18154774. CAPACITIVE TOUCH PANEL FOR SENSING MECHANICAL INPUTS TO A DEVICE simplified abstract (Apple Inc.)

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CAPACITIVE TOUCH PANEL FOR SENSING MECHANICAL INPUTS TO A DEVICE

Organization Name

Apple Inc.

Inventor(s)

Anna-Katrina Shedletsky of Mountain View CA (US)

Christopher Werner of San Jose CA (US)

Colin M. Ely of Cupertino CA (US)

Fletcher R. Rothkopf of Los Altos CA (US)

CAPACITIVE TOUCH PANEL FOR SENSING MECHANICAL INPUTS TO A DEVICE - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18154774 titled 'CAPACITIVE TOUCH PANEL FOR SENSING MECHANICAL INPUTS TO A DEVICE

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes a device that has a touch-sensitive surface and a mechanical input. The touch-sensitive surface can detect touch inputs and the mechanical input.

  • The touch-sensitive surface has two portions - one for detecting touch inputs and another for detecting the mechanical input.
  • The mechanical input is made of an electrically conductive material and is detected by measuring capacitance between the mechanical input and the touch-sensitive surface.
  • Alternatively, the mechanical input can be made of an electrically insulating material and is detected by measuring capacitance between the touch-sensitive surface and a sensing element.
  • The device includes logic to differentiate between touch inputs and the mechanical input.

Potential applications of this technology:

  • Mobile devices: This technology can be used in smartphones and tablets to provide a combination of touch and mechanical input capabilities.
  • Gaming consoles: The device can be used in gaming consoles to provide a more immersive gaming experience with both touch and mechanical input options.
  • Industrial control panels: This technology can be used in control panels for industrial machinery, allowing operators to use both touch and mechanical inputs for control and operation.

Problems solved by this technology:

  • Limited input options: This technology solves the problem of having limited input options by providing both touch and mechanical input capabilities in a single device.
  • Accidental inputs: The device's logic can differentiate between touch inputs and mechanical inputs, reducing the chances of accidental inputs and improving user experience.

Benefits of this technology:

  • Versatility: The device can provide a wider range of input options, allowing users to interact with the device in different ways.
  • Improved user experience: By differentiating between touch and mechanical inputs, the device can provide a more intuitive and accurate user experience.
  • Enhanced functionality: The combination of touch and mechanical inputs can enable new features and functionalities in various applications.


Original Abstract Submitted

A device including a mechanical input and a touch-sensitive surface for detecting one or more touch inputs and an input from the mechanical input. The touch-sensitive surface can include a first portion for detecting at least the touch inputs, and a second portion for detecting at least the mechanical input. The touch-sensitive surface can include a first portion for detecting at least the touch inputs and the mechanical input. The mechanical input can comprise an electrically conductive material, and the mechanical input can be detected based on capacitance measurements between the mechanical input and the touch-sensitive surface. The device can include a sensing element, the mechanical input can comprise an electrically insulating material, and the mechanical input can be detected based on capacitance measurements between the touch-sensitive surface and the sensing element. The device can include logic to differentiate between the touch inputs and the mechanical input.

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