuit is described in more detail below with respect to  FIG. 8 . In some embodiments, a drive signal is applied to both the first set of conductive threads  202  and the second set of conductive threads  204 . In some implementations, the drive signal produces an electrical charge on both the first and second set of conductive threads  202 ,  204 . The drive signal may include, an electrical pulse, series of electrical pulses, and/or an alternating current that is delivered to the conductive threads  202 ,  204 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2B , a touch may be detected by the sensing circuit when the charge is dissipated or discharged by the presence of an object (e.g., the user&#39;s finger) touching or nearly touching the surface of the textile  200 . In some embodiments, the object, for instance, the user&#39;s finger, is electrically conductive and connected to a ground or effective current sink. The presence of the object may capacitively couple to one or more conductive threads that are located proximate to the touch (or near touch) of the object resulting in a net change in the charge that is held on the respective threads. The change in charge may be detected by the sensing circuit and used to identify the occurrence of a touch. In some cases, the capacitive coupling between the conductive threads and the object may be referred to as a self-capacitive sensing configuration. 
     In some embodiments, the location of the touch may also be determined by monitoring the capacitive coupling between the object (e.g., the user&#39;s finger) and the conductive threads of the textile. For example, the sensing circuit may be configured to selectively measure or sense the electrical properties of each conductive thread of the first set of conductive threads  202 . The thread or threads that are determined to be capacitively coupled to an object touching (or nearly touching) the textile  200  may be used to determine a first coordinate of the location of the touch. In the example depicted in  FIG. 2A , the first set of conductive threads  202  may be used to determine a vertical or y-coordinate of the location of the touch. Similarly, by measuring or sensing the electrical properties of each conductive thread of the second set of conductive threads  204 , a second coordinate may be determined. In this example, the second set of conductive threads  204  may be used to determine a horizontal or x-coordinate of the location of the touch on the textile  200 . 
     Each of the conductive threads may be selectively measured or sensed using a time-multiplexing scheme where each of the threads are sensed at different times. Other multiplexing schemes, including, for example, wavelength multiplexing, frequency multiplexing, and the like can also be used. A modulation scheme, such as amplitude modulation, may also be used to distinguish between the measurement of the different conductive threads. Additionally or alternatively, each conductive thread may have a dedicated portion of a sensing circuit that is configured to detect changes in one or more electrical properties of the thread. 
     In the present example, a finger is depicted as an example object touching or nearly touching the surface of the textile  200 . In other embodiments, another object, such as a stylus, probe, wand, or the like may be used to capacitively couple with the conductive threads of the textile  200 . Additionally, the textile  200  may be configured to detect the occurrence of multiple touches and/or multiple types of objects on the surface of the textile  200 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2A-B , the first and second sets of conductive threads  202 ,  204  are arranged into groups of adjacent threads to form multiple conductive strip regions in the textile  200 . Similarly, groups of adjacent nonconductive threads form nonconductive strip regions in the textile  200 . In the present example, the conductive strip regions and nonconductive strip regions are adjacent to each other and are arranged in an alternating pattern. That is, groups of conductive threads of the first set of conductive threads  202  form conductive strip regions that are oriented along the first (horizontal) direction in an alternating fashion with groups of nonconductive threads  206  forming nonconductive strips oriented along the same direction and alternating with the conductive strips. Similarly, the second set of conductive threads  204  are arranged in to groups to form conductive strip regions that are oriented along the second (vertical) direction in an alternating fashion with groups of nonconductive threads  208  forming nonconductive strips oriented along the same direction and alternating with the conductive strips. 
     In some embodiments, the adjacent conductive threads that are arranged in a group are treated as a single conductor for purposes of detection the occurrence and location of a touch on the textile  400 . For example, in some implementations, the collective charge is monitored on a group of conductive threads to detect capacitive coupling with an object touching or nearly touching a respective region of the textile  400 . By combining the effect on multiple threads arranged in a group, the signal to noise ratio of the sensor may be improved. As a tradeoff, the location sensing resolution of the textile  200  may be reduced. However, depending on the thread density of the textile  200 , the reduction in resolution may not be noticeable for most practical sensing operations. 
       FIGS. 3A-B  depict an example resistive touch-sensitive textile in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG. 3A  depicts a top view of a textile  300  and  FIG. 2B  depicts an example cross-sectional view taken across section  3 B- 3 B. A simplified detail view of the conductive textile  300  is depicted in  FIGS. 3A-B  for clarity. As described with respect to the previous example, the textile  300  may include other elements or components (e.g., stitching, fasteners, embroidery) that is not expressly depicted in the figures. The textile  300  may also be operatively connected to one or more sensing circuits, as described in more detail below with respect to  FIG. 8 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3A , the textile  300  include a first set of conductive threads  302  that are generally oriented along a first (horizontal) direction. The textile  300  also includes a second set of conductive threads  304  that are generally oriented along a second (vertical) direction that is transverse to the first direction. In the present embodiment, the first set of conductive threads  302  and the second set of conductive threads  304  are substantially perpendicular or orthogonal to each other. However, in other embodiments, the two sets of conductive threads may be oriented at another non-orthogonal angle with respect to each other. The textile  300  also includes a set of nonconductive threads that is also generally oriented along the first (horizontal) direction and another set of nonconductive threads  308  that is generally oriented along a second (vertical) direction. 
     In the examples depicted in  FIGS. 3A-B , the first set of conductive threads  302  may be interwoven with the second set of conductive threads  304  to form a woven structure.  FIGS. 3A-B  depict a simple woven structure with the first set of conductive threads  302  forming the warp (or weft) threads and the second set of conductive threads  304  forming the weft (or warp) threads of the woven structure. In the present embodiment, the conductive threads  302 ,  304  are woven over multiple threads to produce a course or elongated stitch. The elongated stich may expose a longer continuous section of a conductive thread  302 ,  304  that may be contacted by an object, such as a finger. This may improve or enhance the sensing capabilities of the textile  300 , as discussed in more detail below. The woven configuration depicted in  FIGS. 3A-B  is an illustrative example and other woven patterns may be used. 
     The conductive threads ( 302 ,  304 ) may be formed using a variety of electrically conductive materials. As explained above with respect to  FIGS. 2A-B , the conductive threads may be formed from an electrically conductive material or from a natural or synthetic non-conductive material that is coated or plated with a conductive material. For example, the conductive threads may be formed from a natural or synthetic fiber that is coated with a metallic conductive material, including, for example, a silver material, nickel material, gold material, and the like. In the present example, at least a portion of the exterior surface of the thread may be electrically conductive. This may facilitate electrical connection with an object touching the textile. 
     In some embodiments, the conductive threads  302 ,  304  are operatively connected to circuitry that is configured to drive the conductive threads with an electrical signal and also sense electrical properties of the conductive threads to determine the occurrence and/or location of a touch on the surface of the textile  300 . An example sensing circuit is described in more detail below with respect to  FIG. 8 . In some embodiments, a drive signal is applied to either the first set of conductive threads  302  or the second set of conductive threads  304 . In some implementations, the drive signal produces a voltage or electrical potential on one or more of the first (or second) set of conductive threads. The drive signal may include a direct current voltage, a voltage pulse, series of voltage pulses, and/or an alternating voltage that is delivered to the conductive threads  302 ,  304 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3B , a touch may be detected by the sensing circuit when the resistance or impedance between two conductive threads  302 ,  304  is modified by the presence of an object (e.g., the user&#39;s finger) touching the two conductive threads  302 ,  304  of the textile  300 . In some embodiments, the object, for instance, the user&#39;s finger, is electrically conductive and electrically couples the two conductive threads  302 ,  304 . In some embodiments, the two conductive threads  302 ,  304  have at least a portion of the exterior surface formed from a conductive material, and thus, when the threads come into contact with an object, such as the user&#39;s finger, an electrical current or signal may pass between the threads. In some instances, a single touch on the textile  300  may result in the electrical connection of more than one pair of conductive threads. Thus, in some embodiments, a sensing circuit may be configured to detect the occurrence of a touch on the textile  300  by monitoring changes in resistance or impedance between pairs of conductive threads. 
     In some embodiments, the woven pattern may enhance or improve the touch sensing capabilities of the textile  300 . For example, as depicted in  FIGS. 3A-B , each conductive thread may be woven over multiple nonconductive threads to form an elongated stitch or continuous exposed section of thread. In some cases, this may improve the electrical contact between an object and the conductive thread resulting in a resistance or impedance measurement that is more reliable or consistent. Additionally, as shown in  FIGS. 3A-B , the conductive threads  302 ,  304  are separated by multiple nonconductive threads  306 ,  308 , which may reduce incidental electrical coupling between the conductive threads  302 ,  304 , which may also improve the consistency and/or reliability of the sensing properties of the textile  300 . 
     In some embodiments, the location of the touch may also be determined by monitoring the resistance or impedance between one or more pairs of conductive threads of the textile  300 . For example, the sensing circuit may be configured to selectively measure or sense the electrical properties between each conductive thread of the first set of conductive threads  302  and one or more conductive thread of the second set of conductive threads  304 . Thread pairs that are electrically coupled (due to the touch of an object) may be used to determine the coordinates of the location of the touch. In the example depicted in  FIG. 3B , a conductive thread  302  of the first set of conductive threads is electrically coupled to a conductive thread  304  of the second set of conductive threads by the touching object (e.g., the user&#39;s finger). If the location of the first  302  and second  304  electrical threads that are electrically connected is known, then the location of the touch can be estimated. As mentioned previously, more than one pair of conductive threads may be connected by a single touch. In some cases, the location of the touch is estimated based on a centroid or an approximated center of the multiple pairs of threads that are electrically connected. 
     Similar to as discussed in the example above, the electrical properties (including the resistance or impedance) of each pair of conductive threads may be selectively measured or sensed using a time-multiplexing scheme where the resistance or impedance between each pair of threads is sensed at different times. If a time varying voltage signal is use to drive the treads, other multiplexing schemes, including, for example, wavelength multiplexing, frequency multiplexing, and the like can also be used. A modulation scheme, such as amplitude modulation, may also be used to distinguish between the measurement of the different conductive threads. Additionally or alternatively, each conductive thread may have a dedicated portion of a sensing circuit that is configured to detect changes in one or more electrical properties of the thread. 
     In the present example, a finger is depicted as an example object touching or nearly touching the surface of the textile  300 . However, as previously discussed, another object, such as a conductive stylus, probe, wand, or the like may be used to electrically couple or connect pairs of conductive threads of the textile  300 . Additionally, the textile  300  may be configured to detect the occurrence of multiple touches and/or multiple types of objects on the surface of the textile  300 . 
       FIGS. 4A-B  depict an example two-layer resistive touch-sensitive textile in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in  FIGS. 4A-B , a textile  400  is formed from two textile layers: an upper textile layer  410  and a lower textile layer  420 . In this example, a spacer structure, including a monofilament yarn  402  maintains a gap between the two textile layers. In the present example, the monofilament yarn  402  is interwoven with both the upper textile layer  410  and the lower textile layer  420 . As shown in  FIG. 4B , the monofilament yarn  402  (example spacer structure) is configured to deflect and compress in response to a touch on the upper textile layer  410 . The monofilament yarn  402  may also deflect or compress in response to a touch on the lower textile layer  420  (not shown). 
     As shown in  FIG. 4A , a first set of conductive threads  406  may be oriented along a first direction and may be incorporated with the first textile layer  410 . In some embodiments, the first set of conductive threads  406  is interwoven with other threads of the upper textile layer  410 . In some embodiments, the first set of conductive threads  406  is attached to a surface of the upper textile layer  410 . In some embodiments, the first set of conductive threads  406  is disposed within the gap in a location that is biased away from the lower textile layer  420 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4A , a second set of conductive threads  404  may be oriented along a second direction that is transverse to the first direction of the first set of conductive threads  406 . The second set of conductive threads  404  may be interwoven with other threads of fibers of the lower textile layer  420 . In some embodiment, the second set of conductive threads  404  are attached to a surface of the lower textile layer  420 . In some embodiments, the second set of conductive threads  404  is disposed within the gap in a location that is biased away from the upper textile layer  410 . 
     The conductive threads ( 406 ,  404 ) may be formed using a variety of electrically conductive materials. As explained above with respect to  FIGS. 2A-B , the conductive threads may be formed from an electrically conductive material or from a natural or synthetic non-conductive material that is coated or plated with a conductive material. For example, the conductive threads may be formed from a natural or synthetic fiber that is coated with a metallic conductive material, including, for example, a silver material, nickel material, gold material, and the like. In the present example, at least a portion of the exterior surface of the thread may be electrically conductive. This may facilitate electrical connection between conductive threads when the textile is compressed by the touch of an object. 
     In some embodiments, the first and second sets of conductive threads  406 ,  404  are operatively connected to circuitry that is configured to drive the conductive threads with an electrical signal and also sense electrical properties of the conductive threads to determine the occurrence and/or location of a touch on the surface of the textile  400 . An example sensing circuit is described in more detail below with respect to  FIG. 8 . In some embodiments, a drive signal is applied to either the first set of conductive threads  406  or the second set of conductive threads  404 . In some implementations, the drive signal produces a voltage or electrical potential on one or more of the first (or second) set of conductive threads. The drive signal may include a direct current voltage, a voltage pulse, series of voltage pulses, and/or an alternating voltage that is delivered to the conductive threads  406 ,  404 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4B , a touch on one (or both) of the textile layers  410 ,  420  may cause the monofilament yarn  402  to collapse bringing the first and second conductive threads  406 ,  404  in contact with each other. In some embodiments, a touch may be detected by the sensing circuit when the resistance or impedance between two conductive threads  406 ,  404  is modified due to contact between the two conductive threads  406 ,  404 . In some embodiments, the two conductive threads  406 ,  404  have at least a portion of the exterior surface formed from a conductive material, and thus, when the threads come into contact with each other, an electrical current or signal may pass between the threads. In some instances, a single touch on the textile  400  may result in the electrical connection of more than one pair of conductive threads. Thus, in some embodiments, a sensing circuit may be configured to detect the occurrence of a touch on the textile  400  by monitoring changes in resistance or impedance between pairs of conductive threads. 
     In some embodiments, the location of the touch may also be determined by monitoring the resistance or impedance between one or more pairs of conductive threads of the textile  400 . For example, the sensing circuit may be configured to selectively measure or sense the electrical properties between each conductive thread of the first set of conductive threads  406  and one or more conductive thread of the second set of conductive threads  404 . Thread pairs that are electrically coupled (due to the touch of an object) may be used to determine the coordinates of the location of the touch. In the example depicted in  FIG. 4B , a conductive thread  406  of the first set of conductive threads is electrically coupled to a conductive thread  404  of the second set of conductive threads. If the location of the first  406  and second  404  electrical threads within the textile is known, then the location of the touch can be estimated. As mentioned previously, more than one pair of conductive threads may be connected by a single touch. In some cases, the location of the touch is estimated based on a centroid or an approximated center of the multiple pairs of threads that are electrically connected. 
     Similar to as discussed in the example above, the electrical properties (including the resistance or impedance) of each pair of conductive threads may be selective) measured or sensed using a time-multiplexing scheme where the resistance or impedance between each pair of threads is sensed at different times. If a time varying voltage signal is use to drive the treads, other multiplexing schemes, including, for example, wavelength multiplexing, frequency multiplexing, and the like can also be used. A modulation scheme, such as amplitude modulation, may also be used to distinguish between the measurement of the different conductive threads. Additionally or alternatively, each conductive thread may have a dedicated portion of a sensing circuit that is configured to detect changes in one or more electrical properties of the thread. 
     In the present example, a finger is depicted as an example object touching or nearly touching the surface of the textile  400 . However, any other object, such as a stylus, probe, wand, or the like may be used to deflect the upper (or lower) textile layer to register a touch using the textile  400 . 
       FIGS. 5A-B  depict an example two-layer capacitive touch-sensitive textile in accordance with some embodiments. As shown in  FIGS. 5A-B , a textile  500  is formed from two textile layers: an upper textile layer  510  and a lower textile layer  530 . In this example, a spacer structure, including a monofilament yarn  520  maintains a gap between the two textile layers. In the present example, the monofilament yarn  520  is interwoven with both the upper textile layer  510  and the lower textile layer  530 . As shown in  FIG. 5B , the monofilament yarn  520  (example spacer structure) is configured to deflect and/or compress in response to a touch on the upper textile layer  510 . The monofilament yarn  520  may also deflect or compress in response to a touch on the lower textile layer  530  (not shown). 
     As shown in  FIG. 5A , a first set of conductive threads  502  may be oriented along a first direction and may be incorporated with the first textile layer  510 . In some embodiments, the first set of conductive threads  502  is interwoven with other threads of the upper textile layer  510 . In some embodiments, the first set of conductive threads  502  is attached to a surface of the upper textile layer  510 . In some embodiments, the first set of conductive threads  502  is disposed within the gap in a location that is biased away from the lower textile layer  530 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5A , a second set of conductive threads  504  may be oriented along a second direction that is transverse to the first direction of the first set of conductive threads  502 . The second set of conductive threads  504  may be interwoven with other threads of fibers of the lower textile layer  530 . In some embodiment, the second set of conductive threads  504  are attached to a surface of the lower textile layer  530 . In some embodiments, the second set of conductive threads  504  is disposed within the gap in a location that is biased away from the upper textile layer  510 . 
     The conductive threads ( 302 ,  304 ) may be formed using a variety of electrically conductive materials. As explained above with respect to  FIGS. 2A-B , the conductive threads may be formed from an electrically conductive material or from a natural or synthetic non-conductive material that is coated or plated with a conductive material. For example, the conductive threads may be formed from a natural or synthetic fiber that is coated with a metallic conductive material, including, for example, a silver material, nickel material, gold material, and the like. In the present example, the conductive threads  202 ,  204  may include an electrically insulating coating or, alternatively may include an electrically conductive material along at least a portion of the exterior surface of the thread. 
     In some embodiments, the first and second sets of conductive threads  502 ,  504  are operatively connected to circuitry that is configured to drive the conductive threads with an electrical signal and also sense electrical properties of the conductive threads to determine the magnitude and/or location of a force on the surface of the textile  500 . An example sensing circuit is described in more detail below with respect to  FIG. 8 . In some embodiments, a drive signal is applied to the first set of conductive threads  502  and/or the second set of conductive threads  504 . In some implementations, the drive signal produces an electrical charge on one or more of the first (or second) set of conductive threads. The drive signal may include an electrical pulse, series of electrical pulses, and/or an alternating current/voltage that is delivered to the conductive threads  502 ,  504 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5B , the force of a touch on one (or both) of the textile layers  510 ,  530  may cause the monofilament yarn  520  to collapse. As a result of the touch, the distance between the upper textile layer  510  and the lower textile layer  530  is reduced from distance “A” as shown in  FIG. 5A  to distance “B” shown in.  FIG. 5B . The change in the distance between the upper textile layer  510  and the lower textile layer  530  may be detected by a sensing circuit that is configure to monitor the capacitance between one or more threads of the first set of conductive threads  502  (associated with the upper textile layer  510 ) and one or more threads of the second set of conductive threads  504  (associated with the lower textile layer  530 ). 
     In some embodiments, the distance that the monofilament yarn  520  (example spacer structure) is compressed corresponds to the force of the touch. Thus, by determining the relative deflection of the two textile layers  510 ,  530  using, for example, a capacitive measurement, the force of the touch can be estimated. In some embodiments, the monofilament yarn  520  (example spacer structure) has an approximately linear response for at least some degree of compression. Thus, in some cases, a deflection that is measured by a capacitive change between one or more conductive threads  502 ,  504  may be directly proportional to the force of the touch on the textile  500 . In some embodiments, the monofilament yarn  520  (example spacer structure) has a known, non-linear response to a compressive force. The non-linear response may be approximated by a function that may be obtained from empirical data. Thus, in some cases, a capacitive change between one or more conductive threads  502 ,  504  may be related to the force of the touch on the textile  500  by the non-linear function. 
     In some embodiments, the touch on the upper textile layer  510  may also alter or affect the capacitive coupling between one or more conductive threads  502 ,  504 . In some cases, the presence of an object, such as the user&#39;s finger, on or near the textile  500  will result in a change in the capacitance between the conductive threads  502 ,  504  due to capacitive properties of the object. In some cases, the capacitive coupling between the conductive threads  502 ,  504  and the object touching (or nearly touching) the textile  500  can be used to determine the occurrence of a touch (or near touch), even if the two textile layers  510 ,  530  are not deflected or compressed, as described above. In some cases, the effects of capacitive coupling with the object are estimated or compensated for when computing the force measurement using the deflection or compression between the textile layers. In some embodiments, one or both of the textile layers includes a shield or shielding layer that reduces the capacitive coupling between the conductive threads and the object touching the textile  500 . 
     In some embodiments, the location of the touch may also be determined by monitoring the capacitance between one or more pairs of conductive threads of the textile  500 . For example, the sensing circuit may be configured to selectively measure or sense the electrical properties between each conductive thread of the first set of conductive threads  502  and one or more conductive thread of the second set of conductive threads  504 . Thread pairs having a change in capacitive coupling (due to the touch of an object) may be used to determine the coordinates of the location of the touch. In the example depicted in  FIG. 5B , a conductive thread  502  of the first set of conductive threads may be capacitively coupled to a conductive thread  504  of the second set of conductive threads, which may change as a result of a touch or a force applied to the textile  500 . If the location of the first  502  and second  504  electrical threads within the textile is known, then the location of the touch can be estimated. In some cases, more than one pair of conductive threads may affected a single touch. Thus, in some cases, the location of the touch is estimated based on a centroid or an approximated center of the multiple pairs of threads having a modified capacitance due to a touch or force. 
     Similar to as discussed in the example above, the electrical properties (including the capacitance) of each pair of conductive threads may be selectively measured or sensed using a time-multiplexing scheme where the capacitance between each pair of threads is sensed at different times. Other multiplexing schemes, including, for example, wavelength multiplexing, frequency multiplexing, and the like can also be used. A modulation scheme, such as amplitude modulation, may also be used to distinguish between the measurement of the different conductive threads. Additionally or alternatively, each conductive thread may have a dedicated portion of a sensing circuit that is configured to detect changes in one or more electrical properties of the thread. 
     In the present example, a finger is depicted as an example object touching or nearly touching the surface of the textile  500 . However, any other object, such as a stylus, probe, wand, or the like may be used to deflect the upper (or lower) textile layer to register a touch using the textile  500 . 
     For each of the embodiments described above with respect to  FIGS. 2A-B  through  5 A-B, the conductive threads may be used to detect the touch or force of a touch on the textile. Additionally, the conductive threads may be used a conduit or conductor for transmitting electrical signals to and away from the touch-sensitive portion of the textile. In some cases, the textile may be configured to reduce noise or cross-talk between the conductive threads that are being used as conduits for the electrical signals. 
       FIGS. 6A-B  depict an example conductive thread configuration for a touch-sensitive textile device in accordance with some embodiments.  FIG. 6A  depicts a flat pattern of a textile  600  and  FIG. 6B  depicts a folded or bent version of the textile  600 . In the present example, the textile  600  may form part of a wristband or strap having a touch sensitive region connected to other circuitry or components by conductive threads. The embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 6A-B  may be used to minimize or reduce cross talk or noise caused by having two sets of conducive threads integrated into the textile. As described below, a first set of conductive threads  602  may be electrically isolated from a second set of conductive threads  604  by folding the first set of conductive threads  602  under a portion of the textile  600 . 
       FIG. 6B  depicts an example flat pattern of a textile  600  having two sets of conductive threads  602 ,  604  used to form a touch-sensitive region toward the right-hand end of the textile  600 . The touch-sensitive region may correspond to one or more of the touch-sensitive textile embodiments described above with respect to  FIG. 2A-B  through  5 A-B. In this example, the conductive threads  603 ,  604  are also used to carry electrical signals to and from the touch-sensitive region. As shown in  FIG. 6A , the second set of conductive threads  604  are disposed in a middle portion of the textile  600 . The first set of conductive threads  602  are disposed in edge portions of the flattened textile  600 . 
     As indicated in  FIG. 6A , the flat textile  600  may be bent along bend lines  610   a  and  610   b  for form the folded version depicted in  FIG. 6B . As shown in  FIG. 6B , the first set of conductive lines  602  are folded under a portion of the textile  600 , which may reduce the profile or size of the textile  600  without significantly increasing the cross talk or interference between the first and second sets of conductive threads  602 ,  604 . In some embodiments, a shield component  620  is disposed between the middle portion of the textile  600  and the edge portions that are folded under the middle portion. The shield component  620  may increase the electrical isolation between the first and second sets of conductive threads  602 ,  604  and further reduce the cross talk and/or electrical interference between the two. 
     In the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 6A-B , the first and second conductive threads  602 ,  604  may be formed from continuous conductive threads that are interwoven into the material of the textile  600 . As shown in  FIG. 6A , the continuous conductive threads of the first set of conductive threads  602  may be woven to produce an approximately 90 degree bend near the right-hand end of the textile  600 . In some cases, the bend in the first set of conductive threads  602  is formed into the weave of the textile  600 . 
       FIGS. 6A-B  depict one example embodiment. However, in alternative embodiments, the textile may be formed in a variety of different ways. For example, the first set of conductive lines may be folded under the second set of conductive lines on a single flap of material. By way of further example, a portion of the first set of conductive lines may be folded over the second set of conductive lines and another portion of the first set of conductive lines may be folded under the second set of conductive lines. A shield layer or component may be disposed between each flap of the textile that is folded over and under the second set of conductive lines. 
       FIG. 7  depicts an example process  700  for operating a touch-sensitive textile device in accordance with some embodiments. Example process  700  may be used to operate one or more of the example touch-sensitive textiles described above with respect to  FIGS. 2A-B  through  5 A-B. While the particular sensing principle and the electrical measurements may vary depending on the touch-sensitive textile, the operations of process  700  outlined below may apply universally. 
     In operation  702 , a drive signal is applied to the touch-sensitive textile. As described above with respect to the embodiments of  FIGS. 2A-B  through  5 A-B above, a touch-sensitive textile may include one or more sets of conductive threads that are operatively connected to circuitry. In some embodiments, the circuitry is configured to drive the conductive threads with an electrical signal. The response to the signal may be used to sense the occurrence, location, and or force of a touch on the textile. An example sensing circuit is described in more detail below with respect to  FIG. 8 . With respect to operation  702 , the drive signal may include a direct current signal or portion of a signal that is applied to one or more of the conductive threads of the textile. In some embodiments, the drive signal includes an electrical pulse, series of pulses, and/or alternating electrical signal that is applied to one or more of the conductive threads of the textile. In particular, the case of a resistive-based touch-sensitive textile, the drive signal may include a characteristic voltage or electrical potential. Examples of resistive-based touch-sensitive textiles are provided above with respect to  FIGS. 3A-B  and  4 A-B. In the case of a capacitive-based touch-sensitive textile, the drive signal may include an electrical signal that has a time varying current and/or voltage component. Examples of capacitive-based touch-sensitive textiles are provided above with respect to  FIGS. 2A-B  and  5 A-B. 
     In operation  704 , an untouched state is detected. In particular, an electrical measurement or series of electrical measurements may be taken while a touch-sensitive textile is not being touched. Sensor measurements performed during the untouched state may represent the quiescent or steady-state condition of the touch-sensitive textile. In some cases, the untouched state is detected by taking a series of measurements over a period of time to determine or confirm that the touch-sensitive textile is not being touched in accordance with a user input. In some cases, particularly if the textile is incorporated into a wearable garment, there may be some degree of incidental user contact due to the fact that the textile is located near or on the user&#39;s body. For purposes of operation  704 , incidental touches are not considered a touch input. 
     In some embodiments, operation  704  is performed at a regularly repeating interval. In some cases, if an untouched state is detected, no action is taken. In some cases, if an untouched state is detected, the sensor measurements are recorded or used to compute a baseline condition or conditions. In some instances, the sensor measurements taken during the untouched state may be used to compensate the sensor for effects due to changing temperature or other environmental conditions. 
     In operation  706 , a touched state is detected. In some embodiments, the touched state is detected due to a variation or deviation in the sensor measurements as compared to a baseline measurement or the measurements obtained with respect to operation  704 , discussed above. The particulars of the touch sensing may depend on the type of touch-sensitive textile that is used. For example, if the touch-sensitive textile is a resistive-based sensing configuration similar to the embodiments described above with respect to  FIGS. 3A-B  and  4 A-B, a change in the electrical resistance or impedance between one or more pairs of conductive threads may indicate a touched state. Similarly, if the touch-sensitive textile is a capacitive-based sensing configuration similar to the embodiments described above with respect to  FIGS. 2A-B  and  5 A-B, a change in the capacitance between one or more pairs of conductive threads may indicate a touched state. 
     In response to detecting a touched state, a touch input may be interpreted, relayed, and/or stored for use by another aspect of the system. For example, in accordance with detecting a touched state, the location of the touch may be determined and relayed to another aspect of the system. In some embodiments, the touch input provided to the touch-sensitive textile may be used to control a cursor or other element of a graphical user interface. In some implementation, the movement of the touch (if any) may be determined and used to interpret a gesture performed by the user. The gesture may be relayed and/or a command associated with the gesture may be relayed to another aspect of the system that may take further action based on the touch input. 
       FIG. 8  depicts an example schematic diagram of a touch-sensitive textile system  800  in accordance with some embodiments. In general,  FIG. 8  depicts a simplified version of a sensing system  800  that may be used to operate one or more of the touch-sensitive textiles described above with respect to  FIGS. 2A-B  through  5 A-B. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , a touch-sensitive textile  830  may include two sets of conductive threads. In this example, a first set of conductive threads  811  is oriented along a first (vertical) direction and a second set of conductive threads  812  is oriented along a second (horizontal) direction. The intersection of a pair of conductive threads may operate as a sensing node  801 . For example, in embodiments where a touch is detected by measuring a resistance between pairs of conductive threads, the intersection (or near intersection) of the threads may function as a sensing node  801 . Similarly, in embodiments where a touch is detected by measuring a change in capacitance between pairs of conductive threads or capacitive coupling of one or more conductive threads, the intersection of the threads may also function as a sensing node  801 . When an object touches a sensing node  801 , both the occurrence of the touch and the location of the touch may be determined. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , the first set of conductive threads  811  may be operatively coupled to a column selector  810  that is configured to selectively couple one or more of the conductive threads  811  with the sensing circuit  850 . Similarly, the second set of conductive threads  812  may be operatively coupled to a row selector  820  that is configured to selectively couple one or more of the conductive threads  812  with the sensing circuit  850 . In some embodiments, the column selector  810  and the row selector  820  may include a bank of switches that are configured to couple the conductive threads with the sensing circuit in accordance with a time-multiplexed sequence. Additionally or alternatively, the column selector  810  and the row selector  820  may include a wavelength or frequency division multiplexing unit that is used multiplex the signals from the conductive threads. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , the system  800  also includes a sensing circuit  850  that is operatively coupled to the conductive threads via the column selector  810  and the row selector  820 . The sensing circuit  850  includes one or more subsystems for generating a drive signal in accordance with the embodiments described above. In some embodiments, the sensing circuit  850  includes a voltage source for generating a direct current voltage signal. In some embodiments, the sensing circuit includes a voltage and/or current source for generating an electrical pulse, a series of electrical pulses, and/or an alternating electrical current/voltage to drive the conductive threads  811 ,  812  of the textile  830 . 
     The sensing circuit  850  may also include one or more subsystems for detecting a change in one or more aspects of the electrical response of the touch-sensitive textile  830 . As previously described, in some embodiments, the sensing circuit  850  may be configured to detect a change in resistance and/or impedance between one or more pairs of conductive threads. A change in resistance may be measured using a circuit that is configured to measure an electrical potential with respect to ground or another reference potential. Also, as previously described, in some embodiments, the sensing circuit  850  may be configured to detect a change in capacitance or change in capacitive coupling between pairs of conductive threads. A change in capacitance or capacitive coupling may be performed using, for example, a current integrator, charge amplifier, or other similar type of circuit. In some cases, the sensing circuit  850  is formed using one or more application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) components. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , the sensing circuit  850  may be operatively coupled to an input/output circuit  855  that is configured to communicate signals between the system  800  and other components of the device or other devices. In some implementations, the input/output circuit is configured to transmit a command or touch input information to other components of the device or to other devices to perform an action in response to a touch on the touch-sensitive textile  830 . In some embodiments, the input/output circuit includes a wireless communication circuit that is configured to transmit signals using a wireless communication interface. Generally, the wireless communication interface may include, without limitation, radio frequency, optical, acoustic, and/or magnetic signals and may be configured to operate over a wireless interface or protocol. Example wireless interfaces include, radio frequency cellular interfaces, fiber optic interfaces, acoustic interfaces, Bluetooth interfaces, infrared interfaces, USB interfaces, Wi-Fi interfaces, TCP/IP interfaces, network communications interfaces, or any conventional communication interfaces. 
     In accordance with an embodiment, a touch-sensitive textile device is provided that includes a first set of conductive threads oriented along a first direction, a second set of conductive threads interwoven with the first set of conductive threads and oriented along a second direction, and a sensing circuit operatively coupled to the first and second set of conductive threads, the sensing circuit is configured to apply a drive signal to the first and second set of conductive threads, and detect a variation in capacitive coupling on one of the first and second set of conductive threads in response to an object touching or nearly touching the touch-sensitive textile device. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, sensing circuit is configured to detect a touch or near touch on the touch-sensitive textile based on the variation in charge. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the sensing circuit is further configured to determine a location of the touch based on the variation in charge. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the touch-sensitive textile device includes a woven textile component including the first and second set of conductive threads, and a set of nonconductive threads interwoven with the first and second set of conductive threads. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the touch-sensitive textile device includes a group nonconductive threads oriented along the first direction forming a nonconductive strip region, and the first set of conductive threads includes a group conductive threads forming a conductive strip region that is adjacent to the nonconductive strip region. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the touch-sensitive textile device includes nonconductive strip regions formed from nonconductive threads, and conductive strip regions formed from the first and second sets of conductive threads, nonconductive strip regions and conductive strip regions are arranged in an alternating pattern in both the first and second directions. 
     In accordance with an embodiment, a touch-sensitive textile device is provided that includes a first set of conductive threads oriented along a first direction, a second set of conductive threads interwoven with the first set of conductive threads and oriented along a second direction, and a sensing circuit operatively coupled to the first and second set of conductive threads, the sensing circuit is configured to apply a drive signal to the first set of conductive threads, and detect a variation in resistance between any one of the first set of conductive threads and any one of the second set of conductive threads. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, sensing circuit is configured to sense a touch on the first or second set of conductive threads based on the variation in resistance. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the sensing circuit is further configured to determine a location of the touch based on the variation in resistance. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the touch-sensitive textile device includes a woven textile component including the first and second set of conductive threads, and a set of nonconductive threads interwoven with the first and second set of conductive threads. 
     In accordance with an embodiment, a touch-sensitive textile device is provided that includes a first set of conductive threads disposed in a first textile layer, a second set of conductive threads disposed in a second textile layer, a spacer structure separating the first and second textile layers, the spacer structure configured to deflect in response to a touch on the first or second textile layer, and a sensing circuit operatively coupled to the first and second set of conductive threads, the sensing circuit is configured to apply a drive signal to the first set of conductive threads, and detect a variation in resistance between any one of the first set of conductive threads and any one of the second set of conductive threads. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, sensing circuit is configured to sense a touch on the first or second textile layers based on the variation in resistance. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the sensing circuit is further configured to determine a location of the touch based on the variation in resistance. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the first textile layer is formed from a first set of nonconductive threads interwoven with the first set of conductive threads, and the second textile layer is formed from a second set of nonconductive threads interwoven with the second set of conductive threads. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the spacer structure is a monofilament yarn interwoven between the first and second textile layers. 
     In accordance with an embodiment, a touch-sensitive textile device is provided that includes a first set of conductive threads disposed in a first textile layer, a second set of conductive threads disposed in a second textile layer, a spacer structure separating the first and second textile layers, the spacer structure configured to deflect in response to a touch on the first or second textile layer, and a sensing circuit operatively coupled to the first and second set of conductive threads, the sensing circuit is configured to apply a drive signal to the first set of conductive threads, and detect a variation in capacitance between any one of the first set of conductive threads and any one of the second set of conductive threads due to a deflection in the spacer structure. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, sensing circuit is configured to sense a touch on the first or second textile layers based on the variation in capacitance. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the sensing circuit is further configured to determine a location of the touch based on the variation in capacitance. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the first textile layer is formed from a first set of nonconductive threads interwoven with the first set of conductive threads, and the second textile layer is formed from a second set of nonconductive threads interwoven with the second set of conductive threads. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the spacer structure is a monofilament yarn interwoven between the first and second textile layers. 
     While the present disclosure has been described with reference to various embodiments, it will be understood that these embodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the disclosure is not limited to them. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are possible. More generally, embodiments in accordance with the present disclosure have been described in the context of particular embodiments. Functionality may be separated or combined in procedures differently in various embodiments of the disclosure or described with different terminology. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope of the disclosure as defined in the claims that follow.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20190520
Publication Date: 20200811
Grant Date: 20200811
Priority Date: 20140930
Inventors: PODHAJNY, DANIEL A.
CREWS, KATHRYN P.
SUNSHINE, Daniel D.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "D03D15/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "D03D15/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "D03D15/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "D03D1/0088", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/044", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0416", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/041", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0446", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/04166", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0446", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0445", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/04166", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/044", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "D10B2401/18", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0445", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/045", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0488", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "D10B2403/021", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "D03D11/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "D03D7/00", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "D10B2401/16", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0443", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/045", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F2203/04102", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0443", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0443", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/044", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/045", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0416", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06F3/0445", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 54289066