Devices using a metal layer with an array of vias to reduce degradation
First Claim
1. A device comprising:
- a. a device layer containing contact sensing elements and having a plurality of depressions that extend into the device layer; and
b. a top metal layer overlying the device layer and extending into the depressions.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A device in accordance with the present invention has a top metal layer that shows increased resistance to degradation such as abrasion, erosion, or both. A device in accordance with the present invention includes a device layer and a top metal layer. The device layer includes contact sensing elements and has a plurality of depressions that extend into the device layer. The first metal layer overlies or is adjacent to the contact sensing elements and extends into the depressions. Preferably, a surface of the metal layer opposed to the device layer is contoured to the depressions. In some embodiments the top metal layer makes electrical connections to the contact sensor, but in other embodiments it does not. Preferably, the device forms a finger swipe sensor, and the contact sensing elements are coupled to finger swipe processing electronics.
105 Citations
39 Claims
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1. A device comprising:
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a. a device layer containing contact sensing elements and having a plurality of depressions that extend into the device layer; and
b. a top metal layer overlying the device layer and extending into the depressions. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A contact sensor comprising:
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a. a device layer containing contact sensing elements; and
b. a metal layer desposited above the device layer and patterned in substantially acute planes that extend to and from the device layer. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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25. A device comprising:
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a. a contact sensing layer comprising multiple contact sensing elements and multiple patterned features that extend into the contact sensing layer; and
b. an exposed metal layer that extends into the multiple patterned features and having an exposed surface contoured to walls of the multiple patterned features, wherein the multiple patterned features divide the metal layer into multiple segments in a swipe direction of the device. - View Dependent Claims (26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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31. A method of fabricating a contact sensor comprising:
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a. forming a contact sensing layer having a surface, one or more contact sensing elements, and patterned features that extend into the contact sensing layer; and
b. forming a metal layer over the contact sensing layer, wherein the metal layer extends into the patterned features and has an exposed surface contoured to the patterned features. - View Dependent Claims (32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39)
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Specification