KNOB ON DISPLAY DEVICES AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND DEVICES

Abstract

A knob-on-display (KoD) device, as well as related systems, methods, and devices, is disclosed. The KoD device includes a touch surface including a conductive material. The touch surface is configured to be positionable in a released position and a depressed position. The touch surface is configured to be positionable in the depressed position in response to pressure applied to the touch surface. The KoD device also includes a push electrode pad configured to be positioned in engaging proximity to a touch sensor of a touch screen device in both the released and depressed positions. The push electrode pad is electrically connected to the conductive material of the touch surface in response to the depressed position and is electrically isolated from the conductive material of the touch surface in the released position.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (Priority Claim) This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 887,657, filed August 15, 2019, and entitled "KNOB ON DISPLAY WITH PUSH USING A TACTILE DOME SWITCH AND RELATED SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND DEVICES," and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 901,383, filed September 17, 2019, and entitled "KNOB ON DISPLAY WITH INTERNAL ELECTRODES," the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] FIELD OF THEINVENTION The present disclosure relates generally to a knob-on-display device for a touch screen device, and more particularly to a knob-on-display device that includes a base assembly. [Background technology]

[0003] Knobs on Displays (KoDs, also interchangeably referred to herein as "KoD devices") are physical knobs that attach to touchscreen devices. For example, these KoDs may be glued to the touchscreen device. The KoDs are configured to interact with a touch sensor of the touchscreen device. The touchscreen device may provide a variety of different graphical user interfaces that the KoD may be used to interact with via the touch sensor.

[0004] While the 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. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram of a first embodiment of a KoD system, according to some embodiments. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom view of an example of a flat circuit for KoD, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a KoD according to some embodiments. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a bottom view of the KoD of FIG. 3A. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3C is a bottom perspective view of the KoD of FIGS. 3A and 3B. [Figure 4] FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the KoD of FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C in a KoD system according to some embodiments. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a KoD system including the KoD of FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 4, the KoD being in a released position. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the KoD system of FIGS. 4 and 5, with the KoD in the depressed position. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom view of an example of a flat flexible printed circuit for KoD, according to some embodiments. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an example of a KoD including the FPC of FIG. [Figure 9A] 1 is a set of diagrams of a portion of a 2PCB KoD according to some embodiments. [Figure 9B] 1 is a set of diagrams of a portion of a 2PCB KoD according to some embodiments. [Figure 9C] 1 is a set of diagrams of a portion of a 2PCB KoD according to some embodiments. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a 2PCB KoD including the portions of FIGS. 9A-9C according to some embodiments. [Figure 11A] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of another 2PCB KoD including the portions of FIGS. 9A-9C according to some embodiments. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B is an exploded view of an example of the KoD of FIG. [Figure 11C]11B-11C are various views of the KoD of FIG. 11A. [Figure 11D] 11B-11C are various views of the KoD of FIG. 11A. [Figure 11E] 11B-11C are various views of the KoD of FIG. 11A. [Figure 11F] 11B-11C are various views of the KoD of FIG. 11A. [Figure 11G] 11B-11C are various views of the KoD of FIG. 11A. [Figure 11H] 11B-11C are various views of the KoD of FIG. 11A. [Figure 12] 1 is a cross-sectional view of an injection molded KoD according to some embodiments. [Figure 13A] 13A and 13B are diagrams of an example of a substrate and an overmold of the KoD of FIG. 12, respectively. [Figure 13B] 13A and 13B are diagrams of an example of a substrate and an overmold of the KoD of FIG. 12, respectively. [Figure 14A] FIG. 2 is a diagram of another KoD according to some embodiments. [Figure 14B] FIG. 2 is a diagram of another KoD according to some embodiments. [Figure 15A] FIG. 14C is a diagram of an example of an overmolded structure of the KoD of FIGS. 14A and 14B. [Figure 15B] FIG. 14C is a diagram of an example of an overmolded structure of the KoD of FIGS. 14A and 14B. [Figure 15C] FIG. 14C is a diagram of an example of an overmolded structure of the KoD of FIGS. 14A and 14B. [Figure 16] FIG. 15C is a side perspective view of the overmold of the overmold structure of FIGS. 15A to 15C. [Figure 17] FIG. 15C is a top perspective view of a substrate of the overmold structure of FIGS. 15A to 15C. [Figure 18A] FIG. 14C is a diagram of the KoD of FIG. 14A-FIG. 14B. [Figure 18B] FIG. 14C is a diagram of the KoD of FIG. 14A-FIG. 14B. [Figure 18C] FIG. 14C is a diagram of the KoD of FIG. 14A-FIG. 14B. [Figure 18D] FIG. 14C is a diagram of the KoD of FIG. 14A-FIG. 14B. [Figure 18E] FIG. 14C is a diagram of the KoD of FIG. 14A-FIG. 14B. [Figure 18F] FIG. 14C is a diagram of the KoD of FIG. 14A-FIG. 14B. [Figure 19] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method of operating a KoD device according to some embodiments. [Figure 20] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a second embodiment of a KoD system, according to some embodiments. [Figure 21A] FIG. 21 is a diagram of a KoD device that is an example of the KoD device of FIG. 20. [Figure 21B] FIG. 21 is a diagram of a KoD device that is an example of the KoD device of FIG. 20. [Figure 21C] FIG. 21 is a diagram of a KoD device that is an example of the KoD device of FIG. 20. [Figure 21D] FIG. 21 is a diagram of a KoD device that is an example of the KoD device of FIG. 20. [Figure 21E] FIG. 21 is a diagram of a KoD device that is an example of the KoD device of FIG. 20. [Figure 21F] FIG. 21 is a diagram of a KoD device that is an example of the KoD device of FIG. 20. [Figure 21G] FIG. 21 is a diagram of a KoD device that is an example of the KoD device of FIG. 20. [Fig. 21H] FIG. 21 is a diagram of a KoD device that is an example of the KoD device of FIG. 20. [Figure 21I] FIG. 21 is a diagram of a KoD device that is an example of the KoD device of FIG. 20. [Figure 21J] FIG. 21 is a diagram of a KoD device that is an example of the KoD device of FIG. 20. [Figure 22A] FIG. 21 is a diagram of a KoD system similar to that of FIG. 20. [Figure 22B] FIG. 21 is a diagram of a KoD system similar to that of FIG. 20. [Diagram 23] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a method for assembling a KoD system according to some embodiments. [Figure 24]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a computing device that may be used in some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[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 enabled herein may be used, and changes in structure, materials, and processes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0007] The figures presented herein are not intended to be actual diagrams of any particular method, system, device, or structure, but merely idealized representations used to describe 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 assist those skilled in the art in enabling the disclosed embodiments to be practiced. The use of the terms "exemplary," "example," and "for example" means that the associated description is explanatory, and the scope of the disclosure is intended to encompass examples and legal equivalents, and the use of such terms is not intended to limit the embodiments or the scope of the disclosure to specific components, steps, features, functions, etc.

[0009] It will be readily understood that the components of the embodiments as generally described herein and illustrated in the Figures 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. Although various aspects of the embodiments may be presented in drawings, the drawings 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. Furthermore, the block definitions and partitioning of logic between various blocks are exemplary 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, and such details are not necessary to obtain a complete understanding of the present disclosure and are within the capabilities of one skilled in the art.

[0011] Those skilled in the art will appreciate 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 appreciate 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 example 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. The general purpose processor (sometimes referred to herein as a host processor or simply a host) may be a microprocessor, although alternatively the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in combination with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. A general purpose computer including a processor is considered a special purpose computer, and the 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. Although a flowchart may describe operational acts as a sequential process, many of these acts may be performed in a different order, in parallel, or substantially simultaneously. Additionally, the order of the acts may be rearranged. A process may correspond to a method, a thread, a function, a procedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, other structures, 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, such as 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 way 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 way. In addition, unless otherwise stated, 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 a person skilled in the art would understand that the given parameter, characteristic, or condition is met with small variations, such as 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. As understood for the purposes of the embodiments described in this disclosure, a capacitive sensor may respond to contact of an object (such as a finger or stylus) with a touch-sensitive region of the capacitive sensor, or the proximity of an object to a touch-sensitive region of the capacitive sensor. In this disclosure, "contact" and "touch" are meant to encompass both physical contact of an object with a touch-sensitive region (such as, but not limited to, an electrode or one or more overlays covering an electrode or group of electrodes) and the presence of an object proximate to the touch-sensitive region without physical contact. Actual physical contact with the capacitive sensor is not necessarily required.

[0016] As an example, when an object touches a capacitive sensor, a change in capacitance may occur in the capacitive sensor at or near the touch location. An analog acquisition front end may detect the touch if a certain threshold is met. "Charge-then-transfer" is one non-limiting example of a technique implemented in some touch acquisition front ends to detect the capacitance change, whereby a sensing capacitor is charged (e.g., charged faster or slower) in response to the change in capacitance, and charge is transferred to an integrating capacitor over multiple transfer cycles. The amount of charge associated with such charge transfer may be converted to a digital signal by an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), and a digital controller may process those digital signals (typically referred to as "delta counts" or simply "delta") to determine a measurement and / or detect if an object has touched the sensor.

[0017] Self-capacitance sensors (also referred to herein as "self-capped sensors") are capacitive electric field sensors that respond to changes in capacitance to ground. They are typically laid out in rows and arrays of rows that respond independently to touch. By way of non-limiting example, a self-capped sensor may include circuitry that employs repeated charge-and-transfer cycles using a common integrated CMOS push-pull driver circuit with floating terminals.

[0018] A mutual capacitance sensor is a capacitive electric field sensor that detects / responds to changes in capacitance between two electrodes (a drive electrode and a sense electrode). A drive and sense electrode pair forms a capacitor at each intersection of a drive line and a sense line. Self-capacitance and mutual capacitance techniques may be used in the same touch interface system and may be complementary to each other, for example, self-capacitance may be used to confirm a touch detected using mutual capacitance.

[0019] Exemplary touch sensors may be layered in a two-dimensional (2D) device (i.e., a 2D touch sensor) for a 2D touch-sensitive surface, for example, of a touchpad or display screen, to facilitate user interaction with an associated device or appliance. An insulating protective layer (e.g., but not limited to, resin, glass, and / or plastic) may be used to cover the touch sensor and may be referred to herein as an "overlay" or "touch screen." As used herein, a "touch screen device" is a display (such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), thin-film-transistor (TFT) LCD, or light emitting diode (LED) display) that incorporates a 2D touch sensor (e.g., having an overlay or touch screen mounted on a transparent body above the display, and possibly including an additional transparent body such as glass in front of the touch sensor).

[0020] Using the example of a touch screen sensor using a matrix sensor approach of mutual capacitance sensors employing charge transfer techniques, the drive electrodes may extend in rows on one side of the substrate and the sense electrodes may extend in columns on a second side of the substrate, thereby defining a "matrix" array of N x M nodes. Each node corresponds to an intersection of a conductive line of the drive electrode and a conductive line of the sense electrode. The drive electrodes drive all of the nodes in a given row simultaneously and the sense electrodes sense all of the nodes in a given column. The capacitive coupling of the drive and sense electrodes (mutual capacitance) or the coupling of the sense electrodes to ground (self-capacitance) may be measured separately at the node location in response to a capacitance change indicative of a touch event, or both may be measured. For example, if a drive signal is applied to the drive electrode in row 2 and the sense electrode in column 3 is active, the node location is row 2, column 3. The nodes may be scanned by sequencing through different combinations of drive and sense electrodes. In one mode, the drive electrodes may be driven sequentially while the sense electrodes are all continuously monitored, while in another mode, each sense electrode may be sampled sequentially.

[0021] Using the example of a touch screen using a matrix sensor approach of self-capacitance sensors, the electrodes may extend in rows and columns to define a "matrix" array of N x M nodes. The matrix sensor may be constructed with the intersection of electrodes at each node, where each electrode may be individually addressable or each row and column may be an addressable electrode, with each node corresponding to a unique row / column pair. A drive signal (i.e., A / C stimulus) is repeatedly provided to the electrodes of the sensor. When an object touches the sensor, the coupling between the object and the electrodes increases the current drawn by the electrodes, thereby increasing the apparent sensor capacitance, and this increase in sensor capacitance may be detected. For example, if an increase in capacitance is detected while a drive signal is applied to electrode row 2 and electrode column 3, the location of the touch may be row 2, column 3. Interpolation techniques may be used to identify the location between the nodes. The nodes may be scanned sequentially by sequencing through combinations of electrode rows and columns.

[0022] The drive signal (i.e., AC stimulus) is one source of electromagnetic emission (EME). The capacitance is typically measured synchronously with the drive signal. Therefore, there is a direct relationship between the sampling rate of the measurement and the emission frequency of EME.

[0023] The KoD devices disclosed herein have one or more conductive pads on the side of the KoD device facing the touch sensor. These conductive pads are detected by a control circuit (e.g., a microcontroller) via a touch sensor panel to report the KoD's position, angle, and / or button presses. The KoDs disclosed herein may have one or more of the following advantages over previous KoD devices: Simplified design with fewer mechanical components Reduced Z-press travel distance (Z is towards the touchscreen device) Improved reliability of electrical connections · Total Z height of KoD less than ten millimeters (10mm) of automotive safety regulations.

[0024] The KoD devices disclosed herein may provide one or more of the following advantages. Pressing the KoD acts as haptic feedback that gives the user a "click" sensation Provides a spring return upon depression (the dome material (e.g., metal) of a dome switch deflects and returns to its naturally formed, released state) Provide an electrical connection path from the touch surface of the KoD (e.g., the top surface of the KoD) to the rotating electrode pads When the dome is depressed (e.g., by a user pressing against the touch surface of the KoD), it provides an electrical connection path from the touch surface of the KoD to the pressure electrode pad. Creates a stable touch surface for KoD, providing a smooth pressure sensation as your finger moves across the surface of KoD Provides a relatively good electrical connection to the electrode pads Simplify the mechanical configuration compared to KoDs that have electrode pads that move toward the touch screen when pressed Create a KoD sensor that incorporates the design principles of a traditional fully mechanical solution (i.e. not on the touch sensor) Detects electrode pad rotation Detects pressure on the tactile dome.

[0025] The electrode pads of the KoD of this embodiment are virtually always in physical engagement proximity to the touch sensor of the touch screen device. For example, the electrode pads of the KoD can be maintained at a fixed distance from the touch screen and touch sensor of the touch screen device regardless of the pressed or released position of the KoD. The rotating electrode pads are always electrically connected to the touch surface of the KoD, while the push electrode pads are electrically floating and electrically disconnected from the touch surface of the KoD when the KoD switch is released, i.e., the KoD switch is not pressed, and are electrically connected to the touch surface of the KoD when the KoD switch is pressed. As a result, in contrast to relying on the push electrode pads to physically move themselves toward the touch sensor surface when a user presses the touch surface of the KoD, the push electrode pads of this embodiment remain in engagement proximity to the touch sensor, but are selectively electrically connected to the touch surface of the KoD in response to pressing the KoD. The push electrode pads and the rotating electrode pads can remain at a fixed distance from the touch screen and touch sensor of the touch screen device as the KoD transitions between the pressed and released positions. As a result, the embodiments disclosed herein avoid problems associated with a push electrode pad that physically moves toward the touch sensor when the KoD switch is pressed. For example, one problem of the prior art that is avoided is the use of a large Z-travel distance of the KoD switch (e.g., 1-2 millimeters, significantly greater than that required for a typical tactile dome switch) to keep the push electrode from entering the detection threshold distance of the touch sensor while not being pressed. Another problem of the prior art that is avoided is the difficulty of mechanically tolerating a KoD component having a push pad that can be in and out of engagement proximity with respect to the touch sensor surface of a touch screen device.

[0026] In some embodiments, a printed circuit board (PCB) or flexible printed circuit (FPC) can be used as the base of a KoD placed directly on a touch screen. The PCB / FPC can have rotating and push electrode pads connected to a tactile dome switch. The rotating electrode pads are connected to the outer legs of the dome, and the center of the dome is connected to the push electrode pad (e.g., selectively based on the pressed or unpressed state of the KoD). Thus, a separate physical rotating electrode pad with a spring connection back to the KoD touch surface is not required. Also, the Z-direction (towards the touch screen device) travel distance in such an embodiment can be less than 1 millimeter (e.g., 0.3 to 0.5 millimeters), which is typical for a tactile dome switch.

[0027] In some embodiments, the KoD includes a folded FPC to allow a portion of the FPC to be placed flat adjacent to the touch screen without other portions of the FPC acting as redundant electrodes on the touch screen. The folded FPC may also include a hole to receive a central hub that may be attached to the touch screen with an adhesive. The KoD may rotate about the central hub to allow the rotating electrode pads to rotate about the central hub.

[0028] In some embodiments, twin shot injection molding is used to manufacture the conductive plastic used for the electrode pad portion. In some embodiments, insert molding is used to place the metal electrodes into the mold before plastic injection. In some embodiments, two-material three-dimensional (3D) printing may be used (one filament contains the conductive material). In some embodiments, laser direct structuring may be used to create molded interconnect devices.

[0029] The embodiments disclosed herein may be used in the automotive and consumer product markets. As non-limiting examples, the KoDs disclosed herein may be used in automotive center stacks and consumer electronics. However, it will be appreciated that the embodiments disclosed herein may be used in any environment in which a KoD on a touch screen device may be useful or may be helpful.

[0030] Also disclosed herein is a KoD device with a robust electrode design that reduces vulnerability to external elements such as water and debris ingress and improves the adhesive area for attachment to the touchscreen of a touchscreen device. One or more conductive pads on the back of the KoD device are sensed by the touchscreen device's control circuitry (e.g., via a touch sensor in the touchscreen device) to report the position / angle of the one or more conductive pads.

[0031] Some KoD devices disclosed herein are electromechanical solutions that provide at least some protection from external elements (e.g., water, dust, debris). In some embodiments, the base assembly of the KoD device at least partially encloses the electrodes of the KoD device. This base assembly can be attached directly to the touch screen using the entire surface area of ​​the base assembly, thus maximizing adhesion (as opposed to only a portion of the surface area of ​​the base assembly being used for adhesion to the touch screen). An edge lip or sidewall of the base assembly can reduce the ingress of water and debris, thus preventing any external elements such as water and debris from entering the electrode area. In some embodiments, a fully sealed KoD device can be formed using a seal (e.g., a rubber seal) between the base assembly and the upper rotating component.

[0032] In contrast to placing one or more electrode pads in contact with the touch screen surface of a touch screen device, the KoD device disclosed herein prevents (i.e., prevents, but does not always prevent) external elements such as dirt and liquid from entering the electrodes and degrading both electrical and mechanical performance. Also, the embodiments disclosed herein allow adhesive to be applied to the entire bottom side of the base assembly to attach the KoD to the touch sensor, in contrast to KoD devices that have an adhesive area that is only the inner central area. As a result, in contrast to other KoD devices known to the inventors of the present disclosure, the KoD device disclosed herein prevents (i.e., prevents, but does not always prevent) external elements from entering between the touch screen and the electrodes of the KoD device. As a result, the embodiments disclosed herein provide a robust solution that prevents liquid and dirt from entering, is at least partially sealed, and increases the adhesive surface area to allow the KoD device to bond well to the touch screen device.

[0033] The embodiments disclosed herein provide improved performance and water resistance compared to devices known to the inventors of the present disclosure. Also, ingress of dirt or liquids may be avoided because the adhesive completely covers the underside of the base assembly, preventing dirt and liquids from entering the KoD device disclosed herein. This improved adhesive surface area may improve one or more of the strength, durability, and stability of the connection between the KoD device and the touch screen device.

[0034] 1 is a block diagram of a KoD system 100, according to some embodiments. The KoD system 100 includes a KoD 102 and a touch screen device 104. The touch screen device 104 includes a control circuit 108 operatively coupled to a touch sensor 106 and a touch screen 120 above the touch sensor 106. The KoD 102 includes a touch surface 116, a switch 114, a rotating electrode pad 112, and a push electrode pad 110. The touch surface 116 is electrically connected to the rotating electrode pad 112 and selectively electrically connected to the push electrode pad 110 via the switch 114. The KoD 102 is configured to be attached to the touch screen device 104, such that the rotating electrode pad 112 and the push electrode pad 110 are in engaging proximity to the touch sensor 106 (118).

[0035] As used herein, the term "engaging proximity" refers to the proximity to a touch screen (e.g., touch screen 120) where a touch sensor (e.g., touch sensor 106) of a touch screen device (e.g., touch screen device 104) can visibly respond to contact with the touch surface (e.g., touch surface 116) and where a push electrode pad (e.g., push electrode pad 110) or a rotating electrode pad (e.g., rotating electrode pad 112) is electrically connected to the touch surface (e.g., touch surface 116). In some examples, the electrode pads may be said to be in engaging proximity to the touch screen of the touch screen device, and in other examples, the electrode pads may be said to be in engaging proximity to the touch sensor of the touch screen device, both of which refer interchangeably to the above definition of "engaging proximity."

[0036] In some embodiments, the KoD 102 includes a touch surface 116 including a conductive material (not shown) configured such that the touch surface 116 is operable to be positioned in a default released position and in a pressed position in response to pressure applied to the touch surface 116 (pressure that triggers the switch 114). The KoD 102 also includes a push electrode pad 110 configured to be positioned in engaging proximity to the touch sensor 106 of the touch screen device 104 in both the released and pressed positions. The push electrode pad 110 is maintained at a constant distance from the touch screen 120 regardless of the released or pressed position of the KoD 102. The push electrode pad 110 is electrically connected to the conductive material of the touch surface 116 in response to the pressed position of the touch surface 116, and is electrically isolated from the conductive material of the touch surface 116 in response to the released position of the touch surface 116. In some embodiments, the KoD 102 further includes rotating electrode pads 112 configured to be positioned in engaging proximity to the touch sensors 106 of the touch screen device 104 in both the released and depressed positions of the touch surface 116. The rotating electrode pads 112 are electrically connected to the conductive material of the touch surface 116 in both the released and depressed positions of the touch surface 116. Thus, the control circuitry 108 of the touch screen device 104 can be programmed (e.g., using firmware or software) to detect a user touching the touch surface 116 (e.g., "grab detection").

[0037] In some embodiments, the KoD 102 further includes an FPC configured to electrically connect the push electrode pads 110 and the rotating electrode pads 112 to the touch surface 116. In some embodiments, the KoD 102 includes a PCB configured to electrically connect the push electrode pads 110 and the rotating electrode pads 112 to the touch surface 116. In some embodiments, the KoD 102 includes a folded FPC configured to electrically connect the push electrode pads 110 and the rotating electrode pads 112 to the touch surface 116. In some embodiments, the KoD 102 includes a conductive overmold including the push electrode pads 110 and the rotating electrode pads 112.

[0038] In some embodiments, the distance between the released position of the touch surface 116 and the depressed position of the touch surface 116 is less than 1 millimeter, preferably 3 / 10 millimeter (0.3 mm) and 1 / 2 millimeter (0.5 mm). In some embodiments, the distance between the released position of the touch surface 116 and the depressed position of the touch surface 116 is about 6 / 10 millimeter (0.6 mm). In some embodiments, the push electrode pad 110 is configured to remain in an electrically floating state (e.g., not electrically connected to the touch surface 116) in response to the touch surface 116 being in the released position. The KoD 102 further includes a switch 114 configured to selectively operably couple the push electrode pad 110 to the conductive material of the touch surface 116 in response to the depressed position (e.g., the switch 114 may include the touch surface 116 therein). To explain this embodiment in a little more detail, it will be understood that the push electrode pad 110 is coupled to the conductive material of the touch surface 116 in response to a pressed position, and is not electrically connected to the conductive material of the touch surface 116 in response to the touch surface 116 being in a released position, and vice versa may be accomplished as well. Thus, generally, the touch surface 116 is electrically connected to the push electrode pad 110 in response to a first position (e.g., pressed) of the KoD device 102, and the touch surface 116 is electrically isolated from the push electrode pad 110 in response to a second position (e.g., released) of the KoD device 102. In some embodiments, the switch 114 includes a dome switch. In some embodiments, the switch 114 includes multiple dome switches (e.g., for a KoD device large enough to accommodate multiple KoDs).

[0039] 2 is a bottom view of an example of a flat circuit 200 for a KoD, according to some embodiments. The flat circuit 200 includes a PCB 208 and a tactile dome switch 206 electrically connected to the PCB 208 via one or more dome switch pads 210. The PCB 208 includes a push electrode pad 202 and a rotating electrode pad 204. The rotating electrode pad 204 is electrically connected to a dome switch pad 210 such that the rotating electrode pad 204 is electrically connected to a touch surface 212 of the tactile dome switch 206 regardless of the position of the tactile dome switch 206. Thus, when a user's finger, stylus, or other touch implement is in contact with the tactile dome switch 206, the rotating electrode pad 204 is electrically connected to the user's finger, stylus, or other touch implement via the dome switch pad 210 and the touch surface 212.

[0040] The push electrode pad 202 is selectively electrically connected to the touch surface 212 of the tactile dome switch 206 in response to a depressed position of the tactile dome switch 206, and is electrically isolated from the touch surface 212 in response to a released position of the tactile dome switch 206. As a result, when a user's finger, stylus, or other touch instrument contacts the tactile dome switch 206 and presses it to the depressed position, the push electrode pad 202 is electrically connected to the finger, stylus, or other touch instrument through the touch surface 212. On the other hand, when the tactile dome switch 206 is in the released position, the push electrode pad 202 is electrically isolated from the user's finger, stylus, or other touch instrument even if the user's finger, stylus, or other touch instrument is in contact with the touch surface 212. As a non-limiting example, a trace electrically connected to the push electrode pad 202 may extend under the tactile dome switch 206 to a contact pad 214 below the tactile dome switch 206. When the KoD is applied to the touchscreen of the touchscreen device, the tactile dome switch 206 is released from engaging proximity with the touch sensor of the touchscreen device. When the tactile dome switch 206 is pressed, the tactile dome switch 206 may contact the contact pad below the tactile dome switch 206, thereby electrically connecting the tactile dome switch 206 to the push electrode pad 202.

[0041] 3A-3C are various views of a KoD 300, according to some embodiments. Figure 3A is a top perspective view of the KoD 300. Figure 3B is a bottom perspective view of the KoD 300 of Figure 3A. Figure 3C is a bottom perspective view of the KoD 300 of Figures 3A and 3B.

[0042] The KoD 300 includes a body 306 carrying conductive (e.g., metal) structures including a push electrode pad 310, a rotating electrode pad 312, a dome switch pad 314, a push contact trace 308, a rotating trace 316, a conductive structure 402, and a conductive structure 404. The body 306 may include a rigid electrically insulating material (e.g., acrylic). The push electrode pad 310 and the rotating electrode pad 312 may be positioned on a bottom side of the KoD 300 and configured to be rotatably secured in proximity to a touch screen (e.g., directly to the touch screen, in engaging proximity to a touch sensor of the touch screen).

[0043] The dome switch pad 314 and the push contact trace 308 may be located on the top side of the KoD 300. The KoD 300 also includes a dome switch 302 operably coupled to the dome switch pad 314. The dome switch pad 314 is electrically connected to the rotating electrode pad 312 via a rotating trace 316 on the body 306. As a non-limiting example, the conductive structure 404 may connect the rotating trace 316 on the body 306 to the rotating electrode pad 312 on the bottom side of the body 306. The push contact trace 308 may extend below the dome switch 302 to a push contact 406. The push contact 406 is configured to be electrically connected to the dome switch 302 in response to the dome switch 302 being in a depressed position and electrically isolated from the dome switch 302 in response to the dome switch 302 being in a released position. The push contact trace 308 is electrically connected to the push electrode pad 310 by the conductive structure 402.

[0044] The KoD 300 includes a dome switch 302 and a touch surface 304 on the dome switch 302. The touch surface 304 includes a conductive material that electrically connects the touch surface 304 to a user's finger or stylus interacting with the KoD 300. In both the released and depressed positions of the dome switch 302, a touch on the touch surface 304 can be electrically coupled to the rotating electrode pad 312 via the dome switch 302, the dome switch pad 314, the rotating trace 316, and the conductive structure 404. In the released position of the dome switch 302, a touch on the touch surface 304 can be electrically isolated from the push electrode pad 310. In the depressed position of the dome switch 302, a touch on the touch surface 304 can be electrically connected to the push electrode pad 310 via the dome switch 302, the push contact 406, the push contact trace 308, and the conductive structure 402.

[0045] The KoD 300 further includes a recess 408 configured to receive a central hub (not shown). The central hub may be fixed (e.g., glued) to the touch screen, and the KoD 300 may rotate about the central hub. Thus, during operation, the KoD 300 rotates (412) about the central axis 410 of the KoD 300, and the positions of the push electrode pad 310 and the rotation electrode pad 312 may rotate (412) about the central axis 410.

[0046] 4 is a perspective view of the KoD 300 of FIGS. 3A, 3B, and 3C in a KoD system 700 according to some embodiments. The KoD system 700 includes a touch screen device (e.g., touch screen device 806 of FIG. 5) including a touch screen 702. The KoD 300 is fixed to the touch screen 702 (e.g., affixed to the touch screen 702 using an adhesive). When the KoD 300 is positioned on the touch screen 702, the rotating electrode pads 312 and the push electrode pads 202 (FIG. 3A) of the KoD 300 are always in engaging proximity with the touch screen 702 (e.g., with the touch sensors of the touch screen 702). The rotating electrode pads 312 are permanently connected to the dome, and the push electrode pads 202 are by default electrically floating (e.g., electrically disconnected from the touch surface 304 (FIG. 3A)). Rotation 706 of the KoD 300 causes rotation of the rotating electrode pad 312 with the KoD 300. Pressing the dome switch 302 (FIG. 3A) electrically connects the push electrode pad 202 to the touch surface 304, as described above.

[0047] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the KoD system 700, with the KoD 300 in a released position 808. FIG. 5 shows a touchscreen device 806, a touchscreen 702 of the touchscreen device 806, the KoD 300, and a user's finger 804 touching the touch surface 304 (FIG. 3A) without depressing the dome switch 302 (FIG. 3A) into a depressed position. In other words, the KoD is in the released position 808. As a result, the rotating electrode pad 312 (FIG. 3B) is electrically connected to the touch surface 304, which in turn is electrically connected to the user's finger 804. Thus, the touchscreen 702 detects a touch proximate the rotating electrode pad 312. A rotating ring 802 is shown displayed on the touchscreen 702 proximate the rotating electrode pad 312 to indicate a touch detected via the rotating electrode pad 312. The KoD 300 may be rotated to move the location of the detected touch radially around the central longitudinal axis of the KoD 300 along with the rotation of the rotating electrode pads 312.

[0048] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the KoD system 700 with the KoD 300 in a pressed position 904. FIG. 6 shows a user's finger 804 applying pressure 906 to the dome switch 302 (FIG. 3A). As a result, the KoD 300 is in the pressed position 904. Pressing the dome switch 302 electrically connects the touch surface 304 (FIG. 3A) to the push electrode pad 310 (FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C), electrically connecting the user's finger 804 to the push electrode pad 310. As a result, the touch sensor of the touch screen device 806 detects a touch in proximity to the push electrode pad 310, which responds to the push electrode pad 310, as indicated by the push ring 902 shown on the touch screen 702. 6 illustrates detection of a touch detected in response to a rotating electrode pad 312 (FIG. 3B). A rotating ring 802 is also shown. This is because the rotating electrode pad 312 (FIG. 3B) is always electrically connected to the touch surface 304, such that contact with the touch surface 304 electrically connects to the user's finger 804, causing a touch to be detected by the touch screen 702 proximate the location of the rotating electrode pad 312. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6, the pressed position 904 may result in a displacement of the touch surface of less than a millimeter (e.g., without limitation, 0.3 millimeters to 0.5 millimeters) relative to the position of the touch surface at the released position 808 (FIG. 5).

[0049] In some embodiments, the touchscreen device 806 is configured to display a plurality of different graphical user interface elements proximate to the KoD 300 at different times to allow a user to interact with the different graphical user interface elements at different times via the KoD 300. As a non-limiting example, the touchscreen device 806 may be configured to display a variety of different automotive graphical user interface elements at different times. As a non-limiting example, a first set of graphical user interface elements may include climate control user interface elements, a second set of graphical user interface elements may include stereo control user interface elements, and a third set of graphical user interface elements may include automotive seat and / or rearview mirror control elements. The touchscreen device 806 and the KoD 300 may work together to allow a user to interface with these elements via rotation and pressing of the KoD 300.

[0050] 7 is a bottom view of an example of a flat FPC 1000 for a KoD (e.g., KoD 1100 of FIG. 8), according to some embodiments. The FPC 1000 has a central hole 1006, a dome switch contact 1008, and a press contact 1014. The FPC 1000 also includes electrode pads, including a push electrode pad 1010 and a rotation electrode pad 1012.

[0051] The rotating electrode pad 1012 may be electrically connected to the dome switch contact 1008 (e.g., via one or more conductive traces of the FPC 1000). Thus, when a user touches a dome switch coupled to the dome switch contact 1008, the user's finger may be electrically connected to the rotating electrode pad 1012 regardless of the position of a switch (e.g., switch 114 of FIG. 1) of the KoD (e.g., KoD 1100 of FIG. 8).

[0052] The push electrode pad 1010 may be electrically connected (e.g., via one or more conductive traces of the FPC 1000) to the press contact 1014. Thus, when a user presses a dome switch coupled to the dome switch contact 1008, the user's finger may be electrically connected to the push electrode pad 1010 in response to pressing the dome switch (e.g., causing the dome switch to contact the press contact 1014 in the switch's pressed position).

[0053] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an example of a KoD 1100 including the FPC 1000 of FIG. 7. The FPC 1000 is configured in a folded FPC configuration, as opposed to the flat FPC 1000 of FIG. 7 in a flat configuration (i.e., unfolded). The KoD 1100 includes a dome switch 1104 operably coupled (e.g., electrically connected and mechanically connected) to a dome switch contact 1008 (FIG. 7) of the FPC 1000. The KoD 1100 also includes a body 1110 configured to carry the FPC 1000. The KoD 1100 further includes a central retaining spigot 1106 that extends through a central hole 1006 of the FPC 1000. In some embodiments, the body 1110 can be configured to rotate about the central retaining spigot 1106. Thus, the KoD 1100 is configured to rotate about a central axis 1112 of the KoD 1100. The body 1110, the central retaining spigot 1106, or both may include locking features to secure the central retaining spigot 1106 to the body 1110 in a manner that allows rotation of the body 1110 about the central retaining spigot 1106. As a non-limiting example, the body 1110 or the central retaining spigot 1106 may include a detent (not shown) and the other of the body 1110 or the central retaining spigot 1106 may include a detent actuator (not shown) to mechanically connect the body 1110 to the central retaining spigot 1106. In some embodiments, the central retaining spigot 1106 may be configured to be secured (e.g., glued) directly to the touchscreen. In some embodiments, one or more intervening structures may be disposed between the KoD 1100 and the touchscreen. As a non-limiting example, a base assembly (eg, base assembly 2318 in FIG. 20, base assembly 2504 in FIG. 21A, base assembly 2504 in FIG. 21B) may be located between the KoD 1100 and the touch screen.

[0054] The KoD 1100 also includes an actuator 1108 operably coupled to the dome switch 1104. The actuator 1108 includes a touch surface 1102 (e.g., a top surface and / or an outer surface of the actuator 1108). Thus, when a user touches the touch surface 1102, the user's finger may be electrically connected to the dome switch 1104 and the dome switch contacts 1008 via the actuator 1108. For example, in response to a touch on the touch surface 1102, the user's finger may be electrically connected to the rotating electrode pad 1012 (FIG. 7), which is (e.g., always) electrically connected to the dome switch contacts 1008 via the FPC 1000. As a result, when a user rotates the KoD 1100, the rotating electrode pad 1012 may be constantly detected by a touch sensor of a touch screen to which the KoD 1100 is fixed, regardless of the position of the KoD 1100 (e.g., pressed position, released position). As a result, the touch sensor of the touch screen device can track the position of the rotating electrode pad 1012 as it moves in front of the touch screen of the touch screen device. The dome switch 1104 is also configured to selectively electrically connect the touch surface 1102 to the push electrode pad 1010 (FIG. 7) of the FPC 1000 via the press contact 1014 when the KoD 1100 is in the pressed position. As a result, in response to a user pressing the actuator 1108 with the KoD 1100 in the pressed position, the touch surface 1102 is electrically connected to the push electrode pad 1010, and in response to the push electrode pad 1010 being electrically connected to the user's finger, a touch is registered by the touch sensor. Although the push electrode pad 1010 may rotate with the rotation of the KoD 1100, pressing of the KoD 1100 can be detected in response to detection of both the push electrode pad 1010 and the rotating electrode pad 1012. Detection of only one pad can be associated with the release state of the KoD1100.

[0055] 9A-9C are a set of views of a portion 1208 of a 2 PCB KoD, according to some embodiments. FIG. 9A is a top perspective view, FIG. 9B is a bottom perspective view, and FIG. 9C is a top perspective view with a dome switch 1228 of the portion 1208. The portion 1208 includes a bottom PCB 1214, a top PCB 1218, and a detent actuator 1216 between the bottom PCB 1214 and the top PCB 1218. Adhesive can be used to connect the various layers of the portion 1208. As a non-limiting example, adhesive can be used between the bottom PCB 1214 and the detent actuator 1216 to secure the bottom PCB 1214 to the detent actuator 1216. Also, adhesive can be used between the detent actuator 1216 and the top PCB 1218 to secure the detent actuator 1216 to the top PCB 1218.

[0056] FIG. 9B shows that the lower PCB 1214 includes a rotating electrode pad 1210 and a push electrode pad 1212 (e.g., a metal electrode such as a copper electrode). Thus, if a different number, size, or configuration of electrode pads is desired, the lower PCB 1214 can be easily replaced with a different lower PCB having the desired number, size, and configuration of electrode pads. FIGS. 9A and 9C show that the upper PCB 1218 includes a dome switch pad 1222 configured to mount a dome switch 1228 and a rotating trace 1226 configured to electrically connect the dome switch pad 1222 to the rotating electrode pad 1210. The upper PCB 1218 also includes a push contact 1220 configured to be electrically connected to the dome switch 1228 in response to a depressed position of the dome switch 1228 and to be electrically isolated from the dome switch 1228 in response to a released position of the dome switch 1228. The top PCB 1218 further includes push contact traces 1224 configured to electrically connect the push contacts 1220 to the push electrode pads 1212 .

[0057] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a 2-PCB KoD 1300 including the portion 1208 of FIGS. 9A-9C, according to some embodiments. FIG. 11A is a cross-sectional view of another 2-PCB KoD 1400, according to some embodiments. The KoD 1300 of FIG. 10 includes a touch cap 1306 on a cushion 1304. The KoD 1400 of FIG. 11A includes a touch cap 1308 held in place by a clip 1320. The KoDs 1300 and 1400 show the portion 1208 including the lower PCB 1214, the detent actuator 1216, the upper PCB 1218, and the dome switch 1228 on the upper PCB 1218. The KoDs 1300 and 1400 also include a hub 1310 that extends through the lower PCB 1214. The hub 1310 can be configured to secure to a touch screen (e.g., the touch screen 702 of FIG. 4). As a non-limiting example, the hub 1310 may be secured to the touch screen by an adhesive 1316 at the bottom of the hub 1310. Similar to the rotation of the KoD 1100 around the central retaining spigot 1106 of FIG. 8, the portion 1208 is configured to rotate around the hub 1310 to allow movement of the rotating electrode pad 1210 (FIG. 9B) upon rotation of the portion 1208. In some embodiments, the hub 1310 may include a detent 1312 configured to provide mechanical resistance to the detent actuator 1216 upon rotation of the portion 1208 relative to the hub 1310. The detent actuator 1216 and the detent 1312 may also function as a locking feature 1330 between the portion 1208 and the hub 1310 to secure the portion 1208 to the hub 1310 to allow rotation of the portion 1208 around the hub 1310.

[0058] The KoD 1300 includes a touch cap 1306 operably coupled to the dome switch 1228 to allow a user to press the dome switch 1228 into a depressed position by pressing the touch cap 1306. The KoD 1300 also includes a cushion 1304 positioned on the top PCB 1218 at the periphery of the top PCB 1218. The cushion 1304 is configured to be compressed in response to pressing the touch cap 1306 to allow the touch cap 1306 to be displaced relative to the portion 1208. By way of non-limiting example, the cushion 1304 may include open cell foam or other material (e.g., an elastic polymer) or object (e.g., a spring) that is compressed and returns to its pre-compression volume and shape.

[0059] The touch cap 1306 includes a touch surface 1314 thereon. At least a portion of the touch cap 1306 includes a conductive material for electrically connecting the touch surface 1314 to the dome switch 1228. Thus, when a user touches the touch surface 1314, the user's finger is electrically connected to the dome switch 1228. Since the dome switch 1228 is always electrically connected to the rotating electrode pad 1210, the user's finger is electrically connected to the rotating electrode pad 1210 in both the pressed position of the KoD 1300 and the released position of the KoD 1300. Also, the user's finger is electrically connected to the push electrode pad 1212 (FIG. 9B) when the KoD 1300 is in the pressed position, and is electrically isolated from the push electrode pad 1212 when the KoD 1300 is in the released position.

[0060] The KoD 1400 includes a touch cap 1308 operably coupled to the dome switch 1228 to allow a user to press the dome switch 1228 to a depressed position by pressing the touch cap 1308. The touch cap 1308 includes a touch cap side 1318 that extends downwardly around an outer surface of the portion 1208 to guide the touch cap 1308 when the touch cap is pressed to the depressed position. The KoD 1400 also includes a clip 1320 that extends through the top PCB 1218 to hold the touch cap 1308 in place relative to the portion 1208. The detent actuator 1216 may include a passage 1322 that allows the clip 1320 to traverse through the detent actuator 1216. The top PCB 1218 may also include a passageway through which the clips 1320 extend, but a distal end of each of the clips 1320 may have a larger horizontal dimension than the passageway through the top PCB 1218 to prevent the touch cap 1308 from being pulled away from the portion 1208. A proximal end of each of the clips 1320 may be secured to the touch cap 1308.

[0061] The touch cap 1308 includes a touch surface 1324 thereon. The touch surface 1324 may extend along a top surface of the touch cap 1308 and / or along an outer surface of the side 1318 of the touch cap 1308. At least a portion of the touch cap 1308 includes a conductive material for electrically connecting the touch surface 1324 to the dome switch 1228. Thus, when a user touches the touch surface 1324, the user's finger is electrically connected to the dome switch 1228. Since the dome switch 1228 is always electrically connected to the rotating electrode pad 1210, the user's finger is electrically connected to the rotating electrode pad 1210 in both the pressed position of the KoD 1400 and the released position of the KoD 1400. Also, the user's finger is electrically connected to the push electrode pad 1212 when the KoD 1400 is in the pressed position and is electrically isolated from the push electrode pad 1212 when the KoD 1400 is in the released position.

[0062] Figure 11B is an exploded view of one example of the KoD 1400 of Figure 11A. As previously described, the KoD 1400 includes a touch cap 1308 having a touch surface 1324 thereon, a dome switch 1228, a clip 1320 (e.g., a conductive clip), an upper PCB 1218, a detent actuator 1216, a lower PCB 1214, a hub 1310, and an adhesive 1316 (e.g., an adhesive for applying the KoD 1400 to a touch screen of a touch screen device).

[0063] Figures 11C-11H are various views of the KoD 1400 of Figures 11A and 11B. Figure 11C is a bottom view, Figure 11D is a cross-sectional view taken through section DD of Figure 11C, Figure 11E is a top view, Figure 11F is a cross-sectional view taken through section FF of Figure 11C, Figure 11G is a top perspective view, and Figure 11H is a bottom perspective view.

[0064] 12 is a cross-sectional view of an injection molded KoD 1600, according to some embodiments. As a non-limiting example, the KoD 1600 may include a twin shot injection molded KoD. The KoD 1600 may show some similarities to the KoD 1300 of FIG. 10. For example, the KoD 1600 includes a detent actuator 1606, a hub 1610, a detent 1612, an adhesive 1628, a touch cap 1616, a touch surface 1618, a dome switch 1608, and a cushion 1614, which are similar to the detent actuator 1216, the hub 1310, the detent 1312, the adhesive 1628, the touch cap 1306, the touch surface 1314, the dome switch 1228, and the cushion 1304, respectively, of the KoD 1300 of FIG. 10. 10. However, KoD 1600 includes a substrate 1604 (eg, an ABS substrate) and an overmold 1602 (eg, a conductive overmold) rather than the lower PCB 1214 and upper PCB 1218 of KoD 1300 of FIG.

[0065] The overmold 1602 includes conductive structures such as push electrode pad 1624, rotating electrode pad 1626, dome switch pad 1622, and push contact 1620, which are similar to the push electrode pad 1212, rotating electrode pad 1210, dome switch pad 1222, and push contact 1220 of FIGS. 9A-9C. However, in contrast to conductive trace material on a PCB such as their counterparts in the KoD 1300 of FIG. 10, the push electrode pad 1624, rotating electrode pad 1626, dome switch pad 1622, and push contact 1620 may include an infusion material. By way of non-limiting example, the infusion material may include a conductive polymer, an electrically insulating polymer coated with a conductive material, or other conductive overmold material. The push electrode pad 1624 is electrically connected to the push contact 1620 through the overmold 1602. The rotating electrode pad 1626 is also electrically connected to the dome switch pad 1622 through the overmold 1602. However, push electrode pad 1624 and push contact 1620 are electrically isolated from rotating electrode pad 1626 and dome switch pad 1622 by substrate 1604. Note that for simplicity, push electrode pad 1624, push contact 1620, rotating electrode pad 1626, and dome switch pad 1622 are not shown in detail to show their individual structures as shown in Figure 12. However, such detail is shown in Figures 13A and 13B.

[0066] The substrate 1604 is configured to provide structural support to the overmold 1602 and to insulate the push electrode pad 1624 and the push contact 1620 from the rotating electrode pad 1626 and the dome switch pad 1622. The substrate 1604 comprises an electrically insulating material. Further details regarding the KoD 1600 are shown in Figures 13A and 13B.

[0067] Figures 13A and 13B are diagrams of an example of a substrate 1604 and overmold 1602 of the KoD 1600 of Figure 12. Figure 13A is a bottom perspective view of the substrate 1604 and overmold 1602, and Figure 13B is a top perspective view thereof. Figure 13A shows a push electrode pad 1624 and a rotating electrode pad 1626. Figure 13B shows a push contact 1620 and a dome switch pad 1622.

[0068] 14A and 14B are a set of views of another KoD2000, according to some embodiments. FIG. 14A is a bottom perspective view of the KoD2000, and FIG. 14B is a top perspective view thereof. The KoD2000 includes an overmolded structure 1806 and a touch cap 1808. The touch cap 1808 includes a touch surface 1810. The overmolded structure 1806 includes a push electrode pad 1812 and a rotating electrode pad 1814. The touch surface 1810 is electrically connected to the rotating electrode pad 1814 regardless of whether the KoD2000 is in the pressed position or the released position. The touch surface 1810 is electrically connected to the push electrode pad 1812 in response to the KoD2000 being in the pressed position. The touch surface 1810 is electrically isolated from the push electrode pad 1812 in response to the KoD2000 being in the released position.

[0069] The KoD 2000 also includes a hub 1816 inserted into the overmolded structure 1806. The hub 1816 is configured to be secured to the touch screen, and the overmolded structure 1806 is configured to rotate around the hub 1816. Thus, the rotating electrode pad 1814 is configured to move along the touch screen in a rotational direction around the hub 1816 in response to rotation of the overmolded structure 1806 around the hub 1816. The push electrode pad 1812 may also rotate around the hub 1816. As a result, both the push electrode pad 1812 and the rotating electrode pad 1814 may be detected in response to a pressed position of the KoD 2000 and a touch on the touch surface 1810. In such a pressed position of the KoD 2000, the rotation of the KoD may be tracked by tracking the rotation of the rotating electrode pad 1814, the push electrode pad 1812, or both.

[0070] 15A-15C are diagrams of an example of an overmold structure 1806 of the KoD 2000 of FIGS. 16A and 16B. FIG. 15A is a top perspective view, FIG. 15B is a bottom perspective view, and FIG. 15C is a side perspective view of the overmold structure 1806 including an overmold 1916 positioned within a substrate 1918. The overmold structure 1806 includes an overmold 1916 and a substrate 1918 configured to carry the overmold 1916. In some embodiments, the overmold 1916 is configured to snap-fit ​​within the substrate 1918. In some embodiments, the overmold 1916 and / or the substrate 1918 include one or more structures configured to mate with one or more recesses in the substrate 1918 and / or the overmold 1916.

[0071] Figure 16 is a side perspective view of the overmold 1916 of the overmold structure 1806 of Figures 15A-15C. The overmold 1916 includes a dome switch pad 1922 electrically connected to the rotating electrode pad 1814. The dome switch pad 1922 is configured to allow for attachment of a dome switch. The dome switch is operatively coupled to the touch cap 1808 such that the touch surface 1810 of the touch cap 1808 is electrically connected to the dome switch pad 1922 and the rotating electrode pad 1814 through the dome switch in response to both the depressed and released positions of the KoD2000.

[0072] The overmold 1916 also includes a push contact 1920 electrically connected to the push electrode pad 1812. The push contact 1920 is configured to electrically connect to the touch surface 1810 (FIG. 14B) of the touch cap 1808 (FIGS. 14A and 14B) in response to a depressed position of the KoD 2000 (FIGS. 14A and 14B). As a non-limiting example, a dome switch can be configured to contact the push contact 1920 in response to a depressed position of the KoD 2000. Also, the dome switch can be configured to not contact the push contact 1920 in response to a released position of the KoD 2000.

[0073] FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of the substrate 1918 of the overmolded structure 1806 of FIGS. 15A-15C. The substrate 1918 includes a cap clip 1912 configured to secure the touch cap 1808 (FIGS. 14A and 14B) to the overmolded structure 1806. The substrate 1918 also includes a detent actuator 1914 (e.g., a spring detent actuator) configured to mate with a detent of the hub 1816 (FIG. 14A). In some embodiments, the detent actuator 1914 is mirrored (e.g., symmetrical) as shown in FIG. 17, providing a user with a similar experience of rotating the KoD 2000 in both directions of rotation of the KoD 2000.

[0074] Figures 18A-18F are diagrams of the KoD 2000 of Figures 14A and 14B. Figure 18A is an exploded view of the KoD 2000 of Figures 14A and 14B. As previously described, the KoD 2000 includes a touch cap 1808 having a touch surface 1810, a dome switch 2004, an overmolded structure 1806, a hub 1816 having a detent 2006 (configured to mate with the detent actuator 1914 of Figure 17), and an adhesive 2002 (e.g., for securing the hub 1816 to a touch screen device).

[0075] Figures 18B-18F are further views of the KoD2000 of Figures 14A-14B and 18A, including callouts identifying various elements as described above. Figure 18B is a bottom view, Figure 18D is a top view, Figure 18C is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC of Figure 18B, Figure 18E is a cross-sectional view taken along section EE of Figure 18B, and Figure 18F is a cross-sectional view taken along section FF of Figure 18B.

[0076] 19 is a flow chart illustrating a method 2200 of operating a KoD device (e.g., any of the KoD devices disclosed herein) according to some embodiments. At operation 2202, the method 2200 includes electrically connecting a user's finger in contact with a touch surface of the KoD device to a rotating electrode pad in response to the finger touching the touch surface regardless of the KoD device press position or the KoD device release position.

[0077] At operation 2204, method 2200 includes electrically connecting the finger to a push electrode pad of the KoD device in response to a press position on the KoD device. In some embodiments, electrically connecting the finger to the push electrode pad in response to the press position includes contacting the push contact with a dome switch electrically connected to the touch surface in response to pressing the dome switch on the push contact, the push contact being electrically connected to the push electrode pad.

[0078] At operation 2206, method 2200 includes electrically isolating the finger from a push electrode pad of the KoD device in response to a release position of the KoD device. In some embodiments, electrically isolating the finger from the push electrode pad in response to the release position includes electrically isolating a push contact from a dome switch electrically connected to the touch surface, the push contact being electrically connected to the push electrode pad.

[0079] In act 2208, the method 2200 includes maintaining the push electrode pad at a constant distance from the touch screen of the touch screen device regardless of the pressed and released positions of the KoD device.

[0080] FIG. 20 is a block diagram of a KoD system 2300, according to some embodiments. The KoD system 2300 may be similar to the KoD system 100 of FIG. 1. For example, the KoD system 2300 includes a KoD device 2302 and a touchscreen device 2304, similar to the KoD 102 and touchscreen device 104 of FIG. 1. The touchscreen device 2304 includes a control circuit 2308 operably coupled to a touch sensor 2306, similar to the control circuit 108 and touch sensor 106 of the touchscreen device 104 of FIG. 1. The KoD device 2302 includes a touch surface 2316, a switch 2314, a rotating electrode pad 2312, and a push electrode pad 2310, similar to the touch surface 116, the switch 114, the rotating electrode pad 112, and the push electrode pad 110 of FIG. 1. At least one electrode (e.g., the push electrode pad 2310, the rotating electrode pad 2312) includes a conductive material. The touch surface 2316 is electrically connected to the rotating electrode pad 2312 and selectively electrically connected to the push electrode pad 2310 via a switch 2314. The KoD device 2302 is attached to a touch screen 2320 of the touch screen device 2304 and configured such that at least one electrode (e.g., the rotating electrode pad 2312 and the push electrode pad 2310) is in engaging proximity to the touch sensor 2306. As a non-limiting example, the rotating electrode pad 2312 and the push electrode pad 2310 may be positioned a fixed distance from the touch screen 2320 of the touch screen device 2304.

[0081] The KoD device 2302 also includes a base assembly 2318 configured to be positioned between the touch screen 2320 of the touch screen device 2304 and the push electrode pad 2310 and the rotating electrode pad 2312. At least one electrode is configured to interact with the touch sensor 2306 via the base assembly 2318 and the touch screen 2320. For example, the base assembly 2318 may be thin enough to allow the touch sensor 2306 to detect at least one electrode (e.g., the push electrode pad 2310 and the rotating electrode pad 2312) via the base assembly 2318 and the touch screen 2320. In other words, the at least one electrode is in engagement proximity (2322) to the touch sensor 2306 via the base assembly. In some embodiments, the base assembly 2318 is configured to at least partially cover an end of the KoD device 2302 that includes one or more electrodes. The thickness of the base assembly 2318, including the adhesive that secures the base assembly 2318 to the touch screen device 2304, can be, but is not limited to, about half a millimeter (0.5 mm) or less.

[0082] In some embodiments, the base assembly 2318 includes one or more side walls that extend toward the conductive cap of the KoD device 2302 (e.g., at least partially encases an inner housing, such as inner housing 2626 in FIG. 21B). In some embodiments, the KoD device 2302 includes one or more seals between the one or more side walls of the base assembly 2318 and the conductive cap to seal the interior of the KoD device 2302 (e.g., against liquids, dust, debris, or other contaminants). In some embodiments, the base assembly 2318 includes a post (e.g., post 2630 in FIG. 21B) that extends into the inner housing of the KoD device 2302 (e.g., inner housing 2626 in FIG. 21B) and is configured to allow the inner housing to rotate about the post. Rotation of the inner housing allows the rotating electrode pad 2312 and the push electrode pad 2310, which are mechanically coupled to the inner housing, to rotate about the post with the inner housing. In some embodiments, the base assembly includes a detent (e.g., detent 2628 in FIG. 21B) and the inner housing includes a detent actuator (e.g., detent ball 2618 and detent spring 2622 in FIG. 21B) to provide mechanical resistance and, in some cases, tactile "click" feedback to rotation of the inner housing about the post. The detent and detent actuator can act as a locking mechanism to secure the base assembly to the inner housing, while allowing the inner housing to rotate about the post within the base assembly.

[0083] The KoD device 2302 includes a touch surface 2316 comprising a conductive material, configured to be positioned in a released position by default and to be positioned in a pressed position in response to pressure applied to the touch surface 2316 (pressure that closes a switch 2314 to electrically connect the touch surface 2316 to the push electrode pad 2310). The KoD device 2302 also includes a push electrode pad 2310 configured to be positioned in engaging proximity to a touch sensor 2306 of the touch screen device 2304 in both the released and pressed positions. For example, the touch push electrode pad 2310 may be positioned at a constant distance from the touch screen 2320 and the touch sensor 2306 regardless of the released and pressed positions of the KoD device 2302. The push electrode pad 2310 is electrically connected to the conductive material of the touch surface 2316 in response to the pressed position and is electrically isolated from the conductive material of the touch surface 2316 in response to the released position. The KoD device 2302 further includes a rotating electrode pad 2312 configured to be positioned in engaging proximity to the touch sensor 2306 of the touch screen device 2304 in both the released and depressed positions. For example, the rotating electrode pad 2312 may be positioned a constant distance from the touch screen 2320 and the touch sensor 2306 regardless of the released and depressed positions of the KoD device 2302. The rotating electrode pad 2312 is electrically connected to the conductive material of the touch surface 2316 in both the released and depressed positions.

[0084] In some embodiments, the base assembly 2318 is configured to carry an adhesive (e.g., adhesive 2624 in FIG. 21B ) on a side of the base assembly 2318 facing at least one electrode (e.g., a surface of the base assembly 2318 facing the touchscreen 2320 of the touchscreen device 2304). The adhesive is configured to secure the KoD device 2302 to the touchscreen 2320 of the touchscreen device 2304. Thus, the base assembly 2318 is configured to be secured to the touchscreen 2320. In some embodiments, at least substantially the entire side of the base assembly facing the at least one electrode is configured to carry an adhesive.

[0085] In some embodiments, the KoD device 2302 further comprises an FPC configured to electrically connect the push electrode pad 2310 and the rotating electrode pad 2312 to the touch surface 2316. In some embodiments, the KoD device 2302 comprises a PCB configured to electrically connect the rotating electrode pad 2312 to the touch surface 2316 and to further switchably connect the push electrode pad 2310 to the touch surface 2316. In some embodiments, the KoD device 2302 comprises a folded FPC configured to electrically connect the rotating electrode pad 2312 to the touch surface 2316 and to further switchably connect the push electrode pad 2310 to the touch surface 2316. In some embodiments, the KoD device 2302 comprises a conductive overmold including the push electrode pad 2310 and the rotating electrode pad 2312.

[0086] In some embodiments, the distance between the released position of the touch surface 2316 and the depressed position of the touch surface 2316 is less than 1 millimeter (e.g., 0.3 mm to 1 mm). In some embodiments, the distance between the released position of the touch surface 2316 and the depressed position of the touch surface 2316 is about 0.6 mm. In some embodiments, the push electrode pad 2310 is configured to remain in an electrically floating state in response to the touch surface 2316 being in the released position. The KoD device 2302 further includes a switch 2314 configured to selectively operably couple the push electrode pad 2310 to the conductive material of the touch surface 2316 in response to the depressed position. In some embodiments, the switch 2314 includes a dome switch.

[0087] 1, the KoD device 2302 may include any KoD, such as the KoD300, KoD1100, KoD1300, KoD1400, KoD1600, KoD2000, or other KoD device, in addition to the base assembly 2318. As a non-limiting example, the KoD device 2302 may include an overmolded inner housing implementation (e.g., similar to the KoD1600 or KoD2000) in addition to the base assembly.

[0088] 21A-21J are diagrams of a KoD device 2500, which is an example of the KoD device 2302 of FIG. 20. FIG. 21A is a perspective view of the KoD device 2500. The KoD device 2500 includes a touch surface 2502 and a base assembly 2504. The base assembly 2504 includes a side 2506 configured to adhere to a touch screen of a touch screen device. The side 2506 of the base assembly 2504 is configured to face the touch screen and faces the side of the base assembly 2504 that faces one or more electrodes of the KoD device 2500. To adhere the KoD device 2500 to the touch screen, an adhesive can be applied to at least substantially the entire side 2506 of the base assembly 2504 that faces the side of the base assembly 2504 that faces the one or more electrodes.

[0089] 21B is an exploded view of the KoD device 2500 of FIG. 21A. The KoD device 2500 includes a conductive decorative ring 2602 (e.g., comprising laser cut metal), a ring adhesive 2604 (e.g., which may be replaced by a clip that fastens the conductive decorative ring 2602 to the conductive cap 2606), a conductive cap 2606 (e.g., comprising the touch surface 2502), a dome switch 2608, a dome PCB 2610, a star lock retainer 2612, a bearing 2614, a connecting spring 2616 (e.g., two connecting springs), and a detent ball 2608. 21B , the adhesive 2624 may be sized to cover at least substantially the entire surface of a side 2506 of the base assembly 2504 that faces one or more electrodes of the electrode PCB 2620 (i.e., a side 2506 of the base assembly 2504 that is configured to face a touch screen device). For example, as shown in FIG. 21B , the adhesive 2624 is the same size as the side 2506 of the base assembly 2504.

[0090] The base assembly 2504 and conductive cap 2606 together enclose other components (e.g., electrode PCB 2620, inner housing 2626, detent spring 2622, detent ball 2618, bearing 2614, connection spring 2616, star lock retainer 2612, dome PCB 2610, and dome switch 2608). The base assembly 2504 may be directly secured to a touchscreen (e.g., touchscreen 2320 of FIG. 20) using adhesive 2624. The base assembly 2504 may also include detents 2628 that engage with the detent ball 2618 to provide mechanical resistance to rotation of the KoD device 2500 and mechanically secure the base assembly 2504 to the inner housing 2626. The base assembly 2504 further includes a post 2630 configured to couple to a bearing 2614 that enables the inner housing 2626 and the components coupled thereto (e.g., electrode PCB 2620, dome PCB 2610, dome switch 2608, conductive cap 2606, ring adhesive 2604, conductive decorative ring 2602) to rotate relative to the post 2630.

[0091] In some embodiments, the connection springs 2616 are configured to connect the dome PCB 2610 to the inner housing 2626. In some embodiments, the assembly may be secured to the base assembly 2504 using a star lock retainer 2612 and the connection springs 2616. However, in some embodiments, solder may be used to connect the dome PCB 2610 to the electrode PCB 2620. A relatively thin bearing 2614 (in some embodiments, 1-2 mm thick) may be used to reduce the overall height of the KoD device 2500. In some embodiments, rather than using a bearing 2614, the interface of two different plastics may be used as the bearing, which may be implemented at a relatively low cost. As noted above, the overall height of the KoD device should preferably not exceed 10 mm.

[0092] At least one electrode of the electrode PCB 2620 (e.g., push electrode pad 2310, rotation electrode pad 2312 in FIG. 20) can be sensed through the base assembly 2504 and adhesive 2624. The thickness of the base assembly 2504 can affect performance since the base assembly becomes an extension of the touch sensor surface.

[0093] Figures 21C-21H show various views of a KoD apparatus having the callouts identified above. Figure 21C is a bottom view of the KoD device 2500, Figure 21E is a top view thereof, and Figure 21G is a perspective view thereof. Figure 21D is a cross-sectional view taken through section DD of Figure 21C, Figure 21F is a cross-sectional view taken through section FF of Figure 21C, and Figure 21H is a cross-sectional view taken through section HH of Figure 21C.

[0094] 21I and 21J are cross-sectional views of the KoD device 2500. FIG. 21I shows a detent ball 2618 engaging a detent 2628 on an inner wall of a side wall 2812 of the base assembly 2504. A detent spring 2622 is configured to exert an outward force on the detent ball 2618 to maintain engagement between the detent ball 2618 and the detent 2628. FIG. 21I also shows an adhesive 2624 applied (carried) on a side 2506 of the base assembly 2504 configured to face a touch screen device. As a non-limiting example, the adhesive 2624 can be configured to extend over at least substantially the entire side 2506 of the base assembly 2504, as shown in FIG. 21I. Also as a non-limiting example, the thickness 2810 of the base assembly 2504 can be substantially 0.5 mm or less.

[0095] 21J, the KoD device 2500 may include at least one seal 2806 between the base assembly 2504 and the conductive cap 2606 to prevent foreign objects from entering the KoD device 2500. In some embodiments, the conductive cap 2606 includes one or more clips 2808 configured to secure the conductive cap 2606 to the inner housing 2626, as shown in FIG.

[0096] 22A and 22B are diagrams of a KoD system 3002 similar to the KoD system 2300 of FIG. 20. The KoD system includes a touchscreen device 3008 similar to the touchscreen device 2304 of FIG. 20. The touchscreen device 3008 includes a touchscreen 3010 similar to the touchscreen 2320 of FIG. 20. The touchscreen device 3008 also includes a touch sensor and control circuitry (not shown) similar to the touch sensor 2306 and control circuitry 2308 of FIG. 20. The KoD system 3002 further includes the KoD device 2500 of FIG. 21A secured to the touchscreen 3010. As a non-limiting example, the base assembly 2504 (not shown) of the KoD device 2500 can be secured to the touchscreen 3010 using adhesive 2624 (FIG. 21B). Rotation 3018 of the conductive cap 2606 may cause the rotating electrode pads of the KoD device 2500 to rotate with the conductive cap 2606. The push electrode pads and rotating electrode pads of the KoD device 2500 may be brought into engaging proximity with the touch sensors of the touch screen device 3008 (3016).

[0097] 22B shows a user's finger 3012 in contact with the touch surface 2502 of the KoD device 2500. In response to the finger 3012 in contact with the touch surface 2502, the touch screen device 3008 is adapted to display a ring 3014 on the touch screen 3010 corresponding to the detection of one or more of the push electrode pads and the rotating electrode pads. This detection results from the electrical connection of the touch surface 2502 to the rotating electrode pads and the switchable connection of the touch surface 2502 to the push electrode pads, as described above. Thus, the KoD device 2500 is configured to electrically connect the finger 3012 to one or more of the push electrode pads and the rotating electrode pads.

[0098] Firmware of the control circuitry of the touch screen device 3008 (eg, the control circuitry 2308 of FIG. 20) may be adjusted based on the sensing performance of the KoD device 2500 given the presence of the base assembly 2504 to provide appropriate performance.

[0099] 23 is a flow chart illustrating a method 3100 of assembling a KoD system (e.g., KoD system 2300 of FIG. 20) according to some embodiments. In operation 3102, the method 3100 includes applying an adhesive (e.g., adhesive 2624 of FIG. 21B) to a base assembly (e.g., base assembly 2318 of FIG. 20, base assembly 2504 of FIG. 21A) of a KoD device (e.g., KoD device 2302 of FIG. 20, KoD device 2500 of FIG. 21A), the base assembly at least partially housing one or more electrodes (e.g., push electrode pad 2310 and / or rotation electrode pad 2312 of FIG. 20) configured to interact with a touch sensor (e.g., touch sensor 2306 of FIG. 20) of a touch screen device (e.g., touch screen device 2304 of FIG. 20, touch screen device 3008 of FIGS. 22A and 22B). As a non-limiting example, Figure 21B shows adhesive 2624 applied to the base assembly 2504. In some embodiments, applying the adhesive to the base assembly includes applying the adhesive to substantially the entire surface of the base assembly that is configured to face a touch screen device.

[0100] At operation 3104, the method 3100 includes securing the KoD device to a touchscreen of a touchscreen device, with the base assembly located between the one or more electrodes and the touchscreen. As a non-limiting example, Figures 22A and 22B show the KoD device 2500 secured to a touchscreen device 3008 using adhesive 2624 of Figure 21B.

[0101] 24 is a block diagram of a computing device 3200 that may be used in some embodiments. The computing device 3200 includes one or more processors 3202 (sometimes referred to herein as “processors 3202”) operably coupled to one or more data storage devices (sometimes referred to herein as “storage devices 3204”). The storage devices 3204 include computer-readable instructions (e.g., software, firmware) stored therein. The computer-readable instructions are configured to instruct the processor 3202 to perform operations of the embodiments disclosed herein. As a non-limiting example, the computer-readable instructions may be configured to instruct the processor 3202 to perform at least a portion or the entirety of the control circuit 108 of FIG. 1 and / or the control circuit 2308 of FIG. 20.

[0102] In some embodiments, the processor 3202 includes a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller, a programmable logic controller (PLC), other programmable devices, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the memory device 3204 includes a volatile data storage device (e.g., random-access memory (RAM)), a non-volatile data storage device (e.g., but not limited to, a flash memory, a hard disk drive, a solid-state drive, an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), etc.). In some embodiments, the processor 3202 is configured to transfer computer-readable instructions stored in the non-volatile data storage device to the volatile data storage device for execution. In some embodiments, the processor 3202 and the memory device 3204 may be implemented in a single device (e.g., a semiconductor device product, a system on chip (SOC)).

[0103] It should be noted that care must be taken to avoid false detection of a push due to capacitive coupling between the dome switch and the push electrode pad. If this capacitance is at least 1 / 4 (or even 1 / 10) times the capacitance of the electrode node in the pressed state, false detection should be minimized or eliminated. Also, care should be taken not to place the central dome too close to the touch screen, thereby interfering with the touch screen. Furthermore, for very thin KoDs, care must be taken to ensure that the touch surface does not come into close engagement with the touch sensor (especially when in the released position) so that the touch surface itself does not cause a touch by the touch sensor. Furthermore, for KoDs with a relatively large diameter, multiple push electrode pads can be used around the diameter. In response to a press on the KoD, the push electrode pad closest to the pressed position can be electrically connected to the touch surface of the KoD. EXAMPLES

[0104] A non-exhaustive and non-limiting list of exemplary embodiments follows: Each of the exemplary embodiments listed below is not expressly and individually indicated as combinable with all other of the exemplary embodiments listed below and the embodiments described above, but it is intended that these exemplary embodiments are combinable with all other exemplary embodiments and the embodiments described above, unless it is apparent to one skilled in the art that the embodiments are not combinable.

[0105] Example 1: A knob-on-display (KoD) device comprising: a touch surface including a conductive material, the touch surface configured to be positioned in a default open position and a pressed position in response to pressure applied to the touch surface; and a push electrode pad configured to be positioned in engagement proximity to a touch sensor of a touch screen device in both the released and pressed positions, the push electrode pad being electrically connected to the conductive material of the touch surface in response to the pressed position and electrically isolated from the conductive material of the touch surface in the released position.

[0106] Example 2: A KoD device as described in Example 1, further comprising a rotating electrode pad configured to be positioned in engagement proximity to a touch sensor of a touch screen device in both the released and depressed positions, the rotating electrode pad being electrically connected to the conductive material of the touch surface in both the released and depressed positions.

[0107] Example 3: The KoD device of Example 2, further comprising a flexible printed circuit configured to electrically connect the push electrode pad and the rotation electrode pad to the touch surface.

[0108] Example 4: The KoD device of Example 2, further comprising a printed circuit board configured to electrically connect the push electrode pad and the rotation electrode pad to the touch surface.

[0109] Example 5: The KoD device of Example 2, further comprising a folded flexible printed circuit configured to electrically connect the push electrode pad and the rotation electrode pad to the touch surface.

[0110] Example 6: The KoD device of example 2, further comprising a conductive overmold including a push electrode pad and a rotation electrode pad.

[0111] Example 7: A KoD device as described in any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the distance between the released position of the touch surface and the pressed position of the touch surface is less than one millimeter (1 mm) (e.g., 0.3 to 0.5 mm).

[0112] Example 8: The KoD device of any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the distance between the released position of the touch surface and the depressed position of the touch surface is between three-tenths of a millimeter (0.3 mm) and five millimeters (5 mm).

[0113] Example 9: A KoD device as described in any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the push electrode pad is configured to remain in an electrically floating state in response to the touch surface being in a released position.

[0114] Example 10: A KoD device described in any one of Examples 1 to 9, further comprising a switch configured to selectively operably couple a push electrode pad to the conductive material of the touch surface in response to a depression position.

[0115] Example 11: The KoD device of example 10, wherein the switch comprises a dome switch.

[0116] Example 12: A knob-on-display (KoD) device comprising: at least one electrode comprising a conductive material, the at least one electrode configured to be positioned in engaging proximity to a touch sensor of a touch screen device; and a base assembly configured to be positioned between a touch screen of the touch screen device and the at least one electrode, the at least one electrode configured to interact with the touch sensor via the base assembly.

[0117] Example 13: A KoD device as described in Example 12, wherein the base assembly is configured to carry an adhesive on the touch sensor side of the base assembly opposite at least one electrode to secure the KoD device to a touch screen of a touch screen device.

[0118] Example 14: A KoD device as described in Example 13, wherein at least substantially all sides of the touch sensor of the base assembly are configured to carry an adhesive.

[0119] Example 15: A KoD device described in any one of Examples 12 to 14, wherein the base assembly is configured to at least partially cover an end of the KoD device including at least one electrode.

[0120] Example 16: A KoD device described in any one of Examples 12 to 15, wherein the base assembly is about half a millimeter (0.5 mm) thick.

[0121] Example 17: A KoD device described in any one of Examples 12 to 16, wherein the base assembly includes one or more side walls that extend toward the conductive cap of the KoD device.

[0122] Example 18: A KoD device as described in Example 17, further comprising one or more seals between one or more side walls of the base assembly and the conductive cap of the KoD device.

[0123] Example 19: A KoD device described in any one of Examples 12 to 18, wherein at least one electrode includes a push electrode pad configured to interact with a touch sensor in response to a user pressing the conductive cap of the KoD device.

[0124] Example 20: A KoD device described in any one of Examples 12 to 19, wherein at least one electrode includes a rotating electrode pad configured to rotate within engagement proximity of the touch sensor in response to a user rotating the conductive cap of the KoD device.

[0125] Example 21: A vehicle including a KoD system, the KoD system comprising a touch screen device and a KoD device according to any one of Examples 12 to 20.

[0126] Example 22: A knob-on-display (KoD) device comprising: at least one electrode comprising a conductive material, the at least one electrode configured to be positioned in engaging proximity to a touch sensor of a touch screen device; and a base assembly configured to be positioned between a touch screen of the touch screen device and the at least one electrode, the at least one electrode configured to be positioned in engaging proximity to the touch screen of the touch screen device via the base assembly.

[0127] Example 23: The KoD device of Example 22, further comprising an adhesive on a side of the base assembly opposite at least one electrode to secure the KoD device to a touchscreen of a touchscreen device.

[0128] Example 24: A KoD device as described in Example 23, wherein the adhesive is applied to at least substantially the entire side of the base assembly facing the at least one electrode such that the adhesive is the same size as the entire side of the base assembly facing the at least one electrode.

[0129] Example 25: A KoD device described in any one of Examples 22 to 24, wherein the base assembly is configured to at least partially cover an end of the KoD device.

[0130] Example 26: A KoD device according to any one of Examples 22 to 25, wherein the base assembly exhibits a thickness of about 0.5 millimeters or less.

[0131] Example 27: A KoD device described in any one of Examples 22 to 26, wherein the base assembly includes one or more side walls extending toward the conductive cap of the KoD device.

[0132] Example 28: A KoD device as described in Example 27, further comprising one or more seals between one or more side walls of the base assembly and the conductive cap of the KoD device.

[0133] Example 29: A KoD device described in any one of Examples 22 to 28, wherein at least one electrode includes a push electrode pad configured to interact with a touch sensor in response to the conductive cap of the KoD device being pressed.

[0134] Example 30: A KoD device described in any one of Examples 22 to 29, wherein at least one electrode includes a rotating electrode pad configured to rotate within engaging proximity of the touch sensor in response to rotation of the conductive cap of the KoD device.

[0135] Example 31: A KoD device described in any one of Examples 22 to 30, further comprising an inner housing coupled to at least one electrode and a bearing coupled to the inner housing, the base assembly comprising a post coupled to the bearing to enable the inner housing and at least one electrode to rotate around the post.

[0136] Example 32: A KoD device as described in Example 31, wherein the base assembly includes a detent and the inner housing includes one or more detent actuators that provide mechanical resistance to rotation of the inner housing about the post.

[0137] Example 33: A knob-on-display (KoD) system comprising: a touchscreen device having a touch sensor and a touchscreen; and a KoD device including a base assembly fixed to the touchscreen of the touchscreen device and one or more electrodes positioned in engagement with and close proximity to the touch sensor of the touchscreen device via the base assembly.

[0138] Example 34: The KoD system of Example 33, wherein the base assembly includes a post extending from the base assembly, and the KoD device further includes an inner housing coupled to the one or more electrodes, the base assembly configured to at least partially accommodate the inner housing, and the inner housing and the one or more electrodes configured to rotate around the post of the base assembly.

[0139] Example 35: A KoD system described in any one of Examples 33 to 34, wherein the touchscreen device further comprises a control circuit configured to control the touchscreen device to display a plurality of different graphic user interfaces with which the KoD device is configured to interact.

[0140] Example 36: The KoD system of any one of Examples 33 to 35, wherein the base assembly is secured to the touch screen using an adhesive.

[0141] Example 37: The KoD system of Example 36, wherein the adhesive extends over at least substantially the entire surface of the base assembly facing the touch screen.

[0142] Example 38: A KoD system described in any one of Examples 33 to 37, wherein the KoD device further comprises a touch surface electrically connected to a push electrode pad of one or more electrodes in response to a first position of the KoD device, and the touch surface is electrically isolated from the push electrode pad in response to a second position of the KoD device.

[0143] Example 39: A KoD system as described in Example 38, wherein the one or more electrodes include a rotating electrode pad configured to be electrically connected to the touch surface of the KoD device regardless of the first position of the KoD device and the second position of the KoD device.

[0144] Example 39A: A KoD system described in any one of Examples 33 to 39, wherein one or more electrodes include a rotating electrode pad configured to be electrically connected to the touch surface of the KoD device regardless of the pressed position of the KoD device and the released position of the KoD device.

[0145] Example 40: A method for assembling a knob-on-display (KoD) system, the method comprising the steps of applying an adhesive to a base assembly of a KoD device, the base assembly at least partially housing one or more electrodes, and fixing the KoD device to a touch screen of a touch screen device, the base assembly being positioned between the one or more electrodes and the touch screen, and the one or more electrodes being positioned in engaging proximity to a touch sensor of the touch screen device via the base assembly.

[0146] Example 41: The method described in Example 40, wherein the step of applying adhesive to the base assembly includes applying adhesive to substantially the entire surface of the base assembly configured to face the touch screen device.

[0147] Example 41A: The method of example 40, wherein the one or more electrodes are positioned at a fixed distance from the touch sensor of the touch screen device.

[0148] Example 42: A knob-on-display (KoD) device comprising: a touch surface including a conductive material, the touch surface being configured to be positioned in an open position and a pressed position; and a push electrode pad configured to be positioned in engagement proximity to a touch sensor of a touch screen device in both the released position and the pressed position, the push electrode pad being electrically connected to the conductive material of the touch surface in response to one of the pressed and released positions and electrically isolated from the conductive material of the touch surface in response to the other of the pressed and released positions.

[0149] Example 42A: A KoD device as described in Example 40, wherein the push electrode pad is electrically connected to the conductive material of the touch surface in response to a pressed position and is electrically isolated from the conductive material of the touch surface in a released position.

[0150] Example 43: A KoD device as described in Example 42, further comprising a rotating electrode pad configured to be positioned in engagement proximity to a touch sensor of a touch screen device in both the released position and the depressed position, the rotating electrode pad being electrically connected to the conductive material of the touch surface in both the released position and the depressed position.

[0151] Example 44: The KoD device described in Example 43, further comprising a flexible printed circuit configured to electrically connect the push electrode pad and the rotation electrode pad to the touch surface in response to one of the pressed and released positions.

[0152] Example 45: The KoD device described in Example 43, further comprising a printed circuit board configured to electrically connect the push electrode pad and the rotation electrode pad to the touch surface in response to one of the pressed and released positions.

[0153] Example 46: The KoD device described in Example 43, further comprising a folded flexible printed circuit configured to electrically connect the push electrode pad and the rotation electrode pad to the touch surface in response to one of the pressed and released positions.

[0154] Example 47: The KoD device described in Example 43, further comprising a conductive overmold including a push electrode pad and a rotation electrode pad.

[0155] Example 48: A KoD device described in any one of Examples 43 to 47, further comprising a hub configured to be fixed to a touch screen of a touch screen device, and the rotating electrode pad is configured to rotate around the hub.

[0156] Example 49: A KoD device as described in Example 48, further comprising a detent actuator mechanically coupled to the rotating electrode pad, the hub including a detent configured to provide mechanical resistance to the detent actuator in response to rotation of the detent actuator around the hub.

[0157] Example 50: A KoD device described in any one of Examples 42 to 49, wherein the distance between the released position of the touch surface and the pressed position of the touch surface is less than one millimeter (1 mm) (e.g., 0.3 to 0.5 mm).

[0158] Example 51: A KoD device described in any one of Examples 42 to 50, wherein the distance between the released position of the touch surface and the pressed position of the touch surface is 0.3 to 0.5 millimeters (0.3 to 0.5 mm).

[0159] Example 52: A KoD device described in any one of Examples 42 to 51, wherein the push electrode pad is configured to remain in an electrically floating state in response to the touch surface being in a released position.

[0160] Example 53: A KoD device described in any one of Examples 42 to 52, further comprising a switch configured to selectively operably couple a push electrode pad to the conductive material of the touch surface in response to a depression position.

[0161] Example 54: A KoD device as described in Example 53, wherein the switch comprises a dome switch.

[0162] Example 55: A method for operating a knob-on-display (KoD) device, comprising the steps of electrically connecting a touch surface of the KoD device to a rotating electrode pad regardless of the pressed position of the KoD device and the released position of the KoD device, electrically connecting the touch surface to a push electrode pad of the KoD device in response to the pressed position of the KoD device, and electrically isolating the touch surface from the push electrode pad of the KoD device in response to the released position of the KoD device.

[0163] Example 56: The method described in Example 55, further comprising the step of maintaining the push electrode pad and the rotation electrode pad at a constant distance from the touch screen of the touch screen device, regardless of the pressed and released positions of the KoD device.

[0164] Example 57: A method as described in any one of Examples 55 to 56, wherein the step of electrically connecting the touch surface to the push electrode pad in response to a press position includes contacting the dome switch with the push contact in response to pressing the dome switch on the push contact, the dome switch being electrically connected to the touch surface and the push contact being electrically connected to the push electrode pad.

[0165] Example 58: A method as described in any one of Examples 55 to 57, wherein the step of electrically isolating the touch surface from the push electrode pad in response to the released position includes electrically isolating the push contact from the dome switch, the dome switch being electrically connected to the touch surface and the push contact being electrically connected to the push electrode pad.

[0166] Example 59: A knob-on-display (KoD) system comprising: a touch screen device including a touch screen and a touch sensor; and a KoD device fixed to the touch screen, the KoD device comprising a touch surface and push electrode pads and rotation electrode pads configured to remain a constant distance from the touch screen regardless of the pressed and released positions of the KoD device.

[0167] Example 60: The (KoD) system described in Example 59, wherein the KoD device further comprises a hub fixed to the touch screen, and the rotating electrode pads are configured to rotate around the hub in response to rotation of the KoD device.

[0168] Example 61: A (KoD) system described in any one of Examples 59 to 60, wherein the rotating electrode pad is electrically connected to the touch surface regardless of the pressed and released positions of the KoD device, and the push electrode pad is electrically connected to the touch surface in response to the pressed position and electrically isolated from the touch surface in response to the released position.

[0169] conclusion 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 devices, 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 that execute on a computing system (e.g., as separate threads). Although 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.

[0170] As used in this disclosure, the term "combination" referring to a plurality of elements may include a combination of all elements or any of various different subcombinations of several elements. For example, the phrase "A, B, C, D, or combinations thereof" may refer to any one of A, B, C, or D; each combination of A, B, C, and D; and any subcombination of A, B, C, or D, such as 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.

[0171] 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 "including" should be interpreted as "including, but not limited to," etc.

[0172] In addition, if a particular number of introduced claim recitations is intended, such intent will be expressly recited in the claim, and in the absence of 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 that includes such introduced claim recitations to embodiments that include only one of such recitations, even if the same claim 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.

[0173] In addition, even if a particular number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, one of ordinary skill 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 a convention similar to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." or "one or more of A, B, and C, etc." is 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.

[0174] Additionally, any disjunction or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibility of including one of the terms, either one 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."

[0175] While the present disclosure has been described herein with respect to certain illustrated embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize and understand 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 present invention as claimed below along with their legal equivalents. In addition, features of one embodiment can be combined with features of other disclosed embodiments as contemplated by the inventor and still fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A knob-on-display (KoD) device, comprising: a touch surface including a conductive material, the touch surface configured to be positioned in a released position and a depressed position; Dome switch and a dome switch pad for mounting the dome switch; a push electrode pad in engagement proximity to a touch sensor of a touch screen device in both the released position and the depressed position, the push electrode pad being electrically connected to the conductive material of the touch surface via the dome switch in response to one of the pressed position and the released position, and being electrically isolated from the conductive material of the touch surface in response to the other of the pressed position and the released position; a rotating electrode pad in close engagement with the touch sensor of the touch screen device in both the released and pressed positions, the rotating electrode pad being electrically connected to the conductive material of the touch surface via the dome switch and the dome switch pad in both the released and pressed positions.

2. 2. The KoD device of claim 1, wherein the push electrode pad is electrically connected to the conductive material of the touch surface via the dome switch in response to the pressed position and is electrically isolated from the conductive material of the touch surface in the released position.

3. The KoD device of claim 1, further comprising a push contact electrically connected to the push electrode pad, the push contact being electrically connected to the dome switch in response to the pressed position.

4. The KoD device of claim 3, further comprising a printed circuit board including the push electrode pad and the rotating electrode pad.

5. The KoD device of claim 4, wherein the printed circuit board is a folded flexible printed circuit further including the dome switch pad and the push contact.

6. The KoD device of claim 1 further comprising a conductive overmold containing the push electrode pad and the rotating electrode pad.

7. The KoD device of claim 1 , further comprising a hub configured to be secured to a touch screen of the touch screen device, the rotating electrode pads being configured to rotate around the hub.

8. 8. The KoD device of claim 7, further comprising a detent actuator mechanically coupled to the rotating electrode pad, the hub including a detent configured to provide mechanical resistance to the detent actuator in response to rotation of the detent actuator about the hub.

9. A touch cap including the touch surface; The KoD device of claim 3 , further comprising: a cushion configured to compress in response to pressing of the touch cap to position the touch surface in the pressed position.

10. The KoD device of claim 9, wherein the touch cap includes a clip for securing the touch cap to a printed circuit board including the dome switch pad and the push contact.

11. 1. A method of operating a Knob-on-Display (KoD) device, comprising: electrically connecting a touch surface of the KoD device to a rotating electrode pad via a dome switch, regardless of the pressed position of the KoD device or the released position of the KoD device, the dome switch being attached to a dome switch pad electrically connected to the rotating electrode pad; electrically connecting the touch surface to a push electrode pad in response to the depression position of the KoD device via the dome switch and a push contact below the dome switch, the push contact being electrically connected to the push electrode pad; and electrically isolating the touch surface from the push electrode pad in response to the released position of the KoD device.

12. The method of claim 11 , further comprising maintaining the push electrode pad and the rotate electrode pad at a constant distance from a touch screen of a touch screen device regardless of the pressed and released positions of the KoD device.

13. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein electrically connecting the touch surface to the push electrode pad in response to the depression position comprises contacting the dome switch with the push contact in response to depression of the dome switch on the push contact, the dome switch being electrically connected to the touch surface.

14. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein electrically isolating the touch surface from the push electrode pad in response to the released position comprises electrically isolating the push contact from the dome switch, the dome switch being electrically connected to the touch surface.

15. A Knob-on-Display (KoD) system comprising: a touch screen device including a touch screen and a touch sensor; A KoD device fixed to the touch screen, the KoD device comprising: a touch surface including a conductive material; Dome switch and a dome switch pad for mounting the dome switch; a push electrode pad that remains a constant distance from the touch screen regardless of the pressed and released positions of the KoD device, the push electrode pad being electrically connected to the conductive material of the touch surface in response to the pressed position via the dome switch, and the push electrode pad being electrically isolated from the conductive material of the touch surface in the pressed position; A KoD system comprising: a KoD device comprising: a rotating electrode pad that maintains a constant distance from the touch screen regardless of the pressed and released positions, the rotating electrode pad being electrically connected to the conductive material of the touch surface in both the released and pressed positions via the dome switch and the dome switch pad.

16. The KoD system of claim 15, wherein the KoD device further comprises a hub secured to the touch screen, the rotating electrode pads configured to rotate about the hub in response to rotation of the KoD device.

17. The KoD system of claim 15, wherein the KoD device includes a push contact electrically connected to the push electrode pad, the push contact being electrically connected to the dome switch in response to the pressed position.

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