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PRESSURE-SENSITIVE TRACKPAD

  • US 20140085254A1
  • Filed: 03/15/2013
  • Published: 03/27/2014
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/27/2012
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A trackpad apparatus comprising:

  • a capacitive touch-sensing pattern disposed on a top surface of the trackpad apparatus;

    a capacitive pressure-sensing pattern disposed below the capacitive touch-sensing pattern;

    a compressible membrane disposed below the capacitive pressure-sensing pattern; and

    at least one controller,wherein;

    the at least one controller and the capacitive touch-sensing pattern are collectively configured to detect location-specific reductions in charge coupling in the capacitive touch-sensing pattern resulting from charge being shunted out of the capacitive touch-sensing pattern by one or more electrically conductive objects being placed in electrical contact with the top surface of the trackpad apparatus; and

    the at least one controller, the capacitive pressure-sensing pattern and the compressible membrane are collectively configured to detect location-specific changes in charge coupling in the capacitive pressure-sensing pattern resulting from pressure being applied to the top surface of the trackpad apparatus, wherein the location-specific changes in charge coupling in the capacitive pressure-sensing pattern are due at least in part to displacement of the compressible membrane.

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