Dual mode touchpad with a low power mode using a proximity detection mode
US8743083B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 13, 2011 |
| Grant date | Jun 3, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 3, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02D10/00
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system includes a touchpad sensor array, a touch circuit, and a proximity circuit. The touch circuit executes a touch mode configured to track the position of a user or conductive object on the touchpad sensor array by detecting a change in an electrical property of the touchpad. The proximity circuit executes a proximity detection mode configured to track the position of a user or conductive object near or proximate to the touchpad sensor array by detecting a change in an electrical property of the touchpad. The system is configured to switch from the touch mode to the proximity detection mode after a predetermined period of inactivity, where the proximity detection mode can operate at one or more reduced polling rates, resulting in a reduced overall power dissipation. The system is configured to switch back to the touch mode when activity is detected by the proximity circuit.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.