Display-integrated stylus detection system

• US 6,133,906 A
• Filed: 05/04/1995
• Issued: 10/17/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 03/15/1993
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company (3M Company)
• Original Assignee: MicroTouch Systems, Inc. (3M Company)
• Inventors: Geaghan, Bernard O.
• Primary Examiner(s): Mengistu, Amare
• Application Number:
  US08/434,558
• Time in Patent Office: 1,993 Days
• Field of Search: 178/18-20, 345/173, 345/174, 341/33, 341/32
• US Class Current: 345/179
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/041 Digitisers, e.g. for touch screens or touch pads, characterised by the transducing means
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0412 Digitisers structurally integrated in a display
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0442 using active external devices, e.g. active pens, for transmitting changes in electrical potential to be received by the digitiser
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0446 using a grid-like structure of electrodes in at least two directions, e.g. using row and column electrodes

Abstract

A system and method of measuring the position of a stylus relative to a computer information display device. The position is used to generate coordinates for the purpose of interacting with the computer. Applications may include pointing to icons on the display, picking menu items, editing of computer generated images, and feedback for input of hand drawn characters and graphics. The system uses the electrodes of the display device as part of the positioning circuit.

Claims

1. A system for sensing the position of a stylus proximate a display device employing a matrix of display electrodes which generate display electrode signals, wherein the position sensing and display functions are performed simultaneously, comprising:

means for generating in the stylus positioning signals;

means for coupling said positioning signals to the display electrodes and for superimposing said positioning signals onto the display electrode signals;

means for sensing said positioning signals from the display electrodes; and

means, responsive to said means for sensing, for resolving the position of the stylus in relation to the display electrodes.

2. The stylus position-sensing system of claim 1 in which said means for coupling from stylus to display electrodes includes means for magnetically transferring said positioning signals to the selected display electrodes.

3. The stylus position-sensing system of claim 2 in which said stylus has no electrical connection to the display device.

4. The stylus position-sensing system of claim 1 in which the display device is an LCD.