Electronic device housing with integrated user input capability
US8400402B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 25, 2009 |
| Grant date | Mar 19, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 19, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F3/0445
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An electronic device housing with a seemless user input zone that measures the level of force applied by the user is described. It is particularly advantageous when used with small hand-held consumer electronic devices such as mobile phones, PDAs, game—and media players. A housing for an electronic device includes a seamless user input zone defining a contact force-sensitive deformable area. A capacitance sensor is formed between the conductive inside surface of the housing and the electrode of the rigid base facing that inside surface. Linear support elements such as columns support the housing away from the rigid base defining an air gap. Capacitance measurement circuit is deployed to detect the location and progressively increasing levels of force applied by the user onto the housing and send a user input signal to the electronic device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.