Coordinate input device having non-flat operation surface and electronic apparatus

• US 7,321,361 B2
• Filed: 09/16/2002
• Issued: 01/22/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 09/17/2001
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Alps Alpine Co., Ltd.
• Original Assignee: ALPS Electric Company Limited (Alps Alpine Co., Ltd.)
• Inventors: Sato, Tadamitsu, Soma, Masahiro
• Primary Examiner(s): Osorio; Ricardo
• Application Number:
  US10/244,702
• Publication Number:
  US 20030071784A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,954 Days
• Field of Search: 345/165, 345/167, 345/169, 345/156, 345/157, 345/163, 345/173, 345/174
• US Class Current: 345/173
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0338 with detection of limited linear or angular displacement of an operating part of the device from a neutral position, e.g. isotonic or isometric joysticks
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0445 using two or more layers of sensing electrodes, e.g. using two layers of electrodes separated by a dielectric layer
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0446 using a grid-like structure of electrodes in at least two directions, e.g. using row and column electrodes

Abstract

A coordinate input device includes a coordinate input unit which performs a coordinate input operation by sliding an operating member on an operation surface which is formed in a convex shape, a concave shape, or the shape of a polyhedron. More specifically, the coordinate input device includes a capacitive sensor substrate formed by laminating two electrode layers with an upper substrate (dielectric layer) therebetween, each electrode layer including a plurality of electrodes arranged in a striped pattern. In addition, the coordinate input device also includes the operation surface formed in a convex (or concave) shape which is used for performing a coordinate input operation by sliding the operating member thereon.

Claims

1. A coordinate input device comprising:

coordinate input means which performs a coordinate input operation by detecting a position of an external operating member that contacts a non-rotating operation surface when the external operating member slides on the non-rotating operation surface, wherein a flat base supports the non-rotating operation surface and is disposed under the non-rotating operation surface;

wherein the non-rotating operation surface is capable of having a plurality of shapes and the non-rotating operation surface is formed in a convex shape, a concave shape, or the shape of a polyhedron, and

wherein the non-rotating operation surface is convex or concave at the side at which the operating member slides thereon;

wherein the coordinate input means comprises a capacitive sensor substrate which is formed in one of a convex shape, a concave shape and the shape of a polyhedron, and which includes a dielectric layer and two electrode layers which are laminated with the dielectric layer therebetween, each electrode layer having a plurality of electrodes arranged in a pattern.

2. A coordinate input device according to claim 1, wherein the periphery of the non-rotating operation surface is formed in a rectangular shape with straight sides.

3. A coordinate input device according to claim 2, wherein the non-rotating operation surface includes a flat region at the periphery thereof.

4. A coordinate input device according to claim 3, wherein the flat region is assigned to a particular function other than the coordinate input operation.

5. An electronic apparatus comprising a coordinate input device according to claim 1.

6. A coordinate input device, comprising:

coordinate input means performing a coordinate input operation by detecting a position of an external operating member that contacts a non-rotating operation surface when the operating member pushes and slides on the non-rotating operation surface to produce a two-dimensional movement and a vertical movement,

wherein the non-rotating operation surface is capable of having a plurality of shapes and the non-rotating operation surface is formed in a convex shape, a concave shape, or the shape of a polyhedron and includes a pair of substrates, a pair of electrode layers disposed between the pair of substrates and opposing each other and a spacer disposed between the pair of electrode layers.

7. The coordinate input device according to claim 6, wherein when the operating member presses or slides on the non-rotating operation surface, the pair of electrode layers contact with each other.