Stylus with Compression Force Sensor

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a stylus having a compression force sensor. A stylus input device may allow a user to interact with an external electronic device. The stylus may provide additional or alternative input to the external electronic device in response to a user applying a compression force to the device housing. The stylus may include multiple sensors to provide signals in response to a compression force applied to the stylus.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to input devices, and more particularly to input devices for controlling external electronic devices. Background Art

[0002] There are various handheld input devices for detecting input from a user during use. For example, a stylus can be utilized to provide input by contacting a touch panel of an electronic device. The touch panel can include a touch-sensitive surface that generates signals that can be processed and utilized by other components of the electronic device in response to detecting a touch event. A display component of the electronic device can display text and / or graphical display elements representing selectable virtual buttons or icons, and the touch-sensitive surface can allow a user to navigate the content displayed on the display screen. Generally, a user can move one or more input devices such as a stylus on the touch panel in a manner that the device translates into input commands. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0003] Some features of the subject technology are shown in the appended claims. However, for purposes of explanation, several embodiments of the subject technology are set forth in the following drawings.

[0004] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a stylus being used with an external electronic device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0005] Figure 2 A side elevation view of a stylus in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0006] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the stylus taken along section line 3-3 is shown Figure 2 of the stylus.

[0007] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the stylus taken along section line 4-4 is shown Figure 3 of the stylus.

[0008] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the stylus taken along section line 3-3 is shown Figure 2 of the stylus.

[0009] Figure 6 A side elevation view of a stylus in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0010] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the stylus taken along section line 6-6 is shown Figure 6 of the stylus.

[0011] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of a stylus in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0012] Figure 9 A cross-sectional view of a stylus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0013] Figure 10 Shows Figure 9 Details of the cross-sectional view of the stylus.

[0014] Figure 11 A side elevation view of a stylus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0015] Figure 12 A side elevation view of a stylus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0016] Figure 13 A side elevation view of a stylus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0017] Figure 14 Shows a cross-sectional view of the stylus taken along section line 13-13 Figure 13 of the stylus.

[0018] Figure 15 A side elevation view of a stylus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0019] Figure 16 Shows a cross-sectional view of the stylus taken along section line 14-14 Figure 13 of the stylus.

[0020] Figure 17 A side elevation view of a stylus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0021] Figure 18 A side elevation view of a stylus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0022] Figure 19 A side elevation view of a stylus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0023] Figure 20 A side elevation view of a stylus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0025] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 083,786, filed September 25, 2020, entitled "STYLUS WITH COMPRESSIVE FORCE SENSOR", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0026] The following detailed description is intended as a description of various configurations of the present subject matter and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the present subject matter may be practiced. The drawings are incorporated herein and constitute a part of the detailed description. The detailed description includes specific details intended to provide a thorough understanding of the present subject matter. However, it will be clear and obvious to those skilled in the art that the present subject matter is not limited to the specific details shown herein and may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the present subject matter.

[0027] The embodiments described herein provide input devices, such as styli, that can be used with electronic devices such as computers, tablet computing devices, and / or gaming devices. The stylus may allow a user to interact with the electronic device across a touch panel in a mode that the device translates into input commands. The stylus may include one or more sensors to provide additional input capabilities. For example, the stylus may include one or more sensors to detect a squeezing or compressive force against the body of the stylus. The sensor may be a capacitive sensor, a strain gauge, a force-sensitive sensor, a magnetic / inductive sensor, a pneumatic sensor, a piezoelectric sensor, and / or an optical sensor. The sensor may be configured to detect the compressive or squeezing force through the entire or continuous outer surface of the stylus, thereby enabling user comfort.

[0028] The additional input provided by detecting the squeezing or compressive force may allow the stylus to provide improved usability as well as on-screen / off-screen interaction with the electronic device. For example, a squeeze input may provide context-sensitive actions, program switching, tool switching, action confirmation, etc. The user may squeeze or compress the stylus in a natural grip position or other positions to provide different inputs to the electronic device.

[0029] The stylus input device may allow a user to interact with an external electronic device. The stylus may provide additional or alternative input to the external electronic device in response to a user applying a compressive force to the device housing. The stylus may include multiple sensors to provide signals in response to the compressive force applied to the stylus.

[0030] Reference is made below Figures 1 to 19 to discuss these and other embodiments. However, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the detailed description given herein with respect to these figures is for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting.

[0031] For example, Figure 1System 1 is shown in accordance with some embodiments of the present subject matter. System 1 includes a stylus 100 and an external device 90 having a surface 50. The stylus 100 can be held by a user 10 and operated as a touch-based input device for use with the external device 90. The surface 50 can include a display surface and / or a touch panel for interacting with the stylus 100 when contacted by the stylus 100. For example, the stylus 100 can include a tip 190 for contacting the surface 50. Such contact can be detected by the external device 90 and / or the stylus 100. For example, the stylus 100 can include one or more sensors that detect when the tip 190 contacts the surface 50. Such sensors can include one or more contact sensors, capacitance sensors, touch sensors, cameras, piezoelectric sensors, pressure sensors, photodiodes, and / or other sensors operable to detect contact with the surface 50.

[0032] As described herein, the user 10 can use alternative input methods, such as squeezing, flexing, or compressing the stylus 100, to provide alternative or additional input to the external device 90. In some embodiments, the stylus 100 can receive input from the user 10 at the location of the user's grip by the user compressing or squeezing the stylus 100. Optionally, the stylus 100 can receive input from the user 10 at another location spaced apart from the location where the user naturally grips the stylus 100. The stylus 100 can include one or more sensors to detect squeezing, flexing, or compression of the stylus 100.

[0033] During operation, the squeezing, flexing, or compression input received by the stylus 100 can allow the user to control on-screen or off-screen operations of the external device 90. For example, by squeezing a portion of the stylus 100, the external device 90 can provide context-sensitive actions, program switching, tool switching, action confirmation, etc. In some embodiments, the squeezing, flexing, or compression input received by the stylus 100 can be used in combination with the position of the stylus 100 and / or the tip 190 relative to the external device 90 to control the operation of the external device 90.

[0034] Although some embodiments of the touch-based input devices disclosed herein relate to a stylus, it should be understood that the present subject matter can cover and apply to other input devices. For example, an input device according to the embodiments disclosed herein can include a telephone, a tablet computing device, a mobile computing device, a watch, a laptop computing device, a mouse, a game controller, a remote control, a digital media player, and / or any other electronic device. Additionally, an external device can be any device that interacts with a touch-based input device. For example, an external device according to the embodiments disclosed herein can include a tablet computer, a telephone, a laptop computing device, a desktop computing device, a wearable device, a mobile computing device, a tablet computing device, a display, a television, a telephone, a digital media player, and / or any other electronic device.

[0035] According to some embodiments, for example as Figure 2 shown, the stylus 100 may include a housing 110 that provides an outermost covering along at least a portion of the length of the stylus 100. The housing 110 may have a generally elongated cylindrical or, in other words, pen-like shape to allow a user to comfortably grip the stylus 100. In some embodiments, the housing 110 may define a continuous outer surface 112 along at least a portion of the length of the stylus 100. The continuous outer surface 112 may form a complete surface or otherwise form a surface that is free of voids, cavities, or openings. Advantageously, by providing the housing 110 with the continuous outer surface 112, a user can more comfortably grip the stylus 100 and interact with the stylus 100 in a more intuitive or natural manner.

[0036] A user is able to grip the stylus 100 at the user grip region 104 during use of the stylus 100. The user grip region 104 may be located at a natural grip position such that a user can provide input at the same location where the stylus 100 may be grasped during normal use. For example, the user grip region 104 may be located on the outer surface 112 of the housing 110. The user grip region 104 may be near a first end or tip 190 of the stylus 100. For example, the location of the user grip region 104 may be a distance from the tip 190 that is less than one-half, one-third, or one-fourth of the entire length of the stylus 100. It should be understood that the user grip region may be along any portion of the stylus 100, optionally along the entire length of the stylus 100 and including the entire length.

[0037] According to some embodiments, markings may be provided on the outer surface 112 as an indicator of the location of the user grip region 104. The markings may be flush with adjacent portions of the outer surface 112 such that they are visible but provide the same characteristics as other portions of the housing 110. Alternatively or in combination, the markings may provide a protrusion, depression, or texture that will provide surface characteristics different from adjacent portions of the housing 110.

[0038] As can be understood, a user may grip other portions of the stylus 100 (such as the barrel region 106) or otherwise interact with other portions of the stylus 100. The barrel region 106 may be defined as the portion that extends from the user grip region 104 toward a second end opposite the tip 190 of the stylus 100. In some applications, a user may provide additional input by interacting with the barrel region 106. Similar to the user grip region 104, the barrel region 106 may be provided on the outer surface 112 of the housing 110. The barrel region 106 may be greater than one-fourth, one-third, or one-half of the total length of the stylus 100.

[0039] As described herein, the stylus 100 can include components for receiving input from a user when the user grasps the stylus 100. For example, the stylus 100 can include a sensor 120 to receive input when the user applies a compressive force or otherwise squeezes the housing 110. In some embodiments, the sensor 120 can be configured to detect a compressive force applied to the user grip area 104 and / or the barrel area 106. Optionally, the sensor 120 can detect the amount of compressive force the user is applying as a gradient of values.

[0040] In some embodiments, the sensor 120 is configured to detect compressive forces applied to the housing 110 omnidirectionally. Optionally, the sensor 120 can be configured to detect the location where the user applies a compressive force along the housing 110, thereby allowing unidirectional detection of the compressive force.

[0041] In the depicted example, the sensor 120 can detect compressive forces along various sections 122, 124 of the housing 110 to detect the location of the compressive force relative to the stylus 100. The sensor 120 can be coupled to or otherwise associated with various parts or sections 122, 124 of the housing 110 to discretely detect the compressive force applied to a particular section 122, 124. During operation, the location of the applied compressive force can be determined by identifying the sections 122, 124 where the user applies the compressive force.

[0042] The sections 122, 124 of the housing 110 can be various parts of the continuous outer surface 112, where the compressive force can be discretely detected by the sensor 120. The sections 122, 124 can be of any suitable shape and can be interconnected or otherwise adjacent to other sections 122, 124.

[0043] In the depicted example, the sections 122, 124 can vary in size and shape. In some embodiments, the sections 122, 124 can vary in longitudinal length and / or circumferential section length. For example, the size of the section 122 located in the user grip area 104 can be smaller than the size of the section 124 located in the barrel area 106. Additionally, various parts of the stylus 100 can include different numbers of sections 122, 124. For example, the user grip area 104 can include a greater number of sections 122 compared to the number of sections 124 included in the barrel area 106. As can be appreciated, areas that require a high level of resolution or detail regarding the location of the compressive force can include a higher density of smaller sections 122, 124. A high density of sections 122, 124 may be desirable in areas where the user may frequently squeeze or compress the housing 110 to allow the sensor 120 to identify subtle differences when locating the compressive force. For example, the user grip area 104 can include a higher density of sections 122 compared to the density of sections 124 within the barrel area 106.

[0044] ReferenceFigure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, sensor 120 can utilize capacitive gap sensing to determine the compressive force applied to housing 110. In the depicted example, stylus 100 includes one or more capacitive sensors 130 disposed in a capacitive layer along or around housing 110. Advantageously, the use of capacitive sensors 130 allows for the measurement of the compressive force applied to housing 110 while allowing the continuous outer surface 112 to remain intact.

[0045] In the depicted example, when housing 110 flexes relative to rigid guide tube 150 in response to a compressive force applied to housing 110, capacitive sensors 130 measure a change in capacitance. As shown, capacitive sensors 130 are coupled to housing 110 and are disposed between housing 110 and guide tube 150. In some embodiments, capacitive sensors 130 may flex with housing 110. During operation, when housing 110 flexes toward guide tube 150 in response to a compressive force, the change in capacitance between housing 110 and guide tube 150 can be measured by capacitive sensors 130. As can be appreciated, the change in capacitance measured by capacitive sensors 130 can be related to the flexure of housing 110 and the compressive force applied to housing 110.

[0046] Optionally, stylus 100 can include compliant material 140 to reduce the flexure of housing 110 relative to guide tube 150 in response to a compressive force applied to housing 110. As shown, compliant material 140 can be disposed between housing 110 and guide tube 150. During operation, compliant material 140 can compress when housing 110 flexes, thereby reducing the flexure of housing 110 in response to the compressive force. Additionally, compliant material 140 can elastically stretch after compression to push housing 110 toward its natural state. Compliant material 140 can be formed of elastic foam or a spring member. For example, compliant material 140 can include open-cell and / or closed-cell foam. It should be understood that an open-cell foam structure can allow air to pass between different pores, thereby allowing deformation and recovery to a rest shape through the movement of air between pores. In contrast, a closed-cell foam structure can form pores that are isolated from each other, such that deformation and recovery can occur without air moving from one pore to another. It should also be understood that open-cell foam can provide a greater degree of compliance, while closed-cell foam can provide a greater degree of elasticity. Other structures can similarly be provided with air pockets, such as materials that are extruded to form air pockets, tubes, or other air-containing chambers. As can be appreciated, the thickness and material of housing 110 and / or compliant material 140 can be adjusted for the expected range of compressive force on housing 110 and / or the desired range of flexure.

[0047] In the depicted example, the stylus 100 may include a plurality of capacitive sensors 130 disposed in a capacitive sensor layer for detecting compressive forces applied to respective sections 122, 124 of the housing 110 to detect the position of the compressive force relative to the stylus 100. The capacitive sensors 130 may be coupled to or otherwise associated with respective portions or sections 122, 124 of the housing 110 to discretely detect the compressive forces applied to a particular section 122, 124.

[0048] In the depicted example, the capacitive sensors 130 may be coupled to sections 122, 124 of the housing 110 between the housing 110 and the guide tube 150 such that the capacitive sensors 130 flex with the corresponding sections 122, 124. During operation, when the sections 122, 124 flex toward the guide tube 150 in response to a compressive force, the change in capacitance between the sections 122, 124 and the guide tube 150 may be measured by the capacitive sensors 130. As can be appreciated, the change in capacitance measured by the capacitive sensors 130 may be related to the flexure of the sections 122, 124 and the compressive force applied to the sections 122, 124. Thus, the position of the applied compressive force may be determined by identifying the sections 122, 124 to which the user applies the compressive force.

[0049] Additionally or alternatively, the stylus may include both a capacitive sensor for touch input and a capacitive sensor for compressive force (e.g., squeeze) input. As Figure 5 shown, the stylus may include a touch input sensor 180 that may be used to detect a user's tap and / or swipe gestures. For example, when the user applies a finger to the housing 110, the stylus 100 may detect the resulting capacitance induced in the touch input sensor 180. The user may then lift the finger, and the stylus 100 may detect the resulting capacitance or change in capacitance induced in the touch input sensor 180. The user may then return the finger to the grip area 104, and the stylus 100 may detect the resulting capacitance or change in capacitance induced in the touch input sensor 180. A sequence of inputs over a certain time span may be interpreted by the stylus 100 as a user tap gesture. The plurality of touch input sensing elements of the touch input sensor 180 along the stylus 100 may cooperate to detect a swipe gesture. For example, when the user applies a finger to a first portion of the grip area, the touch input sensor 180 of the stylus 100 may detect the resulting capacitance induced in the corresponding first touch input sensing element of the touch input sensor 180. Next, the user may move the finger to a second portion of the housing 110, and the touch input sensor 180 of the stylus 100 may detect the resulting capacitance induced in the corresponding second touch input sensing element of the touch input sensor 180.

[0050] As Figure 5As shown, the touch input sensor 180 can be positioned around the capacitance sensor 130, which can be used to detect squeezing, flexing, and / or compression of the stylus 100, as described herein with respect to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The touch input sensor 180 can be radially positioned between the guide tube 150 and the housing 110 of the stylus 100. The capacitance sensor 130 can also be radially positioned between the guide tube 150 and the housing 110 of the stylus 100. Specifically, the capacitance sensor 130 can be radially positioned between the touch input sensor 180 and the guide tube 150, and the touch input sensor 180 can be radially positioned between the capacitance sensor 130 and the housing 110.

[0051] As Figure 5 further shown, the touch input sensor 180 can include one or more touch input sensing elements 184. The touch input sensing elements 184 can include metal (e.g., copper) or another conductive material. The one or more touch input sensing elements 184 can be surrounded on the radial side by a cover film 182 and / or an insulating layer 186 (e.g., polyimide or other polymer). The one or more touch input sensing elements 184 can be connected to a wiring layer 170 (e.g., having vias extending through the insulating layer 186) to operably connect the touch input sensing elements 184 to the controller.

[0052] As Figure 5 further shown, the capacitance sensor 130 can include one or more force input sensing elements 134. The force input sensing elements 134 can include metal (e.g., copper) or another conductive material. The one or more force input sensing elements 134 can be surrounded on the radial side by a cover film 132 and / or an insulating layer 136 (e.g., polyimide or other polymer). The capacitance sensor 130 can be coupled to the wiring layer 170 and / or the touch input sensor 180 with an adhesive 160.

[0053] Referring Figures 6 to 7 , the stylus 200 can utilize a strain sensor 220 to determine the compressive force applied to the housing 110. As shown, the stylus 200 includes one or more strain gauges 232 disposed along or around the housing 110.

[0054] In the depicted example, strain gauge 232 provides a signal in response to the flexure of housing 110 caused by a compressive force applied to housing 110. Strain gauge 232 may be set or otherwise associated with various portions of housing 110. For example, strain gauge 232 may be associated with user grip area 104 and / or barrel area 106 of housing 110. In some embodiments, strain gauge 232 is disposed on or otherwise attached to sensor substrate 230, which is coupled to housing 110. Sensor substrate 230 is disposed between housing 110 and guide tube 150. Optionally, strain gauge 232 and / or sensor substrate 230 may be coupled to guide tube 150.

[0055] In the depicted example, sensor substrate 230 may flex with housing 110. Stylus 200 may include an air gap 240 located between sensor substrate 230 and guide tube 150 to allow housing 110 and sensor substrate 230 to flex inwardly. Thus, during operation, when housing 110 is flexed by a compressive force applied by user 10, the flexure of sensor substrate 230 is measured by strain gauge 232. As can be appreciated, the flexure of sensor substrate 230 may be related to the flexure of housing 110 and the compressive force applied to housing 110. Optionally, sensor substrate 230 may flex with guide tube 150 to detect the flexure of guide tube 150.

[0056] As shown, stylus 200 includes a plurality of strain gauges 232 coupled to sensor substrate 230 and arranged as a strain gauge array. Advantageously, using a plurality of strain gauges 232 in a strain gauge array can increase the signal-to-noise ratio of the strain signal and resist thermal effects that can reduce the accuracy of force measurement. Strain gauges 232 may be arranged in a bridge configuration, such as a full-bridge configuration, a half-bridge configuration, and / or a quarter-bridge configuration.

[0057] Reference Figure 8 , in some embodiments, strain gauges 232 may be circumferentially disposed around housing 110. As shown, strain gauges 232 may be circumferentially disposed around sensor substrate 230 coupled to housing 110. Optionally, strain gauges 232 are arranged around the inner diameter or surface of sensor substrate 230. Advantageously, by circumferentially disposing strain gauges 232 around housing 110 and / or sensor substrate 230, stylus 200 can receive a unidirectional compressive force input.

[0058] Reference Figure 9 , strain gauges 232 may be disposed along the outer diameter or surface of sensor substrate 230. In some embodiments, strain gauges 232 are disposed along the inner diameter or surface of housing 110. As shown, strain gauges 232 are disposed between the outer surface of sensor substrate 230 and the inner surface of housing 110.

[0059] In addition, in some embodiments, the stylus 200 may include strain gauges 232 that are also disposed or arranged around the inner diameter or surface of the sensor substrate 230. The strain gauges 232 disposed on the outer surface of the sensor substrate 230 may be radially aligned or otherwise opposed to the strain gauges 232 disposed on the inner surface of the sensor substrate 230. Advantageously, using complementary or radially aligned strain gauges 232 may allow the stylus 200 to resist temperature effects and increase the useful signal provided by the strain gauges 232.

[0060] Reference Figure 9 and Figure 10 the sensor substrate 230 may include strain amplification features 234 to increase the useful signal provided by the strain gauges 232. In the depicted example, the strain amplification features 234 may increase the amount of flexure of the sensor substrate 230 to allow the strain gauges 232 to provide a stronger signal for a given flexure or compressive force.

[0061] As shown, the strain amplification features 234 are regions of the sensor substrate 230 having reduced material or radial thickness. Thus, regions of the sensor substrate 230 near or adjacent to the strain amplification features 234 may have a lower local modulus or higher flexure in response to a compressive force compared to other regions of the sensor substrate 230. As shown, the strain amplification features 234 may be disposed adjacent to the strain gauges 232 to amplify the flexure or strain detected by the strain gauges 232 and increase the signal provided by the strain gauges 232.

[0062] Reference Figure 11 the strain gauges 232 may be set or otherwise associated with various parts of the housing 110. As shown, the strain gauges 232 may extend along the length of the housing 110. In some embodiments, the strain gauges 232 may be disposed along the length of the barrel region 106.

[0063] Optionally, the stylus 200 may include multiple strain gauges 232 arranged in a plurality of arrays to detect strain or flexure along the length of the housing 110 or a portion of the housing 110. The arrays of strain gauges 232 may be a bridge configuration, such as a full bridge configuration, a half bridge configuration, and / or a quarter bridge configuration. As can be appreciated, different groups or arrays of strain gauges 232 may be arranged in different configurations.

[0064] Reference Figure 12 the stylus 200 may include strain gauges 232 formed as elongated strips. The elongated strain gauges 232 may extend along the length of the housing 110 or a portion of the housing 110 (such as the length of the barrel region 106 and / or the user grip region 104).

[0065] Reference Figure 13 and Figure 14, the stylus 300 can utilize the resistance measurement results to determine the compressive force applied to the housing 110. In the depicted example, the stylus 300 includes one or more force-sensitive resistors 320 disposed around the outer surface or external surface of the housing 110. Advantageously, the use of the force-sensitive resistor 320 allows for the measurement of the compressive force applied to the housing 110 while also providing a conformable surface for the user to grip.

[0066] In the depicted example, when the user applies a compressive force to the force-sensitive resistor 320 and the housing 110, the force-sensitive resistor 320 provides a varying and proportional resistance value. As shown, the force-sensitive resistor 320 is coupled to the outer surface of the housing 110. In some embodiments, the force-sensitive resistor 320 flexes in response to the compressive force. During operation, when the force-sensitive resistor 320 is flexed by the compressive force applied by the user, the resistance value of the force-sensitive resistor 320 changes. As can be appreciated, the resistance value provided by the force-sensitive resistor 320 can be related to the compressive force applied to the force-sensitive resistor 320.

[0067] In some embodiments, the stylus 300 can include an elongate strip of force-sensitive resistors 320 disposed along the surface to detect the compressive force applied to various portions of the housing 110. As shown, the stylus 300 can include a plurality of force-sensitive resistors 320 disposed along the surface to detect the axial position of the compressive force relative to the stylus 300. Each force-sensitive resistor 320 can extend a portion of the length of the housing 110 (e.g., the user grip area 104 and / or the barrel area 106) to allow the stylus to discretely detect the compressive force applied to a specific portion of the housing 110.

[0068] In addition to providing compressive force input to the stylus 300, the force-sensitive resistor 320 can also provide a conformable surface for the user to grip. In the depicted example, the force-sensitive resistor 320 can be formed of a material having a lower modulus than the material of the housing 110. Optionally, the force-sensitive resistor 320 can be formed of silicon. Advantageously, the conformable surface of the force-sensitive resistor 320 can be used in the grip surface, such as in the user grip area 104, to reduce user fatigue and increase user comfort. Additionally, the force-sensitive resistor 320 can provide a visual indication of various portions of the stylus 300, such as the user grip area 104.

[0069] Reference Figure 15 and Figure 16 , the stylus 400 can utilize inductive sensing to determine the compressive force applied to the housing 110. In the depicted example, the stylus 400 includes one or more inductive sensors 420 disposed along the housing 110.

[0070] In the depicted example, when the ferrite lining 440 flexes relative to the coil 430 in response to a compressive force applied to the housing 110, the inductive sensor 420 measures the change in inductance. As shown, the ferrite lining 440 is coupled to the housing 110. The ferrite lining 440 can be disposed on the outer surface or the inner surface of the housing 110. Optionally, the ferrite lining 440 can be integrated into the housing 110. In some embodiments, the ferrite lining 440 flexes with the housing 110. During operation, when the housing 110 and the ferrite lining 440 flex in response to a compressive force, the change in inductance between the ferrite lining 440 and the coil 430 can be measured. As can be appreciated, the change in inductance measured by the coil 430 can be related to the flexure of the housing 110 and the compressive force applied to the housing.

[0071] Reference Figure 17 , the stylus 500 can sense changes in air pressure to determine the compressive force applied to the housing 110. In the depicted example, the stylus 500 includes one or more pneumatic sensors 520 disposed along the housing.

[0072] In the depicted example, when the housing 110 flexes in response to a compressive force applied to the housing, the pneumatic sensor 520 measures the rate of change in air pressure within the housing 110. The rate of change in this air pressure can be related to the flexure of the housing 110 and the compressive force applied to the housing 110.

[0073] Reference Figure 18 , the stylus 600 can utilize piezoelectric sensors 620 to determine the compressive force applied to the housing 110. As shown, the stylus 600 can include one or more piezoelectric sensors 620 disposed along or around the housing.

[0074] In the depicted example, the piezoelectric sensor 620 provides a signal in response to the flexure of the housing 110 caused by a compressive force applied to the housing 110. The piezoelectric sensor 620 can be arranged or otherwise associated with various parts of the housing 110. For example, the piezoelectric sensor 620 can be associated with the user grip area 104 and / or the barrel area 106 of the housing 110. Optionally, the piezoelectric sensor 620 can be formed of a flexible material to allow the piezoelectric sensor 620 to wrap around a portion of the housing 110. In some embodiments, the piezoelectric sensor 620 is formed of poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) or polymer thick film (PTF) piezoelectric material.

[0075] In the depicted example, the piezoelectric sensor 620 can flex with the housing 110. Thus, during operation, when the housing 110 is flexed by a compressive force applied by the user, the piezoelectric sensor 620 provides a signal corresponding to the flexure of the housing 110.

[0076] Reference Figure 19, the stylus 700 can utilize a mechanical switch to determine the compressive force applied to the housing 110. In the depicted example, the stylus 700 includes one or more force-sensitive switches 720 disposed along the housing.

[0077] In the depicted example, when the housing 110 flexes in response to a compressive force applied to the housing 110, the force-sensitive switch 720 can be actuated by the flexure of the housing 110. The flexure of the force-sensitive switch 720 can be related to the flexure of the housing 110 and the compressive force applied to the housing 110.

[0078] Reference Figure 20 , the stylus 800 can visually detect the flexure of the housing 110 to determine the compressive force applied to the housing 110. In the depicted example, the stylus 800 includes one or more optical sensors 820 disposed within the housing 110.

[0079] In the depicted example, when the housing 110 flexes in response to a compressive force applied to the housing 110, the optical sensor 820 can measure the flexure of the housing 110. The flexure of the housing 110 can be related to the compressive force applied to the housing 110.

[0080] The stylus can be provided with components facilitating its operation, including for use with external devices. According to some embodiments, the stylus can include a controller and a non-transitory storage medium. The non-transitory storage medium can include, for example, a magnetic storage medium, an optical storage medium, a magneto-optical storage medium, a read-only memory, a random access memory, an erasable programmable memory, a flash memory, or a combination thereof. According to some embodiments, the controller can execute one or more instructions stored in the non-transitory storage medium to perform one or more functions. For example, the non-transitory storage medium can store one or more measurement results or signals to determine the compressive force applied to the stylus.

[0081] According to some embodiments, the stylus can include communication components for communicating with external devices and / or another device. The communication components can include one or more wired or wireless components, WiFi components, near-field communication components, Bluetooth components, and / or other communication components. The communication components can include one or more transmission elements, such as one or more antennas. Alternatively or in combination, the communication components can include an interface for a wired connection to an external device and / or another device.

[0082] According to some embodiments, the stylus can include a power source, such as one or more batteries and / or a power management unit. The stylus 100 can include components for charging the power source.

[0083] According to some embodiments, the stylus may include other components, including, for example, an orientation detector, a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a biometric reader, a display, a sensor, a switch (e.g., a leaf switch), a button, a voice coil, and / or other components.

[0084] Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a stylus input device that may allow a user to interact with an external electronic device. The stylus may provide additional or alternative input to the external electronic device in response to a user applying a compressive force to the device housing. The stylus may include a plurality of sensors to provide signals in response to a compressive force applied to the stylus. For convenience, various examples of aspects of the present disclosure are described below as clauses. These examples are provided by way of illustration and do not limit the subject technology.

[0085] Clause A: A stylus, comprising: an elongate device housing defining a first end and a second end and having a continuous outer surface extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end is configured to contact an external electronic device; and a plurality of sensors coupled to the device housing between the first end and the second end, wherein each sensor is configured to detect a compressive force applied to a corresponding section of the continuous outer surface and to provide a signal in response to the compressive force applied to the corresponding section of the continuous outer surface, and at least two sensors are configured to detect the compressive force applied to sections of different sizes of the continuous outer surface.

[0086] Clause B: A stylus, comprising: an elongate device housing defining a first end and a second end and having a continuous outer surface extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the continuous outer surface is configured to flex in response to a compressive force and the first end is configured to contact an external electronic device; and a strain sensor array coupled to the device housing between the first end and the second end, wherein the strain sensor array is configured to provide a signal to the external electronic device in response to the flexing of the continuous outer surface.

[0087] Clause C: A stylus, comprising: an elongate device housing including an outer portion and defining a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is configured to contact an external electronic device; and a force-sensitive resistor circumferentially disposed around the outer portion of the device housing, wherein the force-sensitive resistor is configured to provide a signal to the external electronic device in response to a compressive force applied to the force-sensitive resistor.

[0088] One or more of the above clauses may include one or more of the following features. It should be noted that any of the following clauses can be combined with each other in any combination and placed in the corresponding independent clauses, for example, Clauses A, B, or C.

[0089] Clause 1: The continuous outer surface includes a first section disposed adjacent to the first end and a second section disposed adjacent to the second end, wherein the second section is larger than the first section.

[0090] Clause 2: Further includes a guide tube disposed within the device housing, wherein each sensor is configured to provide the signal in response to flexure of the corresponding section of the continuous outer surface relative to the guide tube.

[0091] Clause 3: The sensor is configured to flex with the continuous outer surface.

[0092] Clause 4: The sensor includes a plurality of capacitive sensors, and each capacitive sensor is configured to provide a capacitance signal in response to flexure of the corresponding section of the continuous outer surface relative to the guide tube.

[0093] Clause 5: Further includes a compliant material disposed between the guide tube and the device housing.

[0094] Clause 6: The compliant material includes foam or a metal spring.

[0095] Clause 7: Further includes a sensor substrate disposed within the device housing, wherein the strain sensor array is coupled to the sensor substrate.

[0096] Clause 8: The strain sensor array is disposed on the inner surface of the sensor substrate.

[0097] Clause 9: At least a portion of the strain sensor array is disposed between the outer surface of the sensor substrate and the device housing.

[0098] Clause 10: The strain sensor array is disposed circumferentially around the sensor substrate.

[0099] Clause 11: The strain sensor array is disposed in a bridge arrangement structure.

[0100] Clause 12: The strain sensor array is disposed in a strip extending between the first end and the second end.

[0101] Clause 13: Further includes a guide tube disposed within the device housing, wherein the strain sensor array is coupled to the guide tube.

[0102] Clause 14: The force-sensitive resistor extends between the first end and the second end of the device housing.

[0103] Clause 15: The force - sensitive resistor includes a strip extending between the first end and the second end of the device housing.

[0104] Clause 16: Further includes a second force - sensitive resistor disposed along an outer portion of the device housing.

[0105] Clause 17: The force - sensitive resistor has a modulus lower than that of the device housing.

[0106] The various functions described above can be implemented in digital electronic circuits, computer software, firmware, or hardware. This technology can be implemented using one or more computer program products. The programmable processor and computer can be included in or packaged as a mobile device. The process and logical flow can be executed by one or more programmable processors and one or more programmable logic circuits. General - purpose and special - purpose computing devices and storage devices can be interconnected via a communication network.

[0107] Some specific implementations include electronic components such as microprocessors, storage devices, and memories that store computer program instructions in a machine - readable or computer - readable medium (or referred to as computer - readable storage medium, machine - readable medium, or machine - readable storage medium). Some examples of such computer - readable media include RAM, ROM, compact disc read - only memory (CD - ROM), recordable compact disc (CD - R), rewritable compact disc (CD - RW), digital versatile disc read - only (e.g., DVD - ROM, dual - layer DVD - ROM), various recordable / rewritable DVDs (e.g., DVD - RAM, DVD - RW, DVD+RW, etc.), flash memory (e.g., SD card, mini - SD card, micro - SD card, etc.), magnetic and / or solid - state disk drives, ultra - density optical discs, any other optical or magnetic medium, and floppy disks. The computer - readable medium can store a computer program that can be executed by at least one processing unit and includes a set of instructions for performing various operations. Examples of computer programs or computer code include machine code, such as that produced by a compiler, and files including higher - level code that can be executed by a computer, electronic component, or microprocessor using an interpreter.

[0108] Although the above discussion mainly relates to microprocessors or multi - core processors that execute software, some specific implementations are executed by one or more integrated circuits such as application - specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or field - programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). In some specific implementations, such integrated circuits execute instructions stored on the circuit itself.

[0109] As used in this specification and in any claims of this patent application, the terms "computer", "processor", and "memory" all refer to electronic or other technological devices. These terms exclude a human being or a group of human beings. For the purposes of this specification, the term "display" or "displaying" means displaying on an electronic device. As used in this specification and in any claims of this patent application, the terms "computer-readable medium" and "computer-readable media" are entirely limited to tangible physical objects that store information in a form readable by a computer. These terms do not include any wireless signals, wired download signals, and any other transient signals.

[0110] To provide for interaction with a user, specific implementations of the subject matter described in this specification may be implemented on a computer having a display device for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointing device such as a mouse by which the user may provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices may also be used to provide for interaction with the user; for example, feedback provided to the user may be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user may be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input.

[0111] Many of the features and applications described above may be implemented as a software process specified as a set of instructions recorded on a computer-readable storage medium (also referred to as a computer-readable medium). When these instructions are executed by one or more processing units (e.g., one or more processors, cores of a processor, or other processing units), these instructions cause the one or more processing units to perform the actions indicated in the instructions. Examples of computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, CD-ROMs, flash drives, RAM chips, hard disk drives, EPROMs, etc. Computer-readable media do not include carrier waves and electrical signals transmitted wirelessly or by wire.

[0112] In this specification, the term "software" is intended to include firmware residing in read-only memory or applications stored in magnetic storage that can be read into memory for processing by a processor. Also, in some specific implementations, while retaining the different software aspects of the subject matter disclosed, multiple software aspects of the subject matter disclosed may be implemented as sub-parts of a larger program. In some specific implementations, multiple software aspects may also be implemented as independent programs. Finally, any combination of independent programs that together implement the software aspects described herein is within the scope of the subject matter disclosed. In some specific implementations, when installed to run on one or more electronic systems, a software program defines one or more specific machine implementations that execute and carry out the operations of the software program.

[0113] A computer program (also known as a program, software, software application, script, or code) can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, declarative or procedural languages, and it can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, object, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A computer program may or may not correspond to a file in a file system. The program can be stored as part of a file that holds other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup language document), in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple coordinated files (e.g., files that store one or more modules, subroutines, or portions of code). A computer program can be deployed to execute on one computer or on multiple computers located at the same site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a communication network.

[0114] It should be understood that the specific order or hierarchical structure of the blocks in the processes disclosed in the present invention are illustrations of exemplary methods. Based on design preference requirements, it should be understood that the specific order or hierarchical structure of the blocks in the process can be rearranged or all of the blocks shown can be executed. Some of these blocks can be executed simultaneously. For example, in some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Additionally, the partitioning of the various system components in the above embodiments should not be construed as requiring such partitioning in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.

[0115] It is well known that the use of personally identifiable information should follow privacy policies and practices that are recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or government requirements for maintaining user privacy. Specifically, personally identifiable information data should be managed and processed to minimize the risk of inadvertent or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of the authorized use should be clearly explained to the user.

[0116] Unless otherwise specified, elements recited in the singular do not mean "one and only one" but rather "one or more." For example, "a" module can refer to one or more modules. Elements prefaced with "a," "an," "the," or "said" do not, without further limitation, preclude the existence of additional identical elements.

[0117] The title and subtitle (if any) are for convenience only and do not limit the present invention. The term "exemplary" is used to mean serving as an example or illustration. In the sense of using terms such as "comprising", "having", etc., such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "including", as interpreted as inclusive when used as a transitional word in a claim. Relative terms such as "first" and "second" may be used to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual such relationship or order between these entities or actions.

[0118] Phrases such as aspect, the aspect, another aspect, some aspects, one or more aspects, specific implementation, the specific implementation, another specific implementation, some specific implementations, one or more specific implementations, implementation, the implementation, another implementation, some implementations, one or more implementations, configuration, the configuration, another configuration, some configurations, one or more configurations, the subject technology, disclosure, the present disclosure, other variations, etc. are for convenience only and do not mean that the disclosure involving such one or more phrases is essential for the subject technology or that such disclosure applies to all configurations of the subject technology. The disclosure involving such one or more phrases may apply to all configurations or one or more configurations. The disclosure involving such one or more phrases may provide one or more examples. Phrases such as aspect or some aspects may refer to one or more aspects and vice versa, and this applies similarly to the other foregoing phrases.

[0119] The phrase "at least one" before a series of items, separating the items with the term "and" or "or", modifies the list as a whole rather than each member of the list. The phrase "at least one" does not require selection of at least one item; rather, the phrase allows for the meaning of including at least one of any one of the items and / or at least one of any combination of the items and / or at least one of each of the items. By way of example, each of the phrases "at least one of A, B, and C" or "at least one of A, B, or C" refers only to A, only to B, or only to C; any combination of A, B, and C; and / or at least one of each of A, B, and C.

[0120] It should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of the disclosed steps, operations, or processes are illustrative of exemplary methods. Unless otherwise expressly stated, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps, operations, or processes may be performed in a different order. Some of the steps, operations, or processes may be performed concurrently. The appended method claims (if any) present the elements of the various steps, operations, or processes in an exemplary order and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented. These may be performed serially, linearly, in parallel, or in a different order. It should be understood that the described instructions, operations, and systems may generally be integrated together in a single software / hardware product or encapsulated into multiple software / hardware products.

[0121] In one aspect, terms such as "coupled" may refer to direct coupling. On the other hand, terms such as "coupled" may refer to indirect coupling.

[0122] Terms such as top, bottom, front, rear, side, horizontal, vertical, etc. refer to an arbitrary reference system and not to the usual gravity reference system. Thus, such terms may extend upward, downward, diagonally, or horizontally in a gravity reference system.

[0123] This disclosure is provided to enable those skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject technology. This disclosure provides various examples of the subject technology, and the subject technology is not limited to these examples. Various modifications to these aspects will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the principles described herein may be applied to other aspects.

[0124] All structural and functional equivalents of the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later become known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be covered by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. Under 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6, no claim element need be construed unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase "means for" or, in the case of a method claim, the phrase "step for".

[0125] The title, background, brief description of the drawings, abstract, and drawings are hereby incorporated into this disclosure and are provided as illustrative examples of the disclosure, rather than as a limiting description. It is believed that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Additionally, as can be seen in the detailed description, for purposes of simplifying this disclosure, illustrative examples are provided and various features are combined in various specific implementations. The disclosed methods should not be construed as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the claims reflect, the inventive subject matter lies in less than all of the features of a single disclosed configuration or operation. The claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

[0126] The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but rather are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the claim language and to cover all legal equivalents. Nevertheless, none of these claims contain subject matter that fails to meet the requirements of applicable patent law, nor should they be construed in such a manner.

Claims

1. A stylus pen, comprising: An elongated device housing that defines a first end and a second end and has a continuous outer surface extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end is configured to contact an external electronic device; and A plurality of sensors, including a plurality of first sensors and a plurality of second sensors, the plurality of sensors being coupled to the device housing between the first end and the second end, wherein each of the first sensors and the second sensors is configured to detect a compressive force applied to a corresponding one of a plurality of first segments and a plurality of second segments of the continuous outer surface and to provide a signal in response to the compressive force applied to the corresponding segment of the first segments and the second segments, wherein the first segments have a different size from the second segments and the density of the first segments along the continuous outer surface is higher than the density of the second segments.

2. The stylus pen according to claim 1, wherein the continuous outer surface includes a first segment disposed adjacent to the first end and a second segment disposed adjacent to the second end, wherein the second segment is larger than the first segment.

3. The stylus pen according to claim 1, further comprising: A guide tube disposed within the device housing, wherein each sensor is configured to provide the signal in response to deflection of the corresponding segment of the continuous outer surface relative to the guide tube.

4. The stylus pen according to claim 3, wherein the sensor is configured to flex with the continuous outer surface.

5. The stylus pen according to claim 3, wherein the sensor includes a plurality of capacitive sensors, and each capacitive sensor is configured to provide a capacitance signal in response to deflection of the corresponding segment of the continuous outer surface relative to the guide tube.

6. The stylus pen according to claim 3, further comprising a compliant material disposed between the guide tube and the device housing.

7. The stylus pen according to claim 6, wherein the compliant material includes foam or a metal spring.

8. A stylus pen, comprising: An elongated device housing that defines a first end and a second end and has a continuous outer surface extending between the first end and the second end, wherein the continuous outer surface is configured to flex in response to a compressive force and the first end is configured to contact an external electronic device; A strain sensor array coupled to the device housing between the first end and the second end, wherein the strain sensor array is configured to provide a signal to the external electronic device in response to flexure of the continuous outer surface; and A sensor substrate disposed within the device housing, wherein pairs of the strain sensors are respectively disposed on an inner surface and an outer surface of the sensor substrate opposite to each other.

9. The stylus pen according to claim 8, wherein the strain sensor array is disposed circumferentially around the sensor substrate.

10. The stylus pen according to claim 8, wherein the strain sensor array is disposed in a bridge arrangement structure.

11. The stylus according to claim 8, wherein the strain sensor array is disposed in a strip extending between the first end and the second end.

12. The stylus according to claim 8, further comprising: a guide tube disposed within the device housing, wherein the strain sensor array is coupled to the guide tube.

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