WO2013186285A1 - Capacitive touch screen stylus - Google Patents

Capacitive touch screen stylus Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2013186285A1
WO2013186285A1 PCT/EP2013/062204 EP2013062204W WO2013186285A1 WO 2013186285 A1 WO2013186285 A1 WO 2013186285A1 EP 2013062204 W EP2013062204 W EP 2013062204W WO 2013186285 A1 WO2013186285 A1 WO 2013186285A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
stylus
nib
contact surface
longitudinal direction
extension
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2013/062204
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Gabrielle MOREHEAD
Carl HERMELIN
Jonathan AMM
Original Assignee
Niftynib Inventions Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from SE1250619A external-priority patent/SE1250619A1/en
Application filed by Niftynib Inventions Ltd. filed Critical Niftynib Inventions Ltd.
Publication of WO2013186285A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013186285A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
    • G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
    • G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
    • G06F3/03—Arrangements for converting the position or the displacement of a member into a coded form
    • G06F3/033—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor
    • G06F3/0354—Pointing devices displaced or positioned by the user, e.g. mice, trackballs, pens or joysticks; Accessories therefor with detection of 2D relative movements between the device, or an operating part thereof, and a plane or surface, e.g. 2D mice, trackballs, pens or pucks
    • G06F3/03545—Pens or stylus

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a stylus for capacitive touch screens. Especially, the invention relates to a stylus of the type according to the preamble of independent claim 1.
  • the stylus has an input portion comprising a centre conductor having a connection portion that is combined with a body of the stylus, the tip of the input portion being a transparent electrode plate defining a touch surface.
  • One object of the present invention is to provide a stylus which mitigates or solves the problems of prior art.
  • Another object of the invention is to provide an improved stylus to be used on a capacitive touch screen which can be used like an ordinary pen/pencil and with virtually no design restrictions for a holder part of a stylus pen according to the invention.
  • Still another object of the invention is to provide a stylus with exchangeable nibs, in one or both ends of a holder.
  • the present invention relates to a stylus for use on capacitive touch screens, the stylus having a holder part and a nib, the nib having an exposed conductive contact surface being conductively connected to the holder part, wherein the exposed conductive contact surface of the nib is rounded into a substantially partial cylinder form with a cylinder diameter (a) and an extension (b) in a longitudinal direction of the partial cylinder, wherein the cylinder diameter (a) is in the range of 0.5 to 4 millimetres and the extension (b) in the longitudinal direction is in the range of 2 to 8 millimetres.
  • Preferred embodiments of the above stylus are defined in the appended dependent claims.
  • the stylus according to the present invention does not have the same restrictions regarding the tilt angle in relation to a capacitive screen in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the exposed conductive surface of the nib as styluses according to the state of the art.
  • the usage characteristics of the stylus according to the invention can be further improved by arranging the nib so as to be able to rotate in relation to a holder part, as is claimed in the dependent claims.
  • Fig. la and lb schematically illustrates an exposed contact or connecting surface of a nib of the stylus according to the invention, in a side view and a frontal view, respectively,
  • Fig. 2a - 2e illustrates a number of embodiments of a nib according to the invention as schematic cross sectional views
  • FIG. 3a and 3b illustrates in views similar to Fig. la and lb, a further embodiment of the invention, respectively
  • Fig. 4a and 4b illustrates still another embodiment of the invention, in views similar to Fig. la and lb, respectively, and
  • Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a further aspect of the invention related to a connection between the nib and a holder.
  • the contact surface of the stylus according to the invention is made in such a way that an excellent contact is achieved irrespective of the tilt angle of the stylus at least in one plane being perpendicular to a touch screen surface.
  • Fig. la and lb the basic characterizing feature of the invention is illustrated, that is the exposed contact surface 1 of a stylus according to the invention.
  • Fig. la illustrates that the contact surface is rounded, i.e. corresponds substantially to the surface of a partial cylinder, the diameter of said cylinder being denoted a; and
  • Fig. lb illustrates the longitudinal extension of said surface perpendicular to the diameter direction being denoted b.
  • This exposed contact surface 1 is conductive, and it is conductively connected to a holder part of a stylus to be in skin contact with a user.
  • a sufficient surface area is obtained with a within a range of 0.5 to 4 millimetres (mms), preferably 1.5 to 4 mms, and b within a range of 2 to 8 mms.
  • the extension b in the longitudinal direction of the partial cylinder is within the range of 4 to 8 mms, and even more preferred within the range of 4 to 6 mms.
  • b should be at least 2 times a, preferable at least
  • the stylus can be used at almost any tilt angle in relation to the touch screen as long as the entire contact surface is in contact with the capacitive touch screen.
  • the rounded surface of the nib can be accomplished in different ways with different materials.
  • the material of the nib is transparent or translucent, or at least the exposed contact surface of the nib, which facilitates the use of the stylus.
  • Figs. 2a - 2e schematically illustrate different embodiments of the nib for use with the stylus according to the present invention.
  • the embodiments of Figs. 2a - 2d show nibs having a rounded contact surface, with a fiat shape with parallel side walls, a fiat shape with a substantially cylindrical front end, a wedge shape with a rounded front end surface, and a flat element bent at its free front end into a J-shape having an exposed contact surface according to the invention, respectively.
  • Fig. 2e illustrates an embodiment according to which a sheet like material is bent to form an exposed rounded contact surface according to the invention.
  • the nibs according to Figs. 2a - 2e can be made of a conductive material. However, the nibs can also be made of a non-conductive material which is coated completely or partially with a conductive coating or layer for suitable conductive function.
  • the nibs/coatings are preferably transparent or translucent at least in the vicinity of the exposed contact surface.
  • Figs. 3a and 3b illustrate a further embodiment in which the exposed contact surface is constituted by a conductive material 3.
  • This conductive material is conductive ly connected to a holder part of the stylus according to the invention, schematically illustrated at 4.
  • Figs. 4a and 4b illustrates a further embodiment according to which a nib 5 is made of a non- conductive material.
  • a conductive layer 7 is applied, e.g. a conductive foil.
  • Said conductive layer is also arranged on the sides 8 of the nib, to connect it to a holder part of a stylus according to the invention.
  • the form of the nib could be the same as any of the embodiments according to Figs. 2a-2e.
  • a stylus according to the invention can be made in one piece, but it is also possible to produce the stylus with a separate holder and exchangeable nibs. Besides making it possible to further improve the function of the stylus, it offers the opportunity to tailor-make holders, which can be personalized, and be made of optional materials, such as silver or gold, and with exchangeable nibs.
  • nibs at both ends preferably exchangeable nibs.
  • One of the nibs can then be a normal pen/pencil nib, while the other is a nib for use on a capacitive touch screen.
  • a preferred embodiment of a stylus according to the invention having exchangeable nibs is schematically illustrated in Fig. 5.
  • a nib 13 according to any of the above described embodiments is arranged to be attached to a mating part of a holder 14 for the stylus according to the invention.
  • the connection consists of a cylindrical pin 16 on one of the parts, and a cylindrical opening 17 on the other part. With this connection the nib is arranged to rotate in the holder, and this enables the nib to take the correct position in relation to the touch screen in whatever position the user puts it against the screen.
  • the two parts forming the stylus can be held together while the nib is still able to rotate in relation to the holder, by magnetic force, by arranging a snap coupling, or by other means known per se.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a stylus for use on capacitive touch screens, the stylus having a holder part and a nib, the nib having an exposed conductive contact surface being conductive ly connected to the holder part, wherein the exposed conductive contact surface (1) of the nib is rounded into a substantially partial cylinder form with a cylinder diameter (a) and an extension (b) in a longitudinal direction of the partial cylinder, wherein the cylinder diameter (a) is in the range of 0.5 to 4 millimetres and the extension (b) in the longitudinal direction is in the range of 2 to 8 millimetres.

Description

CAPACITIVE TOUCH SCREEN STYLUS
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a stylus for capacitive touch screens. Especially, the invention relates to a stylus of the type according to the preamble of independent claim 1.
Background of the Invention
Devices incorporating a capacitive touch screen for the entry of data or control by means of a stylus are well known. However, currently known styluses available on the market have inherent limitations making them a bit awkward to use before getting accustomed to the fact that they cannot be used as an ordinary pen/pencil.
One such example is disclosed in US Patent Application 2012/0026127, wherein the stylus has an input portion comprising a centre conductor having a connection portion that is combined with a body of the stylus, the tip of the input portion being a transparent electrode plate defining a touch surface.
Among other drawbacks in connection with this known design, there is a limitation of the tilt angle of the stylus, and outside a certain tilt angle the contact will be broken. This results in that using said stylus will be different from the normal use of a pen or pencil which can be tilted without any restrictions.
Summary of the Invention
One object of the present invention is to provide a stylus which mitigates or solves the problems of prior art.
Another object of the invention is to provide an improved stylus to be used on a capacitive touch screen which can be used like an ordinary pen/pencil and with virtually no design restrictions for a holder part of a stylus pen according to the invention.
Still another object of the invention is to provide a stylus with exchangeable nibs, in one or both ends of a holder. These and further objects are attained with the invention as defined in claim 1. That is, the present invention relates to a stylus for use on capacitive touch screens, the stylus having a holder part and a nib, the nib having an exposed conductive contact surface being conductively connected to the holder part, wherein the exposed conductive contact surface of the nib is rounded into a substantially partial cylinder form with a cylinder diameter (a) and an extension (b) in a longitudinal direction of the partial cylinder, wherein the cylinder diameter (a) is in the range of 0.5 to 4 millimetres and the extension (b) in the longitudinal direction is in the range of 2 to 8 millimetres. Preferred embodiments of the above stylus are defined in the appended dependent claims.
The stylus according to the present invention does not have the same restrictions regarding the tilt angle in relation to a capacitive screen in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal extension of the exposed conductive surface of the nib as styluses according to the state of the art.
The usage characteristics of the stylus according to the invention can be further improved by arranging the nib so as to be able to rotate in relation to a holder part, as is claimed in the dependent claims.
Further applications and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description.
Short description of drawings
The present invention will be described in more detail in the following description with reference to embodiments of the invention shown on the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. la and lb schematically illustrates an exposed contact or connecting surface of a nib of the stylus according to the invention, in a side view and a frontal view, respectively,
Fig. 2a - 2e illustrates a number of embodiments of a nib according to the invention as schematic cross sectional views,
Fig. 3a and 3b illustrates in views similar to Fig. la and lb, a further embodiment of the invention, respectively Fig. 4a and 4b illustrates still another embodiment of the invention, in views similar to Fig. la and lb, respectively, and
Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a further aspect of the invention related to a connection between the nib and a holder.
Detailed description of the Invention
The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying Figs, showing embodiments of the invention. However, the invention is defined by the characterizing features of claim 1 , and the embodiments described should only be regarded as illustrative, and not limitative.
The contact surface of the stylus according to the invention is made in such a way that an excellent contact is achieved irrespective of the tilt angle of the stylus at least in one plane being perpendicular to a touch screen surface.
In Fig. la and lb the basic characterizing feature of the invention is illustrated, that is the exposed contact surface 1 of a stylus according to the invention. Fig. la illustrates that the contact surface is rounded, i.e. corresponds substantially to the surface of a partial cylinder, the diameter of said cylinder being denoted a; and Fig. lb illustrates the longitudinal extension of said surface perpendicular to the diameter direction being denoted b.
This exposed contact surface 1 is conductive, and it is conductively connected to a holder part of a stylus to be in skin contact with a user. Depending on the characteristics of said surface, which will be discussed further in the following description, a sufficient surface area is obtained with a within a range of 0.5 to 4 millimetres (mms), preferably 1.5 to 4 mms, and b within a range of 2 to 8 mms. Preferably the extension b in the longitudinal direction of the partial cylinder is within the range of 4 to 8 mms, and even more preferred within the range of 4 to 6 mms. According to an embodiment of the invention b should be at least 2 times a, preferable at least
3 times a, and even more preferred at least 4 times a. With a stylus comprising the features according to the present invention, the stylus can be used at almost any tilt angle in relation to the touch screen as long as the entire contact surface is in contact with the capacitive touch screen. The rounded surface of the nib can be accomplished in different ways with different materials. Preferably the material of the nib is transparent or translucent, or at least the exposed contact surface of the nib, which facilitates the use of the stylus. By having a material which is flexible or soft or making the exposed contact surface flexible or soft, a small misalignment of the nib when applying it to the touch screen will automatically be corrected, and the risk for screen damages caused by the stylus is also minimized.
Figs. 2a - 2e schematically illustrate different embodiments of the nib for use with the stylus according to the present invention. The embodiments of Figs. 2a - 2d show nibs having a rounded contact surface, with a fiat shape with parallel side walls, a fiat shape with a substantially cylindrical front end, a wedge shape with a rounded front end surface, and a flat element bent at its free front end into a J-shape having an exposed contact surface according to the invention, respectively.
Fig. 2e illustrates an embodiment according to which a sheet like material is bent to form an exposed rounded contact surface according to the invention.
The nibs according to Figs. 2a - 2e can be made of a conductive material. However, the nibs can also be made of a non-conductive material which is coated completely or partially with a conductive coating or layer for suitable conductive function. The nibs/coatings are preferably transparent or translucent at least in the vicinity of the exposed contact surface.
Figs. 3a and 3b illustrate a further embodiment in which the exposed contact surface is constituted by a conductive material 3. This conductive material is conductive ly connected to a holder part of the stylus according to the invention, schematically illustrated at 4.
Figs. 4a and 4b illustrates a further embodiment according to which a nib 5 is made of a non- conductive material. On the exposed contact surface 6, a conductive layer 7 is applied, e.g. a conductive foil. Said conductive layer is also arranged on the sides 8 of the nib, to connect it to a holder part of a stylus according to the invention.
In the embodiments according to Figs. 3a, 3b and 4a, 4b, the form of the nib could be the same as any of the embodiments according to Figs. 2a-2e.
A stylus according to the invention can be made in one piece, but it is also possible to produce the stylus with a separate holder and exchangeable nibs. Besides making it possible to further improve the function of the stylus, it offers the opportunity to tailor-make holders, which can be personalized, and be made of optional materials, such as silver or gold, and with exchangeable nibs.
Within this concept there is also the possibility to provide a holder for the stylus according to the invention having nibs at both ends, preferably exchangeable nibs. One of the nibs can then be a normal pen/pencil nib, while the other is a nib for use on a capacitive touch screen.
A preferred embodiment of a stylus according to the invention having exchangeable nibs is schematically illustrated in Fig. 5. A nib 13 according to any of the above described embodiments is arranged to be attached to a mating part of a holder 14 for the stylus according to the invention. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connection consists of a cylindrical pin 16 on one of the parts, and a cylindrical opening 17 on the other part. With this connection the nib is arranged to rotate in the holder, and this enables the nib to take the correct position in relation to the touch screen in whatever position the user puts it against the screen.
The two parts forming the stylus can be held together while the nib is still able to rotate in relation to the holder, by magnetic force, by arranging a snap coupling, or by other means known per se. Finally, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, but also relates to and incorporates all embodiments within the scope of the appended independent claims.

Claims

Claims
1. A stylus for use on capacitive touch screens, the stylus having a holder part and a nib, the nib having an exposed conductive contact surface being conductively connected to the holder part, the stylus being characterized in that the exposed conductive contact surface (1) of the nib is rounded into a substantially partial cylinder form with a cylinder diameter (a) and an extension (b) in a longitudinal direction of the partial cylinder, wherein the cylinder diameter (a) is in the range of 0.5 to 4 millimetres and the extension (b) in the longitudinal direction is in the range of 2 to 8 millimetres.
2. The stylus according to claim 1, wherein the extension (b) in the longitudinal direction is in the range of 4 to 8 millimetres.
3. The stylus according to claim 2, wherein the extension (b) in the longitudinal direction is in the range of 4 to 6 millimetres.
4. The stylus according to any of the preceding claims 1, wherein the extension (b) in the longitudinal direction is at least 2 times the cylinder diameter (a).
5. The stylus according to claim 4, wherein the extension (b) in the longitudinal direction is at least 3 times the cylinder diameter (a).
6. The stylus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the material of the nib and/or the exposed contact surface of the nib is flexible or soft.
7. The stylus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the nib and/or the exposed contact surface of the nib is made of a transparent material.
8. The stylus according to claim 7, wherein the transparent material is conductive.
9. The stylus according to any of claims 1-7, wherein a conductive surface layer, such as a conductive foil, is applied to the nib and/or to the exposed contact surface of the nib, the layer being connected to the holder part of the stylus.
10. The stylus according to any of claims 1-7, wherein a conductive material (3) is arranged at the exposed contact surface of the nib extending in the longitudinal direction of the partial cylinder and being conductively connected to the holder part of the stylus.
11. The stylus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the nib (13) is arranged so as to be able to rotate in relation to the holder part of the stylus.
12. The stylus according to claim 11, wherein a pin (16) on either of the holder (14) or the nib (13) is received in a corresponding opening (1 ) in the nib (13) or the holder (14) and retained therein by magnetic force or other suitable means.
PCT/EP2013/062204 2012-06-13 2013-06-13 Capacitive touch screen stylus WO2013186285A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SE1250619-2 2012-06-13
SE1250619A SE1250619A1 (en) 2012-06-13 2012-06-13 Capacitive touch screen pen
SE1350002 2013-01-03
SE1350002-0 2013-01-03

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2013186285A1 true WO2013186285A1 (en) 2013-12-19

Family

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2013/062204 WO2013186285A1 (en) 2012-06-13 2013-06-13 Capacitive touch screen stylus

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2013186285A1 (en)

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6225988B1 (en) * 1998-02-09 2001-05-01 Karl Robb Article to be worn on the tip of a finger as a stylus
US20090262637A1 (en) * 2008-04-18 2009-10-22 Massoud Badaye Passive stylus for capacitive sensors
US20110261026A1 (en) * 2010-04-22 2011-10-27 Seoh Technology Co., Ltd. Stylus for cellular phone
JP4840891B1 (en) * 2011-04-19 2011-12-21 株式会社ワコム Cordless type position indicator
US20120026127A1 (en) 2010-07-27 2012-02-02 Samsung Mobile Display Co., Ltd. Stylus pen for capacitive type touch panel
WO2012103323A1 (en) * 2011-01-28 2012-08-02 More/Real Llc Stylus

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6225988B1 (en) * 1998-02-09 2001-05-01 Karl Robb Article to be worn on the tip of a finger as a stylus
US20090262637A1 (en) * 2008-04-18 2009-10-22 Massoud Badaye Passive stylus for capacitive sensors
US20110261026A1 (en) * 2010-04-22 2011-10-27 Seoh Technology Co., Ltd. Stylus for cellular phone
US20120026127A1 (en) 2010-07-27 2012-02-02 Samsung Mobile Display Co., Ltd. Stylus pen for capacitive type touch panel
WO2012103323A1 (en) * 2011-01-28 2012-08-02 More/Real Llc Stylus
JP4840891B1 (en) * 2011-04-19 2011-12-21 株式会社ワコム Cordless type position indicator
EP2515207A1 (en) * 2011-04-19 2012-10-24 Wacom Co., Ltd. Cordless type position pointer

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