Proximity sensor in a computer input device
US6456275B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 14, 1998 |
| Grant date | Sep 24, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 14, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F2203/04805
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An input device for a computer system includes an exterior surface and a touch sensor located on the exterior surface. The touch sensor is adapted to generate an electrical signal when a user touches the touch sensor. The electrical signal contains touch information that is the same each time the user touches the touch sensor regardless of where the user's touch occurs on the touch sensor. The input device also includes an input generator capable of generating input information sent to the computer system. The input information includes at least a depressible key's state, a depressible button's state, sound information, or movement information.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.