EP0107898A2
Expired / Lapsed
EP
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A tactile array sensor
Assignee: EMI Ltd
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Filing: 1983-09-09
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2003-09-09
Abstract
Abstract Atactile array sensor comprises an array of substantially parallel row conductors (1) disposed upon an alumina substrate (2). An array of substantially parallel column conductors (3) overlies the array of row conductors (2) and a layer of insulative material (4) is disposed between the row conductors (1) and the column conductors (3). A conductive rubber sheet (6) overlies the column conductor (1). A multiplexing circuit addresses the row and column conductors (1, 3) and, when an object is in contact with an area of the conductive sheet (6), the circuit generates output signals indicative of all crossing points (8) within the area, due to electrical contact being made between the row (1) and column (3) conductors via the conductive sheet (6).
Inventors
- 👤 Jeremy Scott Severwright
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 15:15
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01B; G01B7/00; G01B7/004; G06; G06F; G06F3/00; G06F3/01; G06F3/03; G06F3/041; G06F3/0414; G06F3/04144
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
109 words
A tactile array sensor comprising a substrate (2) having disposed thereupon a first array of electrical conductors (1) underlying in crossing relationship a second array of electrical conductors (3), characterised in that said sensor also includes an electrically insulative material (4) disposed between the first array and the second array at least at crossing points (8) where a conductor (3) of the second array, overlies a conductor (1) of the first array, said second array being overlaid with an electrically conductive layer (6), said sensor being constructed so as to space said first array of electrical conductors (1) from said conductive layer (6) whilst no pressure is applied thereto.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
109 words
A tactile array sensor comprising a substrate (2) having disposed thereupon a first array of electrical conductors (1) underlying in crossing relationship a second array of electrical conductors (3), characterised in that said sensor also includes an electrically insulative material (4) disposed between the first array and the second array at least at crossing points (8) where a conductor (3) of the second array, overlies a conductor (1) of the first array, said second array being overlaid with an electrically conductive layer (6), said sensor being constructed so as to space said first array of electrical conductors (1) from said conductive layer (6) whilst no pressure is applied thereto.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
62 words
A tactile array sensor as claimed in Claim 1 and including a circuit arrangement (11-19) for detecting substantially all crossing points (8) within an area of the surface of said conductive sheet (6) to which pressure is applied and for generating electrical signals indicative of the locations of said crossing points (8) within said area relative to the first and second arrays.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
A tactile array sensor as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 wherein the conductors (1) of the first array and the conductors (3) of the second array are respectively substantially parallel.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
A tactile array sensor as claimed in Claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the respective conductors (1, 3) of said first and second arrays are orthogonal with respect to each other.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
A tactile array sensor as claimed in any preceding Claim wherein said conductive sheet (6) is made of an electrically conductive rubber material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
A tactile array sensor as claimed in any preceding Claim and including an electrically insulative layer overlying said conductive layer (6).
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
A tactile array sensor as claimed in Claim 6 wherein said insulative layer is made of an electrically insulative rubber or a plastics material.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
A tactile array sensor as claimed in any preceding Claim wherein electronic components associated therewith are assembled on the opposing side of said substrate (2) to that bearing said arrays.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
A tactile array sensor as claimed in any preceding Claim wherein said substrate is fabricated from an alumina sheet.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
58 words
A method of constructing a tactile array sensor, as claimed in any preceding Claim, comprising the steps of sequentially screen-printing separate layers forming the first array, the insulative material (4) and the second array onto the substrate (2), baking the substrate (2) thereby fusing the layers therewith, and positioning the conductive layer (6) above said baked substrate (2).
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
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