Configurable buttons for electronic devices
US8456330B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 26, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jun 4, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 28, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H2239/03
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Configurable buttons for electronic devices such as portable electronic devices are provided. A configurable button may have a button member that moves relative to a device housing when it is desired to activate a switch. The button may have an associated touch sensor. The touch sensor may detect when a user's finger touches a particular portion of the button member. Contact with only this portion of the button member is generally inadvertent, so an actuator may be used to prevent or otherwise restrict motion of the button relative to a device housing. This prevents inadvertent activation of the button when a user is manipulating portions of an electronic device such as clip or lid, but does not intend to depress the button.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.