U.S. patent application number 12/729969 was filed with the patent office on 2010-12-02 for depressable touch sensor.
This patent application is currently assigned to SYNAPTICS INCORPORATED. Invention is credited to Jesus Beltran, Mark Jennings, Sung Kim, Heather Lynn Klaubert, Robert Lee, Daniel Shar Wen Yang.
Application Number | 20100300772 12/729969 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43218949 |
Filed Date | 2010-12-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100300772 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lee; Robert ; et
al. |
December 2, 2010 |
DEPRESSABLE TOUCH SENSOR
Abstract
An input device and a method for providing an input device are
provided. The input device assembly includes a base, a sensor
support, and a guide mechanism attached to the base and the sensor
support. The guide mechanism allows for only substantially uniform
translation of the sensor support towards the base in response to a
force biasing the sensor support substantially towards the
base.
Inventors: |
Lee; Robert; (San Ramon,
CA) ; Jennings; Mark; (San Jose, CA) ; Yang;
Daniel Shar Wen; (Millbrae, CA) ; Beltran; Jesus;
(Sunnyvale, CA) ; Klaubert; Heather Lynn; (Palo
Alto, CA) ; Kim; Sung; (Palo Alto, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
INGRASSIA FISHER & LORENZ, P.C. (SYNA)
7010 E. Cochise Road
SCOTTSDALE
AZ
85253
US
|
Assignee: |
SYNAPTICS INCORPORATED
Santa Clara
CA
|
Family ID: |
43218949 |
Appl. No.: |
12/729969 |
Filed: |
March 23, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61181888 |
May 28, 2009 |
|
|
|
61253944 |
Oct 22, 2009 |
|
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|
61295068 |
Jan 14, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
178/18.06 ;
200/329 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 3/03547
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
178/18.06 ;
200/329 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/044 20060101
G06F003/044; H01H 3/00 20060101 H01H003/00 |
Claims
1. An input device assembly comprising: a base; a sensor support;
and a guide mechanism attached to the base and the sensor support,
wherein the guide mechanism allows for only substantially uniform
translation of the sensor support towards the base in response to a
force biasing the sensor support substantially towards the
base.
2. The input device assembly of claim 1, wherein the guide
mechanism comprises a flexure assembly designed to bend in a
bending region, the flexure assembly having a first flexure spring
with a first substantially planar portion in the bending region and
a second flexure spring having a second substantially planar
portion in the bending region, wherein the first and second
substantially planar portions overlap, are substantially parallel
to each other, and are separated by a distance.
3. The input device assembly of claim 2, wherein the flexure
assembly is configured such that when the sensor support translates
towards the base in response to the force biasing the sensor
support substantially towards the base, the first and second
substantially planar portions remain substantially parallel to each
other and the distance separating the first and second
substantially planar portions remains substantially constant.
4. The input device assembly of claim 2, wherein the flexure
assembly further comprises a spacing structure interconnecting the
first and second flexure springs.
5. The input device assembly of claim 2, further comprising a
switch, wherein the switch is actuated when the sensor support
translates towards the base by at least an actuation distance.
6. The input device assembly of claim 5, further comprising a
switch adjustment mechanism, the switch adjustment mechanism
configured to adjust the actuation distance
7. An input device assembly comprising: a base; a sensor support
configured to support a touch sensor; and a flexure assembly
comprising: a first flexure member affixed to the base and having a
first substantially planar portion; a second flexure member affixed
to the sensor support and having a second substantially planar
portion and; and at least one spacing structure interconnecting the
first and second flexure members and forming a space between the
first and second substantially planar portions such that the first
and second substantially planar portions are substantially parallel
and overlap, wherein the flexure assembly is configured to generate
an opposing force in response to a displacement of the sensor
support towards the base.
8. The input device assembly of claim 7, wherein the first flexure
member is connected to the base at a first interface, and the
second flexure member is connected to the sensor support at a
second interface, and wherein the first and second interfaces do
not overlap.
9. The input device assembly of claim 7, wherein the entire flexure
assembly is positioned within a combined footprint of the touch
sensor, the sensor support, and the base.
10. The input device assembly of claim 7, further comprising a
switch, and wherein the switch is actuated when the sensor support
is displaced towards the base by an actuation distance.
11. The input device assembly of claim 10, wherein the base
comprises an opening arranged such that when the sensor support is
displaced towards the base by the actuation distance, the flexure
assembly moves into the opening.
12. The input device assembly of claim 8, wherein the at least one
spacing structure comprises a first spacing structure and a second
spacing structure, the first spacing structure being adjacent to
the first interface and the second spacing structure being adjacent
to the second interface, the first and second spacing structures
configured such that a gap distance of the space between the first
and second flexure members remains substantially constant when the
sensor support is displaced towards the base by an actuation
distance.
13. The input device assembly of claim 8, wherein a length of the
first substantially planar portion is at least half of a length of
the sensor support, and wherein a length of the second
substantially planar portion is at least half of the length of the
sensor support.
14. A depressable touch pad device configured to sense objects in a
sensing region comprising: a base; a sensor support; a capacitive
touch sensor configured to detect input objects in the sensing
region physically coupled to the sensor support, the capacitive
touch sensor comprising: a sensor substrate; a plurality of sensor
electrodes disposed on the sensor substrate; and a processing
system communicatively coupled to the plurality of sensor
electrodes; and a flexure assembly positioned within a combined
footprint of the base, the sensor support, and the capacitive touch
sensor, the flexure assembly comprising: a first flexure member
affixed to the base at a first interface, the first flexure member
having a first substantially planar portion; a second flexure
member affixed to the sensor support at a second interface, the
second flexure member having a second substantially planar portion,
wherein the first and second interfaces do not overlap; and first
and second spacing structures interconnecting the first and second
flexure members such that the first and second planar portions are
separated by a separation distance, are substantially parallel to
each other, and overlap each other, and wherein the first spacing
structure is adjacent to the first interface and the second spacing
structure is adjacent to the second interface, wherein in response
to a displacement of the capacitive touch sensor towards the base,
the first and second flexure members flex and generate an opposing
force and the first and second spacing structures keep the
separation distance substantially constant and the first and second
substantially planar portions substantially parallel.
15. The depressable touch pad device of claim 14, further
comprising: a switch configured to be actuated when the touch
sensor is moved an actuation distance towards the base; and a
switch adjustment mechanism, the switch adjustment mechanism
configured to adjust the actuation distance.
16. A method for providing an input device assembly, the method
comprising: providing a base; providing a sensor support; and
providing a flexure assembly designed to bend in a bending region
and attached to the base and the sensor support, wherein the
flexure assembly allows for only substantially uniform translation
of the sensor support towards the base in response to a force
biasing the sensor support substantially towards the base.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the providing the flexure
assembly designed to bend in the bending region and attached to the
base and the sensor support comprises: attaching a first flexure
spring to the base such that a substantially planar portion of the
first flexure spring is in the bending region; and attaching a
second flexure spring to the sensor support such that a
substantially planar portion of the second flexure spring is in the
bending region and overlaps the substantially planar portion of the
of the first flexure spring, wherein the second flexure spring is
physically coupled to the first flexure spring, and wherein the
substantially planar portion of the second flexure spring is
substantially parallel to and is separated by a distance from the
substantially planar portion of the first flexure spring.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the attaching the first flexure
spring to the base and the attaching the second flexure spring to
the sensor support each comprises using a laser weld, a rivet, a
screw, or an adhesive.
19. The method of claim 16, further comprising physically coupling
a capacitive touch sensor to the sensor support, the capacitive
touch sensor configured to detect input objects in a sensing
region, the capacitive touch sensor comprising: a sensor substrate;
a plurality of sensor electrodes disposed on the sensor substrate;
and a processing system communicatively coupled to the plurality of
sensor electrodes.
20. The method of claim 19, further comprising providing a switch
communicatively coupled to the processing system and arranged such
that the switch is actuated when the sensor support translates
towards the base by at least an actuation distance.
Description
PRIORITY DATA
[0001] This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 61/181,888, which was filed on May 28, 2009,
Ser. No. 61/253,944, which was filed on Oct. 22, 2009, and Ser. No.
61/295,068, which was filed on Jan. 14, 2010, and are incorporated
herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention generally relates to electronic devices, and
more specifically relates to sensor devices and using sensor
devices for producing user interface inputs.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Proximity sensor devices (also commonly called touchpads or
touch sensor devices) are widely used in a variety of electronic
systems. A proximity sensor device typically includes a sensing
region, often demarked by a surface, which uses capacitive,
resistive, inductive, optical, acoustic and/or other technology to
determine the presence, location and/or motion of one or more
fingers, styli, and/or other objects. The proximity sensor device,
together with finger(s) and/or other object(s), may be used to
provide an input to the electronic system. For example, proximity
sensor devices are used as input devices for larger computing
systems, such as those found integral within notebook computers or
peripheral to desktop computers. Proximity sensor devices are also
used in smaller systems, including handheld systems such as
personal digital assistants (PDAs), remote controls, digital
cameras, video cameras, communication systems such as wireless
telephones and text messaging systems. Increasingly, proximity
sensor devices are used in media systems, such as CD, DVD, MP3,
video or other media recorders or players.
[0004] Many electronic systems include a user interface (UI) and an
input device for interacting with the UI (e.g., interface
navigation). A typical UI includes a screen for displaying
graphical and/or textual elements. The increasing use of this type
of UI has led to a rising demand for proximity sensor devices as
pointing devices. In these applications, the proximity sensor
device may function as a value adjustment device, cursor control
device, selection device, scrolling device,
graphics/character/handwriting input device, menu navigation
device, gaming input device, button input device, keyboard and/or
other input device. One common application for a proximity sensor
device is as a touch screen. In a touch screen, the proximity
sensor is combined with a display screen for displaying graphical
and/or textual elements. Together, the proximity sensor and display
screen function as the user interface.
[0005] In recent years, "click touchpad" or "click pad" technology
has been developed which allows touchpads, touch screens, and other
touch sensors to provide tactile feedback by being at least
partially depressable or "clickable." The "click" may be purely for
tactile feedback or may be used to generate a signal that is used
by the electronic system in which the click pad is installed.
[0006] There is a continuing need for improvements in input
devices, including those using click pad technology. In particular,
there is a need for a robust and inexpensive input device assembly
that allows for the use of click pad technology.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The embodiments of the present invention provide a device
and method that facilitates improved sensor device usability.
Specifically, the device and method provide improved usability by
facilitating the substantially uniform translation or depression of
a sensor support in a "click touch pad" or "click pad" input device
in a reliable and inexpensive manner.
[0008] In one embodiment, an input device assembly is provided. The
input device assembly includes a base, a sensor support, and a
guide mechanism attached to the base and the sensor support. The
guide mechanism allows for only substantially uniform translation
of the sensor support towards the base in response to a force
biasing the sensor support substantially towards the base.
[0009] In another embodiment, an input device assembly is provided.
The input device assembly includes a base, a sensor support
configured to support a touch sensor, and a flexure assembly. The
flexure assembly includes a first flexure member affixed to the
base and having a first substantially planar portion, a second
flexure member affixed to the sensor support and having a second
substantially planar portion and, and at least one spacing
structure interconnecting the first and second flexure members and
forming a space between the first and second substantially planar
portions such that the first and second substantially planar
portions are substantially parallel and overlap. The flexure
assembly is configured to generate an opposing force in response to
a displacement of the sensor support towards the base.
[0010] In a further embodiment, a depressable touch pad device
configured to sense objects in a sensing region is provided. The
depressable touch bad device includes a base, a sensor support, a
capacitive touch sensor configured to detect input objects in the
sensing region physically coupled to the sensor support, and a
flexure assembly positioned within a combined footprint of the
base, the sensor support, and the capacitive touch sensor. The
capacitive touch sensor includes a sensor substrate, a plurality of
sensor electrodes disposed on the sensor substrate, and a
processing system communicatively coupled to the plurality of
sensor electrodes. The flexure assembly includes a first flexure
member affixed to the base at a first interface, the first flexure
member having a first substantially planar portion, a second
flexure member affixed to the sensor support at a second interface,
the second flexure member having a second substantially planar
portion, wherein the first and second interfaces do not overlap,
and first and second spacing structures interconnecting the first
and second flexure members such that the first and second planar
portions are separated by a separation distance, are substantially
parallel to each other, and overlap each other. The first spacing
structure is adjacent to the first interface and the second spacing
structure is adjacent to the second interface. In response to a
displacement of the capacitive touch sensor towards the base, the
first and second flexure members flex and generate an opposing
force and the first and second spacing structures keep the
separation distance substantially constant and the first and second
substantially planar portions substantially parallel.
[0011] In another embodiment, a method for providing an input
device assembly is provided. A base is provided. A sensor support
is provided. A flexure assembly is provided, which is designed to
bend in a bending region and attached to the base and the sensor
support, wherein the flexure assembly allows for only substantially
uniform translation of the sensor support towards the base in
response to a force biasing the sensor support substantially
towards the base.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0012] The preferred exemplary embodiment of the present invention
will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended
drawings, where like designations denote like elements, and
wherein:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary system that
includes an input device in accordance with an embodiment of the
invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric view of an exemplary input
device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0015] FIGS. 3 and 4 are isometric views of the input device of
FIG. 2 shown partially constructed;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a plan view of the input device of FIG. 4;
[0017] FIG. 6 is an exploded isometric view of a base and a guide
mechanism of the input device of FIG. 2;
[0018] FIGS. 7, 8, and 9 are cross-sectional views of the input
device taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 5 illustrating the operation
thereof;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the input
device of FIGS. 7-9 including a switch;
[0020] FIGS. 11 and 12 are cross-sectional views of an input device
according to another embodiment of the present invention; and
[0021] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an input device
according to a further embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in
nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the
application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no
intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented
in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the
following detailed description.
[0023] Various aspects of the present invention provide input
devices and methods that facilitate improved usability.
Specifically, the input devices and methods relate user input to
the input devices and resulting actions on displays. As one
example, user input in sensing regions of the input devices and
methods of processing the user input allow users to interact with
electronic systems, thus providing more enjoyable user experiences
and improved performance.
[0024] Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an
exemplary electronic system 100 that is coupled to an input device
116, shown as a proximity sensor device (also often referred to as
a touch pad, a touch sensor, or a "click pad"). As used in this
document, the terms "electronic system" and "electronic device"
broadly refers to any type of system capable of processing
information. An input device associated with an electronic system
can be implemented as part of the electronic system, or coupled to
the electronic system using any suitable technique. As a
non-limiting example, the electronic system may comprise another
input device (such as a physical keypad or another touch sensor
device). Additional non-limiting examples of the electronic system
include personal computers such as desktop computers, laptop
computers, portable computers, workstations, personal digital
assistants, video game machines. Examples of the electronic system
also include communication devices such as wireless phones, pagers,
and other messaging devices. Other examples of the electronic
system include media devices that record and/or play various forms
of media, including televisions, cable boxes, music players,
digital photo frames, video players, digital cameras, video camera.
In some cases, the electronic system is peripheral to a larger
system. For example, the electronic system could be a data input
device such as a remote control, or a data output device such as a
display system, that communicates with a computing system using a
suitable wired or wireless technique.
[0025] The elements communicatively coupled to the electronic
system, and the parts of the electronic system, may communicate via
any combination of buses, networks, and other wired or wireless
interconnections. For example, an input device may be in operable
communication with its associated electronic system through any
type of interface or connection. To list several non-limiting
examples, available interfaces and connections include I.sup.2C,
SPI, PS/2, Universal Serial Bus (USB), Bluetooth, RF, IRDA, and any
other type of wired or wireless connection.
[0026] The various elements (e.g. processors, memory, etc.) of the
electronic system may be implemented as part of the input device
associated with it, as part of a larger system, or as a combination
thereof. Additionally, the electronic system could be a host or a
slave to the input device. Accordingly, the various embodiments of
the electronic system may include any type of processor, memory, or
display, as needed.
[0027] Returning now to FIG. 1, the input device 116 includes a
sensing region 118. The input device 116 is sensitive to input by
one or more input objects (e.g. fingers, styli, etc.), such as the
position of an input object 114 within the sensing region 118.
"Sensing region" as used herein is intended to broadly encompass
any space above, around, in and/or near the input device in which
sensor(s) of the input device is able to detect user input. In a
conventional embodiment, the sensing region of an input device
extends from a surface of the sensor of the input device in one or
more directions into space until signal-to-noise ratios prevent
sufficiently accurate object detection. The distance to which this
sensing region extends in a particular direction may be on the
order of less than a millimeter, millimeters, centimeters, or more,
and may vary significantly with the type of sensing technology used
and the accuracy desired. Thus, embodiments may require contact
with the surface, either with or without applied pressure, while
others do not. Accordingly, the sizes, shapes, and locations of
particular sensing regions may vary widely from embodiment to
embodiment.
[0028] Sensing regions with rectangular two-dimensional projected
shape are common, and many other shapes are possible. For example,
depending on the design of the sensor array and surrounding
circuitry, shielding from any input objects, and the like, sensing
regions may be made to have two-dimensional projections of other
shapes. Similar approaches may be used to define the
three-dimensional shape of the sensing region. For example, any
combination of sensor design, shielding, signal manipulation, and
the like may effectively define a sensing region 118 that extends
some distance into or out of the page in FIG. 1.
[0029] In operation, the input device 116 suitably detects one or
more input objects (e.g. the input object 114) within the sensing
region 118. The input device 116 thus includes a sensor (not shown)
that utilizes any combination sensor components and sensing
technologies to implement one or more sensing regions (e.g. sensing
region 118) and detect user input such as presences of object(s).
Input devices may include any number of structures, such as one or
more sensor electrodes, one or more other electrodes, or other
structures adapted to detect object presence. As several
non-limiting examples, input devices may use capacitive, resistive,
inductive, surface acoustic wave, and/or optical techniques. Many
of these techniques are advantageous to ones requiring moving
mechanical structures (e.g. mechanical switches) as they may have a
substantially longer usable life.
[0030] For example, sensor(s) of the input device 116 may use
arrays or other patterns of capacitive sensor electrodes to support
any number of sensing regions 118. As another example, the sensor
may use capacitive sensing technology in combination with resistive
sensing technology to support the same sensing region or different
sensing regions. Examples of the types of technologies that may be
used to implement the various embodiments of the invention may be
found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,543,591, 5,648,642, 5,815,091, 5,841,078,
and 6,249,234.
[0031] In some resistive implementations of input devices, a
flexible and conductive top layer is separated by one or more
spacer elements from a conductive bottom layer. A voltage gradient
is created across the layers. Pressing the flexible top layer in
such implementations generally deflects it sufficiently to create
electrical contact between the top and bottom layers. These
resistive input devices then detect the position of an input object
by detecting the voltage output due to the relative resistances
between driving electrodes at the point of contact of the
object.
[0032] In some inductive implementations of input devices, the
sensor picks up loop currents induced by a resonating coil or pair
of coils, and use some combination of the magnitude, phase and/or
frequency to determine distance, orientation or position.
[0033] In some capacitive implementations of input devices, a
voltage is applied to create an electric field across a sensing
surface. These capacitive input devices detect the position of an
object by detecting changes in capacitance caused by the changes in
the electric field due to the object. The sensor may detect changes
in voltage, current, or the like.
[0034] As an example, some capacitive implementations utilize
resistive sheets, which may be uniformly resistive. The resistive
sheets are electrically (usually ohmically) coupled to electrodes
that receive from the resistive sheet. In some embodiments, these
electrodes may be located at corners of the resistive sheet,
provide current to the resistive sheet, and detect current drawn
away by input devices via capacitive coupling to the resistive
sheet. In other embodiments, these electrodes are located at other
areas of the resistive sheet, and drive or receive other forms of
electrical signals. Depending on the implementation, sometimes the
sensor electrodes are considered to be the resistive sheets, the
electrodes coupled to the resistive sheets, or the combinations of
electrodes and resistive sheets.
[0035] As another example, some capacitive implementations utilize
transcapacitive sensing methods based on the capacitive coupling
between sensor electrodes. Transcapacitive sensing methods are
sometimes also referred to as "mutual capacitance sensing methods."
In one embodiment, a transcapacitive sensing method operates by
detecting the electric field coupling one or more transmitting
electrodes with one or more receiving electrodes. Proximate objects
may cause changes in the electric field, and produce detectable
changes in the transcapacitive coupling. Sensor electrodes may
transmit as well as receive, either simultaneously or in a time
multiplexed manner. Sensor electrodes that transmit are sometimes
referred to as the "transmitting sensor electrodes," "driving
sensor electrodes," "transmitters," or "drivers"--at least for the
duration when they are transmitting. Other names may also be used,
including contractions or combinations of the earlier names (e.g.
"driving electrodes" and "driver electrodes." Sensor electrodes
that receive are sometimes referred to as "receiving sensor
electrodes," "receiver electrodes," or "receivers"--at least for
the duration when they are receiving. Similarly, other names may
also be used, including contractions or combinations of the earlier
names. In one embodiment, a transmitting sensor electrode is
modulated relative to a system ground to facilitate transmission.
In another embodiment, a receiving sensor electrode is not
modulated relative to system ground to facilitate receipt.
[0036] In FIG. 1, the processing system (or "processor") 119 is
coupled to the input device 116 and the electronic system 100.
Processing systems such as the processing system 119 may perform a
variety of processes on the signals received from the sensor(s) of
input devices such as the input device 116. For example, processing
systems may select or couple individual sensor electrodes, detect
presence/proximity, calculate position or motion information, or
interpret object motion as gestures. Processing systems may also
determine when certain types or combinations of object motions
occur in sensing regions.
[0037] The processing system 119 may provide electrical or
electronic indicia based on positional information of input objects
(e.g. input object 114) to the electronic system 100. In some
embodiments, input devices use associated processing systems to
provide electronic indicia of positional information to electronic
systems, and the electronic systems process the indicia to act on
inputs from users. One example system responses is moving a cursor
or other object on a display, and the indicia may be processed for
any other purpose. In such embodiments, a processing system may
report positional information to the electronic system constantly,
when a threshold is reached, in response criterion such as an
identified stroke of object motion, or based on any number and
variety of criteria. In some other embodiments, processing systems
may directly process the indicia to accept inputs from the user,
and cause changes on displays or some other actions without
interacting with any external processors.
[0038] In this specification, the term "processing system" is
defined to include one or more processing elements that are adapted
to perform the recited operations. Thus, a processing system (e.g.
the processing system 119) may comprise all or part of one or more
integrated circuits, firmware code, and/or software code that
receive electrical signals from the sensor and communicate with its
associated electronic system (e.g. the electronic system 100). In
some embodiments, all processing elements that comprise a
processing system are located together, in or near an associated
input device. In other embodiments, the elements of a processing
system may be physically separated, with some elements close to an
associated input device, and some elements elsewhere (such as near
other circuitry for the electronic system). In this latter
embodiment, minimal processing may be performed by the processing
system elements near the input device, and the majority of the
processing may be performed by the elements elsewhere, or vice
versa.
[0039] Furthermore, a processing system (e.g. the processing system
119) may be physically separate from the part of the electronic
system (e.g. the electronic system 100) that it communicates with,
or the processing system may be implemented integrally with that
part of the electronic system. For example, a processing system may
reside at least partially on one or more integrated circuits
designed to perform other functions for the electronic system aside
from implementing the input device.
[0040] In some embodiments, the input device is implemented with
other input functionality in addition to any sensing regions. For
example, the input device 116 of FIG. 1 may be implemented with
buttons or other input devices near the sensing region 118. The
buttons may be used to facilitate selection of items using the
proximity sensor device, to provide redundant functionality to the
sensing region, or to provide some other functionality or
non-functional aesthetic effect. Buttons form just one example of
how additional input functionality may be added to the input device
116. In other implementations, input devices such as the input
device 116 may include alternate or additional input devices, such
as physical or virtual switches, or additional sensing regions.
Conversely, in various embodiments, the input device may be
implemented with only sensing region input functionality.
[0041] Likewise, any positional information determined a processing
system may be any suitable indicia of object presence. For example,
processing systems may be implemented to determine
"zero-dimensional" 1-bit positional information (e.g. near/far or
contact/no contact) or "one-dimensional" positional information as
a scalar (e.g. position or motion along a sensing region).
Processing systems may also be implemented to determine
multi-dimensional positional information as a combination of values
(e.g. two-dimensional horizontal/vertical axes, three-dimensional
horizontal/vertical/depth axes, angular/radial axes, or any other
combination of axes that span multiple dimensions), and the like.
Processing systems may also be implemented to determine information
about time or history.
[0042] Furthermore, the term "positional information" as used
herein is intended to broadly encompass absolute and relative
position-type information, and also other types of spatial-domain
information such as velocity, acceleration, and the like, including
measurement of motion in one or more directions. Various forms of
positional information may also include time history components, as
in the case of gesture recognition and the like. As will be
described in greater detail below, positional information from
processing systems may be used to facilitate a full range of
interface inputs, including use of the proximity sensor device as a
pointing device for cursor control, scrolling, and other
functions.
[0043] In some embodiments, an input device such as the input
device 116 may be adapted as part of a touch screen interface.
Specifically, a display screen is overlapped by at least a portion
of a sensing region of the input device, such as the sensing region
118. Together, the input device and the display screen provide a
touch screen for interfacing with an associated electronic system.
The display screen may be any type of electronic display capable of
displaying a visual interface to a user, and may include any type
of LED (including organic LED (OLED)), CRT, LCD, plasma, EL or
other display technology. When so implemented, the input devices
may be used to activate functions on the electronic systems. In
some embodiments, touch screen implementations allow users to
select functions by placing one or more objects in the sensing
region proximate an icon or other user interface element indicative
of the functions. The input devices may be used to facilitate other
user interface interactions, such as scrolling, panning, menu
navigation, cursor control, parameter adjustments, and the like.
The input devices and display screens of touch screen
implementations may share physical elements extensively. For
example, some display and sensing technologies may utilize some of
the same electrical components for displaying and sensing.
[0044] It should be understood that while many embodiments of the
invention are to be described herein the context of a fully
functioning apparatus, the mechanisms of the present invention are
capable of being distributed as a program product in a variety of
forms. For example, the mechanisms of the present invention may be
implemented and distributed as a sensor program on
computer-readable media. Additionally, the embodiments of the
present invention apply equally regardless of the particular type
of computer-readable medium used to carry out the distribution.
Examples of computer-readable media include various discs, memory
sticks, memory cards, memory modules, and the like.
Computer-readable media may be based on flash, optical, magnetic,
holographic, or any other storage technology.
[0045] In one embodiment, the input device 116 utilizes "click pad"
technology. The touch sensor(s) used may be based on any type of
touch-related technology, including resistive, capacitive,
inductive, surface acoustic wave (SAW), optical, and the like. The
depressing of the touch sensor, or the "click," may be purely for
tactile feedback. However, in the depicted embodiment described
below, the click provides input information used to provide other
responses in the electronic system 100. For example, the click may
involve actuation of a binary or multi-stage switch, change a
reading of a digital or analog force sensor, change a reading of a
displacement sensor, or the like. The response to the switch
actuation or force change can be non-varying or variable. Examples
of non-varying responses include selection, emulation of specific
mouse button clicks, confirmation of a command, and the like.
Variable responses may be dependent on context such as which window
is active in an associated GUI, which software application is
active, which function is active, options then available to the
user, the amount of force or displacement sensed, displays shown,
position(s) of one or more input objects in the sensing region of
the touch sensor, a combination thereof, or the like. The click pad
may be integral or peripheral to computing devices, including
terminals, desktops, laptops, PDAs, cell phones, remote controls,
etc. The click pad may communicate via any wired or wireless
protocols.
[0046] Examples of switches that may be used include snap dome
buttons (which may be enabled with a Belleville spring or some
other mechanism) and various types of microswitches. The switches
may be binary or have multiple positions or switch levels. Any
variety of switch technology, including electrical contact,
resistive, or capacitive, may be used.
[0047] Examples of other sensors (aside from switches) include
force sensors (e.g. strain gauges) or displacement sensors (e.g.
linear position sensors). These sensors may supply finer resolution
information. Finer resolution information may be used to provide
multiple different levels of actuation (even continuous changes
akin to analog readings) for controlling various parameters (e.g.
volume, speed, etc). For force sensors, the force sensed may not be
the applied force (since the force transmitted to sensor may be a
fraction or an amplification of the applied force, depending on the
click pad design and potentially the location(s) of the input(s)).
Since the touch sensor may be used to supply input location
information, the actual force applied may be determined using the
force reading as well as the location(s) of the input.
[0048] In some embodiments, sensors such as switches may be placed
behind a touch sensor that is constrained in some way to move
substantially repeatably in response to force applied to the touch
sensor. For example, the substrate may be constrained to translate,
rotate, or translate and rotate in such a way that it can activate
the switch (or other sensor) used.
[0049] Some embodiments may implement keypads using touch sensors.
A keypad may be demarked by a dynamic display (e.g. an LCD) or
statically imprinted on a surface of the touch sensor device. In
response to user pressure applied on the surface, the associated
touch sensor may relay the location(s) of the user input to a host
processor that determines which key(s) should be activated in
response. Criteria such as a minimum amount of force or a minimum
duration of user contact may be applied to qualify the actuation.
The system may respond to the activated key by passing the key
information to another system or another part of the system, by
entering the associated input (e.g. a letter, number, or function),
by displaying visual feedback, or by taking any other appropriate
action (e.g. by dialing a phone number if the keypad is that of a
phone).
[0050] Motion of the touch sensor may be implemented in various
ways. For example, the system may be designed to provide
substantially uniform translation in response to actuation force
applied to different locations across a surface of the touch
sensor. A linear slide may be used to constrain the motion of the
substrate such that the substrate does not tilt, twist, or slide
(e.g. toward actuation of a switch or interaction with a force or
displacement sensor).
[0051] FIG. 2 illustrates, in an exploded manner, an exemplary
input device assembly 120 which utilizes "click touchpad" or "click
pad" technology and may be implemented in the input device 116. The
input device assembly 120 includes a base (or lower bracket) 122, a
guide mechanism (or flexure assembly) 124, a sensor support 126,
and a touch sensor (e.g., a capacitive touch sensor) 128. As shown,
all of the components of the input device assembly 120 are
substantially rectangular and arranged such that the guide
mechanism is positioned between (and interconnects) the base 122
and the sensor support 126, and the touch sensor 128 is positioned
over the sensor support 126. In the example shown, the input device
assembly 120 also includes an upper bracket 130, a cover sheet
(e.g., made of Mylar) 132, and various adhesive layers or films
134, which are arranged as shown. The input device assembly 120
further includes a switch (e.g., a snap dome button) 136 connected
to a central portion of the base 122 on a side adjacent to the
guide mechanism 124. Still referring to FIG. 2, as will be
described in greater detail below, the base 122 has a lower guide
mechanism opening 138, and the sensor support 126 has an upper
guide mechanism opening 140.
[0052] FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 illustrates the input device assembly 120
partially assembled. As shown in FIG. 3, the touch sensor 128 is
centered on and mounted to the sensor support 126. Referring to
FIGS. 4 and 5, which show the assembly 120 without the touch sensor
128, the guide mechanism 124 and the sensor support 126 are
arranged relative to the base 122 such that the guide mechanism 124
is aligned with the upper guide mechanism opening 140, as well as
the lower guide mechanism opening 138, as described in greater
detail below. Although not specifically shown, when the input
device assembly 120 is assembled, the upper bracket 130 may be
secured to a frame of the input device 116 such that it is aligned
with a periphery of the touch sensor 128, the sensor support 126,
and the base 122, as is suggested with the alignment of the
components show in FIG. 1.
[0053] FIG. 6 illustrates the base 122, along with the guide
mechanism 124 in an exploded view. In the depicted embodiment, the
guide mechanism, or flexure assembly, 124 includes a first (or
lower) flexure member (or spring) 142, a second (or upper) flexure
member 144, and two spacing structures 146 and 148. In one
embodiment, the first and second flexure members 142 and 144 are
substantially rectangular, planar pieces of stainless steel with a
thickness of, for example, between 0.002 and 0.004 inches. The
spacing structures 146 and 148 are, in the depicted embodiment, "J"
shaped channels that interconnect the first and second flexure
members 142 and 144 along opposing edges thereof. In some
embodiments, the flexure members 142 and 144 and the spacing
structures 146 and 148 may be made of a single, integral planar
piece of material (e.g., stainless steel) that is "wrapped" or
folded into a "torsion box" configuration. In some embodiments, the
shape of the flexure member can be adjusted for performance and
response to user input, for example, holes, notches or apertures
pattered in the flexure member
[0054] It should be understood that the flexure members 142 and 144
may be constructed of a variety of different materials (e.g., other
metals, composite materials, and plastics) and made to form various
different shapes (e.g. wavy, rippled, perforated or otherwise
shaped) as to provide substantially uniform actuation force across
a surface of the touch sensor. It should also be understood that
the spacing structures 146 and 148 may be constructed of a variety
of different materials (e.g., other metals, composite materials,
and plastics) and made to form a variety different shapes (e.g.,
"C"-brackets, "I" shaped channels, solid blocks, or hollow
channels, etc).
[0055] Referring again to FIG. 5, the guide mechanism 124 (and/or
the flexure members 142 and 144 and/or the spacing structures 146
and 148) has a length 150 that is at least half a length 152 of the
touch sensor 128 (shown with a dashed line in FIG. 5) and a width
154 that is less than half of a width 156 of the touch sensor 128
(or the sensor support 126). Additionally, the guide mechanism 124
does not increase the "footprint" (i.e., lateral surface area
covered) of the input device assembly 120. That is, the guide
mechanism 124 is sized and arranged relative to the base 122, the
sensor support 126, and the touch sensor 128 such that the guide
mechanism 124 is contained within the outermost perimeter of the
other components. In the example shown, the footprint of the input
device assembly 120 is defined solely by the base 122, as the base
122 extends laterally farther than the other components in all
directions.
[0056] FIGS. 7-10 are side views of the input device assembly 120
illustrating the relationships between the base 122, the guide
mechanism 124, the sensor support 126, and the switch 136, along
with the operation thereof. The first flexure member 142 is
connected (or affixed) to the base 122 at a first interface 158
that is position along an edge of the lower guide mechanism opening
138, and the second flexure member 144 is connected to the sensor
support 126 at a second interface 160 that is positioned along an
edge of the upper guide mechanism opening 140. That is, guide
mechanism 124 (and/or the interfaces 158 and 160) interconnects the
base 122 and the sensor support 126 on opposing sides of the lower
and upper guide mechanism openings 138 and 140. As such, the
interfaces 158 and 160 do not overlap in the sense that, as shown
in FIG. 7, first interface 158 is not directly below the second
interface 160. More particularly, the first and second interfaces
158 and 160 are separated by a distance as measured across the base
122 and/or the sensor support 126. It should be understood that the
interfaces 158 and 160 may simply refer to the interconnected
portions of the base 122, the guide mechanism 124, and the sensor
support 126 that are joined using, for example, rivets, screws,
welding, laser welding, caulking (or a caulking joint), adhesive
(e.g., glue), or any combination thereof.
[0057] In one embodiment, the interfaces 158 and 160 extend the
entire length 150 of the guide mechanism 124. In other embodiments,
the interfaces 158 and 160 may be broken into multiple, smaller
segments, in which it may be beneficial to have the segments spread
across a part of the length 150 of the guide mechanism.
[0058] Still referring to FIG. 7, the spacing structures 146 and
148 are arranged such that spacing structure 146 is adjacent to (or
directly above, as seen in FIG. 7) the first interface 158 and
spacing structure 148 is adjacent to (or directly below, as seen in
FIG. 7) the second interface 160. The spacing structures are
arranged in a way such that the first and second flexure members
142 and 144 are substantially parallel. More particularly, the
first and second flexure members 142 and 144 have respective planar
portions 162 and 164 on opposing sides of a gap 166 formed between
the spacing structures 146 and 148, which are substantially
parallel. As described below, the planar portions may jointly form
a bending or flexing portion of the guide mechanism 124. The gap
166 may have a height 168 of, for example, between 0.5 and 2.0 mm,
which may be similar to the distance between the base 122 and the
sensor support 126 (not accounting for the thickness of the flexure
members 142 and 144). It should be noted that the use of the "J"
shaped spacing structures 146 and 148 allows the size of the sensor
support 126 to be maximized. An example of this is shown in FIG. 7,
as an inner edge of the upper guide mechanism opening 140 partially
extends over (i.e., overlaps) interface 158.
[0059] The switch 136 is affixed to the base 122 on a side of the
lower guide mechanism opening 138 opposing the first interface 158.
Referring ahead to FIG. 10, the switch 136 is coupled to the base
122 through an adjustment mechanism 170. In the depicted
embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 170 is a set screw (or screw)
that is inserted through a threaded hole (not explicitly shown) in
the base 122 and connected to the switch 136. As such, rotation of
the adjustment mechanism (or screw) 170 causes the switch 136 to
move towards or away from the base 122. It should be understood
that a variety of attachment and adjustment mechanisms for the
switch may be used. For example, the switch 136 may be attached to
the sensor support 126 (or the touch sensor 128) and be "facing"
down with the dome in contact with the base 122. As shown in FIGS.
7-10, the switch (e.g., the dome) 136 is in contact with the sensor
support 126. However, in some embodiments, the switch 136 may
extend through an opening in the sensor support 126 and be in
contact with a different component, such as the touch sensor 128
(FIG. 2).
[0060] FIG. 7 illustrates the assembly 120 when no additional force
is being applied to the touch sensor 128 by user input. However, it
should be noted that when the assembly is constructed, the upper
bracket 130 (FIG. 2) may be positioned relative to the base 122
such that the upper bracket 130 applies a slight force to the touch
sensor 128 and/or the sensor support 126 towards the base 122. In
other words, the guide mechanism 124 may be slightly "pre-loaded"
to ensure that the touch sensor 128 remains in contact with the
upper bracket 130 (and/or the frame of the electronic system 100 or
the input device 116) when the click pad functionality is not in
use.
[0061] In normal operation, the touch sensor 128 is used to receive
user input in the manner described above. To use the "click pad"
functionality, the user simply applies a force onto, or into, the
touch sensor 128, using the input object 114 (e.g., a finger or a
stylus).
[0062] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the force applied by the user
causes the sensor support 126 to move towards the base, while the
planar portions 162 and 164 of the first and second flexure members
142 and 144 bend or flex, thus applying a force that opposes the
movement of the sensor support 126. Also, as the sensor support 126
(and/or the touch sensor 128) is moved downward, the switch 136 may
be actuated (e.g., the dome portion of the snap down button
collapses). It should also be noted that as the sensor support 126
is moved towards the base 122, the portion of the guide mechanism
124 near spacing structure 146 enters the upper guide mechanism
opening 140, and the portion of the guide mechanism 124 near
spacing structure 148 enters the lower guide mechanism opening
138.
[0063] Because of the arrangement of the guide mechanism 124, the
sensor support 126 moves towards the base in a substantially
"uniform" manner. That is, the use of two flexure members 142 and
144, along with the use of two separated spacing structures 146 and
148, minimizes any tilting and/or sliding experienced by the sensor
support 126. Additionally, because of the length of the interfaces
158 and 160, the amount of twisting (i.e., rotation about an axis
perpendicular to the touch sensor 128) experienced by the sensor
support 126 is reduced. Of particular interest is that this sort of
uniform motion occurs regardless of where on the touch sensor 128
the force is applied (e.g, in the middle vs. along an edge). It
should also be noted that the uniformity of the motion is
facilitated by the "non-overlapping"arrangement of the first and
second interfaces 158 and 160, as the relative directions of motion
of the interfaces 158 and 160 are controlled.
[0064] Referring specifically to FIG. 9, when the sensor support
126 is moved towards the base 122 by an actuation distance 172, the
switch 136 is actuated to the point where it, in accordance with
normal operation, generates a suitable signal which is sent to the
processor 119 (FIG. 1). That is, the switch is "activated." The
particular magnitude of the actuation distance 172 is dependent on
how much "travel" the switch 136 has (i.e., how much actuation is
needed to activate the switch), the position of the switch 136
relative to the base 122 as determined by the adjustment mechanism
170 (FIG. 10) and the design of the guide mechanism 124. As such,
the actuation distance 172 may be adjusted by utilizing a
particular kind of switch and tuning the position of the switch
with the adjustment mechanism 170. In some embodiments, the
activation of the switch provides a particular tactile feel to the
user by, for example, providing a different amount of resistance to
further actuating the switch 136. The activation of the switch 136
may also be accompanied by an audible sound, such as a "click."
[0065] When the user releases or lifts the input object from the
touch sensor 128, the force being applied by the flexure members
142 and 144 causes the sensor support 126 to return to the position
shown in FIG. 7. This movement may also be substantially uniform,
as little or no twisting, tilting, or sliding may be experienced,
for the same reasons as those described above with respect to the
sensor support 126 moving towards the base 122.
[0066] FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate another embodiment of the input
device assembly 120. Of particular interest in the assembly 120
shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 is the addition of an upper lip 174 on the
sensor support 126 and a lower lip 176 on the base 122. The upper
lip 174 extends downwards (as drawn) from the sensor support 126 at
opposing edges thereof (e.g., only along the two "longer" edges (or
sides) of the sensor support 126). The lower lip 176 extends
upwards from the base 122 also at opposing edges thereof (e.g.,
only along the two "longer" edges (or sides) of the base 122). The
upper lip 174 includes a series of protrusions 178 on an outer side
thereof, while the lower lip 176 includes a matching series of
slots 180 on an inner side thereof. In the depicted embodiment, the
base 122, the sensor support 126, and the lips 174 and 176, are
configured such that when the assembly 120 is assembled, the upper
lip 174 passes along the inner side of the lower lip 176. In
another embodiment, the upper lip 174 may include a series of slots
on an outer side thereof, while the lower lip 176 includes a
matching series of protrusions on an inner side thereof. It should
also be noted that in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 the
spacing structures 146 and 148 are "hollow," as opposed to the "J"
shaped structures described above.
[0067] As shown in FIG. 11, with no force being applied onto the
touch sensor 128, the touch sensor 128 is positioned relative to
the base 122 such that the protrusions 178 on the upper lip 174
mate with the slots 180 are upper portions thereof. When a force is
applied to the touch sensor 128, the mating of the protrusions 178
and slots 180 allows the touch sensor 128 to be moved downwards
until the protrusions 178 get to the lower portions of the slots
180 (or the touch sensor 128 is stopped by something else). When
the user releases or lifts the input object from the touch sensor
128, the sensor support 126 returns to the arrangement shown in
FIG. 11. An additional advantage of the embodiment shown in FIGS.
11 and 12 is improved stabilization of the sensor support 126
during movement.
[0068] FIG. 13 illustrates yet another embodiment of the input
device assembly 120 including the upper bracket 130. Of particular
interest in the assembly 120 shown in FIG. 13 is the addition of an
upper lip 182 on the upper bracket 130 and a lower lip 184 on the
base 122, which may be similar in some regards to those shown in
FIGS. 11 and 12. In FIG. 13, the upper lip 182 extends downwards
(as oriented in the drawing) from the upper bracket 130 at opposing
edges thereof (e.g., only along the two "longer" edges (or sides)
of the upper bracket). The lower lip 184 extends upwards from the
base 122 also at opposing edges thereof (e.g., only along the two
"longer" edges (or sides) of the base 122). The upper lip 182
includes a series of protrusions 186 on an outer side thereof,
while the lower lip 184 includes a matching series of openings 188
on an inner side thereof. In the depicted embodiment, the base 122,
the upper bracket 130, and the lips 174 and 176, are configured
such that when the assembly 120 is assembled, the upper lip 182
passes along the inner side of the lower lip 184. Additionally, the
protrusions 186 and the openings 188 are arranged and sized such
that the protrusions 186 "snap fit" into the openings 188 to attach
the upper bracket 130 to the base 122, and thus "pre-loading" the
guide mechanism, as has already been described.). In some
embodiments, the upper bracket 130 may be secured to a frame of an
electronic system, such as a laptop computer. In some embodiments,
the upper lip 182 passes along the outer side of the lower lip 184.
The embodiment shown in FIG. 13 provides a simple and inexpensive
manner for securing the input device assembly 120 to such an
electronic system. It should also be noted that in the embodiment
shown in FIG. 13 the spacing structures 146 and 148 are
substantially solid blocks.
[0069] A sensor device is provided that comprises an array of
capacitive sensing electrodes and a processing system coupled to
the electrodes. The capacitive sensing electrodes are configured to
generate sensing signals that are indicative of objects in a
sensing region. The processing system is configured to receive
sensing signals from the capacitive sensing electrodes and generate
a plurality of sensing values, each of the plurality of sensing
values corresponding to a sensing electrode in the first array of
capacitive sensing electrodes. The processing system is further
configured to produce a plurality of positional values
corresponding to a plurality of groups of electrodes in the first
array of capacitive sensing electrodes; analyze the plurality of
positional values to determine if one or more clusters exist in the
plurality of positional values; and determine a number of objects
in the sensing region from the determined one or more clusters in
the plurality of positional values. Thus, the sensor device
facilitates the determination of the number of objects in the
sensing region, and can thus be used to facilitate different user
interface actions in response to different numbers of objects.
[0070] The embodiments and examples set forth herein were presented
in order to best explain the present invention and its particular
application and to thereby enable those skilled in the art to make
and use the invention. However, those skilled in the art will
recognize that the foregoing description and examples have been
presented for the purposes of illustration and example only. The
description as set forth is not intended to be exhaustive or to
limit the invention to the precise form disclosed.
* * * * *