Force invariant touch sensitive actuator
US7855543B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 20, 2006 |
| Grant date | Dec 21, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 18, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S323/904
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A load control device, such as a dimmer switch, has a touch sensitive actuator, such as a three-wire touch sensitive screen, that produces an output voltage representing the position of a manual pressure touch along a longitudinal axis of the actuator. A stabilizing circuit receives the output voltage of the actuator and comprises, for example, a capacitor. The stabilizing circuit operates to prevent the detection of transient touches and touches having less than a certain actuation force, such that the output voltage is responsive only to the position of the touch. In addition, a usage detection circuit may also be coupled to the output voltage of the actuator for determining whether the touch is presently occurring. Alternatively, the actuator may comprise a four-wire touch sensitive screen that produces a first output voltage received by the stabilizing circuit and a second output voltage received by the usage detection circuit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.