Payment terminal stylus with touch screen contact detection
US8212795B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 25, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jul 3, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 18, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F3/03545
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
In an exemplary embodiment, a stylus operates with a capacitive touch screen only when the stylus tip is in contact with the touch screen. The stylus is used as a sensor to determine the location where a user is touching the surface of a capacitive touch screen, but is not active until the stylus tip is pressed against the touch screen. In an exemplary embodiment, pressing the stylus tip against the touch screen activates the stylus by creating a physical separation in the circuit and disconnecting the stylus tip from ground. When the stylus tip is no longer grounded, it becomes active and is able to operate with a capacitive touch screen. In an exemplary embodiment, signal attenuation may be performed by diverting the sense signal to ground via a capacitor or other electronic component.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.