Continuous touch input on multiple independent surfaces

Abstract

This invention is entitled "Continuous Touch Input on Multiple Independent Surfaces." A touch input device is provided with the ability to sense capacitive loads in a two-dimensional array while also being able to sense deflection or movement of the input device at multiple different locations beneath the input plate. The touch input device can be advantageously used in a remote control device and can be used with multiple input buttons or platforms that overlay multiple capacitive touch input areas on a capacitive touch sensor substrate. Movement and positioning of the capacitive loads can be tracked and calculated through output signals from a set of electrodes or other capacitive sensors that have irregular shapes, inconsistent distances from the capacitive loads, and are positioned beneath variable materials and material compositions. Thus, track gestures and taps can be detected using the capacitive sensing device and deflection inputs can be detected using switches or other actuators positioned beneath the capacitive sensing device.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on March 11, 2022, with application number 202210235126.1 and invention title "Continuous Touch Input on Multiple Independent Surfaces".

[0002] Cross-references to related applications

[0003] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 160,639, filed March 12, 2021, entitled “CONTINUOUS TOUCH INPUT OVERMULTIPLE INDEPENDENT SURFACES”, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0004] The described implementation generally relates to a hybrid touch- and switch-based input device. More specifically, this implementation relates to a controller configured to receive capacitive touch input and switch-actuated input via one or more adjacent surfaces. Background Technology

[0005] There are many types of input devices used to perform operations in consumer electronic devices. These operations typically correspond to moving a cursor, making selections on a display screen, or providing other inputs. For example, input devices can include buttons, switches, keyboards, mice, trackballs, touchpads, joysticks, touchscreens, etc. Each of these devices has its own advantages and disadvantages that must be considered when designing consumer electronic devices. In handheld devices, input devices are typically selected from buttons and switches. Buttons and switches are generally mechanical in nature and provide limited control over the movement of the cursor (or other selector) and making selections. For example, they are often dedicated to moving the cursor in a specific direction (e.g., arrow keys) or making specific selections (e.g., Enter, Delete, Home, Number, etc.).

[0006] In portable computing devices such as laptop computers, input devices may include a touchpad (also called a trackpad). Using a touchpad, the movement of an input pointer (i.e., the cursor) corresponds to the relative movement of the user's finger (or stylus) as a finger moves along the surface of the touchpad. The touchpad can also be used for selection on the display screen when one or more taps are detected on its surface. In some cases, any part of the touchpad can be tapped, and in others, a specific portion of the touchpad can be tapped. In fixed devices such as desktop computers, input devices are typically selected from a mouse and a trackball. Using a mouse, the movement of an input pointer corresponds to the relative movement of the mouse as the user moves the mouse along the surface. Using a trackball, the movement of an input pointer corresponds to the relative movement of the ball as the user rotates the ball within its casing. Both mice and trackballs typically include one or more buttons for selection on the display screen.

[0007] Some devices (such as TV remotes, video game controllers, and virtual reality (VR) / augmented reality (AR) controllers) are designed for input in very small (often handheld) form factors, allowing users to determine how to provide input without looking at the controller. However, users may find it difficult to navigate different operations of a remote control by touch, and the large number of remote control buttons can be overwhelming. Furthermore, users often cannot provide the fine-grained inputs supported by touchpads. Therefore, the field of input devices continuously needs improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0008] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a remote control device comprising: a main housing; a capacitive touch input device including a first capacitive touch input area having a first edge and a second capacitive touch input area having a second edge, the second edge being vertically aligned with the first edge; a controller device connected to the capacitive touch input device; and an electronic transmitter configured to transmit signals based on input signals from the first capacitive touch input area and the second capacitive touch input area.

[0009] In some embodiments, the remote control device further includes a first button covering the first capacitive touch input area and a second button covering the second capacitive touch input area, wherein the first button is vertically movable independently of the second button. The capacitive touch input device may have a first side surface and a second side surface, wherein the first capacitive touch input area is positioned on the first side surface, and the second capacitive touch input area is positioned on the second side surface. The first and second capacitive touch input areas together form a sensor grid across the capacitive touch input device. A switch may be positioned below the capacitive touch input device, wherein the switch is actuable when force is applied to the capacitive touch input device. The capacitive touch input device may include a substrate carrying the first and second capacitive touch input areas, wherein the first and second edges are positioned within a periphery of the substrate, and wherein a portion of the periphery overlaps with either the first or second capacitive touch input area. In some embodiments, the first capacitive touch input area surrounds the second capacitive touch input area.

[0010] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to an electronic controller comprising: a housing; a capacitive touch input device having a first region and a second region; a first switch positioned in the housing and aligned with the first region of the capacitive touch input device; a second switch positioned in the housing and aligned with the second region of the capacitive touch input device; and a controller electrically connected to the capacitive touch input device, the first switch, and the second switch. The controller may be configured to output a first signal indicating two-dimensional coordinates of a touch sensed by the capacitive touch input device; output a second signal in response to actuation of the first switch; and output a third signal in response to actuation of the second switch.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first switch is actuated by applying force to a surface at the first region, and the second switch is actuated by applying force to a surface at the second region. The first switch can provide haptic feedback when actuated. The two-dimensional coordinates can indicate the two-dimensional position of the touch on a touch surface adjacent to the capacitive touch input device. The controller can be configured to output a signal indicating a two-dimensional gesture based on movement of a capacitive load substantially parallel to the capacitive load of the capacitive touch input device. The first and second regions can be concentrically arranged on the capacitive touch input device. The capacitive touch input device can include a two-dimensional grid of touch-sensitive pixels.

[0012] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a touch-sensitive controller comprising: a housing; a touch input component supported by the housing, the touch input component including: a first button having a first outer surface; a second button having a second outer surface separated from the first outer surface by a gap; a capacitive sensing input device having an input area overlapping the first button and the second button, wherein the capacitive sensing input device is positioned at a first depth from the first outer surface and at a second depth from the second outer surface, the first distance and the second distance being different from each other; and a touch controller electrically connected to the capacitive sensing input device and configured to continuously track the movement of a capacitive load moving across the gap using the capacitive sensing input device.

[0013] The capacitive sensing input device may include a first portion of the input region corresponding to the first outer surface and a second portion of the input region corresponding to the second outer surface, wherein the first portion and the second portion of the input region are vertically offset from each other within the housing. The first outer surface may include a convex curvature, and the second outer surface includes a concave curvature. The capacitive sensing input device may include a flexible circuit having a first portion corresponding to the first outer surface and a second portion corresponding to the second outer surface, wherein the first portion and the second portion overlap each other within the housing. The capacitive sensing input device may include a first electrode corresponding to the first outer surface and a second electrode corresponding to the second outer surface, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are non-rectangular. The input region may be rectangular. Attached Figure Description

[0014] This disclosure will be readily understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein similar reference numerals denote similar structural elements, and wherein:

[0015] Figures 1A to 1C A top view of various controller devices is shown.

[0016] Figure 2 An exploded orthographic view of the controller device at the input area is shown.

[0017] Figure 3 A top view of a capacitive touch input device in a folded configuration is shown.

[0018] Figure 4 It shows the configuration in unfolded form. Figure 3 A top view of a capacitive touch input device.

[0019] Figure 5 A side sectional view of the input area of ​​the controller device is shown.

[0020] Figure 5A As shown Figure 5 The detail indicator 5A indicates the detailed view.

[0021] Figure 6 A top view of another capacitive touch input device is shown.

[0022] Figure 7 A top view of another capacitive touch input device is shown.

[0023] Figure 8 A side sectional view of the input area of ​​another controller device is shown.

[0024] Figure 9 A side sectional view of the input area of ​​another controller device is shown.

[0025] Figure 10 A side sectional view of the input area of ​​another controller device is shown.

[0026] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of an input device connected to a computing device is shown.

[0027] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of an input device as part of a remote control device is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Reference will now be made in detail to the representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following description is not intended to limit the embodiments to a single preferred embodiment. Rather, it is intended to cover alternative forms, modifications, and equivalents that may be included within the substance and scope of the embodiments defined by the appended claims.

[0029] Some embodiments of this disclosure relate to a remote control device having an input area capable of receiving touch input and button / switch press input from multiple areas on its surface. Therefore, embodiments of this disclosure relate to touch input devices, such as touchpads with multiple functions, including sensing capacitive touch input via a capacitive sensing input device and sensing electromechanical or electronic switch input via switches or other position sensors positioned beneath multiple areas of the touchpad. Thus, the touch input device can form multiple buttons (or multiple switch registration areas for a single button) that, when deflected or pressed, can operate on a controller device like typical buttons, while tracking the movement of capacitive loads (e.g., a user's thumb, finger, stylus, other virtual ground, etc.) on those buttons or areas via those same buttons or areas. Therefore, using embodiments of this disclosure, a user can provide input to the controller via two-dimensional touch gestures (e.g., swipes, scrolling, pinching, stretching shapes, etc.) and via button presses (e.g., collapsing a dome switch or other switch beneath a touch-sensing structure) on multiple buttons or designated areas of the input area on the controller.

[0030] Multiple buttons or areas of a touch input device can have different tactile surface characteristics (e.g., different surface textures, tactile bumps / recesses, surface curvature, surface smoothness, ridges / grooves, etc.). These tactile surface characteristics allow the user to feel the differences between different parts of the input device while still allowing the user to smoothly move objects / fingers on the surface to provide two-dimensional touch gesture input. In some embodiments, multiple buttons have a single capacitive sensing flexible component located beneath them, and this component includes multiple interconnected segments corresponding to the positions of the outer surfaces of at least two buttons. The interconnected segments can be positioned adjacent to each other (or partially overlapping each other) so that a single touch gesture movement across a threshold or gap from the first button to the adjacent button can be seamlessly tracked, such as in the case where the buttons collectively form a single touchpad. The buttons can have different thicknesses above the interconnected segments, and the touch-sensitive pixel areas in each interconnected segment can have various shapes and sizes, including non-rectangular shapes (e.g., including at least one non-vertical angle or curved peripheral edges) and touch-sensitive areas that differ in other ways. In some implementations, multiple individual touch sensing components may be included, positioned adjacent to each other, wherein the outputs of these components may be combined to provide tracking of capacitive loads as they move across the components.

[0031] Therefore, the touch input area of ​​the remote control can be used as a touchpad, as well as a pressable button input area for functions such as directional control (e.g., moving the cursor or input selector up, down, left, right, etc.) and selection control (e.g., using the cursor or input selector to identify selections). This allows for a wide variety of inputs to the remote control within a small space, thus allowing the controller to have a simplified appearance, simplified manufacturing, easier-to-understand operation, improved ergonomics, and other benefits.

[0032] These and other embodiments are discussed below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the detailed descriptions given herein with respect to these drawings are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. Furthermore, as used herein, a system, method, article, component, feature, or sub-feature including at least one of the first, second, or third options should be understood to mean a system, method, article, component, feature, or sub-feature that may include one of each listed option (e.g., only one first option, only one second option, only one third option), multiple of a single listed option (e.g., two or more first options), two options simultaneously (e.g., one first option and one second option), or combinations thereof (e.g., two first options and one second option).

[0033] Figures 1A to 1C Various examples of controller devices 100, 102, and 104 for providing remote control to another electronic device, such as, for example, a standalone computing device, a display screen (television or computer monitor), or a device connected to the display screen (e.g., a digital video disc (DVD) player, Blu-ray (R) player, augmented reality (AR) device, virtual reality (VR) device, internet-connected streaming device (e.g., Apple TV (R), laptop computer, or desktop computer), game console, similar devices, and combinations thereof). See, for example, [link to documentation]. Figure 11 The computing device 1142 is described in conjunction with its related description below. Controller devices 100, 102, and 104 may each include a housing 106 (i.e., a casing or container) configured to be held in a user's hand and may include input buttons 108 and 110 for input using the user's fingers. For example, the user may press buttons 108 and 110 to control the functions of the computing device, display screen, or other device. For example, when controlling a television, buttons 108 and 110 may be pressed to change the volume or channel of the television. Although two buttons 108 and 110 are shown in each controller device 100, 102, and 104, the total number of buttons can be varied to meet the needs of each controller device, such as by not providing buttons 108 and 110, providing one button 108, three buttons, four buttons, etc.

[0034] Buttons 108 and 110 are movable relative to housing 106. Therefore, the outer surfaces of buttons 108 and 110 can face opposite sides of housing 106 (e.g., relative to...). Figures 1A to 1C The view of the housing 106 (opposite side) is deflected, and pressure applied to buttons 108, 110 can actuate the switch of each button 108, 110 within controller devices 100, 102, 104, thereby triggering the generation of an electrical signal that is transmitted to electronic devices using controller devices 100, 102, 104 as input devices. For example, controller devices 100, 102, 104 can transmit input signals via a wireless transmission interface 112, which may include an infrared transmitter, a radio frequency (RF) transmitter, a wireless network antenna (e.g., Wi-Fi(R), Bluetooth(R), cellular network, or similar interface), similar transmission devices, and combinations thereof. See also Figure 11 Input device 1140 and Figure 12 The remote control 1280 and the following description.

[0035] In some embodiments, buttons 108, 110 do not move relative to housing 106, but are configured as object-sensitive (e.g., capacitive load-sensitive) portions of housing 106 to sense capacitive loads or objects in or near the button area on or near the surface of housing 106. Other types of buttons 108, 110 may also be used, such as knobs, buttons, mechanisms, sliders, rocker arms, similar devices known in the art, and combinations thereof.

[0036] Each controller device 100, 102, 104 may further include input panels 114, 116, 118. Each input panel 114, 116, 118 may be positioned adjacent to but separate from other input buttons 108, 110. Each input panel 114, 116, 118 may be positioned near an end of housing 106, such as at an end of housing 106 configured to be positioned at or below the tip of the user's thumb or forefinger when the user grips the handle end 120 of controller device 100, 102, 104 and orients the wireless transmission interface 112 toward the controlled electronic device. In some embodiments, the wireless transmission interface 112 is non-directional and can transmit signals to the controlled device regardless of the orientation of housing 106 or interface 112 (e.g., Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi®). Therefore, input pads 114, 116, and 118 can be configured to receive input from the fingers of a user's hand, while the same hand grasps and holds the opposite end 120, and possibly, the remaining fingers of that hand grasp and hold other portions of the housing 106. In some embodiments, this means that input pads 114, 116, and 118 are positioned entirely on one side of the midpoint along the length of the housing 106 (e.g., after...). Figure 1B (Center line 131). In some configurations, the controller device can be configured to be held with both hands, with the fingers of each hand positioned behind the device, and the thumbs used to operate buttons 108, 110 and input panels 114, 116, 118.

[0037] In some implementations, the dimensions of input panels 114, 116, and 118 can be configured to allow the user to navigate in both directions (e.g., along...). Figure 1A The input pads 114, 116, and 118 provide input by sliding a finger on the outer surfaces 122, 124 / 126, and 128 / 130 along the axes x and y, without the finger moving out of the maximum perimeter of the input pads 114, 116, and 118. The tip of a human finger is approximately 0.6 inches along the x-axis and approximately 0.6 inches along the y-axis; therefore, the input pads 114, 116, and 118 can have dimensions of at least approximately 1.8 inches along the x-axis (to allow a finger to comfortably press three side-by-side buttons) and approximately 1.8 inches along the y-axis (for the same reason). Furthermore, as described in further detail below, each input pad 114, 116, and 118 can be used to sense two-dimensional gesture input from a user object (e.g., a finger) moving on the outer surfaces 122, 124 / 126, or 128 / 130 of the input pads 114, 116, and 118.

[0038] Each input panel 114, 116, 118 may also have a set of button areas 132, 134, wherein the input panels 114, 116, 118 are configured to be pressed to actuate switches located below the input panels 114, 116, 118 in the housing 106, which are discussed in further detail below. Input panel 114 has four button areas 132 that allow directional inputs via inputs to input panel 114, such as up, down, left, and right. Input panel 116 has four external button areas 132 located on the annular portion 136 (i.e., the annular button) of input panel 116 that provide similar directional inputs, and a central button area 134 located in the central portion 138 (i.e., the central button) for additional inputs, such as selection inputs or menu inputs. Input panel 118 has eight external button areas 132 located on the square portion 140, wherein the central portion 142 is centrally located within the square portion 140 and has the central button area 134. In some configurations, when button area 132 is pressed and internal switch actuated, input plate 114 can deflect or compress relative to housing 106, as discussed further below. In some embodiments, input plate 116 has its annular portion 136 and central portion 138 formed as a single integral piece, and in some cases, the annular portion 136 and central portion 138 are two separate movable parts (relative to each other and housing 106) or engaged by a flexible joint that allows them to be mounted as a single piece, but allows one part to move relative to the other after installation. The principles of these embodiments can be applied to other embodiments shown in other figures.

[0039] Figure 2 An exploded orthographic view of an embodiment of controller device 102 is shown, which has features applicable to other embodiments disclosed herein. This controller device 102 has an input plate 116 having an annular portion 136, which is separate from a central portion 138. The annular portion 136 and the central portion 138 are concentrically aligned, and the annular portion 136 at least partially overlaps with a flange 200 of the central portion 138. The flange 200 prevents debris from passing between portions 136, 138 of the input plate 116 and into the housing 106. Both the annular portion 136 and the central portion 138 are located above a capacitive touch input device 202 and a set of switches 204, 206. These components 136, 138, 202, 204, and 206 are all configured to be located in cavity 208 within housing 106 and can be collectively referred to as touch input components or hybrid input components because they are operable to receive capacitive load-based input (e.g., taps and gestures) and switch-based input (e.g., triggered by actuation of switches 204 and 206).

[0040] Switches 204 and 206 may include various actuable electrical or electromechanical switching mechanisms configured to switch movement of at least a portion of input plate 116. Switches 204 and 206 may include devices such as, for example, a collapsible dome (e.g., made of metal, rubber, or a similar flexible material), a spring, or a flexible movable contact. In some embodiments, switches 204 and 206 may include a capacitive sensor configured to sense the position of input plate 116 relative to housing 106 or a sensor device by measuring a change in capacitance in response to movement of input plate 116, such as the capacitance between a first capacitor plate on input plate 116 and a second capacitor plate on housing 106. In some embodiments, switches 204 and 206 may include a Hall effect sensor that can be used to measure movement of input plate 116 based on changes in the magnetic field generated by movement of input plate 116. For example, a magnet may be attached to input plate 116 or housing 106, and the Hall effect sensor may be positioned on the opposing structure to sense movement of the magnet relative to the Hall effect sensor.

[0041] The capacitive touch input device 202 may be referred to as a touch flexure, touch sensor, flexible circuit board with capacitive sensor, substrate, sensor substrate, or capacitively sensitive input device. In some embodiments, the capacitive touch input device 202 may include a dielectric substrate having a conductive layer (e.g., copper) coated thereon. The copper layer may optionally be etched and the etched copper layer adhered to another dielectric substrate. This process may be repeated until the required number of copper / conductive layers are achieved for the proper functioning of the touch input device 202. Therefore, the capacitive touch input device 202 may be referred to as a layered substrate or multilayer substrate, and these layers may be used to provide electrical connectivity between various sensors and the switching of the capacitive touch input device 202, as described in further detail below.

[0042] The capacitive touch input device 202 may have a set of capacitive touch input areas 210, 212 located on at least a portion of the flexible substrate 400. See also Figure 4 The outer touch input area 210 is an annular shape with a central opening and does not overlap with the non-conductive rings 312-a and 312-b on the substrate 400. The inner touch input area 212 is circular and does not overlap with the non-conductive ring 312-c on the substrate 400. The substrate 400 may have a connector 214 configured to provide electrical communication between the capacitive touch input device 202 and the electrical controller or control logic board of the controller device 102, such as... Figure 11 The control system 1150 or processor 1157 or Figure 12The IR controller 1290 is described further below. Touch input areas 210, 212 can be connected to each other via flexible connector portion 216 of substrate 400.

[0043] Figure 3 A top view of a capacitive touch input device 202 is shown, wherein touch input areas 210, 212 are concentrically aligned with each other (i.e., the flexible connector portion 216 is folded beneath the outer touch input area 210). By comparison... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As can be seen, when the inner touch input area 212 is positioned below the opening of the outer touch input area 210 and centered relative to the opening of the outer touch input area (e.g., they are coaxially aligned), the outer touch input area 210 can have an inner edge vertically aligned with the outer edge of the inner touch input area 212. See also Figure 5 and Figure 5A The boundary B is aligned with the inner edge of the outer touch input area 210 and the outer edge of the inner touch input area 212, as will be explained in further detail below. Figure 4 A top view of the touch input device 202 is shown, in which the flexible connector portion 216 is unfolded such that the inner touch input area 212 faces downward / away from the observer, and the outer touch input area 210 faces upward. Therefore, Figure 4 An external touch input area 210 is shown positioned on a first side (i.e., the upward side when the device 202 is unfolded) of the substrate 400 of the capacitive touch input device 202, and an internal touch input area 212 is positioned on the opposite second side (i.e., the downward side when the device is unfolded) of the capacitive touch input device 202.

[0044] Touch input areas 210 and 212 can each be sized and positioned relative to each other to correspond to the horizontal positions of the annular portion 136 and the central portion 138 of the input panel 116, respectively. Therefore, the annular portion 136 can cover the outer touch input area 210 and can substantially completely overlap with the surface area of ​​the outer touch input area 210. Similarly, the central portion 138 can cover the area of ​​the inner touch input area 212. In a similar manner, capacitive touch input devices used with input panels 114 or 118 can have one or more touch input areas that correspond to the square surfaces 122 or 128, 130 of those input panels 114, 118. Capacitive touch input devices with various other surface shapes can be adapted to match or substantially match the shape of input panels having various other surface shapes.

[0045] In some embodiments, one or more layers of adhesive (such as pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA)) may be positioned between these individual layers 136, 138, 210, 212 to attach them to each other, and ensure that the distance between the bottom surface of the input panel portions 136, 138 and the top surface of the touch input areas 210, 212 remains constant when the input panel 116 is touched and pressed. See also Figure 5 And its related descriptions in the following text. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the outer periphery of the external touch input area 210 may be slightly smaller than the outer periphery of the substrate 400 on which it is situated, and the inner periphery of the external touch input area 210 may be slightly larger than the inner periphery of the substrate supporting the external touch input area 210, as indicated by the non-conductive rings 312-a and 312-b surrounding the external touch input area 210 on the inside and outside of the ring. The outer periphery of the substrate portion holding the disk-shaped inner touch input area 212 may be slightly larger than the outer periphery of the inner touch input area 212, as shown... Figure 4 As shown in ring 312-c. See also Figure 3 , Figure 5 and Figure 5A Therefore, the substrate may include a portion (i.e., ring 312-c) that is slightly larger than another portion (i.e., ring 312-b) and ensure that the adjacent edges of the touch input regions 210 and 212 are vertically aligned with each other when regions 210 and 212 are concentrically aligned.

[0046] like Figures 3 to 4 As shown, touch input regions 210 and 212 collectively form a set of grid-shaped electrodes, such as electrodes 300, 302-a, 302-b, 304, etc., defined by a grid-line non-conductive material 305 that separates adjacent electrodes (e.g., 302-b, 304). This set of electrodes may be referred to as a set of capacitive sensors, sensor plates, touch sensor "pixels," conductive nodes, subdivided input regions, etc. The electrodes may include conductive materials (e.g., copper) printed on or adhered to a substrate of the capacitive touch input device 202 (e.g., a dielectric material) and may each be connected to a conductive trace via a flexible connector portion 216 and a tail 306 extending through the capacitive touch input device 202 to a connector 214. In some embodiments, the traces may be configured to allow multiplexing or logical combination of the electrodes, as will be understood by those skilled in the art and who have the beneficial effects of this disclosure.

[0047] Since the touch input areas 210, 212 of the input panel 116 do not have a square outer perimeter, some electrodes can be perfectly square (e.g., 300) and some (or all) electrodes can have at least partially square and at least partially non-square, curved, angled, or other edges (e.g., electrodes 302-a, 302-b, 304). In other words, the electrodes can have edges defined by square grid lines / gap lines of a non-conductive material 305 (e.g., Figure 4 The edges 308 in the middle are concentrically aligned with each other in the touch input areas 210 and 212 (i.e., in the middle). Figure 2 and Figure 3 When at the positions shown, these edges extend across the surfaces of touch input areas 210, 212. The electrodes may also have regions of inactive / non-conductive material (e.g., Figure 4 The edges defined by rings 312-a, 312-b and 312-c in the rings (e.g., Figure 4 (310 in the text), these edges extend around the outer or inner periphery of the touch input area 210, 212 in which they are located. In some embodiments, the electrodes may have non-square edges that extend to the edges or outer periphery of the touch input area 210, 212 in which they are located.

[0048] Therefore, the various electrodes can have different surface areas, which make each electrode (or groups of electrodes) have different sensitivities to changes in the capacitance or electric field of a capacitive load (e.g., a finger) located near or in contact with the input plate 116. Due to the overlap / vertical offset between portions of the capacitive touch input device 202, some electrodes (e.g., those in touch input area 212) can also be positioned at a different vertical offset from the outer surface of the input plate 116 compared to other electrodes (e.g., those in touch input area 210). See also Figure 5 And the related description below. Furthermore, the vertical thickness and material configuration of the annular portion 136 may differ from those of the central portion 138, and the thickness of each subdivision of portion 136 / 138 may vary, such as when their structure has a top surface curvature, as further detailed below. Therefore, those thicknesses, locations, and material configurations may result in varying degrees of attenuation of the sensed capacitive load / electric field emitted at input plate 116, and may cause electrodes (even electrodes of equal size) to provide different outputs in response to the same capacitive load.

[0049] The embodiments disclosed herein can compensate for attenuation and variations caused by the size and material of the input plate 116 and by the shape and size of the electrodes to achieve two-dimensional capacitive touch input across the input plate 116. In other words, the output of the electrodes can be provided to the control system of the controller device 102, where the load is in a first direction across the plane of the capacitive touch input device 202 (e.g., parallel to...). Figure 3 When the load moves along the x-axis (in the plane) on a portion of the non-conductive materials 305 and 312, the load moves in a second direction across the plane (e.g., parallel to the x-axis). Figure 3 The control system can sense the movement of a capacitive load across the input plate 116 as the load moves along the y-axis and in multiple directions (e.g., partially along both the x-axis and y-axis). This also means that the output of the electrodes can be used to identify the point on the touch input areas 210, 212 where the capacitive load is applied, such as, for example, the two-dimensional coordinates of that point relative to the origin (e.g., the center of the input plate 116), and to track the movement of the capacitive load as it moves at any position on the input plate 116 in only one lateral direction (e.g., parallel to the x-axis or y-axis).

[0050] Other touch input pads, especially circular ones, have a one-dimensional electrode array that can only determine their position based on the angular position of the capacitive load relative to the center point, and cannot detect radial or linear movement within a two-dimensional electrode array. Such devices can also detect movement along a single axis (e.g., parallel to the x-axis) only at certain portions of the input device (e.g., only the top and bottom portions of the input pad), rather than movement at any location on the input device (i.e., they cannot detect x-direction movement at the left and right portions).

[0051] The output of the electrodes of the capacitive touch input device 202 can also be used to identify the location of a capacitive load using radial coordinates, for example, by means of a radial direction (e.g., along...). Figure 3 The width (W1 or W2) is measured relative to the origin axis and at an angle (e.g., angle A). The electrode outputs can be used to track the movement of the point radially and as the angle (e.g., A) changes. This advantageously enables fully two-dimensional, touchpad-like capacitive touch sensing at the input pad 116, even if the individual electrodes are not all set to the same size or shape. Conventional circular touchpads can only use a one-dimensional input array to detect angular positions, making radial movement tracking impossible.

[0052] The foldability of the capacitive touch input device 202 allows the internal touch input area and the external touch input areas 210, 212 to be formed on a single substrate 400, simplifying construction and assembly. This also allows different portions of the substrate 400 to be attached to different portions of the input board 116 (e.g., separate surfaces of the annular portion 136 and the central portion 138) or individual buttons (e.g., where the annular portion 136 and the central portion 138 are separate, independently movable structures), such that movement of one portion of the substrate 400 (e.g., region 210) does not cause movement of a second portion (e.g., region 212), and vice versa. In other words, regions 210, 212 can move vertically independently of each other.

[0053] Figure 5 An example side cross-sectional view of the touch input assembly and housing 106, taken at the center through cavity 208, is shown. A button-like structure of annular platform 500 (similar to 136) and central platform 502 (similar to 138) is positioned above an adhesive layer (e.g., pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) layers 504, 506). Central platform 502 is adhered to carrier structure 508 using PSA 506. Carrier structure 508 is adhered to central substrate 510 using another layer of PSA 512. Switch 514 is positioned below central substrate 510 and between substrate 510 and the wall of housing 106. Annular platform 500 is adhered to annular substrate 516, and a set of switches 518, 520 are connected to opposite sides of this annular substrate. Those switches 518, 520 are positioned below annular substrate 516 and between substrate 516 and housing 106. It should be noted that... Figure 5 It is simplified, not drawn to scale. Therefore, additional parts can be added, such as an additional layer below switches 514, 518, or 520, parts can be attached to the housing 106 between the switch and cavity 208, additional switches can be added, some switches can be removed, and so on.

[0054] In some embodiments, the annular platform 500 and the central platform 502 may comprise rigid materials, such as glass or plastic. In some embodiments, they may each comprise different materials. The carrier structure 508 may be advantageously used to reinforce the central platform 502, such as when the central platform 502 is very thin and fragile (e.g., when the central platform is glass). In some embodiments, the central platform 502 may be formed as a single integral piece with the carrier structure 508, in which case the PSA 506 may be omitted.

[0055] The annular substrate 516 and the central substrate 510 may be electrically connected to each other or may be part of a single substrate, similar to how touch input areas 210, 212 become part of substrate 400. In some embodiments, substrates 510, 516 may be independent components with their own individual connectors (such as 214). Both substrates 510, 516 may be touch-sensitive and may include electrode arrays, and may be formed together in a manner similar to... Figures 2 to 4 , Figure 6 or Figure 7 The electrode array shown is an array of electrodes.

[0056] The top surfaces 530 and 532 of the annular platform 500 and the central platform 502 can be arranged as follows: Figure 5 The curvature is formed as shown. In an exemplary embodiment, the annular platform 500 may have a convex top surface curvature, and the central platform 502 may have a concave top surface curvature. As shown by the dashed lines, the top surface of the platform may also be substantially flat and planar, with different heights or vertical positions relative to the housing 106. Differences in height can provide tactile boundaries between the platforms, allowing the user to feel where one button ends and another begins. In some embodiments, the top surface is planar (see...). Figure 9 ) or a part of a single integral component (see Figure 8 ).

[0057] The top surfaces of platforms 500 and 502 can be configured to provide tactile sensation based on their curvature (e.g., different components having concave and convex surfaces), texture (e.g., rough and smooth surfaces), tactile surface features (e.g., tactile bumps / bumps / grooves / ridges / concaves and no bumps or different tactile surface features), surface friction (e.g., lower friction surface materials or textures and higher friction surface materials or textures), similar elements, and combinations thereof. The top surfaces can advantageously be almost continuous or have substantially small (e.g., about 0.5 mm to about 0.8 mm) gaps or ridges (e.g., see [reference needed]). Figure 5 and Figure 5AThe gap 522 is used to define the top surface, allowing the user's fingers to move smoothly without being caught by ridges or bumps that could otherwise significantly hinder the fluidity of gestures provided to the top surfaces 500, 502. In some embodiments, the corner edge 515 of the outer top surface 530 may be positioned at substantially the same vertical height (as measured relative to the bottom of cavity 208) as the corner edge 517 of the inner top surface 532. Alternatively, embodiments may have a top surface with indicators (e.g., visual or tactile indicators) that indicate to the user the location of switches (e.g., 514, 518, 520) below the top surface, making it easier for the user to find and activate those switches when needed. See also Figure 10 .

[0058] Applying downward pressure to platforms 500 and 502 may cause platforms 500 and 502, as well as components adhered to their bottoms (e.g., 506, 508, 510, 512, or 504, 516), to deflect toward or into the bottom surface of cavity 208 and housing 106. This deflection may trigger actuation of switches 514, 518, and 520 below the position where downward pressure was applied. Switches 514, 518, and 520 may advantageously include a collapsible dome configured to bias platforms 500 and 502 in a direction pointing outwards from housing 106, such that when the downward pressure is removed, platforms 500 and 502 can return to a default or resting position, such as... Figure 5 The location shown.

[0059] When downward pressure is applied, the dome switch can collapse to a reduced vertical height. In some embodiments, switches 514, 518, 520 may be configured to close a circuit or form electrical contact with a conductor (e.g., a conductive trace) positioned on and extending through the central substrate 510 or the annular substrate 516. Thus, actuation of the switch (e.g., causing the dome switch to collapse) can induce electrical formation, thereby triggering a signal generated at the control system of the controller device via a connector (e.g., 214). In some embodiments, at least some of the switches 514, 518, 520 can induce electrical formation by triggering a signal in a substrate or circuit board located below the switches 514, 518, 520 within the housing 106, which is separate from the central substrate 510 or the annular substrate 516. Each switch 514, 518, 520 can provide a distinct signal to the control system, enabling the control system to transmit control signals corresponding to the intended function of a particular switch (e.g., moving the cursor left, right, up, or down, changing the TV channel up or down, changing the brightness level, volume level, etc.) to a remote electronic device.

[0060] Applying downward pressure to platforms 500 and 502 can cause one side of the platform (e.g., Figure 5 The left side of the middle platform 500 tilts downwards because the switch 518 below the platform collapses, while the opposite side (e.g., Figure 5 Switch 520 (on the right side of the image) remains substantially in the same vertical position. Furthermore, the strength of switches 514, 518, and 520 can be designed such that a downward pressure exceeding a threshold amount is required before the switch begins to collapse. In other words, downward pressure below the threshold applied above the switch may be insufficient to actuate the switch (e.g., in the case of providing swipe touch / gesture input to the top surface), while applying downward pressure equal to or above the threshold will cause the switch to actuate. Additionally, when sensing switch actuation, the control system connected to the capacitive touch input device can prevent the system from sending gesture input signals until the downward pressure is released. This helps the system avoid misinterpreting a user-supplied "button click" switch actuation action as a user-supplied swipe touch gesture input action.

[0061] like Figure 5 As shown, the annular platform 500 and the central platform 502 can be separate components with a gap 522 extending around the perimeter / circumference of the central platform 502 and around the inner perimeter / circumference of the annular platform 500. This allows the central platform 502 to have a small amount of surrounding space, thereby allowing it to move vertically and laterally relative to the annular platform 500, as well as rotate slightly / roll. This allows for a greater travel distance of one platform relative to the other when a user presses down on one platform with a downward force.

[0062] Figure 5A A detailed view of a portion of the controller device is shown, in which platforms 500, 502 and the components below them are positioned adjacent to each other, as shown. Figure 5 The details are indicated by identifier 5A. This view shows how the top surfaces 530, 532 of platforms 500, 502 are separated from each other by gap 522, but the top surfaces 530, 532 have top surface curvatures that are aligned with each other on each side of gap 522 to follow a continuous surface spline curve. The view also indicates how the thickness of the stack of components (i.e., 500, 504) above substrate 516 varies due to the curvature of top surface 530, where the thickness T1 between substrate 516 and top surface 530 and the thickness T2 between substrate 516 and top surface 530 are different from each other. In this embodiment, T1 is greater than T2 due to the downward slope or curvature of top surface 530. This thickness difference may cause variations in the attenuation of capacitive load or electric field signals measured by electrodes on the top surface of substrate 516.

[0063] Typically, more material and a longer distance between a capacitive load and an electrode weaken the signal, while less material and a shorter distance relatively strengthen the signal. Therefore, two identical electrodes, such as one at T1 and one at T2, can detect the same load at the top surface 530, but produce two different output signals. Thus, a control system receiving signals from both electrodes can be programmed (e.g., using...) Figure 11 The program storage area 1162 stores instructions for the processor 1157 (described below) to compensate for signal differences caused by material and distance attenuation at T1 and T2, enabling the control system to reliably detect the location of the capacitive load relative to both electrodes. Alternatively, the control system could be biased to detect the capacitive load as the electrode closer to T2, since that electrode would generate a stronger signal in most cases. Similarly, the electrode could be positioned at thickness T3, where different thicknesses or materials, including those at the carrier structure 508, the additional PSA 506, and the platform 502, would result in different attenuations.

[0064] Therefore, in some embodiments, the control system can implement a method for applying a correction factor to each signal processed from each electrode in a capacitive touch input device, and can determine and adjust the correction factor based on the amount of correction required at each electrode, which is affected by factors such as: the thickness of the material on the electrode, the distance between the locations where capacitive loads are applied (e.g., the thickness of the covering material on the electrode up to the top surface), material variations (e.g., variations in attenuation caused by the transition of platform 500, which has a PSA 504 located below the bottom of platform 500 and an air gap 534 located below the bottom of platform 500), the shape and size of the electrode, similar factors, and other factors discussed herein.

[0065] To determine the correction factor to be applied to each electrode, one method of this disclosure includes applying a uniform capacitive load across the entire top surface (e.g., 530, 532) of platforms 500, 502 (e.g., in a controlled environment). In other words, a uniform capacitive load of equal magnitude can be applied at all points on the top surfaces 530, 532. The electrode output under this load can then be measured. For example, a large electrode (e.g., 300) located under a thin overlay button material may output a signal amplitude of 1000, another smaller electrode (e.g., 302-a) located under the thin button material may output a signal amplitude of 300, another medium-sized electrode (e.g., 302-b) located under a thicker button material may output 650, and another medium-sized electrode (e.g., 304) located under the thickest button material may output 500. In this simplified example, a correction factor for each electrode is calculated based on these output levels such that they all output signals proportional to their surface area and to other attenuation effects on their output. In practice, this can offset attenuation caused by the thickness of the cover button material, distance from the capacitive load, and other factors, while making each electrode function as if it were part of a uniform grid of electrodes. For example, multiple side-by-side electrodes (e.g., 302-a plus 302-b) that collectively form a surface area equal to a full square electrode can have a combined signal level equal to the output of a full square electrode 300 with equivalent size and attenuation compensated. Other electrodes surrounding the touch input device (e.g., 304) can have modified signals to ensure they are not “overweight” or otherwise output signals disproportionate to their size and position within the overall electrode array.

[0066] The location of a capacitive load can be determined by collecting output signals from many (e.g., all) electrodes on a capacitive touch input device and, based on these outputs, calculating the location of the center point of the load by applying formulas and algorithms known in the art. For example, if the four central square electrodes in touch input area 212 all produce equal and relatively high output signals compared to the remaining electrodes in input areas 210, 212, the center point can be calculated at the center of those electrodes (i.e., at the center of touch input area 212). This calculation may become error-prone if the load is located near the boundary between touch input areas 210, 212, but by applying correction factors to the electrodes as described above, multiple electrodes (e.g., 302-a, 302-b) can be essentially treated as a single combined electrode, and smaller electrodes (e.g., 304) can be appropriately processed (e.g., scaled) based on their shape and positioning. Therefore, after taking into account the changes in signal sensing caused by the thickness of the covering material, the changes in the covering material, the different distances from the surface to which the load is applied, and the size, shape, and positioning of the electrodes themselves, the location or movement of the capacitive load can be determined at any point on the two-dimensional surface of the touch input areas 210, 212.

[0067] See you again Figure 5A The annular substrate 516 and the central substrate 510 can be located at different vertical levels within the housing 106. This difference may be necessary due to the difference in the desired positions of the outer surfaces 530, 532. Additionally, their vertical levels can differ to allow substrates 510, 516 to overlap at the outer periphery of the central substrate 510 and the inner periphery of the annular substrate 516. Electrodes on substrates 510, 516 may not extend to the outer edges of substrates 510, 516 (e.g., as shown in non-conductive material rings 312-a, 312-b, and 312-c). To improve the sensing efficiency of the electrodes (e.g., to eliminate dead zones or other sensing discontinuities when capacitive loads move across the input board), the electrodes on substrates 510, 516 can be configured to have substantially equal amounts of non-conductive material between each square region of the entire / combined electrode array.

[0068] In embodiments where substrates 510 and 516 do not overlap, the outer edges of the substrates (e.g., at 312) will form lateral gaps between the electrodes (e.g., between 302-a and 302-b), which may interfere with the continuous, smooth detection of capacitive loads as they move across the substrate edges. However, in embodiments where substrates 510 and 516 overlap, the non-electrode-bearing outer edges (e.g., at 312) form lateral gaps between the electrodes (e.g., between 302-a and 302-b). Figure 5AIn this configuration, the span widths 540 and 542 can be positioned above or below the available electrode-carrying portions of substrates 510 and 516, thereby ensuring that when a capacitive load moves across boundary B (which is located at the inner edge of an electrode (e.g., 302-b) on substrate 516 and also at the outer edge of an electrode (e.g., 302-a) on substrate 510), it always remains above and aligned with at least one electrode on at least one substrate, rather than moving only when the non-electrode-carrying area (e.g., 540 and 542) is temporarily below the load. Therefore, even if the edges of substrates 510 and 516 do not carry electrodes, the system allows a smooth transition from the electrode of the annular substrate 516 at thickness T2 to the electrode of the central substrate 510 at thickness T4 on each side of the PSA edge boundary B.

[0069] Additionally, the overlapping substrates 510 and 516 can be configured to reduce the attenuation effect caused by variations in the material composition of the overlay electrodes by aligning the inner edge 544 of the PSA 504 of the annular substrate 516 with the outer edge 546 of the PSA 512 of the central substrate 510. This results in less transition between different layered material compositions and minimizes vertical air gaps that might be difficult to compensate for when determining correction factors.

[0070] The overlapping substrate may also be configured with a vertical gap 548 between the bottom of the lowest portion of the outer ring stack (e.g., the bottom of substrate 516) and the top of the nearest vertically adjacent portion of the central portion stack (e.g., the top of carrier structure 508). This vertical gap 548 allows for vertical deflection of the outer ring stack without causing (or reducing or limiting) vertical deflection of the central portion stack. The size of the gap 548 is not drawn to scale and may be determined based on the amount of deflection required to actuate the switch (e.g., 518) of the outer ring stack.

[0071] Figure 6A top view of a capacitive touch input device 600 is shown, illustrating additional features and principles that may be applied to or combined with other embodiments disclosed herein. The capacitive touch input device 600 includes a substrate 602 comprising a circular portion 604, a tail 606 extending from the edge of the circular portion 604, and a connector 608 located at the end of the tail 606. The connector 608 is used to connect the touch input device 600 to a control system of a controller device, similar to other connectors described herein. The substrate 602 may include a set of peripheral electrodes 610 surrounding a set of central electrodes 612. As with other substrates disclosed herein, the electrodes 610, 612 may have a non-conductive material positioned between their edges and spaced apart from each other. All electrodes 610, 612 may be connected to a set of conductors (not shown) extending through the substrate 602 to the connector 608, such that an output signal for each electrode 610, 612 (or a multiplexed combination of electrodes) can be provided through electrical communication with the control system.

[0072] In this embodiment, the peripheral electrodes 610 are configured as a one-dimensional circular array, which can be used to detect the angular position of a capacitive load applied near the electrodes 610 around the region of the substrate 602 occupied by the peripheral electrodes 610. Therefore, movement of the capacitive load on the peripheral electrodes 610 can be sensed and converted into a calculated position, which includes only angular information or information corresponding to the angle representing the position of the load relative to a reference origin (e.g., ...). Figure 6 (The 12:00 position between the top two electrodes). For example, the position of a capacitive load can be calculated as being at the 9:00 position, the 5:15 position, the 1:00 position, etc., and the movement of the load can be calculated as, for example, moving clockwise from the 12:00 position to the 1:00 position or moving counterclockwise from the 6:00 position to the 9:00 position.

[0073] Additionally, the center electrode 612 can provide capacitive load sensing for the central region of the substrate 602. For example, the center electrode 612 can be used to determine a binary value (e.g., whether a touch occurs above the center electrode 612) or a magnitude-dependent value (e.g., the intensity of the capacitive load on the center electrode 612) to detect a touch or touch type applied to the central region of the substrate 602.

[0074] In an alternative embodiment, peripheral electrodes 610 and center electrodes 612 can be used to detect the two-dimensional position of a capacitive load at the capacitive touch input device 600. The position of the capacitive load can be determined based on the combined output signal of electrodes 610, 612 adjacent to the load. In this embodiment, the central portion and outer ring of the circular portion 604 can be positioned in the same plane and on the substrate 602 without overlapping. Compared to the case where the number of electrodes is low and the electrodes are irregularly shaped along paths parallel to the x and y axes, this configuration is more efficient. Figures 2 to 5 In some implementations, the touch input device 600 may have inconsistent position detection, but for some applications, lower position resolution and higher position calculation errors may be acceptable, such as when the touch input device 600 is located in a device where the user is expected to wear gloves, the diameter of the touch input device 600 is much smaller than the width of a typical finger (e.g., less than about one inch wide), or when the user is expected to use a large stylus to provide capacitive load (and therefore, the capacitive load is provided over a relatively large area of ​​the device).

[0075] Additionally, a set of switches 614 may be positioned below or attached to the substrate 602 and operable by pressing the substrate 602 to provide switching inputs in addition to the capacitive touch input detected by electrodes 610, 612. Switches 614 may be of a type corresponding to other switches disclosed elsewhere herein and may have corresponding characteristics. In an exemplary embodiment, touch input device 600 may be compatible with… Figure 1B It is used together with the input board 116 of the controller device 102.

[0076] Figure 7A top view of a capacitive touch input device 700 is shown, illustrating additional features and principles that can be applied to or combined with other embodiments disclosed herein. The capacitive touch input device 700 includes a substrate 702 having a generally square or rectangular shape connected to a tail 704 and a connector 706 configured to function as other tails and connectors described herein. In this embodiment, electrodes 708 of the substrate 702 may all be square and arranged in a two-dimensional array. Each electrode 708 may be electrically connected to the connector 706 via a conductor extending through the substrate 702. Using the principles described in conjunction with other embodiments herein, the array of electrodes 708 can be used to sense the position and movement of a capacitive load in two-dimensional space, and due to the continuous nature of the substrate 702 (i.e., it is a single sheet of material defining a generally square shape), the signals of the electrodes 708 may only require minor correction factors based on the properties of the button structure, adhesive, etc., covering the electrodes 708, rather than requiring corrections for vertical positional differences between different portions of the substrate and for different shapes and sizes of the electrodes 708.

[0077] The capacitive touch input device 700 can also be used with a set of switches at position 710, wherein pressing or moving the substrate 702 can actuate the switches to allow the device 700 to provide switch-based input in addition to capacitive input. For example, the capacitive touch input device 700 can advantageously be used with Figure 1A The input board 114 of the controller device 100 or Figure 1C This is achieved through the input panel 118.

[0078] Figure 8 A side sectional view of controller device 800 is shown, illustrating additional features and principles that may be applied to or combined with other embodiments disclosed herein. In this embodiment, a touch input assembly 802 is positioned within a cavity 804 of housing 805, wherein assembly 802 includes an input plate 806 attached to a capacitive touch input device 808 using an adhesive layer 810. A set of switches 812, 814 is positioned below the touch input device 808. This touch input assembly 802 can be used when a single-piece input plate is used in controller devices (such as in controller device 100 or in embodiments of controller devices 102 or 104), wherein the central surfaces 126, 130 are not separate components relative to the peripheral / outer surfaces 124, 128.

[0079] Therefore, as Figure 8As shown, the input plate 806 may include a single, generally rigid element (e.g., made of glass or rigid plastic) that extends (at least substantially) across the entire opening of the cavity 804, including covering the center of the cavity 804. Therefore, the touch input device 808 can sense the two-dimensional position of a capacitive load located at the outer surface of the input plate 806 over its entire external area. A downward force may be applied to the input plate 806 to cause at least a portion of the plate to deflect downward or rotate at the location where the force is applied. A force applied above a switch 812 on one side (e.g., below the outer surfaces 124 / 128) may compress and actuate the switch 812 between the touch input device 808 and the housing 805, while other switches 812, 814 (e.g., on opposite sides of the input plate 806) are not sufficiently compressed to actuate. The other switches 812, 814 may provide an upward biasing force to the bottom of the touch input device 808, which is not sufficiently overcome by the downward force applied to different portions of the input plate 806. A downward force applied to the center of input plate 806 can cause the center switch 814 to deflect and actuate. This may be caused by the bending of input plate 806 at its center relative to its edges or because the center switch 814 requires less force to deform and actuate. In some embodiments, multiple switches including center switch 814 (e.g., a combination of 814 plus other switches 812) can be actuated simultaneously, and the control system of controller device 800 can interpret those simultaneous signals as a new input type compared to those switches actuated individually. For example, if the deflection of input plate 806 causes the center switch 814 to actuate in addition to other switches 812, the control system can determine that the force is substantially applied at the center of input plate 806, and that the operation of center switch 814 should be from the output of the device, because if the user presses a side portion of input plate 806, center switch 814 will not actuate.

[0080] In some configurations, the input plate 806 may comprise a compressible or bendable material, such as rubber or a flexible polymer. Therefore, applying a downward force to the input plate 806 can cause localized deformation of the input plate 806 located above the actuated switches 812, 814, preventing other switches from being affected by the downward force. In some cases, a set of supports 815 (i.e., ridges, walls, or anti-bending protrusions) may be positioned between the touch input device 808 and the housing 805, which helps prevent the touch input device 808 from flexing or bending in a manner that would cause adjacent switches (e.g., 812) to be actuated when one switch (e.g., 814) is actuated. The supports 815 can achieve this by providing support to the bottom surface of the touch input device 808 between the switches and by having sufficient rigidity to resist downward movement of the touch input device 808 at the locations of these supports. Therefore, the support 815 can help isolate the bending or deflection of the touch input device 808 to a local area above the switch, and thereby avoid unwanted switch actuation below the location where the user does not press the input panel 806.

[0081] like Figure 8 As shown, the touch input surface 816 of the input pad 806 can be substantially flat across its entire width. A flat touch input surface 816 simplifies capacitive load detection using the principles described above, provides a clean, easy-to-read aesthetic, allows for smoother input using a finger or stylus, and can be manufactured more easily and at a lower cost. In some embodiments, the touch input surface 816 can be modified to include other surface shapes and features, such as, for example, different curvatures for the central and outer regions of the touch input surface 816. The outer surface region can have a concave touch input surface 820 or a convex touch input surface 822, and the central surface region can have a concave touch input surface 824 or a convex touch input surface 826. Various combinations of these surface curvatures 820, 822, 824, and 826 can be used, such as a concave outer surface and a convex central surface, a convex outer surface and a concave central surface, a concave outer surface and a concave central surface, a convex outer surface and a convex central surface, a flat outer surface and a concave or convex central surface, or a concave or convex outer surface and a flat central surface. In any case, the curvature (or the absence of curvature) can provide tactile information to the user, allowing the user to determine by touch the position of capacitive loads (i.e., their fingers) relative to the width and length of the input plate 806. Without observation, the user can therefore more easily determine whether they are above a particular switch 812, 814 or whether they are near the center or edge of the input plate 806.

[0082] A small gap 818 can be positioned between the side of the input panel 806 and the housing 805. The gap 818 allows the touch input component 802 to slightly translate or pivot relative to the housing 805 without binding or piling up the side surfaces, thus providing greater consistency and greater durability.

[0083] Figure 9 A side sectional view of the controller device 900 is shown, illustrating additional features and principles that can be applied to or combined with other embodiments disclosed herein. In this embodiment, similar indicator numerals are used to have... Figure 8 The components shown are similar in function to those shown. The controller device 900 may have an input plate divided into at least two parts (such as, for example, an outer part 906 and a central part 907). With this configuration, the different parts 906, 907 of the input plate can move more independently when pressed, thereby reducing unwanted actuation of switches 912, 914. A gap 909 may allow a small amount of lateral or rotational movement of one component (e.g., 906) relative to another component (e.g., 907). A touch input device 908 may hold a single component and may extend below all components of the input plate, and may include electrodes configured to sense capacitive load or touch applied to the entire top surface 916, 917 of components 906, 907. Separate adhesives 910, 911 may be used for each corresponding part 906, 907. The top surface may also include different curvatures, including flat designs, as described above. Figure 8 As described (i.e., indicated by 916, 917, 920, 922, 924, and 926). Additionally, gap 909 helps define the boundary between components 906 and 907 to provide further tactile definition for the input panel.

[0084] Figure 10 A side sectional view of another controller device 1000 is shown, illustrating additional features and principles that can be applied to or combined with other embodiments disclosed herein. In this embodiment, similar indicator numerals are used to have... Figure 8 and Figure 9 The components shown are similar in function to those shown. Here, the input panel is divided into multiple components 1006, 1007, each of which (via 1010, 1011) is attached to a separate touch input device 1008, 1013 (or to different relatively movable parts of a single touch input device, such as...). Figures 3 to 4(As shown in the diagram). Therefore, the movement of one component 1006 is substantially isolated from the movement of the individual component 1007, and switches 1012, 1014 can be actuated individually. In this embodiment, gap 1009 includes the gap between portions of touch input devices 1008, 1013, which may potentially cause errors when detecting the position or movement of capacitive loads on top surfaces 1016, 1017.

[0085] The device 1000 also includes tactile surface features 1030. Each surface feature 1030 may be positioned above the top of a corresponding switch 1012, 1014, allowing a user instrument to detect the position of the switches 1012, 1014 by sensing the protrusions. In some embodiments, the surface feature 1030 includes a set of protrusions, one or more recesses, ridges, areas with different surface friction when contacted by a user instrument, similar features, or combinations thereof. Figure 2 An exemplary recessed surface feature 1032 is shown in the figure.

[0086] Figure 11 A simplified block diagram example of a computing system 1100 that can be used to implement the various embodiments disclosed herein is shown. The computing system 1100 typically includes an input device 1140 operatively connected to a computing device 1142. By way of example, the input device 1140 typically corresponds to... Figures 1A to 10 The capacitive touch input device is provided, and the computing device 1142 may correspond to a computer, smartphone, tablet computer, media player, etc. connected to the input device 1140. Therefore, in some embodiments, the input pad and touch input components of this disclosure can be used in input devices (e.g., peripheral desktop input devices, keyboards, trackballs, touchpads, etc.) configured to be connected to the computing device 1142 via the communication interface 1154.

[0087] As shown, input device 1140 may include a pressable touchpad 1144 (e.g., a capacitive touch input device) and one or more motion detectors 1146 (e.g., switches). Touchpad 1144 may be configured to generate a tracking signal, and motion detectors 1146 may be configured to generate a motion signal when the touchpad is pressed. While touchpad 1144 can vary widely, in this embodiment, touchpad 1144 may include a capacitive sensor 1148 (e.g., the electrodes described above) and a control system 1150 for acquiring a position signal from sensor 1148 and providing that signal to computing device 1142. Control system 1150 may include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) configured to monitor the signal from sensor 1148, calculate the absolute position, angular position, direction, velocity, and / or acceleration of the monitored signal, and report this information to a processor of computing device 1142. In some embodiments, control system 1150 may apply a correction factor to the signal output by capacitive sensor 1148, as discussed above.

[0088] The motion detector 1146 can also vary widely. However, in this embodiment, the motion detector 1146 can take the form of a switch that generates a motion signal when the touchpad 1144 is pressed. The motion detector 1146 can correspond to a mechanical switch, an electrical switch, or an optical switch. In a particular embodiment, the motion detector 1146 can be a mechanical switch, which includes a protruding actuator 1152 that can be actuated by the touchpad 1144 to generate a motion signal. By way of example, the switch can be a haptic dome switch. The motion detector 1146 may also include a switch described in conjunction with other figures.

[0089] Both the touchpad 1144 and the motion detector 1146 can be operatively coupled to the computing device 1142 via a communication interface 1154. The communication interface provides a connection point for direct or indirect connection between the input device and the electronic device. The communication interface 1154 can be wired (wire, cable, connector) or wireless (e.g., transmitter / receiver).

[0090] Computing device 1142 may include processor 1157 (e.g., CPU or microprocessor) configured to execute instructions and perform operations associated with computing device 1142. For example, using instructions retrieved from memory, the processor can control the reception and manipulation of input and output data between components of computing device 1142. Processor 1157 may be configured to receive input from motion detector 1146 and touchpad 1144, and can generate signals / commands that may depend on these two inputs. In most cases, processor 1157 may execute instructions under the control of an operating system or other software. Processor 1157 may be a single-chip processor or may be implemented using multiple components.

[0091] The computing device 1142 may also include an input / output (I / O) controller 1156 operatively coupled to the processor 1157. The I / O controller 1156 may be integrated with the processor 1157, or it may be a separate component as shown. The I / O controller 1156 is typically configured to control interaction with one or more I / O devices, which may be coupled to the computing device 1142, such as input device 1140 and optional orientation detectors 1155, such as an accelerometer. The I / O controller 1156 typically operates by exchanging data between the computing device 1142 and I / O devices that wish to communicate with the computing device 1142.

[0092] The computing device 1142 may also include a display controller 1158 operatively coupled to the processor 1157. The display controller 1158 may be integrated with the processor 1157, or it may be a separate component as shown. The display controller 1158 may be configured to process display commands to generate text and graphics on the display screen 1160. By way of example, the display screen 1160 may be a monochrome display, a color graphics adapter (CGA) display, an enhanced graphics adapter (EGA) display, a variable graphics array (VGA) display, a super VGA display, a liquid crystal display (e.g., an active matrix, a passive matrix, etc.), a cathode ray tube (CRT), a plasma display, etc. Figure 11 In the illustrated implementation, the display device corresponds to a liquid crystal display (LCD).

[0093] In some cases, processor 1157, together with an operating system, is capable of operating to execute computer code and generate and use data. The computer code and data may reside in program storage 1162 (e.g., a memory device) operatively coupled to processor 1157. Program storage 1162 typically provides a location for holding data that can be used by computing device 1142. By way of example, program storage may include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), hard disk drive, etc. Computer code and data may also reside on removable program media and be loaded or installed onto computing device as needed. In one embodiment, program storage 1162 may be configured to store information for controlling how tracking and movement signals generated by input devices are used individually or in combination, for example, by computing device 1142 to generate input event commands (such as a single button press).

[0094] Figure 12 A simplified block diagram of a remote control 1280 incorporating an input device 1282 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. By way of example, the input device 1282 can generally correspond to any of the input devices previously described. In this specific embodiment, the input device 1282 can correspond to a capacitive touch input device and a switch shown in conjunction with other embodiments herein. Thus, the input device 1282 may include a touchpad 1284 and a plurality of switches 1286. The touchpad 1284 and the switches 1286 may be operatively coupled to a wireless transmitter 1288. One or more connections may be formed between the touchpad 1284 and the wireless transmitter 1288. For example, in some embodiments, a separate connection may be used for each electrode of the touchpad 1284. In some embodiments, the touchpad 1284 may include a control system (e.g., 1150) configured to receive and convert signals from capacitive sensors (e.g., 1148) before sending them to the wireless transmitter 1288.

[0095] The wireless transmitter 1288 can be configured to transmit information via a wireless communication link, enabling a receiving electronic device to receive the information through the same link. The wireless transmitter 1288 can vary widely. For example, it can be based on wireless technologies such as FM, radio frequency (RF), Bluetooth (R), 802.11 UWB (ultra-wideband), infrared (IR), magnetic link (inductive), similar technologies, and combinations thereof. Figure 12In the illustrated embodiment, the wireless transmitter 1288 may be IR-based. IR generally refers to a wireless technology that transmits data via infrared radiation. Therefore, the wireless transmitter 1288 may typically include an IR controller 1290. The IR controller 1290 may take information reported from the touchpad 1284 and the switch 1286, and convert that information into infrared radiation, for example, using a light-emitting diode 1292 that emits radiation in a manner detectable by an IR receiving device.

[0096] Within the limits applicable to this technology, the collection and use of data from various sources can be used to improve the delivery of inspirational or other content that users may be interested in. This disclosure contemplates that, in some instances, such collected data may include personal information that uniquely identifies or can be used to contact or locate specific individuals. Such personal information may include demographic data, location-based data, telephone numbers, email addresses, etc. ID, home address, data or records related to the user's health or health level (e.g., vital sign measurements, medication information, exercise information), date of birth, or any other identifying or personal information.

[0097] This disclosure recognizes that the use of such personal information data in the techniques of this invention can benefit users. For example, the personal information data can be used to deliver targeted content that is of interest to the user. Therefore, the use of such personal information data enables users to have planned control over the delivered content. Furthermore, this disclosure also anticipates other uses of personal information data that are beneficial to users. For example, health and fitness data can be used to provide insights into a user's overall health status or as positive feedback for individuals using technology to pursue health goals.

[0098] This disclosure assumes that entities responsible for collecting, analyzing, disclosing, transmitting, storing, or otherwise using such personal information data will comply with established privacy policies and / or privacy practices. Specifically, such entities should implement and adhere to privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining the privacy and security of personal information data. Such policies should be easily accessible to users and should be updated as data collection and / or use change. Personal information from users should be collected for the entity's lawful and reasonable purposes and not shared or sold outside of these lawful uses. Furthermore, such collection / sharing should be conducted only after obtaining informed consent from users. In addition, such entities should consider taking any necessary steps to protect and safeguard access to such personal information data and ensure that others with access to such personal information data comply with their privacy policies and processes. Additionally, such entities may be subject to third-party evaluations to demonstrate their compliance with widely accepted privacy policies and practices. Furthermore, policies and practices should be adapted to the specific types of personal information data collected and / or accessed, and to applicable laws and standards, including specific considerations regarding jurisdiction. For example, in the United States, the collection or acquisition of certain health data may be governed by federal and / or state laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA); while in other countries, health data may be subject to other regulations and policies and should be handled accordingly. Therefore, different privacy practices should be maintained for different types of personal data in each country.

[0099] Regardless of the foregoing, this disclosure also contemplates implementation schemes for users to selectively prevent the use or access to personal information data. That is, this disclosure contemplates providing hardware and / or software components to prevent or block access to such personal information data. For example, with regard to advertising delivery services, the inventive technology can be configured to allow users to opt-in or opt-out at any time during or after service registration to participate in the collection of personal information data. In another example, users can choose not to provide emotion-related data for a targeted content delivery service. In yet another example, users can choose to limit the duration for which emotion-related data is retained, or completely prohibit the development of underlying emotional states. In addition to providing "opt-in" and "opt-out" options, this disclosure envisions providing notifications related to access to or use of personal information. For example, users can be notified when downloading an application that their personal information data will be accessed, and then reminded again just before the application accesses the personal information data.

[0100] Furthermore, the purpose of this disclosure is to manage and process personal information data to minimize the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use. Once data is no longer needed, this risk can be minimized by limiting data collection and deleting data. Additionally, and where applicable, including in certain health-related applications, data deidentification can be used to protect user privacy. Deidentification can be facilitated, where appropriate, by removing specific identifiers (e.g., date of birth, etc.), controlling the amount or specificity of stored data (e.g., collecting location data at the city level rather than the address level), controlling how data is stored (e.g., aggregating data among users), and / or other methods.

[0101] Therefore, while this disclosure broadly covers the use of personal information data to implement one or more of the various disclosed embodiments, it is also contemplated that various embodiments can be implemented without access to such personal information data. That is, various embodiments of the present invention will not be rendered inoperable due to the absence of all or part of such personal information data. For example, preferences can be inferred based on non-personal information data or a minimal amount of personal information, such as content requested by a device associated with a user, other non-personal information available to the content delivery service, or publicly available information, thereby selecting content and delivering it to the user.

[0102] For illustrative purposes, the foregoing description uses specific names to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details are not required to practice the described embodiments. Therefore, the foregoing description of specific embodiments described herein is presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in light of the teachings above.

Claims

1. An electronic controller, comprising: A housing that defines an internal cavity; and A capacitive touch input component is disposed within the internal cavity, the capacitive touch input component comprising: Central platform; An outer platform is set up around the central platform; A central substrate located below the central platform, the central substrate being configured to sense touch at the central platform; An outer substrate located below the outer platform, the outer substrate being configured to sense touch at the outer platform; A first switch located below the central substrate, the first switch being actuated in response to movement of the central platform; and A second switch located below the outer substrate, the second switch being actuated in response to movement of the outer platform; As the touch moves from the central platform to the outer platform, the two-dimensional coordinates of the touch can be continuously detected.

2. The electronic controller according to claim 1, wherein the first switch and the second switch are independently actuable.

3. The electronic controller according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the central substrate or the outer substrate includes a plurality of conductive regions, the plurality of conductive regions being separated by a plurality of non-conductive regions.

4. The electronic controller according to claim 3, wherein the plurality of conductive regions are bounded by the plurality of non-conductive regions, and the plurality of non-conductive regions form a grid-like pattern of non-conductive material.

5. The electronic controller according to claim 1 further includes a carrier structure disposed on the top surface of the central substrate.

6. The electronic controller of claim 5 further comprises a plurality of adhesive layers, at least one of the plurality of adhesive layers being disposed between each of the central platform, the central substrate, and the carrier structure.

7. The electronic controller according to claim 1, wherein: The first switch is located on the bottom surface defining the internal cavity; and The second switch is located on a raised surface relative to the bottom surface, the surface depth of the raised surface being less than the surface depth of the bottom surface.

8. The electronic controller according to claim 1, wherein the outer substrate is electronically connected to the central substrate.

9. The electronic controller according to claim 1, further comprising an adhesive layer disposed between the outer platform and the outer substrate.

10. The electronic controller of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the outer platform and the second portion of the central platform each define an outer surface of the electronic controller.

11. The electronic controller according to claim 10, wherein: The first portion of the outer platform defines the outer surface at a first depth; and The second portion of the central platform defines the outer surface at a second depth, different from the first depth.

12. The electronic controller according to claim 10, wherein the outer surface has a wavy shape.

13. The electronic controller of claim 11, wherein the outer surface of the central platform is convex and the outer surface of the outer platform is concave.

14. A remote control device, comprising: The outer casing has an internal cavity; and A capacitive touch input device disposed in the internal cavity, the capacitive touch input device comprising: A conductive substrate having a plurality of conductive regions separated by a plurality of non-conductive regions; An input platform disposed above the conductive substrate; and A plurality of switches are disposed below the conductive substrate, wherein at least one of the plurality of switches is actuated in response to movement of the input platform; Wherein, one non-conductive region in the plurality of non-conductive regions vertically overlaps with one conductive region in the plurality of conductive regions; As the touch moves from one of the multiple conductive regions to one of the multiple non-conductive regions, the two-dimensional coordinates of the touch can be continuously detected.

15. The remote control device of claim 14, wherein the plurality of conductive regions comprises a first plurality of conductive regions disposed in an inner region and a second plurality of conductive regions disposed in an outer region surrounding the inner region, the outer region being separated from the inner region by a flexible connector.

16. The remote control device according to claim 14, wherein the plurality of conductive areas are rectangular.

17. The remote control device of claim 14, wherein the plurality of conductive regions are non-rectangular.

18. A touch-sensitive control component, comprising: The outer casing has an internal cavity; and A touch input component disposed within the internal cavity, the touch input component comprising: A first input surface is movably disposed within the internal cavity; A first touch-sensitive substrate located below the first input surface, the first touch-sensitive substrate includes a non-rectangular region, the non-rectangular region contains a set of touch-sensitive electrodes, the set of touch-sensitive electrodes are arranged in a two-dimensional grid and have edges following a set of square grid lines; A second input surface adjacent to the first input surface; The second touch-sensitive substrate adjacent to the non-rectangular region; and A switch disposed below the first touch-sensitive substrate, the switch being actuated in response to a force applied to the first input surface; As the touch moves from the first input surface to the second input surface, the two-dimensional coordinates of the touch can be continuously detected by the touch input component.

19. The touch-sensitive control assembly of claim 18, wherein at least some of the touch-sensitive electrodes in the set of touch-sensitive electrodes are separated by a non-conductive material arranged in a grid pattern.

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