Methods and systems for processing touch inputs are disclosed. The invention in one respect includes reading data from a multipoint sensing device such as a multipoint touch screen where the data pertains to touch input with respect to the multipoint sensing device, and identifying at least one multipoint gesture based on the data from the multipoint sensing device.

Gestures for touch sensitive input devices

Apparatus and methods are disclosed for simultaneously tracking multiple finger (202-204) and palm (206, 207) contacts as hands approach, touch, and slide across a proximity-sensing, compliant, and flexible multi-touch surface (2). The surface consists of compressible cushion (32), dielectric electrode (33), and circuitry layers. A simple proximity transduction circuit is placed under each electrode to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio and to reduce wiring complexity. Scanning and signal offset removal on electrode array produces low-noise proximity images. Segmentation processing of each proximity image constructs a group of electrodes corresponding to each distinguishable contacts and extracts shape, position and surface proximity features for each group. Groups in successive images which correspond to the same hand contact are linked by a persistent path tracker (245) which also detects individual contact touchdown and liftoff. Classification of intuitive hand configurations and motions enables unprecedented integration of typing, resting, pointing, scrolling, 3D manipulation, and handwriting into a versatile, ergonomic computer input device.

Method and apparatus for integrating manual input

A user interface method is disclosed. The method includes detecting a touch and then determining a user interface mode when a touch is detected. The method further includes activating one or more GUI elements based on the user interface mode and in response to the detected touch.

Mode-based graphical user interfaces for touch sensitive input devices

Proximity based systems and methods that are implemented on an electronic device are disclosed. The method includes sensing an object spaced away and in close proximity to the electronic device. The method also includes performing an action in the electronic device when an object is sensed.

Proximity detector in handheld device

Disclosed herein are liquid-crystal display (LCD) touch screens that integrate the touch sensing elements with the display circuitry. The integration may take a variety of forms. Touch sensing elements can be completely implemented within the LCD stackup but outside the not between the color filter plate and the array plate. Alternatively, some touch sensing elements can be between the color filter and array plates with other touch sensing elements not between the plates. In another alternative, all touch sensing elements can be between the color filter and array plates. The latter alternative can include both conventional and in-plane-switching (IPS) LCDs. In some forms, one or more display structures can also have a touch sensing function. Techniques for manufacturing and operating such displays, as well as various devices embodying such displays are also disclosed.

Touch screen liquid crystal display

A switched-capacitor interface for a capacitive pressure sensor is developed which provides a linear digital output. It consists basically of a sample/hold circuit followed by a charge-balancing analog-to-digital converter. The sensor capacitance changes hyperbolically with an applied pressure. To convert the nonlinear capacitance change into the linear digital output, two linearization methods are investigated. In either method, a linear digital output with an accuracy higher than 8-b is obtained. Because of its high-accuracy capability and compatible fabrication process, the interface described is best suited for a smart silicon capacitive pressure sensor. >

/pdf/a-switched-capacitor-interface-for-capacitive-pressure-53z8ppgctb.pdf

A switched-capacitor interface for capacitive pressure sensors

A digital anemometer using a self-heated thermistor as a probe has been developed for low flow rate measurements. The principle of measurement is based on hot-wire anemometry. To enhance the probe sensitivity to the flow rate while reducing the convection due to self-heating to a minimum, the thermistor is kept to the lowest possible temperature for exhibiting the negative resistance. The heat removed from the thermistor is analyzed and compared with the measured results, to derive the characteristic function which relates the voltage across the thermistor to the flow rate and temperature. This function is transformed from the flow rate domain to the time domain by the digital waveform synthesis. The carrier signal thus generated is pulse-width-modulated by the output of the probe, to provide the digital representation of the flow rate under measurement. The cross-sensitivity of the probe to the fluid temperature is compensated by scaling the carrier amplitude. Exempting linearization and compensation for the convection, this process of quantization makes a high accuracy flow rate measurement possible with a simple configuration. >

/pdf/a-thermistor-anemometer-for-low-flow-rate-measurements-1xkmxc665j.pdf

A thermistor anemometer for low flow rate measurements

This paper describes a universal sensor interface named the sensor signal processor (SSP). The SSP consists of digital and analog blocks. The digital block generates a waveform which simulates the sensor characteristic in the time domain. An analog block processes a sensor output in the form consistent with the output of the digital block. Comparing both the outputs the SSP provides a linear digital equivalent of the measurand. For generating the waveform, the direct digital synthesis (DDS) and oversampling delta-sigma demodulation techniques are used. Eliminating precision devices, these techniques allow the high yield, monolithic implementation. The scale adjustment and cancellation of the offset and cross-sensitivity are also possible by adjusting the reference voltage involved in the DDS. Thus, the SSP satisfies almost all requirements for a universal interface. An application to a capacitive pressure sensor is also given to demonstrate its validity. >

M. Yamada

Papers

A switched-capacitor interface for capacitive pressure sensors

A thermistor anemometer for low flow rate measurements

A sensor signal processor