Pointing and data entry input device
US8174508B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 19, 2007 |
| Grant date | May 8, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 16, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04M1/23
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An input device includes an array of adjacent capacitive sensors arranged into rows and columns. Each capacitive sensor exhibits a capacitance characteristic when in proximity to a conductive element. A plurality of mechanical hysteresis mechanisms are each deposited on and in contact with each of the capacitive sensors and configured to be actuated by a corresponding push button. Each capacitive sensor exhibits an electrical characteristic upon actuation of the corresponding mechanical hysteresis mechanism. An insulating overlay layer positioned over the array of capacitive sensors and the plurality of mechanical hysteresis mechanisms defines each push button and defines a surface for accommodating the conductive element.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.