Annular knob-on display device and related equipment

Abstract

An annular knob-on-display (KoD) device and related equipment includes a frame having a substantially annular shape, a dome switch, a plurality of actuating members, and a plurality of pivot members, each of which secures one of the actuating members to the frame and transmits force applied to the actuating member to the dome switch.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (Priority Claim) This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 371,725, filed August 17, 2022, entitled "SINGLE TACTILE DOME SOLUTION FOR A RING SHAPED KNOB," the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present disclosure relates generally to ring-shaped knob-on-display (KoD) devices, and more particularly to systems, methods, and apparatus for transmitting pressure from a button press on a ring-shaped KoD device to a dome switch. [Background technology]

[0003] The KoD device is a physical knob that is attached to the touchscreen (for example, but not limited to, by adhesive). Conductive sensing pads on the back of the KoD device report position, angle, or both, and are sensed through a touch sensor panel to detect touched, untouched, pushed, released, or a combination thereof.

[0004] The KoD device may be used in various applications to dynamically control a graphical user interface displayed on or near the KoD device. In a vehicle, electronic displays and KoD devices on displays may be used to enable control of a variety of different functions using the KoD device. For example, in an environmental control mode, graphical user interface elements for environmental control may be displayed on or near the KoD device, and the KoD device may be operable to allow a user to control at least some environmental control functions by manipulating the KoD device. As another example, in a multimedia control mode, user interface elements for multimedia may be displayed on or near the KoD device, and the KoD device may be operable to allow a user to control at least some multimedia functions. As yet another example, in a vehicle speed control mode, user interface elements for vehicle speed may be displayed on or near the KoD device, and the KoD device may be operable to allow a user to control vehicle speed by manipulating the KoD device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0005] While the present disclosure concludes with claims that particularly point out and distinctly claim certain embodiments, the various features and advantages of embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure can be more readily ascertained from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1A] 1 is a diagram of an apparatus according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 1B] 1 is a diagram of an apparatus according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 1C] 1 is a diagram of an apparatus according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 1D] 1 is a diagram of an apparatus according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 1E] 1 is a diagram of an apparatus according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 1F]1 is a diagram of an apparatus according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 2A] 1B is a diagram of a portion of the device of FIG. 1A according to some embodiments. [Figure 2B] 1B is a diagram of a portion of the device of FIG. 1A according to some embodiments. [Figure 2C] 1B is a diagram of a portion of the device of FIG. 1A according to some embodiments. [Figure 2D] 1B is a diagram of a portion of the device of FIG. 1A according to some embodiments. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 shows the capacitance detected at the touch sensor of a touchscreen device with a prototype KoD device placed on the touchscreen of the touchscreen device, the cap touched, and the dome switch in the suspended position. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 shows the capacitance detected at the touch sensor of a touchscreen device with a prototype KoD device placed on the touchscreen of the touchscreen device, the cap touched, and the dome switch in the collapsed position. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a simplified perspective view of spring-type slider contacts for push and rotation sense pads according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a knob-on-display device according to one or more embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and which show, by way of illustration, specific examples of embodiments in which the present disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present disclosure. However, other embodiments may be utilized, and changes in structure, materials, and processes may be made, as enabled herein, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0007] The illustrative diagrams presented herein are not meant to be actual illustrations of any particular method, system, device, or structure, but are merely idealized representations used to explain embodiments of the present disclosure. In some cases, similar structures or components in various figures may retain the same or similar numbering for the convenience of the reader. However, similarity in numbering does not necessarily mean that the structures or components are identical in size, composition, configuration, or any other characteristic.

[0008] The following description may include examples to aid in enabling those skilled in the art to practice the disclosed embodiments. The use of the terms "exemplary," "example," and "for example" means that the associated description is illustrative, and the scope of the disclosure is intended to encompass examples and legal equivalents. The use of such terms is not intended to limit the examples or the scope of the disclosure to the specified components, steps, features, functions, etc.

[0009] It will be readily understood that the components of the embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Thus, the following description of various embodiments is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, but is merely representative of various embodiments. While various aspects of the embodiments may be presented in figures, the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated.

[0010] Furthermore, the specific implementations shown and described are merely examples and should not be construed as the only way to implement the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified herein. Elements, circuits, and functions may be shown in block diagram form so as not to obscure the present disclosure in unnecessary detail. Conversely, the specific implementations shown and described are merely exemplary and should not be construed as the only way to implement the present disclosure, unless otherwise specified herein. In addition, the block definitions and partitioning of logic among various blocks are illustrative of specific implementations. It will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that the present disclosure can be implemented with numerous other partitioning solutions. For the most part, details regarding timing considerations and the like have been omitted; such details are not necessary to obtain a complete understanding of the present disclosure and are within the capabilities of those skilled in the art.

[0011] Those skilled in the art will understand that information and signals may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. Some figures may illustrate a signal as a single signal for clarity of display and explanation. Those skilled in the art will understand that a signal may represent a bus of signals, which may have various bit widths, and that the present disclosure may be implemented with any number of data signals, including a single data signal.

[0012] The various illustrative logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed using a general-purpose processor, a special-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an integrated circuit (IC), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor (also referred to herein as a host processor or simply a host) may be a microprocessor, although the processor may alternatively be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. A general-purpose computer including a processor is considered a special-purpose computer, and a general-purpose computer is configured to execute computing instructions (e.g., software code) related to the embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0013] The embodiments may be described in terms of a process that is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. While a flowchart may describe operational acts as a sequential process, many of these acts may occur in a different order, in parallel, or substantially simultaneously. Additionally, the order of acts may be rearranged. A process may correspond to a method, a thread, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, other structure, or combinations thereof. Furthermore, methods disclosed herein may be implemented in hardware, software, or both. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media, including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another.

[0014] Any reference to elements herein using designations such as "first," "second," etc. does not limit the quantity or order of those elements unless such limitation is expressly stated. Rather, these designations may be used herein as a convenient method of distinguishing between two or more elements or instances of an element. Thus, reference to a first element and a second element does not imply that only two elements may be used or that the first element must precede the second element in any manner. Additionally, unless otherwise specified, a set of elements may include one or more elements.

[0015] As used herein, the term "substantially" when referring to a given parameter, characteristic, or condition means and includes the extent to which one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the given parameter, characteristic, or condition is met with small variations, such as, for example, within acceptable manufacturing tolerances. As an example, depending on the particular parameter, characteristic, or condition that is substantially met, the parameter, characteristic, or condition may be at least 90% met, at least 95% met, or even at least 99% met.

[0016] In a KoD device, a dome switch may be used to electrically connect the cap of the KoD device to a touchpad adjacent to the touchscreen, allowing the touch sensor to detect pushes on the KoD device.

[0017] A dome switch is a momentary tactile switch used in various electronic devices, particularly keyboards and keypads, as a non-limiting example. A typical dome switch includes a thin, flexible, metal or polymer, dome-shaped component. Typically, it is made from stainless steel, nickel-plated stainless steel, or a conductive polymer material. The dome-shaped component is located under a membrane or keycap within the keyboard; when a key is pressed, the dome-shaped component collapses and then, theoretically, springs back to its original shape as soon as pressure is released. This action provides the user with a tactile feedback sensation indicating that a key press has been registered.

[0018] In some cases, a KoD device may have a cap area that is larger than the area of ​​the dome switch. In such cases, pressure applied to portions of the cap area that are not immediately adjacent to the dome switch may not provide sufficient pressure to collapse the dome-shaped component. Also, in a ring-shaped KoD device, if pressure is applied to portions of the ring-shaped cap that are located away from the dome switch, the single dome switch may not collapse, i.e., the dome-shaped component of the switch may not collapse.

[0019] In a ring-shaped KoD device, a single dome switch may not be centrally located due to the ring geometry not having a central location point. Instead, multiple dome switches may be located around the periphery of the ring-shaped KoD device.

[0020] While the use of multiple dome switches can provide "click" feedback in response to pressure applied to various different portions of the cap of a KoD device, multiple "click" feedback responses may occur when multiple dome switches are collapsed (for example, but not limited to, when pressure is applied between two dome switches). These multiple "click" feedback responses may not be precisely synchronized in time, resulting in multiple clicking feedback responses that may be perceived by a user as inconvenient, confusing, or simply generally unsatisfying. A satisfying clicking feedback response tends to contribute to a satisfying user experience.

[0021] Additionally, the presence of multiple dome switches increases the capacitance between the cap and the push detection pad of the KoD device compared to the capacitance of a KoD device implemented with a single dome switch. The increased capacitance may narrow the capacitance range for detection at the push detection pad of the KoD device. Furthermore, the use of multiple dome switches increases the cost of manufacturing a KoD device because installing multiple dome switches can increase parts (e.g., but not limited to, PCBs), shipping time, and assembly time, which can increase costs.

[0022] In one or more embodiments, the KoD device may include a dome switch and two or more actuation members for transmitting a mechanical force applied to a portion of the cap remote from the dome switch to the dome switch. As a result, the number of dome switches used in the KoD device may be reduced, and the capacitance between the touch surface and the sensing pad may be reduced. In some cases, only one dome switch may be required for the entire ring-shaped KoD.

[0023] In one or more embodiments, the KoD device includes two or more actuating members (e.g., but not limited to, electrically insulating actuating members such as plastic), which may be mechanically connected to the frame via respective pivot members (e.g., but not limited to, electrically insulating pivot members such as plastic). In some examples where two actuating members are used, the two pivot members may be positioned on opposite sides of the frame. A dome switch may be mechanically coupled to the frame between the two pivot members (e.g., but not limited to, midway between the two pivot members). A pillar including a conductive material may be used to transmit mechanical pressure from the actuating member to the dome switch. The pillar may be electrically connected to the cap of the KoD device (e.g., but not limited to, by contacting the cap or via a conductive spring from the cap to the pillar). The actuating member includes a push point mechanically connected to the cap (e.g., but not limited to, at the bottom surface of the cap).

[0024] In some embodiments where four actuation members are used, four pivot members may be positioned around the internal frame of the KoD device.

[0025] Examples disclosed herein may be used in a variety of applications. For example, KoD devices including examples disclosed herein may be used in automotive applications (e.g., but not limited to, car center stacks) and consumer products (e.g., but not limited to, home appliances).

[0026] In one or more embodiments, the KoD device may have a single tactile dome switch and may be annular (e.g., without limitation, ring-shaped). These examples may include a lower rotation sense pad to push the sense pad capacitance compared to multi-dome switch KoD examples. These examples may include an actuation member arrangement that transfers force applied to the actuation member to the single tactile dome switch. In some of these examples, metal is not used (e.g., plastic may be used for components such as the actuation member and pivot member).

[0027] 1A-1F are diagrams of an apparatus 100, according to various embodiments. The apparatus 100 is a non-limiting example of a KoD device and may be referred to herein as "KoD device 100."

[0028] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of device 100. FIG. 1B is a side view of device 100 of FIG. 1A taken along section line 1B of FIG. 1A. FIG. 1C is a side view of device 100 of FIG. 1A taken along section line 1B of FIG. 1A, also illustrating base subassembly 136 and cap 140. FIG. 1D is a side view of device 100 of FIG. 1A. FIG. 1E is a side view of device 100 of FIG. 1A taken along section line 1E of FIG. 1A, also illustrating base assembly and cap assembly. FIG. 1F is a simplified side view of a cross section of a KoD device including a combination of push spring pillars according to one or more embodiments.

[0029] 1A-1F , device 100 includes a frame 102, a dome switch 110, a first actuating member 124, a second actuating member 126, a first pivot member 120, and a second pivot member 122. Frame 102 includes a screen surface 104 that faces the touchscreen of a touchscreen device when device 100 is attached to the touchscreen. Dome switch 110 is attached to frame 102. Dome switch 110 includes a conductive material (e.g., but not limited to, metal, conductive polymer). First pivot member 120 directs a force applied to first actuating member 124 to dome switch 110. Second pivot member 122 directs a force applied to second actuating member 126 to dome switch 110.

[0030] The device 100 also includes a push detection pad 106 and a dome switch contact 114. The push detection pad 106 faces a touchscreen (touchscreen not shown). The push detection pad 106 is attached to the frame 102. The dome switch contact 114 is attached to the frame 102. The push detection pad 106 of the dome switch is electrically connected to the dome switch contact 114. The dome of the dome switch 110 acts as a terminal and is electrically connected to the dome switch contact 114 when the dome switch 110 is in the collapsed position. When the dome switch 110 is in the collapsed position, the dome of the dome switch 110 is electrically connected to the push detection pad 106 through the dome switch contact 114. When the dome switch 110 is in the suspended position, the dome of the dome switch 110 is electrically isolated from the push detection pad 106. In one or more embodiments, when the dome switch 110 is in the suspended position, the dome of the dome switch 110 is electrically isolated from the push sense pad 106 by an air gap.

[0031] The device 100 also includes a rotation detection pad 108. The rotation detection pad 108 faces the touch screen. The push detection pad 106 and the rotation detection pad 108 are attached to the frame 102.

[0032] The device 100 includes a cap 140 that is secured to the frame 102 using cap clips 130. An example of a cap secured to a frame via cap clips is illustrated in FIG. 1E, which is a side view of the device 100 including a base subassembly 136 and a cap subassembly 152, taken along section line 1E in FIG. 1A. FIG. 1E illustrates the cap subassembly 152 secured to the frame 102 via the cap clips 130. The cap subassembly 152 differs from the cap 140 in that it includes a plastic cap inner 160, a cap metal decal ring 158 bonded to the top of the plastic cap inner 160, and a cap rear metal plate 162 bonded to the bottom of the plastic cap inner 160.

[0033] The cap 140 comprises a conductive material. The cap 140 is electrically connected to the dome switch 110. As shown in FIG. 1C, the cap 140 is electrically connected to the pillars 116, forming a continuous conductive path from the cap 140 through the pillars 116 to the dome switch 110. Although the pillars 116 are illustrated in FIG. 1B as two "T" shaped pillar sections stacked one on top of the other, it is within the scope of this disclosure to use any number of pillar sections, including one pillar section, two pillar sections, or three or more pillar sections.

[0034] 1A , in one or more embodiments, the cap 140 may be electrically connected to the dome of the dome switch 110 via the push spring 142 and the pillar 116, where the push spring 142 is conductive. As a result, the dome of the dome switch 110 is electrically connected to the cap 140. Thus, a force applied to the cap 140 (for example, but not limited to, from a touch by a user) may be registered on the push detection pad 106 when the dome switch 110 is in the collapsed position (i.e., the force is transmitted from the touch location (also referred to as the "push point") on the cap 140 through the first actuating member 124 and the collapsed dome to the push detection pad 106), or when the dome switch 110 transitions from the suspended position to the collapsed position (i.e., the force is transmitted from the touch location on the cap 140 to the dome of the dome switch 110 through the first actuating member 124 and pillar 116, collapsing the dome, and then transmitted to the push detection pad 106 through the first actuating member 124, pillar 116, and the collapsed dome). In one or more embodiments, a portion of the upper portion of the pillar 116 may be replaced with a compression spring (see, as a non-limiting example, compression spring 154 in FIG. 1F ) to balance the response to a pushing force on the cap 140 with the response of the rotational spring 118. Notably, the application of a force suitable for crushing the dome switch 110 or registering at the push detection pad is not limited to any particular location (e.g., without limitation, angular or radial position) on or around the cap 140. The first actuating member 124 and the pillar 116 are configured, as described above, to transmit a force that occurs at any location on or around the surface of the cap 140 (e.g., without limitation, applied at an angle other than 90 degrees relative to the surface of the cap 140) to the dome switch 110 or the push detection pad 106. A single dome switch (only one dome switch) can be utilized to detect a touch occurring anywhere on or around the cap 140; multiple dome switches are not required to detect a touch occurring anywhere on or around the cap 140.

[0035] The cap 140 is also electrically connected to the rotation detection pad 108 via the rotation spring 118 extending through the spring port 128, which is electrically conductive. When the respective port portions defined through the second actuation member 126 and the first actuation member 124 are aligned as shown in FIG. 1C , the spring port 128 may extend through the second actuation member 126 and the first actuation member 124. When the cap 140 is depressed, the dome switch 110 is in a collapsed position and the rotation spring 118 is in a compressed position. When the cap 140 is not depressed (in the parked position), the dome switch 110 is in a suspended position and the rotation spring 118 is in an uncompressed or free state. The free length of the rotation spring 118 is sufficient to electrically connect the cap 140 to the rotation detection pad 108 when the cap 140 is in the parked position. Therefore, regardless of whether the cap 140 is depressed to place the dome switch 110 in a collapsed position or not depressed to place the dome switch 110 in a suspended position, the cap 140 can be electrically connected to the rotation detection pad 108 via the rotation spring 118.

[0036] In some examples, the frame 102 has a substantially annular shape. The first actuating member 124 and the second actuating member 126 may also have a substantially annular shape and may be positioned over the inner surface 112 of the frame 102.

[0037] The inner surface 112 faces the screen surface 104 of the frame 102. The first actuating member 124 is mechanically interlocked with the second actuating member 126. The mechanical interlock prevents the first actuating member 124 and the second actuating member 126 from moving or operating independently of one another and ensures that the first actuating member 124 and the second actuating member 126 are in specific relative positions, as described herein, for proper operation of the device 100. Any suitable means may be used to mechanically interlock the first actuating member 124 and the second actuating member 126. A non-limiting example of an interlock may be a pivot pin (not shown in FIGS. 1A-1D ) inserted into the first pivot member 120, the second pivot member 122, or both.

[0038] The first pivot member 120, the second pivot member 122, the first actuation member 124, and the second actuation member 126 may include an electrically insulating material. Non-limiting examples of such electrically insulating materials include polyester, polyamide, polycarbonate, polyethylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, and silicone rubber. The first pivot member 120, the second pivot member 122, the first actuation member 124, and the second actuation member 126 may be made of an electrically insulating material because a conductive material may form an electrical connection between the cap 140 and the push detection pad 106 that reduces the capacitance and therefore the touch sensitivity of the touch controller.

[0039] Although the device 100 includes two actuating members (e.g., but not limited to, a first actuating member 124 and a second actuating member 126), three or more actuating members may be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, the device may include a frame having a substantially annular shape, a dome switch, a plurality of actuating members, and a plurality of pivot members. Each pivot member of the plurality of pivot members secures each actuating member of the plurality of actuating members to the frame and transmits force applied to the actuating member to the dome switch. The plurality of pivot members and the plurality of actuating members may include an electrically insulating material.

[0040] Internally, two actuating members (first actuating member 124 and second actuating member 126, which may be plastic actuating level arms) are connected via pivot members (first pivot member 120 and second pivot member 122, respectively), which may be plastic pivot points facing each other across frame 102 (which may be plastic, as conductive materials such as metal may degrade capacitance performance).

[0041] A dome switch 110 (for example, but not limited to, a tactile dome switch) is mounted on the same first side of the frame 102, on an inner surface 112 of the frame 102, substantially midway radially between the first pivot member 120 and the second pivot member 122. The actuation members have respective metal pillars (pillars 116) inserted therein, which establish physical and electrical contact from the cap 140 to the dome switch 110.

[0042] Four push points (for example, but not limited to, two on each actuation member) are pressed by the cap 140. The first push point 144 may be above the dome switch 110. The second push point 146 may be 90 degrees along the second actuation member 126 from the first push point 144. The third push point 148 may be 180 degrees from the first push point 144. The fourth push point 150 is a mirror image of the second push point 146 and may be 90 degrees along the second actuation member 126 from the third push point 148. When the cap 140, which is electrically connected to the pillar 116 and the rotational spring 118, is pressed down at any point on its annular ring surface, it presses one or more of these four push points, causing the dome switch 110 to collapse and click.

[0043] The push sense pad 106 and the rotation sense pad 108 may be located opposite each other (e.g., 180 degrees apart on a circle defined by the frame 102, i.e., at the maximum distance between two locations on the circle) to reduce capacitive coupling to negligible or even zero. Capacitive coupling occurs only between the dome switch contact 114 and the dome of the dome switch 110. Particularly in a multi-dome switch design, capacitive coupling between each dome switch or its components may provide little overhead for detecting pushed and unpushed states. In one or more embodiments, the push sense pad 106 and the rotation sense pad 108 may be formed as spring slider contacts, such as the spring slider contacts 506 and 508 illustrated in FIG. 5 . The spring slider contacts 506 and 508 may include respective fingers 520 and 522 for contacting the base segmented PCB 156. Fingers 520 and 522 may be formed or bent at a downward angle (i.e., toward the base segmented PCB 156) relative to the portion of the spring slider contact 506 configured to physically contact the bottom of the base subassembly 136 (base subassembly 136 described below). The portion of the spring slider contact 506 configured to contact the bottom of the base subassembly 136 has a through-hole defined therein through which the end of the push pillar 116 can be at least partially inserted. The portion of the spring slider contact 508 that contacts the bottom of the base subassembly 136 is continuous (imperforate).

[0044] The device 100 includes a base subassembly 136 that includes a detent 138 on an interior surface of the device 100 opposite the frame 102. The frame 102 defines at least one detent ball socket 134 for receiving a detent spring 132 and a detent ball (not shown). The detent spring 132 presses the detent ball against the interior surface of the base subassembly 136 when the frame 102 is disposed within the base subassembly 136. Thus, a user rotating the frame 102 may experience a click as the frame 102 rotates within the base subassembly 136.

[0045] 2A-2D are diagrams of portion 200 of device 100 of FIG. 1A, according to some embodiments. FIG. 2A is a plan view of portion 200, showing dome switch 110 in dashed lines. FIG. 2B is a plan view of portion 200, showing dome switch 110. FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of portion 200 of FIGS. 2A and 2B taken along line 2B of FIG. 2B, showing dome switch 110 in a suspended position 204. FIG. 2D is a cross-sectional view of portion 200 of FIGS. 2A and 2B taken along line 2B of FIG. 2B, showing dome switch 110 in a collapsed position 208.

[0046] 2A-2D , the frame 102 includes a dome switch mounting pad 202 and a dome switch contact 114 on an inner surface 112 of the frame 102. The dome switch 110 is mounted to the dome switch mounting pad 202. The dome of the dome switch 110 is suspended above the dome switch contact 114 in a suspended position 204. Thus, in the suspended position 204, the dome of the dome switch 110 is electrically isolated from the dome switch contact 114 and the push detection pad 106. In response to a force 206 on the pillar 116 (applied to the pillar 116, for example, but not limited to, by the first actuation member 124 or the second actuation member 126), the pillar 116 brings the dome of the dome switch 110 into physical contact with the dome switch contact 114 in a collapsed position 208. Thus, in the collapsed position 208 , the dome of the dome switch 110 is electrically connected to the dome switch contact 114 and the push sense pad 106 .

[0047] FIG. 2D is a cross-sectional view of portion 200 of FIGS. 2A and 2B along line 2B of FIG. 2B, with dome switch 110 in collapsed position 208. As shown in FIG.

[0048] 2A-2D , the frame 102 includes a dome switch mounting pad 202 and a dome switch contact 114 on an inner surface 112 of the frame 102. The dome switch 110 is mounted to the dome switch mounting pad 202. The dome switch 110 is suspended above the dome switch contact 114 in a suspended position 204. Thus, in the suspended position 204, the dome of the dome switch 110 is electrically isolated from the dome switch contact 114 and the push detection pad 106. In response to a force 206 on the pillar 116 (applied to the pillar 116, for example, but not limited to, by the first actuating member 124 or the second actuating member 126), the pillar 116 brings the dome switch 110 into physical contact with the dome switch contact 114 in a collapsed position 208. Thus, in the collapsed position 208 , the dome of the dome switch 110 is electrically connected to the dome switch contact 114 and the push sense pad 106 .

[0049] FIG. 3 illustrates a graph including a surface representing capacitance 300 detected at a touch sensor of a touchscreen device, with the exemplary KOD device 100 placed on the touchscreen of the touchscreen device, the cap 140 touched, and the dome switch 110 in a suspended position. The graph surface includes at least two regions: a first region 306 containing capacitance information related to rotation, and a second region 308 containing capacitance information related to push. As seen in FIG. 4, a rotation peak 302, so named because the change in capacitance is shown as a peak corresponding to the rotation detection pad 108, is shown in the first region 306 and can be detected by the touch controller. However, because the dome switch 110 is in a suspended position, the capacitance due to the touch is not transmitted through the dome switch 110 to the push detection pad 106, and no corresponding push peak is shown in the second region 308, resulting in a "no touch" being detected by the touch controller.

[0050] 4 illustrates a graph including a surface representing capacitance 400 detected at a touch sensor of a touchscreen device, with the exemplary KOD device 100 placed on the touchscreen of the touchscreen device, the cap 140 being touched and pushed, and the dome switch 110 in a collapsed position. The graph's surface includes at least two regions: a first region 406 containing capacitance information related to rotation, and a second region 408 containing capacitance information related to pushing. As can be seen in FIG. 5, a rotation peak 402 is indicated by the first region 406, and a push peak 404 is indicated by the second region 408. The push peak 404 is detected because the touch is transmitted to the push detection pad 106 through the dome switch 110 in the collapsed position.

[0051] In contrast to multi-dome switch KoD devices, where a small push peak may be observed even when the dome switch 110 is in the suspended position, substantially no push peak is observed in Figure 3. Thus, with the prototype KoD device 100, a much stronger push peak signal is observed from the suspended to the collapsed position compared to a similarly sized multi-dome switch KoD (e.g., substantially four times larger). A uniform single mechanical click around the entire circumference of the cap 140 may also be observed upon pushing.

[0052] 6 is a perspective view of a knob-on-display device according to one or more embodiments. The KOD device 600 may be according to one or more of the following Figures 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 3, 4, and 5.

[0053] As used in this disclosure, the term "module" or "component" may refer to a specific hardware implementation configured to perform the actions of a module or component and / or software object or routine that may be stored on and / or executed by general-purpose hardware (e.g., computer-readable media, processing device, etc.) of a computing system. In some embodiments, different components, modules, engines, and services described in this disclosure may be implemented as objects or processes (e.g., as separate threads) executing on a computing system. While some of the systems and methods described in this disclosure are generally described as being implemented in software (stored and / or executed on general-purpose hardware), specific hardware implementations, or a combination of software and specific hardware implementations, are also possible and contemplated.

[0054] As used in this disclosure, the term "combination," when referring to multiple elements, can include a combination of all elements or any of various different subcombinations of elements. For example, the phrase "A, B, C, D, or combinations thereof" can refer to A, B, C, or D; each combination of A, B, C, and D; and any subcombination of A, B, C, or D, such as any one of A, B, and C; A, B, and D; A, C, and D; B, C, and D; A and B; A and C; A and D; B and C; B and D; or C and D.

[0055] The terms used in this disclosure, and particularly in the appended claims (e.g., the body of the appended claims), are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including, but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes, but is not limited to," etc.).

[0056] Additionally, if a specific number of introduced claim recitations is intended, such intent will be expressly recited in the claim; absent such recitation, no such intent exists. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may include the use of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed as limiting any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even if the same claim also includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and an indefinite article such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and / or "an" should be construed to mean "at least one" or "one or more"). The same applies to the use of express articles used to introduce claim recitations.

[0057] Additionally, even when a specific number of introduced claim recitations are explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the explicit recitation of "two recitations" without other modifiers means at least two recitations or more than two recitations). Furthermore, when conventions similar to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." or "one or more of A, B, and C, etc." are used, it is generally intended that such a structure include A only, B only, C only, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B, and C together.

[0058] Furthermore, any disjunction or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the specification, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibility of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" should be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

[0059] While the present disclosure has been described herein with reference to certain illustrated embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize and appreciate that the present invention is not so limited. Rather, numerous additions, deletions, and modifications can be made to the illustrated and described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed below, along with their legal equivalents. In addition, features of one embodiment can be combined, as contemplated by the inventor, with features of other disclosed embodiments and still fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0060] Further non-limiting examples of the present disclosure are as follows.

[0061] Example 1: An apparatus for a knob-on display device, the apparatus comprising: a frame having a substantially annular shape; a dome switch; a plurality of actuating members; and a plurality of pivot members, each pivot member of the plurality of pivot members securing each of the plurality of actuating members to the frame and transmitting force applied to the actuating member to the dome switch.

[0062] Example 2: The device of example 1, wherein the number of each of the plurality of actuating members is two.

[0063] Example 3: The device according to examples 1 and 2, wherein the number of each of the plurality of actuating members is four.

[0064] Example 4: The apparatus of Examples 1-3, wherein each of the plurality of pivot members comprises an electrically insulating material.

[0065] Example 5: The apparatus of any one of Examples 1-4, wherein each of the plurality of actuating members comprises an electrically insulating material.

[0066] Example 6: The apparatus of Examples 1-5, wherein at least two of the plurality of actuating members are fixed to the frame via respective ones of the plurality of pivot members.

[0067] Example 7: The device of Examples 1-6, wherein the at least two actuating portions are each fixed to the frame at opposite positions on the frame.

[0068] Example 8: The device according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the dome switch is fixed to the frame at a radially intermediate position between two of the plurality of pivot members.

[0069] Example 9: The apparatus of any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the dome switch is a single dome switch.

[0070] Example 10: The apparatus of Examples 1-9, wherein each pivot member of the plurality of pivot members is positioned at 90 degree intervals around a circle at least partially defined by the frame.

[0071] Example 11: The apparatus of Examples 1-10, wherein each pivot member of the plurality of pivot members is positioned at 180 degree intervals around a circle at least partially defined by the frame.

[0072] Example 12: An apparatus for a knob-on display device, the apparatus comprising: a frame including a screen surface facing the touchscreen for mounting the apparatus to a touchscreen of a touchscreen device; a dome switch mounted to the frame, the dome switch including a conductive material; a first actuating member; a second actuating member; a first pivoting member that directs force applied to the first actuating member toward the dome switch; and a second pivoting member that directs force applied to the second actuating member toward the dome switch.

[0073] Example 13: The apparatus of example 12, wherein the dome switch has at least two positions, the at least two positions including a collapsed position and a suspended position.

[0074] Example 14: The device of Examples 12 and 13, comprising a push detection pad attached to the frame opposite the touch screen, and a dome switch contact attached to the frame and electrically connected to the push detection pad.

[0075] Example 15: The apparatus of examples 12-14, wherein the dome of the dome switch is electrically connected to the dome switch contacts in the collapsed position of the dome switch and the dome of the dome switch is electrically isolated from the dome switch contacts in the suspended position of the dome switch.

[0076] Example 16: The apparatus of examples 12-15, wherein the dome of the dome switch physically contacts the dome switch contacts in the collapsed position.

[0077] Example 17: The apparatus of any one of Examples 12-16, wherein the dome of the dome switch is physically spaced from the dome switch contacts in the suspended position.

[0078] Example 18: The device of any of Examples 12-17, further comprising a cap comprising a conductive material, the cap being electrically connected to the dome switch.

[0079] Example 19: The device of examples 12-18, wherein the cap is electrically connected to the dome of the dome switch via the pillar.

[0080] Example 20: The device of examples 12-19, wherein the cap is electrically connected to the dome of the dome switch via a conductive spring.

[0081] Example 21: The device of Examples 12 to 20, comprising a rotation detection pad facing the touch screen, the rotation detection pad being attached to the frame, and the rotation detection pad being electrically connected to the cap via a conductive spring.

[0082] Example 22: A device described in Examples 12 to 21, wherein the frame has a substantially annular shape, and the rotation detection pad and the push detection pad are located 180 degrees apart on a circle at least partially defined by the frame.

[0083] Example 23: The device of any one of Examples 12-22, wherein the first actuation member is interlocked with the second actuation member.

[0084] Example 24: The device of Examples 12-23, wherein the frame has a substantially annular shape.

[0085] Example 25: An apparatus described in Examples 12 to 24, wherein the first pivot member and the second pivot member of the plurality of pivot members are positioned at 180 degree intervals around a circle at least partially defined by the frame.

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus for a knob-on-display device, comprising: a frame having a substantially annular shape; Dome switch and a plurality of actuating members; a plurality of pivot members, each of which secures a respective one of the plurality of actuating members to the frame and transmits a force applied to the actuating member to the dome switch; An apparatus comprising:

2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the number of each of the plurality of actuating members is two.

3. The device of claim 1 , wherein the number of each of the plurality of actuating members is four.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of pivot members comprises an electrically insulating material.

5. The device of claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of actuating members comprises an electrically insulating material.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein at least two of the plurality of actuating members are fixed to the frame via respective pivot members.

7. The device of claim 6 , wherein the at least two actuating portions are fixed to the frame at opposite positions on the frame.

8. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the dome switch is fixed to the frame at a radially intermediate position between two of the plurality of pivot members.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the dome switch is a single dome switch.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein each pivot member of the plurality of pivot members is positioned at 90 degree intervals around a circle at least partially defined by the frame.

11. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein each pivot member of the plurality of pivot members is positioned at 180 degree intervals around a circle at least partially defined by the frame.

12. 1. An apparatus for a knob-on-display device, comprising: a frame including a screen surface facing a touchscreen of a touchscreen device by attaching the device to the touchscreen; a dome switch attached to the frame, the dome switch comprising a conductive material; a first actuation member; a second actuation member; and a first pivot member that directs a force applied to the first actuation member toward the dome switch; a second pivot member that directs a force applied to the second actuation member toward the dome switch; An apparatus comprising:

13. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the dome switch has at least two positions, the at least two positions including a collapsed position and a suspended position.

14. a push detection pad attached to the frame facing the touch screen; a dome switch contact attached to the frame and electrically connected to the push detection pad; The apparatus of claim 13, comprising:

15. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the dome of the dome switch is electrically connected to the dome switch contacts in the collapsed position of the dome switch and the dome of the dome switch is electrically isolated from the dome switch contacts in the suspended position of the dome switch.

16. 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the dome of the dome switch physically contacts the dome switch contacts in the collapsed position.

17. 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the dome of the dome switch is physically spaced from the dome switch contacts in the suspended position.

18. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising a cap comprising a conductive material, said cap being electrically connected to said dome switch.

19. 20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the cap is electrically connected to the dome of the dome switch via a pillar.

20. 20. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the cap is electrically connected to the dome of the dome switch via a conductive spring.

21. 17. The device of claim 16, further comprising a rotation detection pad facing the touchscreen, the rotation detection pad attached to the frame, and the rotation detection pad electrically connected to a cap via a conductive spring.

22. 22. The device of claim 21, wherein the frame has a substantially annular shape, and the rotation sensing pads and the push sensing pads are located 180 degrees apart on a circle at least partially defined by the frame.

23. The device of claim 12 , wherein the first actuation member is interlocked with the second actuation member.

24. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the frame has a substantially annular shape.

25. The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the first pivot member and the second pivot member of the plurality of pivot members are positioned at 180 degree intervals around a circle at least partially defined by the frame.

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