( 12 ) United States Patent

Transcription

1 HAO WAKAT I MARIA DEL ALTOAN MAN AT TATA TAT U US B2 ( 2 ) United States Patent Reitan et al. ( 0 ) Patent No. : US 9, 904, 377 B2 ( 45 ) Date of Patent : Feb. 27, 208 ( 54 ) COMMUNICATION BETWEEN ACTIVE STYLUS AND TOUCH SENSOR ( 7 ) Applicant : Atmel Corporation, San Jose, CA ( US 72 ) Inventors : Odd Magne Reitan, Trondheim ( NO ); Eivind Holsen, Trondheim ( NO ); Lloyd Clark, Trondheim ( NO 73 ) Assignee : Atmel Corporation, San Jose, CA ( US ) ( * ) Notice : Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this patent is extended or adjusted under 35 U. S. C. 54 ( b ) by 84 days. ( 2 ) Appl. No.: 4 / 925, 748 ( 22 ) Filed : Oct. 28, 205 ( 65 ) Prior Publication Data US 207 / A May 4, 207 ( 5 ) Int. Ci. G06F ) G06F 3 / 044 ( ) ( 52 ) U. S. CI CPC GO6F 3 / ( ); G06F 3 / 044 ( ) ( 58 ) Field of Classification Search GO6F 3 / ; G06F 3 / 044 See application file for complete search history. ( 56 ) References Cited 3, 395, 340 A * 5, 449, 893 A * 7, 663, 607 B2 U. S. PATENT DOCUMENTS 7 / 968 Anstey GOR 27 / / 65 9 / 995 Bridgelall GO6K 7 / / / 200 Hotelling / 20 Chang 7, 875, 84 B2 7, 920, 29 B2 8, 03, 094 B2 8, 03, 74 B2 8, 040, 326 B2 / 20 Chen 4 / 20 Hotelling 0 / 20 Hotelling 0 / 20 Hamblin 0 / 20 Hotelling ( Continued ) FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS WO WO 202 / A2 9 / 202 OTHER PUBLICATIONS Julian et al ; A Comparative Study of Sound Localization Algo rithms for Energy Aware Sensor Network Nodes ; published at IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems I : Regular Papers, vol. 5, No. 4, Apr. 2004, pp * ( Continued ) Primary Examiner Mihir K Rayan ( 74 ) Attorney, Agent, or Firm Baker Botts L. L. P. ( 57 ) ABSTRACT In certain embodiments, a method includes wirelessly receiving, by an electrode of a stylus, a signal sent from a touch sensor of a computing device. The received signal includes a data bit and is based on a predefined code sequence. The method also includes producing, by the electrode of the stylus, a derivative signal from the received signal, the derivative signal corresponding to a derivative with respect to time of the received signal. The method further includes performing, by the stylus, a cross correla tion of the derivative signal and an expected signal pattern, the expected signal pattern based on a derivative with respect to time of the predefined code sequence, where the cross correlation produces a cross correlation signal includ ing one or more cross correlation pulses. The method also includes determining, by the stylus, based on the cross correlation signal, that the received signal is associated with the predefined code sequence. 7, 864, 503 B2 20 Claims, 6 Drawing Sheets wirelessly receiving a signal sent from a computing device 2220 producing a derivative signal from the received signal 2230 performing a cross correlation of the derivative signal and an expected signal pattern 2240 determining that the received signal is associated with the predefined code sequence 2250 determining a value of the data bit sent by the computing device

2 US 9, 904, 377 B2 Page 2 ( 56 ) References Cited U. S. PATENT DOCUMENTS 8, 049, 732 B2 / 20 Hotelling 8, 79, 38 B2 5 / 202 Frey 8, 27, 902 B2 7 / 202 Chang 8, 723, 824 B2 5 / 204 Myers 2003 / Al * 0 / 2003 Fujiwara G06F 3 / / / A * 9 / 2004 Mehta H04L 27 / / / A * 6 / 2005 Umeda G06K 9 / / / Al 2 / 2008 Matsuo 2009 / AL 2 / 2009 Matsuo 200 / A * 4 / 200 Altman GOS 5 / / / A * 3 / 202 Westhues GO6F 3 / / / A 9 / 202 Myers 202 / AL 9 / 202 Rothkopf A 202 Lynch AL Franklin AL 3 / 203 Myers 203 / A * 5 / 203 Pant G06F 3 / / A * 205 / A * 345 / 79 8 / 203 Ryshtun GO6F 3 / / 205 Cheong G06F 3 / / 37 OTHER PUBLICATIONS U. S. Appl. No. 6 / 454, 936, filed Mar. 2, 20, Myers. U. S. Appl. No. 6 / 454, 950, filed Mar. 2, 20, Lynch. U. S. Appl. No. 6 / 45, 894, filed Mar. 2, 20, Rothkopf. Meel, J., Spread Spectrum ( SS ) Spread Spectrum [ online ], date Oct. 998, [ retrieved on Oct. 3, 205 ]. Retrieved from the Internet : < URL : http :// www. sss mag. com / pdf / Ss _ jme _ denayer _ intro _ print. pdf >. * cited by examiner

3 T.! U. S. Patent Feb. 27, 208 Sheet of 6 US 9, 904, 377 B2 *** * TOUCH SENSOR LL aa LL LLL LLL LLL LL LLLLL LL LLLLL LLL TODDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD L L LLL LLL CONNECTION 2 * CONTROLLER FIGURE

4 U. S. Patent Feb. 27, 208 Sheet 2 of 6 US 9, 904, 377 B2 36 ( FIGURE 2

5 U. S. Patent Feb. 27, 208 Sheet 3 of 6 US 9, 904, 377 B2 ELEN Controller 50 Sensors 42 Memory 44 Power Source 48 FIGURE 3

6 U. S. Patent Feb. 27, 208 Sheet 4 of 6 US 9, 904, 377 B FIGURE 4

7 Derivative Signal Received Signal Transmitted Signal U. S. Patent Feb. 27, FIGURE 5 60 Sheet 5 of 6 > H 40 US 9, 904, 377 B2 time time time

8 Positive U. S. Patent Feb. 27, 208 Sheet 6 of 6 US 9, 904, 377 B B 3279 Analog Digital Edge, 0, Front End Negative Detector Correlator edge Positive Pedinice edge Input FIGURE A 250 Vref 7 Input Analog Input 260B Vref D Deportes edge Negative edge FIGURE 7

9 U. S. Patent Feb. 27, 208 Sheet 7 of 6 US 9, 904, 377 B2 230 Positive edge Negative edge 02 Q Start of edge PIGURES Clock FIGURE 8 D QHD Q4 QHD QH OR bit o ( edge / pulse ) D bit ( sign ) Positive edged " 0 " O D CAN DSQ Negative edge mm bit 0 AND ( edge / pulse ) 00 gols D D bit ( sign ) QGID QD AND " DADS AD CHD THE Q AND Clock FIGURE 9

10 U. S. Patent Feb. 27, 208 Sheet 8 of 6 US 9, 904, 377 B2 chchhe Input Signal x [ n ] L > 72 $ MI Chandam Expected Signal Pattern y [ n ] Cross Correlation nk ] FIGURE 0

11 = = = = = = = = U. S. Patent Feb. 27, 208 Sheet 9 of 6 US 9, 904, 377 B2 300 T E = ) = = = = = FIGURE time ( us ) Data 300 _ UU _ UL = " = = = = = = = _ 320A 320B 00 / Transmitted Signal Code Sequence a FIGURE 2

12 '* 7 ' * *. U. S. Patent Feb. 27, 208 Sheet 0 of 6 US 9, 904, 377 B2 E Received Signal 0 time ( us ) Derivative Signal Cross Correlation Signal IN rrrr. terror Primer.. www FIGURE C I. 50. Received Signal 0 = mn time ( us ) 0 Derivative Signal 0 OV O ' o Cross Correlation Signal o rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr FIGURE O ". o. 0

13 # bits Code Sequence 300 Peak to sidelobe Ratio U. S. Patent Feb. 27, [ ones (, 5 ) ones (, 7 ) ones (, ) ones (, 7 ) Jones (, 0 ) ones (, 5 ) ones (, 27 ) ones (, 48 ) MM Sheet of US 9, 904, 377 B2 FIGURE 5

14 U. S. Patent Feb. 27, 208 Sheet 2 of 6 US 9, 904, 377 B2 VODE 0 VODE 0 Vote VODE Vote VODE T I 92 5 LLLLL 350A. wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww w n00000wowwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwtur. OOL FIGURE 6 I vove VODE 0 00L 330 Signal Received, Signal Correlation Cross S

15 2 4X004 US 9, 904, 377 B * rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr * aosa rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr 007 LILL II Sheet 3 of 6 Cross Signal Correlation LLLLLLL Feb. 27, = Signal Received atent 90t gorg 340B 340B 340B

16 . U. S. Patent Feb. 27, 208 Sheet 4 of 6 US 9, 904, 377 B2 Received Signal Red LT LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL22222 LA i TL TIT TL 40 P Derivative Signal ZZETTI OF OT Cross Correlation Signal No H WW 330 ome 09 FIGURE 8

17 U. S. Patent Feb. 27, 208 Sheet 5 of 6 US 9, 904, 377 B Data transfer Data transfer Data transfer Correlation sequence ( clock and symbol timing recovery ) 360 3U See 2 : FIGURE Correlation sequence ( symbol timing recovery ) Square wave ( clock recovery ) suru zu FIGURE Correlation sequence ( symbol timing recovery ) Square wave ( clock recovery ) suru 90 phase delay FIGURE 2 von :

18 U. S. Patent Feb. 27, 208 Sheet 6 of 6 US 9, 904, 377 B wirelessly receiving a signal sent from a computing device 2220 producing a derivative signal from the received signal performing a cross correlation of the derivative signal and an expected signal pattern 2240 determining that the received signal is associated with the predefined code sequence 2250 determining a value of the data bit sent by the computing device FIGURE 22

19 US 9, 904, 377 B2 FIG. 8 illustrates an example received signal, derivative COMMUNICATION BETWEEN ACTIVE STYLUS AND TOUCH SENSOR signal, and cross correlation signal. FIG. 9 illustrates an example signal with an example TECHNICAL FIELD preamble portion and an example data portion. FIG. 20 illustrates an example signal with an example This disclosure generally relates to touch sensors and preamble portion and an example data portion. active styluses. FIG. 2 illustrates an example signal with an example preamble portion and an example data portion. BACKGROUND FIG. 22 illustrates an example method for receiving 0 information. A touch sensor may detect the presence and location of a touch or the proximity of an object ( such as a user ' s finger DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS or a stylus ) within a touch sensitive area of the touch sensor overlaid on a display screen, for example. In a touch FIG. illustrates an example touch sensor 0 with an sensitive display application, the touch sensor may enable a 5 example touch sensor controller 2. Touch sensor 0 and user to interact directly with what is displayed on the screen, touch sensor controller 2 may detect the presence and rather than indirectly with a mouse or touch pad. A touch location of a touch or the proximity of an object within a sensor may be attached to or provided as part of a desktop touch sensitive area of touch sensor 0. Herein, reference to computer, laptop computer, tablet computer, personal digital a touch sensor may encompass both the touch sensor and its assistant ( PDA ), smartphone, satellite navigation device, 20 touch sensor controller, where appropriate. Similarly, refer portable media player, portable game console, kiosk com ence to a touch sensor controller may encompass both the puter, point of sale device, or other suitable device. A con touch sensor controller and its touch sensor, where appro trol panel on a household or other appliance may include a priate. In particular embodiments, a touch sensor controller touch sensor. may be referred to as a touch controller. Touch sensor 0 There are a number of different types of touch sensors, 25 may include one or more touch sensitive areas, where appro such as ( for example ) resistive touch screens, surface acous priate. Touch sensor 0 may include an array of drive and tic wave touch screens, and capacitive touch screens. Herein sense electrodes ( or an array of electrodes of a single type ) reference to a touch sensor may encompass a touch screen, disposed on one or more substrates, which may be made of and vice versa, where appropriate. When an object touches a dielectric material. Herein, reference to a touch sensor may or comes within proximity of the surface of the capacitive 30 encompass both the electrodes of the touch sensor and the touch screen, a change in capacitance may occur within the substrate ( s ) that they are disposed on, where appropriate. touch screen at the location of the touch or proximity. A Alternatively, where appropriate, reference to a touch sensor touch sensor controller may process the change in capaci may encompass the electrodes of the touch sensor, but not tance to determine its position on the touch screen. the substrate ( s ) that they are disposed on. 35 An electrode ( whether a ground electrode, a guard elec BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS trode, a drive electrode, or a sense electrode ) may be an area of conductive material forming a shape, such as for example FIG. illustrates an example touch sensor with an a disc, square, rectangle, thin line, other suitable shape, or example touch sensor controller. suitable combination of these. One or more cuts in one or FIG. 2 illustrates an example active stylus exterior. 40 more layers of conductive material may ( at least in part ) FIG 3 illustrates an example active stylus interior. create the shape of an electrode, and the area of the shape FIG. 4 illustrates an example active stylus with an may ( at least in part ) be bounded by those cuts. In particular example device. embodiments, the conductive material of an electrode may FIG. 5 illustrates an example transmitted signal, an occupy approximately 00 % of the area of its shape. As an example received signal, and an example derivative signal. 45 example, an electrode may be made of indium tin oxide FIG. 6 illustrates an example block diagram of circuits for ( ITO ) and the ITO of the electrode may occupy approxi processing a derivative signal. mately 00 % of the area of its shape ( sometimes referred to FIG 7 illustrates an example analog front end. as 00 % fill ), where appropriate. In particular embodiments, FIG. 8 illustrates an example digital edge detector. the conductive material of an electrode may occupy sub FIG. 9 illustrates another example digital edge detector. 50 stantially less than 00 % of the area of its shape. As an FIG 0 illustrates an example correlator circuit. example, an electrode may be made of fine lines of metal or FIG. illustrates an example predefined code sequence other conductive material ( FLM ), such as for example and an example expected signal pattern. copper, silver, carbon, or a copper, silver, or carbon based FIG. 2 illustrates an example data sequence combined material, and the fine lines of conductive material may with an example code sequence to produce an example 55 occupy approximately 5 % of the area of its shape in a transmitted signal. hatched, mesh, or other suitable pattern. Herein, reference to FIG. 3 illustrates an example received signal, an FLM encompasses such material, where appropriate. example derivative signal, and an example cross correlation Although this disclosure describes or illustrates particular signal. electrodes made of particular conductive material forming FIG. 4 illustrates an example received signal, an 60 particular shapes with particular fill percentages having example derivative signal, and an example cross correlation particular patterns, this disclosure contemplates any suitable signal. electrodes made of any suitable conductive material forming FIG. 5 is a table of example code sequences. any suitable shapes with any suitable fill percentages having FIG. 6 illustrates an example received signal and an any suitable patterns. example cross correlation signal. 65 Where appropriate, the shapes of the electrodes ( or other FIG. 7 illustrates an example received signal and an elements ) of a touch sensor may constitute in whole or in example cross correlation signal. part one or more macro features of the touch sensor. One or

20 US 9, 904, 377 B2 more characteristics of the implementation of those shapes Touch sensor 0 may implement a capacitive form of ( such as, for example, the conductive materials, fills, or touch sensing. In a mutual capacitance implementation, patterns within the shapes ) may constitute in whole or in part touch sensor 0 may include an array of drive and sense one or more micro features of the touch sensor. One or more electrodes forming an array of capacitive nodes. A drive macro features of a touch sensor may determine one or more 5 electrode and a sense electrode may form a capacitive node. characteristics of its functionality, and one or more micro The drive and sense electrodes forming the capacitive node features of the touch sensor may determine one or more may come near each other, but not make electrical contact optical features of the touch sensor, such as transmittance, with each other. Instead, the drive and sense electrodes may refraction, or reflection. be capacitively coupled to each other across a space, or gap, A mechanical stack may contain the substrate ( or multiple 0 between them. A pulsed or alternating voltage applied to the substrates ) and the conductive material forming the drive or drive electrode ( by touch sensor controller 2 ) may induce sense electrodes of touch sensor 0. As an example, the a charge on the sense electrode, and the amount of charge mechanical stack may include a first layer of optically clear induced may be susceptible to external influence ( such as a adhesive ( OCA ) beneath a cover panel. The cover panel may touch or the proximity of an object ). When an object touches be clear and made of a resilient material suitable for repeated 5 or comes within proximity of the capacitive node, a change touching, such as for example glass, polycarbonate, or in capacitance may occur at the capacitive node and touch poly ( methyl methacrylate ) ( PMMA ). This disclosure con sensor controller 2 may measure the change in capacitance. templates any suitable cover panel made of any suitable By measuring changes in capacitance throughout the array, material. The first layer of OCA may be disposed between touch sensor controller 2 may determine the position of the the cover panel and the substrate with the conductive 20 touch or proximity within the touch sensitive area ( s ) of material forming the drive or sense electrodes. The mechani touch sensor 0. cal stack may also include a second layer of OCA and a In a self capacitance implementation, touch sensor 0 dielectric layer ( which may be made of PET or another may include an array of electrodes of a single type that may suitable material, similar to the substrate with the conductive each form a capacitive node. When an object touches or material forming the drive or sense electrodes ). As an 25 comes within proximity of the capacitive node, a change in alternative, where appropriate, a thin coating of a dielectric self capacitance may occur at the capacitive node and touch material may be applied instead of the second layer of OCA sensor controller 2 may measure the change in capacitance, and the dielectric layer. The second layer of OCA may be for example, as a change in the amount of charge needed to disposed between the substrate with the conductive material raise the voltage at the capacitive node by a pre determined making up the drive or sense electrodes and the dielectric 30 amount. As with a mutual capacitance implementation, by layer, and the dielectric layer may be disposed between the measuring changes in capacitance throughout the array, second layer of OCA and an air gap to a display of a device touch sensor controller 2 may determine the position of the including touch sensor 0 and touch sensor controller 2. As touch or proximity within the touch sensitive area ( s ) of an example only, the cover panel may have a thickness of touch sensor 0. This disclosure contemplates any suitable approximately mm ; the first layer of OCA may have a 35 form of capacitive touch sensing, where appropriate. thickness of approximately mm ; the substrate with the In particular embodiments, one or more drive electrodes conductive material forming the drive or sense electrodes may together form a drive line running horizontally or may have a thickness of approximately mm ; the second vertically or in any suitable orientation. Similarly, one or layer of OCA may have a thickness of approximately more sense electrodes may together form a sense line mm ; and the dielectric layer may have a thickness of 40 running horizontally or vertically or in any suitable orien approximately mm. Although this disclosure describes tation. In particular embodiments, drive lines may run a particular mechanical stack with a particular number of substantially perpendicular to sense lines. Herein, reference particular layers made of particular materials and having to a drive line may encompass one or more drive electrodes particular thicknesses, this disclosure contemplates any suit making up the drive line, and vice versa, where appropriate. able mechanical stack with any suitable number of any 45 Similarly, reference to a sense line may encompass one or suitable layers made of any suitable materials and having more sense electrodes making up the sense line, and vice any suitable thicknesses. As an example, in particular versa, where appropriate. embodiments, a layer of adhesive or dielectric may replace Touch sensor 0 may have drive and sense electrodes the dielectric layer, second layer of OCA, and air gap disposed in a pattern on one side of a single substrate. In described above, with there being no air gap to the display. 50 such a configuration, a pair of drive and sense electrodes One or more portions of the substrate of touch sensor 0 capacitively coupled to each other across a space between may be made of polyethylene terephthalate ( PET ) or another them may form a capacitive node. For a self capacitance suitable material. This disclosure contemplates any suitable implementation, electrodes of only a single type may be substrate with any suitable portions made of any suitable disposed in a pattern on a single substrate. In addition or as material. In particular embodiments, the drive or sense 55 an alternative to having drive and sense electrodes disposed electrodes in touch sensor 0 may be made of ITO in whole in a pattern on one side of a single substrate, touch sensor 0 or in part. In particular embodiments, the drive or sense may have drive electrodes disposed in a pattern on one side electrodes in touch sensor 0 may be made of fine lines of of a substrate and sense electrodes disposed in a pattern on metal or other conductive material. As an example, one or another side of the substrate. Moreover, touch sensor 0 may more portions of the conductive material may be copper or 60 have drive electrodes disposed in a pattern on one side of copper based and have a thickness of approximately 5 um or one substrate and sense electrodes disposed in a pattern on less and a width of approximately 0 um or less. As another one side of another substrate. In such configurations, an example, one or more portions of the conductive material intersection of a drive electrode and a sense electrode may may be silver or silver based and similarly have a thickness form a capacitive node. Such an intersection may be a of approximately 5 um or less and a width of approximately 65 location where the drive electrode and the sense electrode 0 um or less. This disclosure contemplates any suitable cross or come nearest each other in their respective planes. electrodes made of any suitable material. The drive and sense electrodes do not make electrical

21 US 9, 904, 377 B2 5 contact with each other instead they are capacitively touch sensor controller 2. Tracks 4 may extend into or coupled to each other across a dielectric at the intersection. around ( e. g., at the edges of ) the touch sensitive area ( s ) of Although this disclosure describes particular configurations touch sensor 0. Particular tracks 4 may provide drive of particular electrodes forming particular nodes, this dis connections for coupling touch sensor controller 2 to drive closure contemplates any suitable configuration of any suit 5 electrodes of touch sensor 0, through which the drive unit able electrodes forming any suitable nodes. Moreover, this of touch sensor controller 2 may supply drive signals to the disclosure contemplates any suitable electrodes disposed on drive electrodes. Other tracks 4 may provide sense con any suitable number of any suitable substrates in any suit nections for coupling touch sensor controller 2 to sense able patterns. electrodes of touch sensor 0, through which the sense unit As described above, a change in capacitance at a capaci 0 of touch sensor controller 2 may sense charge at the tive node of touch sensor 0 may indicate a touch or capacitive nodes of touch sensor 0. Tracks 4 may be made proximity input at the position of the capacitive node. of fine lines of metal or other conductive material. As an Touch sensor controller 2 may detect and process the example, the conductive material of tracks 4 may be copper change in capacitance to determine the presence and loca or copper based and have a width of approximately 00 um tion of the touch or proximity input. Touch sensor controller 5 or less. As another example, the conductive material of 2 may then communicate information about the touch or tracks 4 may be silver or silver based and have a width of proximity input to one or more other components ( such as approximately 00 um or less. In particular embodiments, one or more central processing units ( CPUs ) of a device that tracks 4 may be made of ITO in whole or in part in addition includes touch sensor 0 and touch sensor controller 2, or as an alternative to fine lines of metal or other conductive which may respond to the touch or proximity input by 20 material. Although this disclosure describes particular tracks initiating a function of the device ( or an application running made of particular materials with particular widths, this on the device ). Although this disclosure describes a particu disclosure contemplates any suitable tracks made of any lar touch sensor controller having particular functionality suitable materials with any suitable widths. In addition to with respect to a particular device and a particular touch tracks 4, touch sensor 0 may include one or more ground sensor, this disclosure contemplates any suitable touch 25 lines terminating at a ground connector ( which may be a sensor controller having any suitable functionality with connection pad 6 ) at an edge of the substrate of touch respect to any suitable device and any suitable touch sensor. sensor 0 ( similar to tracks 4 ). Touch sensor controller 2 may be one or more integrated Connection pads 6 may be located along one or more circuits ( ICs ), such as for example general purpose micro edges of the substrate, outside the touch sensitive area ( s ) of processors, microcontrollers, programmable logic devices or 30 touch sensor 0. As described above, touch sensor controller arrays, application specific ICs ( ASICs ). In particular 2 may be on an FPC. Connection pads 6 may be made of embodiments, touch sensor controller 2 comprises analog the same material as tracks 4 and may be bonded to the FPC circuitry, digital logic, and digital non volatile memory. In using an anisotropic conductive film ( ACF ). Connection 8 particular embodiments, touch sensor controller 2 is dis may include conductive lines on the FPC coupling touch posed on a flexible printed circuit ( FPC ) bonded to the 35 sensor controller 2 to connection pads 6, in turn coupling substrate of touch sensor 0, as described below. The FPC touch sensor controller 2 to tracks 4 and to the drive or may be active or passive, where appropriate. In particular sense electrodes of touch sensor 0. In another embodiment, embodiments, multiple touch sensor controllers 2 are dis c onnection pads 6 may be connected to an electro me posed on the FPC. Touch sensor controller 2 may include chanical connector ( such as a zero insertion force wire to a processor unit, a drive unit, a sense unit, and a storage unit. 40 board connector ); in this embodiment, connection 8 may The drive unit may supply drive signals to the drive elec not need to include an FPC. This disclosure contemplates trodes of touch sensor 0. The sense unit may sense charge any suitable connection 8 between touch sensor controller at the capacitive nodes of touch sensor 0 and provide 2 and touch sensor 0. measurement signals to the processor unit representing FIG. 2 illustrates an example exterior of an example capacitances at the capacitive nodes. The processor unit may 45 active stylus 20, which may be used in conjunction with control the supply of drive signals to the drive electrodes by touch sensor 0 of FIG.. In particular embodiments, active the drive unit and process measurement signals from the stylus 20 is powered ( e. g., by an internal or external power sense unit to detect and process the presence and location of source ) and is capable of providing touch or proximity a touch or proximity input within the touch sensitive area ( s ) inputs to a touch sensor ( e. g., touch sensor 0 illustrated in of touch sensor 0. The processor unit may also track 50 FIG. ). Active stylus 20 may include one or more compo changes in the position of a touch or proximity input within nents, such as buttons 30 or sliders 32 and 34 integrated with the touch sensitive area ( s ) of touch sensor 0. The storage an outer body 22. These external components may provide unit may store programming for execution by the processor for interaction between active stylus 20 and a user or unit, including programming for controlling the drive unit to between a device and a user. As an example, interactions supply drive signals to the drive electrodes, programming 55 may include communication between active stylus 20 and a for processing measurement signals from the sense unit, and device, enabling or altering functionality of active stylus 20 other suitable programming, where appropriate. Although or a device, or providing feedback to or accepting input from this disclosure describes a particular touch sensor controller one or more users. The device may be any suitable device having a particular implementation with particular compo such as, for example, a desktop computer, laptop computer, nents, this disclosure contemplates any suitable touch sensor 60 tablet computer, personal digital assistant ( PDA ), smart controller having any suitable implementation with any phone, satellite navigation device, portable media player, suitable components. portable game console, kiosk computer, point of sale Tracks 4 of conductive material disposed on the sub device, or other suitable device. Although this disclosure strate of touch sensor 0 may couple the drive or sense provides specific examples of particular components con electrodes of touch sensor 0 to connection pads 6, also 65 figured to provide particular interactions, this disclosure disposed on the substrate of touch sensor 0. As described contemplates any suitable component configured to provide below, connection pads 6 facilitate coupling of tracks 4 to any suitable interaction. Active stylus 20 may have any

22 US 9, 904, 377 B2 suitable dimensions with outer body 22 made of any suitable or more devices or other active styluses. By way of example, material or combination of materials, such as, for example, the electrodes of active stylus 20 may reside on outer body plastic or metal. In particular embodiments, exterior com 22 of active stylus, in active stylus tip 26, or on or in any ponents ( e. g., 30 or 32 ) of active stylus 20 may interact with other suitable part of active stylus 20. Tip 26 may provide or internal components or programming of active stylus 20 or 5 communicate pressure information ( e. g., the amount of may initiate one or more interactions with one or more pressure being exerted by active stylus 20 through tip 26 ) devices or other active styluses 20. between active stylus 20 and one or more devices or other As described above, actuating one or more particular active styluses. Tip 26 may be made of any suitable material, components may initiate an interaction between active stylus such as a conductive material, and have any suitable dimen 20 and a user or between the device and the user. Compo 0 sions, such as, for example, a diameter of mm or less at its nents of active stylus 20 may include one or more buttons 30 terminal end. Active stylus 20 may include one or more ports or one or more sliders 32 and 34. As an example, buttons located at any suitable location on outer body 22 of active or sliders 32 and 34 may be mechanical or capacitive and stylus 20. Port 28 may be configured to transfer signals or may function as a roller, trackball, or wheel. As another information between active stylus 20 and one or more example, one or more sliders 32 or 34 may function as a 5 devices or power sources via, for example, wired coupling. vertical slider 34 aligned along a longitudinal axis of active Port 28 may transfer signals or information by any suitable stylus 20, while one or more wheel sliders 32 may be aligned technology, such as, for example, by universal serial bus around the circumference of active stylus 20. In particular embodiments, capacitive sliders 32 and 34 or buttons 30 ( USB ) or Ethernet connections. Although this disclosure describes and illustrates a particular configuration of par may be implemented using one or more touch sensitive 20 ticular components with particular locations, dimensions, areas. Touch sensitive areas may have any suitable shape, composition and functionality, this disclosure contemplates dimensions, location, or be made from any suitable material. any suitable configuration of suitable components with any As an example, sliders 32 and 34 or buttons 30 may be suitable locations, dimensions, composition, and function implemented using areas of flexible mesh formed using lines ality with respect to active stylus 20. of conductive material. As another example, sliders 32 and 25 FIG. 3 illustrates example internal components of an 34 or buttons 30 may be implemented using an FPC. example active stylus 20. Active stylus 20 includes one or Active stylus 20 may have one or more components more components, such as a controller 50, sensors 42 configured to provide feedback to or accept feedback from memory 44, or power source 48. In particular embodiments, a user, such as, for example, tactile, visual, or audio feed one or more components may be configured to provide for back. Active stylus 20 may include one or more ridges or 30 interaction between active stylus 20 and a user or between grooves 24 on its outer body 22. Ridges or grooves 24 may a device and a user. In other particular embodiments, one or have any suitable dimensions, have any suitable spacing more internal components, in conjunction with one or more between ridges or grooves, or be located at any suitable area external components described above, may be configured to on outer body 22 of active stylus 20. As an example, ridges provide interaction between active stylus 20 and a user or 24 may enhance a user ' s grip on outer body 22 of active 35 between a device and a user. As an example, interactions stylus 20 or provide tactile feedback to or accept tactile input may include communication between active stylus 20 and a from a user. Active stylus 20 may include one or more audio device, enabling or altering functionality of active stylus 20 components 38 capable of transmitting and receiving audio or a device, or providing feedback to or accepting input from signals. As an example, audio component 38 may contain a one or more users. As another example, active stylus 20 may microphone capable of recording or transmitting one or 40 communicate via any applicable short distance, low energy more users ' voices. As another example, audio component data transmission or modulation link, such as, for example, 38 may provide an auditory indication of a power status of via a radio frequency ( RF ) communication link. In this case, active stylus 20. Active stylus 20 may include one or more active stylus 20 includes a RF device for transmitting data visual feedback components 36, such as a light emitting over the RF link. diode ( LED ) indicator or an electrophoretic display. As an 45 Controller 50 may be a microcontroller or any other type example, visual feedback component 36 may indicate a of computing device or processor suitable for controlling the power status of active stylus 20 to the user. operation of active stylus 20. Controller 50 may be one or One or more modified surface areas 40 may form one or more ICs such as, for example, general purpose micropro more components on outer body 22 of active stylus 20. cessors, microcontrollers, programmable logic devices Properties of modified surface areas 40 may be different than 50 ( PLDs ), programmable logic arrays ( PLAS ), or ASICs. Con properties of the remaining surface of outer body 22. As an troller 50 may include a processor unit, a drive unit, a sense example, modified surface area 40 may be modified to have unit, and a storage unit. In particular embodiments, a pro a different texture, temperature, or electromagnetic charac cessor unit in controller 50 may control the operation of teristic relative to the surface properties of the remainder of electrodes in active stylus 20, either via drive or sense units outer body 22. Modified surface area 40 may be capable of 55 or directly. The drive unit may supply signals to electrodes dynamically altering its properties, for example by using of tip 26 through center shaft 4. The drive unit may also haptic interfaces or rendering techniques. A user may inter supply signals to control or drive sensors 42 or one or more act with modified surface area 40 to provide any suitable external components of active stylus 20. In particular functionality. For example, dragging a finger across modi embodiments, the drive unit of active stylus 20 may be fied surface area 40 may initiate an interaction, such as data 60 configured to transmit a signal that may be detected by transfer, between active stylus 20 and a device. electrodes of touch sensor 0. As an example, the drive unit One or more components of active stylus 20 may be of active stylus 20 may include a voltage pump or a switch, configured to communicate a signal or data between active such that the voltage pump may generate a high voltage stylus 20 and a device. In particular embodiments, active signal, or the switch may toggle the potential of tip 26 stylus 20 may have a tip 26 located at an end of active stylus 65 between zero voltage and one or more pre determined 20, and tip 26 may include one or more electrodes config voltage levels. The drive unit of active stylus 20 may ured to communicate data between active stylus 20 and one transmit a signal, such as a square wave, sine wave, or

23 US 9, 904, 377 B2 0 digital logic signal, that may be sensed by the electrodes of source 48 of active stylus 20 may provide power to or touch sensor 0. In particular embodiments, the drive unit of receive power from the device or other external power active stylus 20 may transmit a signal to the electrodes of source. As an example, power may be inductively trans touch sensor 0 by applying a voltage or current to elec ferred between power source 48 and a power source of the trodes of tip 26 that results in charge removal or charge 5 device or another external power source, such as a wireless addition to the electrodes of touch sensor 0, mimicking a power transmitter. Power source may also be powered or touch or anti touch of a finger on a pulse by pulse basis. recharged by a wired connection through an applicable port The sense unit may sense signals received by electrodes coupled to a suitable power source. of tip 26 through center shaft 4 and provide measurement FIG. 4 illustrates an example active stylus 20 with an signals to the processor unit representing input from a 0 example device 52. Device 52 may include a touch sensor device. The sense unit may also sense signals generated by similar to touch sensor 0 of FIG.. Device 52 may be any sensors 42 or one or more external components and provide suitable device that includes a touch sensor, such as, for measurement signals to the processor unit representing input example, a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet com from a user. The processor unit may control the supply of puter, personal digital assistant ( PDA ), smartphone, satellite signals to the electrodes of tip 26 and process measurement 5 navigation device, portable media player, portable game signals from the sense unit to detect and process input from console, kiosk computer, point of sale device, or other suit the device. The processor unit may also process measure able device. Device 52 may have a display ( not shown ) and ment signals from sensors 42 or one or more external a touch sensor with a touch sensitive area 54. Device 52 components. The storage unit may store programming for display may be a liquid crystal display ( LCD ), a LED execution by the processor unit, including programming for 20 display, a LED backlight LCD, or other suitable display and controlling the drive unit to supply signals to the electrodes may be visible though a cover panel and substrate ( and the of tip 26, programming for processing measurement signals drive and sense electrodes of the touch sensor disposed on from the sense unit corresponding to input from the device, it ) of device 52. Although this disclosure describes a par programming for processing measurement signals from sen ticular device display and particular display types, this sors 42 or external components to initiate a pre determined 25 disclosure contemplates any suitable device display and any function or gesture to be performed by active stylus 20 or the suitable display types. device, and other suitable programming, where appropriate. Device 52 electronics may provide the functionality of As an example, programming executed by controller 50 may device 52. As an example, device 52 electronics may include electronically filter signals received from the sense unit. circuitry or other electronics for wireless communication to Although this disclosure describes a particular controller or from device 52, executing programming on device 52, having a particular implementation with particular compo generating graphical or other user interfaces ( Uls ) for device nents, this disclosure contemplates any suitable controller 52 display to display to a user, managing power to device 52 having any suitable implementation with any suitable com from a battery or other power source, taking still pictures, ponents. recording video, other suitable functionality, or any suitable In particular embodiments, active stylus 20 may include 35 combination of these. Although this disclosure describes one or more sensors 42, such as touch sensors, gyroscopes, particular device electronics providing particular function accelerometers, contact sensors, or any other type of sensor ality of a particular device, this disclosure contemplates any that detect or measure data about the environment in which suitable device electronics providing any suitable function active stylus 20 operates. Sensors 42 may detect and mea ality of any suitable device. sure one or more characteristic of active stylus 20, such as 40 In particular embodiments, active stylus 20 and device 52 acceleration or movement, orientation, contact, pressure on may be synchronized prior to communication of data outer body 22, force on tip 26, vibration, or any other between active stylus 20 and device 52. As an example, suitable characteristic of active stylus 20. As an example, active stylus 20 may be synchronized to device 52 through sensors 42 may be implemented mechanically, electroni a pre determined bit sequence transmitted by the touch cally, or capacitively. As described above, data detected or 45 sensor of device 52. As another example, active stylus 20 measured by sensors 42 communicated to controller 50 may may be synchronized to device 52 by processing a drive initiate a pre determined function or gesture to be performed signal transmitted by drive electrodes of the touch sensor of by active stylus 20 or the device. In particular embodiments, device 52. Active stylus 20 may interact or communicate data detected or received by sensors 42 may be stored in with device 52 when active stylus 20 is brought in contact memory 44. Memory 44 may be any form of memory 50 with or in proximity to touch sensitive area 54 of the touch suitable for storing data in active stylus 20. In other par sensor of device 52. In particular embodiments, interaction ticular embodiments, controller 50 may access data stored in between active stylus 20 and device 52 may be capacitive or memory 44. As an example, memory 44 may store program inductive. As an example, when active stylus 20 is brought ming for execution by the processor unit of controller 50. As in contact with or in the proximity of touch sensitive area 54 another example, data measured by sensors 42 may be 55 of device 52, signals generated by active stylus 20 may processed by controller 50 and stored in memory 44. influence capacitive nodes of touch sensitive area of device Power source 48 may be any type of stored energy source, 52 or vice versa. In particular embodiments, interaction including electrical or chemical energy sources, suitable for between active stylus 20 and device 52 may occur when tip powering the operation of active stylus 20. In particular 26 of active stylus 20 is in contact with or in proximity to embodiments, power source 48 may include a primary 60 device 52. As an example, active stylus 20 may transmit tip battery, such as for example an alkaline battery, or a pressure information ( e. g., an amount of pressure being rechargeable battery, such as for example a lithium ion or applied to tip 26 ) to device 52. As another example, active nickel metal hydride battery. In particular embodiments, stylus 20 may transmit a status of a button or switch ( e. g., power source 48 may be charged by energy from a user or button 30 is pressed or in a closed state ; or button 30 is not device. As an example, power source 48 may be a recharge 65 pressed or is in an open state ) to device 52. A user may press able battery that may be charged by motion induced on a button 30 while active stylus 20 is in proximity of active stylus 20. In other particular embodiments, power touch sensitive area 54 of device 52, and based on the button

24 US 9, 904, 377 B being pressed, active stylus 20 may interact with device embodiments, a signal from device 52 to active stylus 20 ( or 52 to initiate a mouse type function, such as for example, vice versa ) may be transmitted synchronously. As an mouse click ( e. g., a left, right, or middle mouse click ) or a example, prior to sending data to device 52, active stylus 20 mouse hover. Although this disclosure describes particular may first send a synchronization signal that includes a interactions and communications between active stylus 20 5 clock recovery portion or a symbol timing recovery portion. and device 52, this disclosure contemplates any suitable In particular embodiments, signals sent between devices interactions and communications through any suitable may include any suitable communication method or protocol means, such as mechanical forces, current, voltage, or or any suitable combination of communication methods or electromagnetic fields. protocols. As an example, active stylus 20 may transmit data In particular embodiments, one or more measurement 0 to device 52 asynchronously using a cross correlation com signals from sensors 42 of active stylus 20 may initiate, munication method as described herein. As another example, provide for, or terminate interactions between active stylus device 52 may transmit a synchronization signal based on a 20 and one or more devices 52 or one or more users, as cross correlation communication method as described described above. Interaction between active stylus 20 and herein, and then after stylus 20 is synchronized to device 52, device 52 may occur when active stylus 20 is contacting or 5 device 52 may transmit data using another communication in proximity to device 52. As an example, a user may method ( e. g., amplitude shift keying, phase shift keying, or perform a gesture or sequence of gestures, such as shaking frequency shift keying ). Although this disclosure describes or inverting active stylus 20, whilst active stylus 20 is and illustrates particular devices configured to transmit or hovering above touch sensitive area 54 of device 52. Active receive particular information using particular communica stylus may interact with device 52 based on the gesture 20 tion methods, this disclosure contemplates any suitable performed with active stylus 20 to initiate a pre determined devices configured to transmit or receive any suitable infor function, such as authenticating a user associated with active mation using any suitable communication methods. stylus 20 or device 52. Although this disclosure describes FIG. 5 illustrates example transmitted signal 00, particular movements providing particular types of interac example received signal 0, and example derivative signal tions between active stylus 20 and device 52, this disclosure In particular embodiments, transmitted signal 00 may contemplates any suitable movement influencing any suit be sent by a first device ( the transmitting device ) and able interaction in any suitable way. wirelessly received, as received signal 0, by a second Active stylus 20 may receive signals from external device ( the receiving device ). For example, the transmitting sources, including device 52, a user, or another active stylus. device may be a computing device ( e. g., device 52 ) with a Active stylus 20 may encounter noise when receiving such 30 touch sensor 0, and transmitted signal 00 may be trans signals. As examples, noise may be introduced into the mitted using one or more electrodes of touch sensor 0. The received signals from data quantization, limitations of posi receiving device may be a stylus ( e. g., active stylus 20 ), and tion calculation algorithms, bandwidth limitations of mea transmitted signal 00 may be received in the form of surement hardware, accuracy limitations of analog front received signal 0 ) by one or more electrodes located on or ends of devices with which active stylus 20 communicates, 35 in tip 26 or another suitable portion of active stylus 20. As the physical layout of the system, sensor noise, charger another example, the transmitting device may be a stylus noise, device noise, noise from device 52 display, stylus ( e. g., active stylus 20 ), and the receiving device may be a circuitry noise, or external noise. The overall noise external computing device ( e. g., device 52 ) with a touch sensor 0. to active stylus 20 may have frequency characteristics The active stylus 20 may include one or more electrodes covering a wide range of the spectrum, including narrow 40 which send transmitted signal 00, and the computing band noise and wide band noise, as well. device may receive the signal ( as received signal 0 ) In particular embodiments, a signal may be received by through one or more electrodes of touch sensor 0. In one or more electrodes capable of sensing signals in active particular embodiments, communication between a first and stylus 20. These electrodes may reside on or within active second device may be a one way communication or a stylus tip 26. The signal received by the electrodes in active 45 two way communication. As an example, an active stylus 20 stylus 20 may then be transmitted from the electrodes to may perform one way communication where active stylus controller 50. In particular embodiments, a signal may be 20 is configured as a transmit only stylus which sends transmitted to controller 50 via center shaft 4. Controller information to device 52 and does not receive information 50, as discussed above, may include, without limitation, a from device 52. As another example, an active stylus 20 and drive unit, a sense unit, a storage unit, and a processor unit. 50 a device 52 may perform two way communication where In particular embodiments, a received signal may be ampli each device sends information to the other device. fied by any suitable amplifier. In particular embodiments, a In particular embodiments, transmitted signal 00 may be received signal may be filtered by any suitable filter, includ transmitted using one or more electrodes of a first device and ing a high pass, low pass, or band pass digital or analog may be received as received signal 0 by one or more filter. In particular embodiments, device 52 may transmit 55 electrodes of a second device. As an example, the electrodes data to active stylus 20 by sending data to one or more drive of the first or second device may be electrodes of a touch electrodes of touch sensor 0, and active stylus 20 may sensor 0 or may be dedicated electrodes for wirelessly receive data via electrodes of tip 26. In particular embodi transmitting or receiving signals. In particular embodiments, ments, active stylus 20 may transmit data to device 52 by a first and second device may be configured for two way performing charge addition or charge removal on one or 60 communication such that the each device is configured to more sense electrodes of touch sensor 0, and device 52 may send and receive signals. For example, a touch sensor 0 of receive data sent from active stylus 20 by sensing data with a computing device ( e. g., device 52 ) may send transmitted one or more sense electrodes of touch sensor 0. In particu signal 00 to a stylus ( e. g., active stylus 20 ) and may receive lar embodiments, a signal from device 52 to active stylus 20 another transmitted signal 00, as received signal 0, from ( or vice versa ) may be transmitted asynchronously. As an 65 the stylus ( e. g., active stylus 20 ). In particular embodiments, example, active stylus 20 may transmit data to device 52 a transmitting device or a receiving device may be an active without first sending a synchronization signal. In particular stylus, desktop computer, laptop computer, touch sensitive

25 3 US 9, 904, 377 B2 display, tablet computer, smartphone, or any other suitable may produce a derivative signal D ( t ) from a received signal device. For example, the transmitting device may be a R ( t ), where D ( t ) = k dr ( t )/ dt, and k is a constant. In particular smartphone, and the receiving device may be a stylus is embodiments, derivative signal 20 may include a series of positioned in proximity of the smartphone. As another electrical pulses, each pulse having a positive polarity ( e. g., example, the transmitting and receiving devices may both be 5 pulse 50 ) or a negative polarity ( e. g., pulse 60 ). For styluses which may use one or more electrodes to transmit example, derivative signal 20 may include a series of or receive signals between each other. Although this disclo positive and negative voltage, current, charge, or electric sure describes and illustrates particular devices configured to wirelessly transmit or receive particular signals, this disclo field pulses. In FIG. 5, positive pulse 50 may correspond to sure contemplates any suitable devices configured to wire 0 a positive pulse of charge or current, and negative pulse 60 lessly transmit or receive any suitable signals. may correspond to a negative pulse of charge or current. In In particular embodiments, transmitted signal 00 may be particular embodiments, each positive polarity pulse 50 wirelessly transmitted via a capacitive coupling between the may correspond to a rising edge 30 of received signal 0, electrodes of two devices. As an example, transmitted signal and each negative polarity pulse 60 may correspond to a 00 may correspond to a voltage signal applied to one or 5 falling edge 40 of received signal 0. more transmit electrodes of touch sensor 0, and transmitted In FIG. 5, derivative signal 20 is a derivative with signal 00 may be wirelessly transmitted across a gap ( e. g., respect to time of received signal 0. Rising edge 30 of a gap that includes air, dielectric material, or a combination received signal 0 corresponds to positive pulse 50 of of air and dielectric material ) between a transmit electrode derivative signal 20, and falling edge 40 corresponds to and a receive electrode. Similarly, received signal 0 may 20 negative pulse 60. In other particular embodiments, each correspond to a voltage signal received by one or more positive polarity pulse 50 may correspond to a falling edge receive electrodes through a capacitive coupling with a 40 of received signal 0, and each negative polarity pulse transmit electrode. In particular embodiments, received sig 60 may correspond to a rising edge 30 of received signal nal 0 and transmitted signal 00 may have similar char 0. In particular embodiments, received signal 0 may be acteristics ( e. g. shape and timing ) as well as some differ 25 a voltage or electric field signal, and derivative signal 20 ences in signal amplitude, rise time, or fall time. may represent electric charge or electric current produced As illustrated in FIG. 5. in certain embodiments, received based on one or more capacitances associated with one or signal 0 and transmitted signal 00 have a similar shape more respective electrodes of a receiving device. For as well as similar timing of their respective rising and falling example, a capacitance C may be associated with a receive edges. In FIG. 5. transmitted signal 00 has a larger ampli 30 electrode of stylus 20 ( or an electrode of touch sensor 0 ) or tude than received signal 0, which may be associated with may be associated with a capacitive coupling between an attenuation of transmitted signal 00 propagating transmit and receive electrodes. The capacitance may pro between a transmit electrode and a receive electrode. Addi duce derivative signal 20 based on received signal 0. tionally, the rise and fall times of received signal 0 are Received signal 0 may be a voltage signal V ( t ), and slower than the corresponding rise and fall times of trans 35 derivative signal 20 may be a current signal l ( t ). The mitted signal, which may be associated with a receive relationship between received signal 0 ( V ( t )) and deriva electrode having a slower response time than a transmit tive signal 20 ( I ( t )) may be expressed as electrode. In particular embodiments, received signal 0 and transmitted signal 00 may share an overall correspon dence in terms of shape or timing, while specific character 40 l ( t ) = cdv ( ) istics ( e. g., amplitude, rise time, or fall time ) of each signal may depend on one or more electrical properties of a transmit electrode, a receive electrode, or a gap between the Based on this expression, a rising or falling edge of received electrodes. Although this disclosure describes and illustrates signal 0 ( V ( t )) corresponds to a positive or negative pulse, particular transmitted and received signals having particular 45 respectively, of derivative signal 20 ( I ( t )). characteristics, this disclosure contemplates any suitable FIG. 6 illustrates example block diagram 200 of circuits transmitted and received signals having any suitable char for processing derivative signal 20. In particular embodi acteristics. ments, input 20 may be coupled to one or more electrodes In particular embodiments, received signal 0 may which receive signal 0 and supply derivative signal 20 to include a series of rising edges 30 and falling edges input 20. In particular embodiments, derivative signal 20 For example, transmitted signal 00 and received signal 0 may be processed or transformed by one or more analog or may correspond to a two level digital signal having multiple digital circuits to convert derivative signal 20 into a pro rising edges 30 and falling edges 40. FIG. 5 illustrates cessed analog or digital signal. The processed analog or received signal 0 having a single rising edge 30 and a digital signal may then be supplied to a processor or con single falling edge 40. In particular embodiments, trans 4 55 troller 50 for analysis. For example, a digital signal based on mitted signal 00 and received signal 0 may each include derivative signal 20 may be supplied to a processor to, 2, 3, 5, 0, 20, 50, or any suitable number of rising and determine whether received signal 0 includes data, and if falling edges. Although this disclosure describes and illus so, to extract the data from the digital signal. As illustrated trates particular signals having particular numbers of rising in FIG. 6, analog front end 220 processes derivative signal and falling edges, this disclosure contemplates any suitable to produce a " positive edge output and a negative signals having any suitable numbers of rising and falling edge output which are supplied to digital edge detector 230. edges. Digital edge detector 230 provides a digital output signal In particular embodiments, one or more electrodes may based on the positive edge and negative edge signals, and produce a derivative signal from a received signal, where the the output of digital edge detector 230 is coupled to corr derivative signal is derived from the received signal and 65 elator 240 which performs a cross correlation operation. corresponds to a derivative with respect to time of the Although this disclosure describes and illustrates particular received signal. For example, an electrode of an active stylus analog and digital circuits configured to process particular

26 US 9, 904, 377 B2 5 6 signals in particular manners, this disclosure contemplates sponds to a value of which indicates the presence of any suitable analog and digital circuits configured to process negative pulse 60 ); and ( 0, 0 ) corresponds to a value of 0 any suitable signals in any suitable manners. ( which indicates no pulse present ). As an example, the FIG. 7 illustrates example analog front end 220. In par digital output signal may be referred to as having a value of ticular embodiments, analog front end 220 may act as an 5 when a positive pulse 50 in derivative signal 20 occurs. edge detector or level detector and may include an analog Additionally, the digital signal may be referred to as having input circuit ( analog input 250 ) followed by level compara a value of when a negative pulse 60 occurs, and the tors 260A and 260B. In particular embodiments, analog digital signal may be referred to as having a value of 0 when input 250 may include one or more input buffer stages, no pulse is present. In particular embodiments, the digital amplifier stages, or filter stages ( e. g., a high pass, low pass, 0 output signal may include a series of values, 0, or, or band pass filter ). As an example, analog input 250 may which correspond respectively to a positive pulse 50, no include an operational amplifier ( op amp ) configured to pulse, and a negative pulse 60 in derivative signal 20. amplify and apply a band pass filter to an input derivative Although this disclosure describes and illustrates particular signal 20. In FIG. 7, positive comparator 260A is config digital edge detectors which include particular components, ured to produce an output of Vreft at the positive edge 5 this disclosure contemplates any suitable digital edge detec terminal when a positive pulse or edge is applied at input tors which include any suitable components. 20. Similarly, negative comparator 260B is configured to FIG. 0 illustrates example correlator circuit 240. In produce an output of Vet at the negative edge terminal particular embodiments, correlator circuit 240 may perform when a negative pulse or edge is supplied at input 20. In a cross correlation between derivative signal 20 and an particular embodiments, the comparator reference voltages 20 expected signal pattern. In particular embodiments, the Vreft and Vref may each be set to any suitable voltage value, expected signal pattern may be based on a derivative with such as for example,. 0 V, V, or 2. 5 V. For respect to time of a predefined code sequence, which is example, Vreft may be set to. 67 V, and Vref may be set described below. In particular embodiments, prior to per to. 67 V. The initial values of the positive edge and forming a cross correlation operation, derivative signal 20 negative edge outputs may be approximately 0. 0 V or 25 may be converted into a digital signal ( e. g., as described ground. When derivative signal 20 has a positive pulse 50 above ), and performing a cross correlation may include which is applied to input 20, the positive edge output will performing a cross correlation of digital signal x [ n ] and an go to. 67 V, and the negative edge output will remain at expected signal pattern y [ n ] to produce a cross correlation 0. 0 V. Similarly, when derivative signal 20 has a negative signal r [ k ]. The cross correlation between x [ n ] and y [ n ] may pulse 60 which is applied to input 20, the negative edge 30 be expressed as rzy [ k ] = E ON x [ n k ] xy [ n ]. In FIG. 0, output will go to. 67 V, and the positive edge output will correlator circuit 240 performs a cross correlation between remain at 0. 0 V. Although this disclosure describes and input digital signal x [ n ] and expected signal pattern y [ n ]. illustrates particular analog front ends which include par The delay of the digital signal x [ n ] with respect to the ticular components and particular comparator reference expected signal pattern y [ n ] is achieved with a tapped delay voltages, this disclosure contemplates any suitable analog 35 line where each Z block represents a time delay of one front ends which include any suitable components and any symbol period. As described above, the digital signal x [ n ] suitable comparator reference voltages. may have a series of values (, 0, or ), which correspond FIG. 8 illustrates an example digital edge detector 230, respectively to a positive pulse, no pulse, and a negative and FIG. 9 illustrates another example digital edge detector pulse in derivative signal 20. For example, the digital 230. In particular embodiments, digital edge detector signal x [ n ] may be expressed as (, 0,, 0,, 0, 0,, 0 ). In may receive positive edge and negative edge input signals particular embodiments, the cross correlation signal r [ k ] and produce a digital output signal based on the input may to supplied to a processor or controller 50 for analysis. signals. In particular embodiments, digital edge detector 230 Although this disclosure describes and illustrates particular may include a series of flip flop circuits which produce a correlator circuits which include particular components, this digital output signal. Digital edge detector 230 may detect a 45 disclosure contemplates any suitable correlator circuits change in the positive edge or negative edge input and may which include any suitable components. maintain the detected edge until the circuitry is cleared or FIG. illustrates example predefined code sequence 300 reset. In FIGS. 8 and 9, the digital output signal is repre and example expected signal pattern 30. In particular sented by the values of outputs bit 0 and bit. The bit embodiments, predefined code sequence 300 may be 0 output indicates the presence of an edge ( which corre 50 referred to as a code sequence or a code. In particular sponds to the presence of a pulse in derivative signal 20 ) in either the positive edge input or the negative edge input, and the bit output indicates whether the edge is a positive or negative edge. For example, if the values of ( bit 0, bit ) are embodiments, code sequence 300 may be a two level digital signal that includes a series of rising and falling edges. In FIG., code sequence 300 includes two rising edges and two falling edges and has a total duration of approximately (, 0 ), this indicates the presence of a positive edge, which us. In particular embodiments, code sequence 300 may corresponds to a positive pulse in derivative signal 20. If be expressed in terms of a series of values, and, where the values of ( bit 0, bit ) are (, ), this indicates the represents a digital or a digital high, and repre presence of a negative edge, which corresponds to a negative sents a digital O or a digital low. For example, code pulse in derivative signal 20. sequence 300 may be expressed as ( ) or ( In particular embodiments, derivative signal 20 may be ). Although this disclosure describes and illustrates converted into a digital output signal such that each positive polarity pulse 50 is converted into a first value of the digital particular code sequences having particular durations and particular numbers of rising and falling edges, this disclo output signal and each negative polarity pulse 60 is con sure contemplates any suitable code sequences having any verted into a second value of the digital signal. The output suitable durations and any suitable numbers of rising and bits ( bit 0, bit ) may be represented as follows : (, 0 ) 65 falling edges. corresponds to a value of ( which indicates the presence In particular embodiments, expected signal pattern 30 of positive pulse 50 in derivative signal 20 ); (, ) corre may be based on a derivative with respect to time of

27 US 9, 904, 377 B2 8 version of code sequence 300 and may be obtained by predefined code sequence 300. As an example, a continuous time signal pattern may be represented by a discrete time sending code sequence 300 through an inverter logic gate. In sequence c [ n ], where the values of c [ n ] are obtained by particular embodiments, transmitted signal 00 and received sampling the continuous time signal pattern at regular inter signal 0 may be made up of a particular pattern that vals. The derivative of the continuous time signal pattern 5 includes code sequence 300 and the inverse of code may then be approximated by the difference between suc sequence 300. For example, a data bit of may be encoded cessive elements of the discrete time sequence. As an in transmitted signal 00 as one or more repetitions of code example, if code sequence 300 is represented by the discrete sequence 300, and a data bit of O may be encoded as one or time sequence c [ n ], then expected signal pattern y [ n ] may be more repetitions of the inverse of code sequence 300. In determined from the expression yn ] = c [ n ] cn ). In FIG. 0 FIG. 2, portion 320A of transmitted signal 00 includes one, expected signal pattern 30 is the first derivative of code repetition of code sequence 300 which represents a bit value sequence 300. Accordingly, each rising edge of code of. Portion 320B includes one repetition of the inverse of sequence 300 is associated with a positive pulse of expected code sequence 300 which represents a bit value of 0. signal pattern 30, and each falling edge of code sequence In particular embodiments, transmitted signal 00 may be 300 is associated with a negative pulse of expected signal 5 formed by combining a data sequence with code sequence pattern 30. In FIG., expected signal pattern 30 has a 300. In particular embodiments, code sequence 300 may be duration of approximately 5. 3 us and includes two positive repeated so that each data bit of a data sequence is matched pulses and two negative pulses. Although this disclosure up with one or more repetitions of code sequence 300, and describes and illustrates particular expected signal patterns transmitted signal 00 may be formed by combining the data having particular durations and particular numbers of posi 20 sequence with multiple repetitions of code sequence 300. In tive and negative pulses, this disclosure contemplates any suitable expected signal patterns having any suitable dura FIG. 2, each data bit is matched up with one repetition of code sequence 300. In particular embodiments, transmitted tions and any suitable numbers of positive and negative signal 00 may be formed by performing a logic operation pulses. involving a data sequence and code sequence 300. For In particular embodiments, code sequence 300 may be a 25 example, a transmitting device may combine a data spread spectrum code sequence. For example, code sequence and code sequence 300 using an XOR or XNOR sequence 300 may be spread in the frequency domain which logic operation to form transmitted signal 00. Although this may result in a signal with improved immunity to electrical disclosure describes and illustrates particular transmitted noise. In particular embodiments, a spread spectrum code signals based on particular data sequences combined with sequence may include a combination of two or more fre 30 particular code sequences, this disclosure contemplates any quency components in a range of approximately 00 khz to suitable transmitted signals based on any suitable data MHz. Code sequence 300 illustrated in FIG. is a sequences combined with any suitable code sequences. spread spectrum code sequence which results from a com FIG. 3 illustrates an example received signal 0, an bination of four different frequencies : 490 khz ( correspond example derivative signal 20, and an example cross cor ing to the first of code sequence 300 ), 430 khz ( corre 35 relation signal 330. In FIG. 3, received signal 0 corre sponding to the first O ), 370 khz ( corresponding to the sponds to portion 320A of transmitted signal 00 in FIG. 2. second ), and 270 khz ( corresponding to the second O ). FIG. 4 illustrates an example received signal 0, an Although this disclosure describes and illustrates particular example derivative signal 20, and an example cross cor spread spectrum code sequences having particular fre relation signal 330. In FIG. 4, received signal 0 corre quency components, this disclosure contemplates any suit 40 sponds to portion 320B of transmitted signal 00 in FIG. 2. able spread spectrum code sequences having any suitable Derivative signal 20 is a derivative with respect to time of frequency components. received signal 0. As described above, an electrode of a FIG. 2 illustrates an example data sequence combined receiving device may produce derivative signal 20 from with example code sequence 300 to produce example trans received signal 0 such that a rising or falling edge of mitted signal 00. In particular embodiments, a data 45 received signal 0 corresponds to a positive or negative sequence may be any suitable series of data bits ( e. g., ones pulse, respectively, of derivative signal 20. In FIGS. 3 and and zeros in series ), and code sequence 300 may be used to 4, the x axis of the graph of derivative signal 20 may have encode the data prior to transmission. In FIG. 2, the data units of clock cycle counts, corresponding to a clock of a sequence is 00, and code sequence 300 is the code computing device. For example, stylus 20 or device 52 may sequence from FIG.. A data sequence may include a 50 have a processor that includes or is coupled to a clock ( e. g., message or information that is sent from a transmitting an RC oscillator or a crystal oscillator ), such as for example device ( e. g., device 52 ) to a receiving device ( e. g., stylus a clock with a clock frequency or a sampling rate of 2 MHz, 20 ). The transmitting device may combine the data sequence 3. 6 MHz, 24 MHz, 30 MHz, or any suitable clock fre with code sequence 300 to form transmitted signal 00. The quency. For the graph of derivative signal 20 in FIGS. 3 receiving device may receive the transmitted signal as 55 and 4, a receiving device may have a 24 MHz sampling received signal 0, and the receiving device may process rate, which, for a sampling duration of 5. 3 us, corresponds the received signal to determine the original data sequence. to approximately 27 samples. In particular embodiments, transmitted signal 00 or In particular embodiments, a receiving device ( e. g., stylus received signal 0 may be based on code sequence 300. For 20 or device 52 ) may perform a cross correlation between example, transmitted signal 00 may include one or more 60 derivative signal 20 and an expected signal pattern to repetitions of code sequence 300, and received signal 0, produce cross correlation signal 330. In particular embodi which corresponds to transmitted signal 00, may also ments, prior to performing a cross correlation, derivative include one or more corresponding repetitions of code signal 20 may be converted into a digital signal ( e. g., a sequence 300. Additionally, transmitted signal 00 and digitized version of derivative signal 20 ), as discussed received signal 0 may include one or more repetitions of 65 above, and the cross correlation may then be performed an inverse of code sequence 300. An inverse of code between the digital signal and an expected signal pattern. sequence 300 may correspond to a flipped or inverted For example, a receiving device may have expected signal

28 US 9, 904, 377 B2 9 pattern 30 stored in a memory ( e. g., memory 44 ), and a ( with amplitudes of or ) may be discarded or removed cross correlation may be performed by a correlator circuit or from consideration since they are each greater than the by a processor or controller 50 of the receiving device. In threshold value of 3. FIGS. 3 and 4, cross correlation signal 330 is obtained In particular embodiments, a predefined code sequence from a cross correlation between derivative signal 20 and or an expected signal pattern 30 may be selected based expected signal pattern 30 of FIG.. In particular on an autocorrelation of expected signal pattern 30 having embodiments, a cross correlation of derivative signal 20 a particular peak to sidelobe ratio. A peak to sidelobe ratio and expected signal pattern 30 may produce cross corre may be defined as the magnitude ( or, absolute value ) of a lation signal 330 which may include one or more cross main peak divided by the maximum magnitude of any correlation pulses ( also referred to as cross correlation 0 sidelobes ( or, secondary peaks ). In FIG. 3, cross correla peaks ). The cross correlation signals of FIGS. 3 and 4 tion signal 330 has a main peak with a magnitude of 4 and each include a total of 3 cross correlation pulses, where the 2 sidelobes each with a magnitude of corresponding to main cross correlation pulse has a magnitude of 4 and the a peak to sidelobe ratio of 4. For example, a predefined code other 2 secondary pulses each have a magnitude of. sequence 300 may be selected based on an autocorrelation of Although this disclosure describes and illustrates particular 5 its associated expected signal pattern 30 having a peak to cross correlation signals having particular numbers of sidelobe ratio of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 0, or any suitable value of pulses with particular magnitudes, this disclosure contem peak to sidelobe ratio. plates any suitable cross correlation signals having any In particular embodiments, a predefined code sequence suitable numbers of pulses with any suitable magnitudes. 300 or an expected signal pattern 30 may be selected based In particular embodiments, an autocorrelation of 20 on an autocorrelation of expected signal pattern 30 having expected signal pattern 30 may have a single positive peak a particular difference between a main correlation peak and that is greater than a particular positive threshold value. For a secondary peak. In FIG. 3, cross correlation signal 330 example, cross correlation signal 330 of FIG. 3 is similar has a main peak with a magnitude of 4 and secondary peaks to an autocorrelation of expected signal pattern 30 of FIG. with magnitudes of, corresponding to a difference between, and its main peak has an amplitude of 4. With a 25 the magnitudes of 3. For example, a predefined code positive threshold value set to 3, cross correlation signal sequence 300 may be selected based on an autocorrelation of 330 of FIG. 3 may be referred to as having a single positive its associated expected signal pattern having a difference peak that is greater than 3. A processor configured to between a main correlation peak and a secondary peak of 2, analyze cross correlation signal 330 of FIG. 3 may deter 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 0, or any suitable value. mine that it has a single positive peak that is greater than the 30 FIG. 5 is a table of example code sequences 300. The threshold value, and the remaining 2 secondary peaks with example code sequences are presented in the middle col amplitudes of or ( which may be referred to as umn. The first column of the table gives the number of bits sidelobes ) may be discarded or removed from consideration in each code sequence, and the third column gives a peak since they are each less than the threshold value of 3. In to sidelobe ratio of an autocorrelation of an expected signal particular embodiments, a threshold value associated with 35 pattern associated with each code sequence. For example, detection of peaks in cross correlation signals 330 may be the third entry is a code sequence with 7 bits, which may be set to 50 %, 60 %, 75 % of the main peak amplitude, or any represented as ( or 0 0 ' ' ), suitable percentage of the main peak amplitude. For and a peak to sidelobe ratio of an autocorrelation of its example, the threshold value for cross correlation signal 330 associated expected signal pattern of 4. The last two code in FIG. 3 may be set to 60 % ( e. g., 2. 4 ), 80 % ( e. g., 3 2 ), 40 sequences in FIG. 5 are presented in a compact form, where or any suitable percentage of the main peak amplitude 4. In " ones (, p ) represents a string of p ones and ones (, 7 ) particular embodiments, a predefined code sequence 300 or represents a string of q zeroes. Each of the code sequences an expected signal pattern 30 may be selected based on a in FIG. 5 has an autocorrelation of an associated expected requirement that an autocorrelation of expected signal pat signal pattern ( which is a derivative of the code sequence ) tern 30 have a single positive peak that is above a particular 45 with a single positive peak that is above a particular thresh threshold value. For example, an expected signal pattern old value. In particular embodiments, code sequence may not be selected if its associated autocorrelation has may have an autocorrelation of an associated expected two main positive peaks with approximately the same ampli signal pattern 30 where the main peak of the autocorrela tude. tion has a magnitude equal to the number of transitions in the In particular embodiments, a cross correlation of 50 code sequence 300, and the other secondary peaks ( which expected signal pattern 30 and an inverse of expected may be referred to as side peaks or side lobes ) have signal pattern 30 may have a single negative peak that is maximum magnitudes of. In particular embodiments, less than a particular negative threshold value. For example, communication between two devices may be based on one cross correlation signal 330 of FIG. 4 is a cross correlation or more of the code sequences in FIG. 5. Although this of expected signal pattern 30 of FIG. and derivative 55 disclosure describes and illustrates particular code signal 20 of FIG. 4. Derivative signal 20 of FIG. 4 is an inverse of expected signal pattern 30, where an inverse of expected signal pattern 30 may be obtained by multiplying expected signal pattern 30 by. Cross correlation signal 20 sequences having particular numbers of bits and associated with particular peak to sidelobe ratios, this disclosure con templates any suitable code sequences having any suitable numbers of bits and associated with any suitable peak to 330 of FIG. 4 has a single main peak with an amplitude of 60 sidelobe ratios. 4, and the remaining 2 sidelobes have amplitudes of or In particular embodiments, code sequences 300 may be. With a negative threshold value set to 3, cross corre associated with a single transmission frequency where each lation signal 330 of FIG. 4 may be referred to as having a bit is equally spaced or has an equal duration. For example, single negative peak that is less than 3. A processor each bit of the 4 bit code sequence 300 in FIG. 5 may have configured to analyze cross correlation signal 330 of FIG. 65 an equal duration of approximately 2 us. In other particular 4 may determine that it has a single negative peak that is embodiments, code sequences 300 may be associated with a less than the threshold value, and the remaining 2 sidelobes spread spectrum transmission technique where one or more

29 US 9, 904, 377 B of the bits of code sequence 300 have different durations or repetition corresponding to a portion 340A. In particular correspond to different transmission frequencies. For embodiments, cross correlation signal 330 may include N example, the 4 bit code sequence 300 in FIG. 5 may be positive cross correlation pulses, each pulse corresponding transmitted with a spread spectrum technique where each of to an occurrence of portion 340A in received signal 0. In the four bits,, has a duration of 2 us, 2. 3 us, particular embodiments, each cross correlation pulse may us, and 3. 4 us, respectively. have an amplitude greater than a particular positive thresh In particular embodiments, each individual bit of code old value 350A. In FIG. 6, cross correlation signal 330 sequence 300 may have an equal duration, and the code sequence overall may act as a spread spectrum code includes N = 5 positive cross correlation pulses, where each pulse has an amplitude of 4 ( which is greater than the sequence. For example, each bit of the 40 bit and 00 bit 0 code sequences 300 in FIG. 5 may have the same duration. positive threshold of 3 ). Each of these code sequences includes subsets ( e. g., ones In particular embodiments, received signal 0 may include N repetitions of an inverse of code sequence 300, (, p ) and ones (, 9 ) ) where the duration of each subset, as represented by the different values of p and q, is different. where N is a positive integer. In FIG. 7, received signal 0 Since the duration of each subset is different, the 40 bit and 5 includes ing N = 5 repetitions of the inverse of code sequence bit code sequences may be associated with a spread of FIG., each repetition corresponding to a portion 340B. spectrum transmission technique. For example, if the trans In particular embodiments, cross correlation signal 330 may mitting clock has a clock frequency of 2 MHz, then each include N negative cross correlation pulses, each pulse bit may have a duration of about 83 ns. For the 00 bit code corresponding to an occurrence of portion 340B in received sequence, the duration of the first subset ones (, 0 ) is 20 signal 0. In particular embodiments, each cross correla approximately 0x83 ns, or about us. The duration of tion pulse may have an amplitude less than a particular each of the four subsets of the 00 bit code sequence is negative threshold value 350B. In FIG. 7, cross correlation us,. 25 us, us, and 4 us, which corresponds to a signal 330 includes N = 5 negative cross correlation pulses, spread spectrum code sequence 300 where each subset of where each pulse has an amplitude of 4 ( which is below the the code sequence has a different duration. 25 positive threshold of 3 ). FIGS. 6 and 7 each illustrate an example received In particular embodiments, transmitted signal 00 and signal 0 and an example cross correlation signal 330. In received signal 0 having multiple repetitions of code particular embodiments, received signal 0 may include sequence 300 or the inverse of code sequence 300 may be one or more repetitions of code sequence 300 or one or more used to transmit data from a transmitting device to a receiv repetitions of an inverse of code sequence 300. In FIG ing device. For example, a transmitted signal 00 ( and a received signal 0 includes five repeated portions 340A, corresponding received signal 0 ) with N repetitions of each portion 340A corresponding to code sequence 300 of code sequence 300 may represent a bit value of, and a FIG.. In FIG. 7, received signal 0 includes five transmitted signal 0 with N repetitions of the inverse of repeated portions 340B, each portion 340B corresponding to code sequence may represent a bit value of 0. Longer the inverse of code sequence 300 of FIG.. 35 sequences of bits ( which may correspond to commands or In FIGS. 6 and 7, cross correlation signal 330 is other information sent between two devices ) may be pro produced by performing a cross correlation of expected duced by combining together multiple repetitions of code signal pattern 30 of FIG. with a derivative signal sequence 300 and the inverse of code sequence 300. In corresponding to a derivative of received signal 0. In particular embodiments, encoding transmitted signal 00 as particular embodiments, cross correlation signal 330 may 40 described herein may be referred to as a binary phase shift include one or more positive or negative cross correlation keying ( BPSK ) modulation technique or as a podal / antipo pulses, each positive cross correlation pulse indicating the dal encoding scheme. presence of code sequence 300 in received signal 0, and In particular embodiments, cross correlation signal 330 each negative cross correlation pulse indicating the presence having a sequence of N positive or negative cross correla of an inverse of code sequence 300 in received signal tion pulses may correspond to a particular bit value. FIGS. For example, each positive cross correlation pulse having an 5 and 6 each illustrate sequences of N = 5 cross correlation amplitude above a positive threshold value 350A ( e. g., pulses, which corresponds to each transmitted data bit being positive threshold = 3 ) indicates that received signal 0 associated with five repetitions of code sequence 300 or an includes a corresponding occurrence of code sequence 300. inverse of code sequence 300. Cross correlation signal 330 Similarly, each negative cross correlation pulse with an 50 having N = 5 positive cross correlation pulses above thresh amplitude below a negative threshold value 350B ( e. g., old 350A, as illustrated in FIG. 6, may correspond a bit negative threshold = 3 ) indicates that received signal 0 value of. Similarly, in FIG. 7, cross correlation signal 330 includes a corresponding occurrence of the inverse of code sequence 300. Each cross correlation signal 330 in FIGS. 6 and 7 includes five main pulses with amplitude of 4 or 4, having N = 5 negative cross correlation pulses below thresh old 350B may correspond to a bit value of 0. In particular 55 embodiments, cross correlation signal 330 may include a respectively, as well as multiple secondary pulses having combination of one or more positive cross correlation pulses amplitudes of or. The five main pulses correspond to and one or more negative cross correlation pulses. For the five repeated portions 340A or 340B in received signal example, a cross correlation signal with 5 positive cross 0. Each cross correlation pulse of amplitude 4 or 4 correlation pulses followed by 5 negative cross correlation occurs at a point of the cross correlation operation where the 60 pulses may correspond to a transmitted bit sequence of peaks of expected signal pattern 30 coincide with peaks that correspond to the derivative of code sequence 300 or the derivative of the inverse of code sequence 300, respectively. 0. In the example of FIG. 2, each transmitted data bit is associated with a single repetition of code sequence 300 or a single repetition of an inverse of code sequence 300, which In particular embodiments, received signal 0 may corresponds to a sequence of N = cross correlation pulses include N repetitions of code sequence 300, where N is a 65 per bit of data. In particular embodiments, received signal positive integer. In FIG. 6, received signal 0 includes 0 may include, 2, 5, 0, 20, or any suitable number of N = 5 repetitions of code sequence 300 of FIG., each repetitions of code sequence 300 or an inverse of code

30 23 sequence 300 per bit of data, and cross correlation signal US 9, 904, 377 B2 FIG. 8 illustrates example received signal 0, derivative 330 may include a corresponding number of pulses per bit signal 20, and cross correlation signal 330. In particular of data. embodiments transmitted signal 00 or received signal 0 In particular embodiments, a receiving device may per may include a preamble portion 360 followed by a data form a second correlation of cross correlation signal portion 370. In FIG. 8, preamble portion 360 of received For example, the output of correlator circuit 240 illustrated signal 0 includes a periodic square wave signal, and data in FIGS. 6 and 0 may be fed into a second correlator ( e. g., portion 370 includes code sequence 300 corresponding to a beat correlator ). A second correlator may act as a pattern the 9 bit code sequence of FIG. 5. In particular embodi overlay correlation which looks for a specific pattern at the ments, a receiving device may process preamble portion 360 output of the first correlator. In particular embodiments, 0 of received signal 0 to perform clock acquisition. For performing a second correlation may include applying a example, a receiving device may include a clock recovery low pass filter to cross correlation signal 330. For example, circuit to determine a frequency or timing of a clock of a a second correlator may include a finite impulse response transmitting device based on a square wave pattern received ( FIR ) filter. In particular embodiments as part of received signal 0. lation technique may be implemented ents based, a secondary on an analysis corre 5 In particular embodiments, data portion 370 may corre of cross correlation signal 330. For example, a processor spond to data transmitted from a transmitting device ( e. g., device 52 or stylus 20 ) to a receiving device ( e. g., device 52 may perform a statistical analysis of cross correlation signal or stylus 20 ). For example, the 9 bit code sequence may 330 to determine whether cross correlation signal 330 represent a bit value of, and the inverse of the 9 bit code includes a specific pattern or a valid series of pulses that 20 sequence may represent a bit value of 0. Derivative signal corresponds to a data bit. In particular embodiments, a beat 20 corresponds to a first derivative of received signal 0. correlator may be applied where data is encoded using The rising and falling edges of portion 370 are associated multiple repetitions ( e. g., N22 ) of code sequence 300 or the with the positive and negative pulses, respectively, of inverse of code sequence 300. Applying a second correlation received signal 20, as indicated by the dashed lines in FIG. may be used to determine whether a cross correlation signal Derivative signal 20 includes six pulses associated with includes a specific pattern or a series of N pulses. For edges in portion 370 of received signal 0. Cross correla example, a code sequence 300 with a relatively small tion signal 330 results from performing a cross correlation number of bits ( e. g., the codes from FIG. 5 having less than of derivative signal 20 with expected signal pattern 30, or equal to 0 bits ) may be repeated multiple times per bit. where expected signal pattern 30 is based on a derivative This signal will produce multiple peaks in a cross correla 30 of the 9 bit code sequence 300 of FIG. 5. Cross correla tion signal, and a beat correlator may overlay these multiple tion signal 330 has a single main peak with an amplitude of peaks together to product a single larger peak having a 24 6 as well as multiple side peaks with amplitudes of or greater peak to sidelobe ratio than any of the multiple peaks., which corresponds to a peak to sidelobe ratio of 6. A A computing device may analyze the output of the beat receiving device may apply a positive threshold value of 4 correlator to determine whether a valid signal or a valid bit 35 to cross correlation signal 330 and determine that cross ( e. g., a 0 or ) has been received. correlation signal 330 includes a single peak above the In particular embodiments, a receiving device may deter threshold value, corresponding to a bit value of. mine, based on cross correlation signal 330, that received In particular embodiments, a receiving device may deter signal 0 is associated with code sequence 300. For mine, based at least in part on one or more cross correlation example, a receiving device may have code sequence 300 or 40 pulses of cross correlation signal 330, timing information of a derivative of code sequence 300 ( which corresponds to received signal 0 or clock information associated with a expected signal pattern 30 ) stored in a memory. The receiv transmitting device. For example, timing information may ing device may perform a cross correlation between deriva be associated with the timing of data, such as for example a tive signal 20 and expected signal pattern 30. If cross window of time or a start time corresponding to when a data correlation signal 330 exhibits one or more positive ( or 45 bit is expected to be received. Additionally, clock informa negative ) peaks that are greater than ( or less than ) a thresh tion may refer to a frequency, phase, or timing of a clock old value, then receiving device may determine that received associated with a transmitting device. Based on a location of signal 0 is associated with code sequence 300. In particu a cross correlation pulse in cross correlation signal 330, a lar embodiments, received signal 0 being associated with receiving device may determine timing information or clock code sequence 300 may refer to received signal 0 includ 50 information. ing one or more repetitions of code sequence 300 or an FIGS. 9 2 each illustrate an example signal with an inverse of code sequence 330. example preamble portion 360 and an example data portion In particular embodiments, a receiving device may deter 370. The signals illustrated in FIGS. 9 2 may correspond mine a value of a data bit sent by a transmitting device based to transmitted signal 00 or received signal 0. In particular at least in part on an amplitude of one or more cross 55 embodiments, transmitted signal 00 or received signal 0 correlation pulses. For example, a receiving device may m ay include one or more portions associated with clock compare cross correlation signal 330 to a positive threshold recovery, symbol timing recovery, or data transfer. In par value 350A and a negative threshold value 350B. If cross ticular embodiments, clock recovery may refer to a process correlation signal 330 includes a series of one or more pulses where a receiving device determines a frequency, phase, or with amplitudes that exceed positive threshold value 350A, 60 timing of a clock associated with a transmitting device. For then the receiving device may determine that the pulses example the frequency of a clock may be 0 MHz, 2 MHz, correspond to a bit value of sent by transmitting device. 24 MHz, or any suitable clock frequency, and the phase or Similarly, if cross correlation signal 330 includes a series of timing of a clock may refer to a point in time or a phase one or more pulses with amplitudes that are less than where an edge of a clock occurs. In particular embodiments, negative threshold value 350B, then the receiving device 65 symbol timing recovery may refer to a process where a may determine that the pulses correspond to a bit value of 0 receiving device determines a timing associated with trans mission of symbols ( or, data ) by a transmitting device. For sent by transmitting device.

31 US 9, 904, 377 B example, a receiving device may determine a window of sequence has an autocorrelation, represented by xcorr ( a, a ) time in which a symbol or bit of data is expected to be and corr ( b, b ), respectively, with a peak to sidelobe ratio of received or may determine a start time when the receipt of 5, while their cross correlation xcorr ( a, b ) has a peak mag a data bit is expected to begin. In particular embodiments, nitude of. data transfer may refer to a process where a receiving device 5 In particular embodiments, transmitted signal 00 or receives data ( e. g., a stream of bits ) sent by a transmitting received signal 0 may include code sequences c, and ca device. For example, a receiving device may receive data with corresponding expected signal patterns y, and y, from a transmitting device based on the symbol timing respectively. A cross correlation of pattern y, with itself, information. In FIGS. 9 2, data transfer portions 370 are corr ( y y,), may have a single main peak above a particular illustrated as a square wave signal. In particular embodi 0 threshold value along with several additional side peaks ments, data transfer portion 370 may include one or more below the threshold value. Similarly, xcorr ( y2, y2 ), may have repetitions of code sequence 300 or one or more repetitions a single main peak with several additional side peaks. of an inverse of code sequence 300, as described above. Additionally, expected signal patterns y, and y, may be FIG. 9 illustrates a signal with a preamble portion 360 orthogonal such that all the peaks of xcorr ( y, y2 ) are below for clock recovery and symbol timing recovery and data 5 a maximum peak value ( e. g., peak magnitude of xcorr ( y, portion 370 for data transfer ( e. g., communication of data y,) is less than, 2, 3, or any suitable value ). from a transmitting device to a receiving device ). In FIG. 9, In particular embodiments, code sequences may be clock and symbol timing recovery are performed in parallel selected such that a cross correlation of a code sequence based on synchronization patterns 380A and 380B. In par with all possible combinations of the code sequence pro ticular embodiments, preamble portion 360 may include 20 duces a corresponding series of correlation peaks. For multiple repetitions of pattern 380A, and inverse pattern example, a cross correlation of expected signal pattern y 380B ( which is the inverse of pattern 380A ) may indicate the with all possible combinations of the pattern may be end of the clock / symbol recovery phase and the start of data expressed as xcorr ([ y, y, y, y, y, y ], y ). This cross transfer. A receiving device may receive the inverse pattern correlation may produce a series of six peaks ( e. g., 380B and determine that preamble portion 360 is completed 25, where corresponds to a positive peak and corre and data transfer portion 370 is starting. sponds to a negative peak ) each peak corresponding to a FIG. 20 illustrates a signal where the preamble portion pattern in the series ( y, y, y, y, y, y ). If the cross 360 includes a square wave signal for clock recovery fol correlation expression produces six peaks and has a peak lowed by a correlation sequence for symbol timing recov to sidelobe ratio above a particular threshold value ( e. g., 5 ), ery. In particular embodiments, the correlation sequence 30 then the corresponding code sequence may be considered for may include one or more synchronization patterns similar to use in a technique for sending or receiving information pattern 380A in FIG. 9. The receiving device may perform between two devices. If the cross correlation expression a clock recovery process based on the square wave signal, produces six peaks plus one or more additional spurious and symbol timing recovery may be performed with the peaks, then the peak to sidelobe ratio may not be above the correlation sequence. 35 particular threshold value, and the corresponding code FIG. 2 illustrates a signal similar to the signal of FIG. 20 sequence may be rejected or removed from consideration. In with the addition of a 90 phase shift between the square particular embodiments, selecting a code sequence based on wave signal and the correlation sequence. Adding the 90 such an analysis may reduce the occurrence of false corre phase shift skews the edges of the data transfer portion with lation peaks associated with combining code sequences respect to the edges of the square wave signal. In particular 40 back to back. embodiments, a 90 phase shift included between preamble FIG. 22 illustrates example method 2200 for receiving portion 360 and data portion 370 may reduce the occurrence information. In particular embodiments, method 2200 illus of false peaks in cross correlation signal 330 due to edges of trated in FIG. 22 may be performed by stylus 20 or a preamble portion 360. For example, a 90 phase shift ( or any computing device ( e. g., device 52 ) that includes touch other suitable phase shift ) may be introduced between 45 sensor 0. The method may start at step 220 where a signal preamble portion 360 and data portion 370 to reduce or sent from a computing device is wirelessly received. For substantially eliminate interference from preamble portion example, transmitted signal 00 may be sent from touch 360 in cross correlation signal 330. sensor 0 of device 52 and wirelessly received, as received In particular embodiments, a signal sent from a transmit signal 0, by one or more electrodes of stylus 20. As ting device ( e. g., device 52 or stylus 20 ) may be based on 50 another example, transmitted signal 00 may be sent from an two or more predefined code sequences 300. For example, electrode of stylus 20 and wirelessly received, as received transmitted signal 00 or received signal 0 may include a signal 0, by one or more electrodes of touch sensor 0. In first code sequence and a second code sequence ( e. g., two particular embodiments, received signal 0 may include a code sequences from FIG. 5 ), where each occurrence of the data bit and may be based on a predefined code sequence first code sequence represents a bit value of, and each For example, a computing device may send a sequence occurrence of the second code sequence represents a bit of data bits which represents a command or other informa value of 0. In particular embodiments, a signal sent from a tion. transmitting device may be based on two or more code sequences 300, where the expected signal patterns associ At step 2220, a derivative signal 20 may be produced from the received signal 0. For example, derivative signal ated with the code sequences are orthogonal to one another may be produced by one or more stylus electrodes or by In particular embodiments, two sequences or patterns may one or more electrodes of touch sensor 0. In particular be referred to as being orthogonal if their associated cross embodiments, derivative signal 20 may be derived from correlation has peaks below a particular magnitude. For received signal 0 and may correspond to a derivative with example, two sequences, a and b, may be orthogonal if each respect to time of received signal 0. At step 2230, a peak of their cross correlation, corr ( a, b ), has a magnitude 65 cross correlation of the derivative signal 20 and an less than, 2, 3, or any suitable maximum peak value. For expected signal pattern 30 may be performed. For example, sequences a and b may be selected such that each example, stylus 20 or device 52 may perform a cross

32 US 9, 904, 377 B correlation of derivative signal 20 and expected signal embodiments may include any combination or permutation pattern 30. In particular embodiments, expected signal of any of the components, elements, functions, operations, pattern 30 may be based on a derivative with respect to or steps described or illustrated anywhere herein that a time of predefined code sequence 300, and the cross corre person having ordinary skill in the art would comprehend. lation may produce a cross correlation signal 330 that 5 Furthermore, reference in the appended claims to an appa includes one or more cross correlation pulses. ratus or system or a component of an apparatus or system At step 2240, it may be determined that received signal being adapted to, arranged to, capable of, configured to, 0 is associated with predefined code sequence 300. For enabled to, operable to, or operative to perform a particular example, stylus 20 or device 52 may determine, based on function encompasses that apparatus, system, component, cross correlation signal 330, that received signal 0 is 0 whether or not it or that particular function is activated, associated with predefined code sequence 300. At step 2250, turned on, or unlocked, as long as that apparatus, system, or a value of the data bit may be determined, at which point the component is so adapted, arranged, capable, configured, method may end. For example, a value of one or more data enabled, operable, or operative. bits sent by stylus 20 or device 52 may be determined by another stylus 20 or computing device. In particular embodi 5 What is claimed is : ments, a value of a data bit may be determined based at least. A method comprising : in part on an amplitude of the cross correlation pulses. wirelessly receiving, by an electrode of a stylus, a signal Particular embodiments may repeat one or more steps of sent from a touch sensor of a computing device, the method 2200 of FIG. 22, where appropriate. Moreover, received signal comprising a data bit and being based although this disclosure describes and illustrates particular 20 on a predefined code sequence ; steps of the method of FIG. 22 as occurring in a particular producing, by the electrode of the stylus, a derivative order, this disclosure contemplates any suitable steps of the signal derived from the received signal, the derivative method of FIG. 22 occurring in any suitable order. More signal corresponding to a derivative with respect to over, although this disclosure describes and illustrates an time of the received signal ; example method for receiving information, this disclosure 25 performing, by the stylus, a cross correlation of the contemplates any suitable method for receiving information, derivative signal and an expected signal pattern, the including any suitable steps, which may include all, some, or expected signal pattern based on a derivative with none of the steps of the method of FIG. 22, where appro respect to time of the predefined code sequence, priate. Furthermore, although this disclosure describes and wherein the cross correlation produces a cross corre illustrates particular components, devices, or systems car 30 lation signal comprising one or more cross correlation rying out particular steps of the method of FIG. 22, this pulses ; disclosure contemplates any suitable combination of any determining, by the stylus, based on the cross correlation suitable components, devices, or systems carrying out any signal, that the received signal is associated with the suitable steps of the method of FIG. 22. predefined code sequence ; and Herein, reference to a computer readable non transitory 35 determining, by the stylus, a value of the data bit sent by storage medium or media may include one or more semi the computing device based at least in part on an conductor based or other integrated circuits ( ICs ) ( such, as amplitude of the cross correlation pulses ; for example, a field programmable gate array ( FPGA ) or an wherein : application specific IC ( ASIC )), hard disk drives ( HDDs ), the received signal is a voltage or electric field signal ; hybrid hard drives ( HHDs ), optical discs, optical disc drives 40 and ( ODDs ), magneto optical discs, magneto optical drives, the derivative signal comprises electric charge or elec floppy diskettes, floppy disk drives ( FDDs ), magnetic tapes, tric current and is produced based at least on a solid state drives ( SSDs ), RAM drives, SECURE DIGITAL capacitance associated with the electrode of the cards, SECURE DIGITAL drives, any other suitable com stylus. puter readable non transitory storage medium or media, or The method of claim, further comprising converting, any suitable combination of two or more of these, where prior to performing the cross correlation, the derivative appropriate. A computer readable non transitory storage signal into a digital signal such that performing the cross medium or media may be volatile, non volatile, or a com correlation comprises performing a cross correlation of the bination of volatile and non volatile, where appropriate. digital signal and the expected signal pattern to produce the Herein, or is inclusive and not exclusive, unless 50 cross correlation signal. expressly indicated otherwise or indicated otherwise by 3. The method of claim 2, wherein : context. Therefore, herein, A or B means A, B, or both," the derivative signal comprises a series of electrical unless expressly indicated otherwise or indicated otherwise by context. Moreover, " and " is both joint and several, unless expressly indicated otherwise or indicated otherwise by 55 context. Therefore, herein, A and B means A and B, jointly or severally, unless expressly indicated otherwise or pulses, each pulse having a positive or negative polar ity ; and converting the derivative signal into the digital signal comprises converting each positive polarity pulse into a first value of the digital signal and converting each indicated otherwise by context. negative polarity pulse into a second value of the The scope of this disclosure encompasses all changes, digital signal. substitutions, variations, alterations, and modifications to the The method of claim, wherein : example embodiments described or illustrated herein that a the received signal comprises a series of rising edges and person having ordinary skill in the art would comprehend. falling edges ; The scope of this disclosure is not limited to the example the derivative signal comprises a series of electrical embodiments described or illustrated herein. Moreover, pulses, each pulse having a positive or negative polar although this disclosure describes and illustrates respective 65 ity ; embodiments herein as including particular components, each positive polarity pulse corresponds to a rising edge elements, functions, operations, or steps, any of these of the received signal ; and

33 29 each negative polarity pulse corresponds to a falling edge US 9, 904, 377 B2 30 correlation produces a cross correlation signal com of the received signal. prising one or more cross correlation pulses ; 5. The method of claim, wherein an autocorrelation of determining, based on the cross correlation signal, that the expected signal pattern has a single positive peak that is the received signal is associated with the predefined greater than a particular positive threshold value. code sequence ; and 6. The method of claim, wherein the received signal determining a value of the data bit sent by the com comprises one or more repetitions of the predefined code puting device based at least in part on an amplitude sequence or one or more repetitions of an inverse of the predefined code sequence. of the cross correlation pulses ; 7. The method of claim, further comprising performing 0 wherein : a beat correlation of the cross correlation signal. the received signal is a voltage or electric field signal ; 8. The method of claim 7, wherein performing the beat and correlation comprises applying a low pass filter to the cross the derivative signal comprises electric charge or elec correlation signal. tric current and is produced based at least on a 9. The method of claim, wherein the predefined code 5 capacitance associated with the electrode of the sequence is a spread spectrum code sequence. stylus. 0. The method of claim, wherein : 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the logic is further the received signal comprises N repetitions of the pre configured when executed to convert, prior to performing defined code sequence, wherein N is a positive integer ; the cross correlation, the derivative signal into a digital the cross correlation signal comprises N positive cross 20 signal such that performing the cross correlation comprises correlation pulses, the amplitude of each pulse being performing a cross correlation of the digital signal and the greater than a particular positive threshold value ; and expected signal pattern to produce the cross correlation sig the value of the data bit sent by the computing device is nal. 7. The system of claim 5, wherein :. The method of claim, wherein : 25 the received signal comprises a series of rising edges and the received signal comprises N repetitions of an inverse falling edges ; of the predefined code sequence, wherein N is a posi the derivative signal comprises a series of electrical tive integer ; pulses, each pulse having a positive or negative polar the cross correlation signal comprises N negative cross ity ; correlation pulses, the amplitude of each pulse being 30 each positive polarity pulse corresponds to a rising edge less than a particular negative threshold value ; and of the received signal ; and the value of the data bit sent by the computing device is each negative polarity pulse corresponds to a falling edge 0. of the received signal. 2. The method of claim, wherein the one or more 8. The system of claim 5, wherein an autocorrelation of cross correlation pulses comprise one or more positive or 35 the expected signal pattern has a single positive peak that is negative cross correlation pulses, each positive cross corre greater than a particular positive threshold value. lation pulse indicating a presence of the predefined code 9. A non transitory computer readable storage medium sequence in the received signal, and each negative cross embodying logic that is configured when executed by a acco correlation pulse indicating a presence of an inverse of the predefined code sequence in the received signal. 40 performing a cross correlation of a derivative signal and 3. The method of claim, wherein the signal sent from an expected signal pattern to produce a cross correla the touch sensor is further based on an additional predefined tion signal comprising one or more cross correlation code sequence, wherein a derivative of the additional pre pulses, wherein : defined code sequence is orthogonal to the expected signal the derivative signal is produced from a received sig pattern. 45 nal, the derivative signal corresponding to a deriva 4. The method of claim, further comprising determin tive with respect to time of the received signal ; ing, based at least in part on the cross correlation pulses, the received signal is wirelessly received from a touch timing information of the received signal or clock informa sensor of a computing device, the received signal tion associated with the computing device. comprising a data bit and being based on a pre 5. A system comprising : 50 defined code sequence ; and an electrode configured to perform operations compris the expected signal pattern is based on a derivative ing : with respect to time of the predefined code sequence ; wirelessly receiving a signal sent from a touch sensor determining, based on the cross correlation signal, that of a computing device, the received signal compris the received signal is associated with the predefined ing a data bit and being based on a predefined code 55 code sequence ; and sequence ; and determining a value of the data bit sent by the computing producing a derivative signal derived from the received device based at least in part on an amplitude of the signal, the derivative signal corresponding to a cross correlation pulses ; derivative with respect to time of the received signal ; wherein : and the received signal is a voltage or electric field signal ; a controller coupled to the electrode and embodying logic and that is configured when executed to perform operations the derivative signal comprises electric charge or elec comprising : tric current and is produced based at least on a performing a cross correlation of the derivative signal capacitance associated with the electrode of the and an expected signal pattern, the expected signal 65 stylus. pattern based on a derivative with respect to time of 20. The non transitory computer readable storage the predefined code sequence, wherein the cross medium of claim 9, wherein :