Patent•
Two-layer capacitive touchpad and method of making same
09 Jul 1998-
TL;DR: In this paper, a capacitive touchpad pointing device was realized using a two-layer printed circuit board as a substrate by suitable use of screen-printed carbon ink patterning, combined with patterning of the solder mask layer on the top (finger) surface.
Abstract: By suitable use of screen-printed carbon ink patterning, combined with patterning of the solder-mask layer on the top (finger) surface, a compact capacitive touchpad pointing device has been realized using only a two-layer board as a substrate. The first layer, on the topside of the printed circuit board, combines both the horizontal and vertical sensor electrode traces. The second layer, located on the underside of the printed circuit board, is formed in the conventional manner by attaching the controller chip and/or related circuitry.
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Patent•
09 May 2008TL;DR: In this article, the authors described a system for processing touch inputs with respect to a multipoint sensing device and identifying at least one multipoint gesture based on the data from the multi-point sensing device.
Abstract: 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.
2,584 citations
Patent•
25 Jan 1999TL;DR: In this paper, a simple proximity transduction circuit is placed under each electrode to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio and to reduce wiring complexity, and 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.
Abstract: 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.
2,576 citations
Patent•
03 Mar 2006TL;DR: In this paper, a multi-functional hand-held device capable of configuring user inputs based on how the device is to be used is presented, and a GUI for each of the multiple functions of the devices is presented.
Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multi-functional hand-held device capable of configuring user inputs based on how the device is to be used. Preferably, the multifunctional hand-held device has at most only a few physical buttons, keys, or switches so that its display size can be substantially increased. The multifunctional hand-held device also incorporates a variety of input mechanisms, including touch sensitive screens, touch sensitive housings, display actuators, audio input, etc. The device also incorporates a user-configurable GUI for each of the multiple functions of the devices.
1,844 citations
Patent•
11 Jan 2011TL;DR: In this article, an intelligent automated assistant system engages with the user in an integrated, conversational manner using natural language dialog, and invokes external services when appropriate to obtain information or perform various actions.
Abstract: An intelligent automated assistant system engages with the user in an integrated, conversational manner using natural language dialog, and invokes external services when appropriate to obtain information or perform various actions. The system can be implemented using any of a number of different platforms, such as the web, email, smartphone, and the like, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the system is based on sets of interrelated domains and tasks, and employs additional functionally powered by external services with which the system can interact.
1,462 citations
Patent•
19 Jul 2005TL;DR: In this article, a user interface method for detecting a touch and then determining user interface mode when a touch is detected is presented. And the method further includes activating one or more GUI elements based on the user interface modes and in response to the detected touch.
Abstract: 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.
1,390 citations
References
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Patent•
14 Aug 1990
TL;DR: In this article, a plurality of electrode strips (130, 170) are connected to form virtual dipole electrodes (180, 190) which are responsive to the object's position.
Abstract: Methods and apparatus for data input. Devices (90) are provided in accordance with this invention which utilize capacitive coupling of an object (60) to the device (90) to sense the object's position. The devices (90) are comprised of a plurality of electrode strips (130) which form virtual electrodes (160, 170). The virtual electrodes are selectively connected to form virtual dipole electrodes (180, 190) which are responsive to the object's (60) position.
508 citations
Patent•
13 Nov 1995
TL;DR: In this paper, a method and apparatus for developing an audible feedback in the form of a response signal to a tapping motion, a gesture or a series of taps or gestures on an electronic touch-sensitive computer input device which uses an electronic switch having no mechanical switch component is presented.
Abstract: A method and apparatus for developing an audible feedback in the form of a response signal to a tapping motion, a gesture or a series of taps or gestures on an electronic touch-sensitive computer input device which uses an electronic switch having no mechanical switch component. In particular, the present invention is beneficial for a touch-sensitive input device a touch-pad or stylus and tablet because it is difficult for the user to know whether a tapping motion is perceived by the device's sensing circuitry. The method is less than perfectly reliable because it is often difficult for the user to know whether sufficient pressure was applied to the touch-sensitive surface of the device, or whether contact was made for a sufficient amount of time. Consequently, the user must wait to see if the computer responds in the desired manner. If not, the user must repeat the motion. In order to overcome losing the benefit of an audible mechanical switch, the present invention provides an audible response signal which generates a sound for each individual tap or gesture only after the entire combination of taps or gestures is entered and a counter times out, after each individual tap or gesture, or a combination of the two methods. The apparatus of the present invention preferably includes a non-mechanical electronic touch- sensitive touch-pad or stylus and tablet, an associated processing device such as a computer, and a sound producing circuit coupled to the system.
403 citations
Patent•
01 Sep 1995
TL;DR: In this article, a sensor matrix array has a characteristic capacitance on horizontal and vertical conductors connected to sensor pads, and the capacitance changes as a function of the proximity of an object or objects to the sensor matrix.
Abstract: A proximity sensor system includes a sensor matrix array having a characteristic capacitance on horizontal and vertical conductors connected to sensor pads. The capacitance changes as a function of the proximity of an object or objects to the sensor matrix. The change in capacitance of each node in both the X and Y directions of the matrix due to the approach of an object is converted to a set of voltages in the X and Y directions. These voltages are processed by circuitry to develop electrial signals representative of the centroid of the profile of the object, i.e., its position in the X and Y dimensions. Noise reduction and background level setting techniques inherently available in the architecture are employed. The speed of the cursor movement depends on the one of the display it resides.
308 citations
Patent•
07 Dec 1994
TL;DR: In this article, a pair of electrode arrays establish a capacitance on a touch detection pad, the capacitance varying with movement of a conductive object near the pad, measured synchronously with a reference frequency signal to thus provide a measure of the position of the object.
Abstract: Apparatus and method for a capacitance-based proximity sensor with interference rejection. A pair of electrode arrays establish a capacitance on a touch detection pad, the capacitance varying with movement of a conductive object near the pad. The capacitance variations are measured synchronously with a reference frequency signal to thus provide a measure of the position of the object. Electrical interference is rejected by producing a reference frequency signal which is not coherent with the interference.
269 citations
Patent•
27 Mar 1995
TL;DR: In this paper, a method and system for extending the distance which a user can drag a cursor across a computer display device when using a touch sensitive pointing device as a relative cursor locating device is presented.
Abstract: A method and system for extending the distance which a user can drag a cursor across a computer display device when using a touch sensitive pointing device as a relative cursor locating device. When such relative cursor locating devices are used the small perimeter size of the position sensing surface makes it inconvenient to carry out drag required functions. A border within the outer perimeter of the position sensing surface is defined and when a pointing object enters the border on the position sensing surface it is detected. It is then determined if the drag function is engaged for the cursor when the pointing object enters the border. If the drag function is engaged, the present invention holds the cursor at the location on the computer display while the user moves the pointing object to a new position on the position sensing surface from which position the user continues the dragging function to a desired end location on the computer display. Most preferably, a touch sensitive pointing device is utilized which allows a user to locate the cursor on the computer display using a single finger and emulate the click and drag functions of a mouse by tapping on the position sensing surface with a finger.
132 citations