Touch and force sensitive rocker switch
US10116306B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 19, 2016 |
| Grant date | Oct 30, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 23, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03K17/962
- WIPO fieldBasic communication processes
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A touch and force sensitive rocker switch or button array for a portable electronic device can include multiple dome switches or force sensors, as well as a capacitive sensing surface that can detect finger location and swipes. A cosmetic surface can cover the entire elongated switch/button and portions of device housing proximate the button, and can be configured to transfer each of multiple types of input there through to the button and also provide a seal to the device housing interior. The cosmetic surface can be a flexible polymer to allow local deformation, and/or the entire surface can tilt or bend to permit inputs to transfer there through. The elongated button/switch can be raised from a surface of the device, and can be located along a side of the device, with a front face of the device being a touchscreen, such as for a smart phone or watch.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.