Input device with force sensing
First Claim
1. An input device comprising:
- a first substrate;
proximity sensor electrodes disposed on the first substrate, the proximity sensor electrodes configured to detect objects in a sensing region;
a first force sensor electrode disposed on the first substrate; and
a second substrate physically coupled to the first substrate, the second substrate comprising a spring feature and an electrode component, wherein the electrode component at least partially overlaps the first force sensor electrode to define a variable capacitance between the first force sensor electrode and the electrode component, wherein the spring feature is configured to facilitate deflection of the electrode component relative to the first force sensor electrode to change the variable capacitance, and further wherein the first force sensor electrode and the electrode component at least partially overlap the proximity sensor electrodes such that an input object may be simultaneously positioned over the first force sensor, the electrode component, and the proximity sensor electrodes.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Devices and methods are provided that facilitate improved input device performance. The devices and methods utilize a first substrate with proximity sensor electrodes and at least a first force sensor electrode disposed on the first substrate. A second substrate is physically coupled to the first substrate, where the second substrate comprises a spring feature and an electrode component. The electrode component at least partially overlaps the first force sensor electrode to define a variable capacitance between the first force sensor electrode and the electrode component. The spring feature is configured to facilitate deflection of the electrode component relative to the first force sensor electrode to change the variable capacitance. A measure of the variable capacitance may be calculated and used to determine force information regarding the force biasing the input device.
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Citations
10 Claims
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1. An input device comprising:
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a first substrate; proximity sensor electrodes disposed on the first substrate, the proximity sensor electrodes configured to detect objects in a sensing region; a first force sensor electrode disposed on the first substrate; and a second substrate physically coupled to the first substrate, the second substrate comprising a spring feature and an electrode component, wherein the electrode component at least partially overlaps the first force sensor electrode to define a variable capacitance between the first force sensor electrode and the electrode component, wherein the spring feature is configured to facilitate deflection of the electrode component relative to the first force sensor electrode to change the variable capacitance, and further wherein the first force sensor electrode and the electrode component at least partially overlap the proximity sensor electrodes such that an input object may be simultaneously positioned over the first force sensor, the electrode component, and the proximity sensor electrodes. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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Specification