Microsoft filed for a patent in 2017 for "Deformable Touch and Strain Sensors" formed on Fabrics. Last week the U.S. Patent Office published a second patent from Microsoft titled "Forming Touch Sensor on Fabric." Although the patents share the same end result; to provide future devices like a Surface tablet and HoloLens with added touch controls zones, their focus are completely different.
Microsoft's 2017 patent application focused on sensors with "stretchable conductive paths comprising of eutectic gallium indium." Last week's patent filing focuses on touch sensors comprising of a fabric layer (polyurethane coating usually for metal coatings; and polyacrylate coatings that are commonly used in paints and nail polish), conductive ink disposed on the fabric layer and more.
The outer fabric layers may also be formed from any suitable fabric material. Examples include woven and non-woven fabrics made of natural and/or synthetic fibers.
Microsoft's latest patent filing further notes that a first sensor of an array of sensors are configured to detect one or more of multiple touch locations and touch gestures on devices such as those presented in the patent figures below.
Microsoft's patent FIGS. 1A and 1B above show fabric areas on the left and right bezels of a tablet along with the back side areas; FIG. 3 shows touch fabric used in the band of HoloLens.
The touch sensor on the side of the HoloLens (#302) may be used to detect various touch inputs and touch gestures from a wearer touching the outer surface of the adjustable band (#304). Detected touch signals may be delivered to the controller to perform actions on HoloLens, such as to control a virtual cursor, scroll through settings or displayed imagery, adjust volume of audio output, and/or perform a selection of a displayed element.
Microsoft's patent FIG. 5 below shows a wristband that includes an integrated touch sensor (#504). The touch sensor may be configured to detect swipes or other touch gestures on an exterior of the wearable computing device #502, allowing a user to browse through applications of the wearable computing device, adjust settings (e.g. volume, exercise metrics), and provide other suitable functions. The touch sensor (#504) may also allow a user to control a device paired (e.g. wirelessly) with the wearable computing device, such as a smart phone (not shown).
The wearable computing device (#502) may include a variety of other devices, such as galvanic skin response (GSR) sensors, heart rate sensors, temperature sensors, and other suitable biometric sensors that may be used to monitor conditions of the user.
Microsoft's patent FIG. 6 above shows us a sofa (or chair) that incorporates a touch sensor (#602). The touch sensor may be configured to communicate with a computing device such as a television, desktop computer, or other media presentation device.
For example, the touch sensor may be configured to provide input to select channels, adjust volume, etc. of a television device, and/or to control other devices, in communication with a computing device with which a controller of the touch sensor is paired (e.g. home electronics such as a thermostat, lighting controls and/or appliances).
Lastly, Microsoft notes that it should be understood that a touch sensor as disclosed in their patent filing may be used in any other suitable fabric-containing devices or items, such as articles of clothing, vehicle upholstery, and bedding.
Microsoft's patent filing that was published late last month by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office was filed for in July 2017.
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