Pressure-sensitive input device for data processing systems
First Claim
1. A pressure-sensitive input device for data processing systems comprising:
- a transferable overlay having;
an inner surface oriented toward a supporting structure, and an outer surface spaced a distance above the inner surface;
a plurality of substantially parallel conductive columns disposed within the transferable overlay proximate to the inner surface;
a plurality of substantially parallel conductive rows disposed within the transferable overlay proximate to the outer surface and oriented to cross the conductive columns; and
a deformable isolation layer, disposed between the conductive columns and the conductive rows, wherein the user input deforms the isolation layer and changes a distance between the conductive columns and the conductive rows, and further wherein the change in distance between the conductive columns and the conductive rows alters a flow of current conducted across the conductive columns and conductive rows;
a controller to detect at least one analog response signal generated in response to pressure exerted on the outer surface by a user input; and
a processor, in electronic communication with the controller, wherein the processor receives the analog response signal and calculates both a location of the user input on the outer surface, and a differential in pressure exerted on the outer surface by the user input.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Provided is a pressure sensitive input device for data processing systems. In a particular embodiment, the device includes a transferable overlay for placement over a display screen of the system. Rows and columns of parallel conductors, which may be manufactured as ridges, are positioned to cross within the overlay, and are separated by a deformable isolation layer. A current is flowed across the rows and columns. Any change in the distance between the rows and columns, induced by the pressure of a user input, produces a disruption in the current flow. A proportional analog response signal is transmitted to a processor, wherein the signal is used to calculate a location of the user input, and a differential in the input pressure. The device may receive and process multiple, simultaneous inputs at various locations on the overlay. An appropriate method of use for the pressure-sensitive input device is also provided.
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Citations
34 Claims
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1. A pressure-sensitive input device for data processing systems comprising:
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a transferable overlay having; an inner surface oriented toward a supporting structure, and an outer surface spaced a distance above the inner surface; a plurality of substantially parallel conductive columns disposed within the transferable overlay proximate to the inner surface; a plurality of substantially parallel conductive rows disposed within the transferable overlay proximate to the outer surface and oriented to cross the conductive columns; and a deformable isolation layer, disposed between the conductive columns and the conductive rows, wherein the user input deforms the isolation layer and changes a distance between the conductive columns and the conductive rows, and further wherein the change in distance between the conductive columns and the conductive rows alters a flow of current conducted across the conductive columns and conductive rows; a controller to detect at least one analog response signal generated in response to pressure exerted on the outer surface by a user input; and a processor, in electronic communication with the controller, wherein the processor receives the analog response signal and calculates both a location of the user input on the outer surface, and a differential in pressure exerted on the outer surface by the user input. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A pressure-sensitive input device for data processing systems comprising:
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an overlay having an inner surface and an outer surface spaced a distance above the inner surface; a first plurality of substantially parallel ridges disposed upon the inner surface, each ridge having a conductive top surface providing a conductive row; a second plurality of substantially parallel ridges disposed upon the outer surface, each ridge having a conductive top surface providing a conductive column, the second plurality of ridges crossing the first plurality of ridges; a deformable isolation layer disposed between the conductive columns and the conductive rows;
the isolation relative to a degree of deformation from pressure exerted on the outer surface by a user; anda controller being operable to detect at least one analog response signal generated between at least one conductive row and at least one conductive column in response to pressure exerted upon the outer surface by a user input. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A pressure-sensitive input device for data processing systems comprising:
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an analog means for detecting a user input on a transferable overlay, wherein the overlay includes; an inner surface oriented toward a supporting structure, and an outer surface spaced a distance above the inner surface; a plurality of substantially parallel conductive columns disposed within the transferable overlay proximate to the inner surface; a plurality of substantially parallel conductive rows disposed within the transferable overlay proximate to the outer surface and oriented to cross the conductive columns; and a deformable isolation layer, disposed between the conductive columns and the conductive rows, wherein the user input deforms the isolation layer and changes a distance between the conductive columns and the conductive rows, and further wherein the change in distance between the conductive columns and the conductive rows alters a flow of current conducted across the conductive columns and the conductive rows; a means for sensing at least one analog response signal transmitted from the overlay, wherein the analog response signal is proportional to a pressure exerted by a user input on the outer surface; and a means for processing the analog response signal to calculate both a position of the user input on the outer surface, and a differential in the pressure exerted on the outer surface by the user input. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27)
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28. A method for inputting information into a data processing system using a pressure-sensitive input device, the method comprising:
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providing a transferable overlay having an inner surface oriented toward a supporting structure, and an outer surface spaced a distance above the inner surface, wherein a plurality of conductive columns is disposed within the overlay proximate to the inner surface, and wherein a plurality of conductive rows is disposed within the overlay proximate to the outer surface and oriented to cross the conductive columns, and further wherein the conductive columns and the conductive rows are disposed within a deformable medium therebetween; applying pressure to at least one location on the outer surface of the transferable overlay, such that a distance between at least a portion of the conductive rows and a portion of the conductive columns is changed; generating an analog response signal wherein the analog response signal is proportional to the change in the distance between the conductive rows and the conductive columns; transmitting to a processor the analog response signal; and processing the analog response signal to calculate both a location of the user input on the outer surface and a differential in pressure exerted on the outer surface by the user input. - View Dependent Claims (29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34)
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Specification