Base assembly for a knob of a display device, as well as related systems, methods, and devices.

Abstract

To provide Knob (KoD) devices and related systems, methods, and devices.SOLUTION: A KoD device includes at least one electrode including an electrically conductive material. The KoD device also includes a base assembly configured to be positioned between a touch screen of a touch screen device and the at least one electrode. The at least one electrode is configured to be positioned in engagement proximity to a touch sensor of the touch screen device through the base assembly.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 20

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Claim of Priority) This patent application claims the benefit of the filing dates of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 887,657, filed on August 15, 2019, 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 on September 17, 2019, entitled "KNOB ON DISPLAY WITH INTERNAL ELECTRODES", the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] (Field of the Invention) The present disclosure generally relates to knob on display devices for touch screen devices, and more specifically to knob on display devices including a base assembly.

Background Art

[0003] A knob on display (KoD, also interchangeably referred to herein as a "KoD device") is a physical knob attached to a touch screen device. For example, these KoDs may be adhered to a touch screen device. KoDs are configured to interact with the touch sensors of a touch screen device. The touch screen device may provide various different graphical user interfaces that can be used for the KoD to interact via the touch sensors.

[0004] The present disclosure concludes with claims that specifically point out and distinctly claim certain embodiments, but 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] This is a block diagram of a first embodiment of the KoD system, according to several embodiments. [Figure 2] This is a bottom view of an example of a flat circuit for KoD according to several embodiments. [Figure 3A] This is a top perspective view of KoD according to several embodiments. [Figure 3B] Figure 3A is a bottom view of KoD. [Figure 3C] Figures 3A and 3B show bottom perspective views of KoD. [Figure 4] Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C show perspective views of the KoD system in several embodiments. [Figure 5] Figures 3A, 3B, 3C, and 4 are perspective views of the KoD system including the KoD, with the KoD in the open position. [Figure 6] Figures 4 and 5 are perspective views of the KoD system, with KoD in the pressed position. [Figure 7] This is a bottom view of an example of a flat flexible printed circuit for KoD according to several embodiments. [Figure 8] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of an example of KoD including a flexible printed circuit. [Figure 9A] A series of diagrams showing portions of two PCB KoDs according to several embodiments. [Figure 9B] A series of diagrams showing portions of two PCB KoDs according to several embodiments. [Figure 9C] A series of diagrams showing portions of two PCB KoDs according to several embodiments. [Figure 10] These are cross-sectional views of two PCB KoDs, including portions of Figures 9A to 9C, according to several embodiments. [Figure 11A] These are cross-sectional views of two other PCB KoDs, including portions of Figures 9A-9C, according to several embodiments. [Figure 11B]Exploded view of an example of KoD in FIG. 11A. [Figure 11C] Various views of KoD in FIG. 11A. [Figure 11D] Various views of KoD in FIG. 11A. [Figure 11E] Various views of KoD in FIG. 11A. [Figure 11F] Various views of KoD in FIG. 11A. [Figure 11G] Various views of KoD in FIG. 11A. [Figure 11H] Various views of KoD in FIG. 11A. [Figure 12] Cross-sectional view of injection molded KoD according to some embodiments. [Figure 13A] Respective views of the substrate and overmold of KoD in FIG. 12. [Figure 13B] Respective views of the substrate and overmold of KoD in FIG. 12. [Figure 14A] View of another KoD according to some embodiments. [Figure 14B] View of another KoD according to some embodiments. [Figure 15A] View of an example of the overmold structure of KoD in FIGS. 14A and 14B. [Figure 15B] View of an example of the overmold structure of KoD in FIGS. 14A and 14B. [Figure 15C] View of an example of the overmold structure of KoD in FIGS. 14A and 14B. [Figure 16] Side perspective view of the overmold of the overmold structure in FIGS. 15A to 15C. [Figure 17] Top perspective view of the substrate of the overmold structure in FIGS. 15A to 15C. [Figure 18A] Views of KoD in FIGS. 14A to 14B. [Figure 18B] Views of KoD in FIGS. 14A to 14B. [Figure 18C] Views of KoD in FIGS. 14A to 14B. [Figure 18D] It is a diagram of KoD in FIGS. 14A to 14B. [Figure 18E] It is a diagram of KoD in FIGS. 14A to 14B. [Figure 18F] It is a diagram of KoD in FIGS. 14A to 14B. [Figure 19] It is a flowchart showing a method of operating a KoD device according to some embodiments. [Figure 20] It is a block diagram of a second embodiment of a KoD system according to some embodiments. [Figure 21A] It is a diagram of a KoD device that is an example of the KoD device in FIG. 20. [Figure 21B] It is a diagram of a KoD device that is an example of the KoD device in FIG. 20. [Figure 21C] It is a diagram of a KoD device that is an example of the KoD device in FIG. 20. [Figure 21D] It is a diagram of a KoD device that is an example of the KoD device in FIG. 20. [Figure 21E] It is a diagram of a KoD device that is an example of the KoD device in FIG. 20. [Figure 21F] It is a diagram of a KoD device that is an example of the KoD device in FIG. 20. [Figure 21G] It is a diagram of a KoD device that is an example of the KoD device in FIG. 20. [Figure 21H] It is a diagram of a KoD device that is an example of the KoD device in FIG. 20. [Figure 21I] It is a diagram of a KoD device that is an example of the KoD device in FIG. 20. [Figure 21J] It is a diagram of a KoD device that is an example of the KoD device in FIG. 20. [Figure 22A] It is a diagram of a KoD system similar to the KoD system in FIG. 20. [Figure 22B] It is a diagram of a KoD system similar to the KoD system in FIG. 20. [Figure 23] It is a flowchart showing a method of assembling a KoD system according to some embodiments. [Figure 24] This is a block diagram of a computing device that may be used in several embodiments. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0006] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification and illustrate specific examples of embodiments that can carry out the disclosure. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail so that those skilled in the art can carry out the disclosure. However, other embodiments that are valid herein may be utilized, and the structure, materials, and processes may be modified without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

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

[0008] The following description may include examples to help enable those skilled in the art to carry out the disclosed embodiments. The use of terms such as “exemplary,” “as an example,” and “for example” means that the relevant description is descriptive, and the scope of this 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 this disclosure to any particular component, step, feature, function, etc.

[0009] It will be readily apparent that the components of the embodiments described herein and illustrated in the drawings can be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations. Therefore, the following descriptions of various embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure, but merely to represent various embodiments. While various aspects of the embodiments may be presented in the drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated.

[0010] Furthermore, the specific implementations illustrated and described are merely examples and should not be construed as the only way to implement this disclosure unless otherwise specified herein. Elements, circuits, and functions may be shown in the form of block diagrams to avoid unnecessarily detailing and obscuring this disclosure. Conversely, the specific implementations illustrated and described are merely illustrative and should not be construed as the only way to implement this disclosure unless otherwise specified herein. Furthermore, the block definitions and partitioning of logic between various blocks are illustrative specific implementations. It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that this disclosure can be implemented by numerous other partitioning solutions. For the most part, details regarding timing considerations and other such details are omitted, as such details are not necessary for a full understanding of this disclosure and are within the scope of those skilled in the art.

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

[0012] Various exemplary logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in relation to embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or run using general-purpose processors, dedicated processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), integrated circuits (ICs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or other programmable logic devices, separate gate or transistor logic, separate hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. The general-purpose processor (which may be referred to herein as a host processor or simply a host) may be a microprocessor, but 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 combined with a DSP core, or any other combination of such configurations. A general-purpose computer including a processor is considered a dedicated computer, and the general-purpose computer is configured to execute computing instructions (e.g., software code) related to embodiments of this disclosure.

[0013] Embodiments may be described in relation to processes shown as flowcharts, flow diagrams, structural diagrams, or block diagrams. While flowcharts may describe actions as sequential processes, many of these actions may be performed in a different order, in parallel, or substantially simultaneously. In addition, the order of actions may be rearranged. Processes may correspond to methods, threads, functions, procedures, subroutines, subprograms, other structures, or combinations thereof. Furthermore, methods disclosed herein may be implemented in hardware, software, or both. If implemented in software, functions may be stored or transmitted as one or more instructions or codes on computer-readable media. Computer-readable media include both computer storage media and communication media, including any media that facilitate the transfer of computer programs from one location to another.

[0014] Any reference to elements in this specification using notations such as “First,” “Second,” etc., does not limit the number or order of those elements unless such limitation is expressly stated. Rather, these notations may be used in this specification as a convenient way to distinguish two or more elements or examples of elements. Thus, references to the first and second elements do not mean that only two elements may be used, or that the first element must precede the second element in any way. In addition, unless otherwise specified, a set of elements may include one or more elements.

[0015] When used herein, the term “substantially” when referring to a given parameter, characteristic, or condition means and includes the degree to which a person skilled in the art would understand that the given parameter, characteristic, or condition satisfies small variations, such as within acceptable manufacturing tolerances. For example, depending on the specific parameter, characteristic, or condition that is substantially satisfied, the parameter, characteristic, or condition may be satisfied at least 90%, at least 95%, or even at least 99%. As understood to be for the purposes of the embodiments described herein, a capacitive sensor may respond to contact of an object (such as a finger or stylus) with the contact sensing area of ​​the capacitive sensor, or to the proximity of an object to the contact sensing area of ​​the capacitive sensor. In this disclosure, “contact” and “touch” mean both physical contact of an object with the contact sensing area (e.g., an electrode or one or more overlays covering an electrode or group of electrodes) and the presence of an object in proximity to the contact sensing area without physical contact. Actual physical contact with the capacitive sensor is not necessarily required.

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

[0017] Self-capacitive sensors (also referred to herein as “self-capacitive sensors”) are capacitive field sensors that respond to changes in capacitance to ground. They are typically laid out in rows and arrays that respond independently to touch. In non-limiting examples, self-capacitive sensors may include circuits that employ repeated post-charge transfer cycles using a common integrated CMOS push-pull driver circuit with floating terminals.

[0018] A mutual capacitance sensor is a capacitance field sensor that detects / responds to changes in capacitance between two electrodes (a driving electrode and a sensing electrode). The sensing electrode pairs at each intersection of the driving electrode and driving line and the sensing line form a capacitor. Self-capacitance and mutual capacitance techniques can 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] For example, a touch sensor may be superimposed on a two-dimensional (2-D) arrangement (i.e., a 2D touch sensor) for a 2-D contact sensing surface of a touchpad or display screen, for instance, to facilitate user interaction with the associated device or appliance. An insulating protective layer (e.g., resin, glass, and / or plastic, but not limited to) may be used to cover the touch sensor and may be referred to herein as an “overlay” or “touchscreen.” As used herein, a “touchscreen 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., which may have an overlay or touchscreen mounted on a transparent medium above the display and including an additional transparent medium such as glass in front of the touch sensor).

[0020] Using an example of a touchscreen sensor employing a matrix sensor approach for mutual capacitance sensors using charge transfer techniques, the driving electrode may extend along a row on one side of the substrate to define an N×M node "matrix" array, and the sensing electrode may extend along a column on a second side of the substrate. Each node corresponds to the intersection of the conductive wires of the driving electrode and the sensing electrode. The driving electrode drives all nodes in a given row simultaneously, and the sensing electrode senses all nodes in a given column. The capacitive coupling of the driving and sensing electrodes (mutual capacitance), or the coupling of the sensing electrode to ground (self-capacitance), may be measured separately or both at the node location in response to capacitance changes indicating a touch event. For example, if a driving signal is applied to the driving electrode in row 2 and the sensing electrode in column 3 is active, the node location is row 2, column 3. Nodes may be scanned by ordering them through different combinations of driving and sensing electrodes. In one mode, the drive electrodes may be driven sequentially while all the sensing electrodes are continuously monitored. In another mode, each sensing electrode may be sampled sequentially.

[0021] Using the example of a touchscreen employing a matrix sensor approach with self-capacitive sensors, electrodes can extend in rows and columns to define an N×M node “matrix” array. The matrix sensor can be constructed with electrodes intersecting each node, each electrode being individually addressable, or each row and column being addressable electrodes, with each node corresponding to a unique row / column pair. A drive signal (i.e., A / C stimulus) is repeatedly applied to the sensor's electrodes. When an object touches the sensor, the coupling between the object and the electrode increases the current drawn into the electrode, thereby increasing the apparent sensor capacitance, and this increase in sensor capacitance can be detected. For example, if an increase in capacitance is detected while the drive signal is applied to electrode row 2 and electrode column 3, the touch location may be row 2, column 3. Interpolation techniques can be used to determine the location between nodes. Nodes can be scanned sequentially by determining the arrangement through combinations of electrode rows and columns.

[0022] The aforementioned drive signal (i.e., AC stimulation) is one source of electromagnetic emission (EME). Capacitance is typically measured in synchronization 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 a touch sensor. These conductive pads are detected by a control circuit (e.g., a microcontroller) via the touch sensor panel to report the position, angle, and / or button press of the KoD. Compared with prior KoD devices, the KoDs disclosed herein may have one or more of the following advantages: Reduction of mechanical components, simplification of design Reduction of Z-pressure travel distance (Z is the direction toward the touchscreen device) Improving the reliability of electrical connections For automotive safety regulations, the total Z height of the KoD must be less than 10 millimeters (10 mm). The KoD devices disclosed herein may offer one or more of the following advantages: Pressing the KoD acts as haptic feedback, giving the user a "click" sensation. It provides spring return for pressing (the dome material (e.g., metal) of the dome switch flexes and returns to the naturally formed released state). Provides an electrical connection path from the KoD's touch surface (e.g., the top surface of the KoD) to the rotating electrode pad. For example, when the dome is pressed by the user pressing the touch surface of the KoD, it provides an electrical connection path from the touch surface of the KoD to the pressure electrode pad. KoD generates a stable touch surface that provides additional pressure feedback as your finger moves across the touch surface. Provides relatively good electrical connection to the electrode pads. Compared to a KoD with electrode pads that move toward the touchscreen when pressed, this simplifies the mechanical construction. We produce KoD sensors that incorporate the design principles of conventional, entirely mechanical solutions (i.e., not touch sensors). Detects the rotation of the electrode pads. It detects pressure on the tactile dome.

[0024] The electrode pads of the KoD in this embodiment are, in effect, always physically engaged and in close proximity to the touch sensor of the touchscreen device. For example, the electrode pads of the KoD can be maintained at a constant distance from the touchscreen and touch sensor of the touchscreen device, regardless of whether the KoD is pressed or released. The rotating electrode pad is always electrically connected to the touch surface of the KoD while the pressing electrode pad is electrically disconnected from the touch surface of the KoD in an electrically floating state when the KoD switch is released, i.e., when it is not pressed, and then electrically connected to the touch surface of the KoD when the KoD switch is pressed. As a result, when the user presses the touch surface of the KoD, in contrast to the pressing electrode pad which relies on the pressing electrode pad itself to physically move toward the touch sensor surface, the pressing electrode pad in this embodiment remains engaged and in close proximity to the touch sensor but selectively electrically connects to the touch surface of the KoD in response to the press of the KoD. The pressing electrode pad and the rotating electrode pad can remain at a constant distance, respectively, from the touchscreen and touch sensor of the touchscreen device as the KoD moves between the pressed and released positions. As a result, embodiments disclosed herein avoid problems associated with a pressure electrode pad that physically moves toward the touch sensor when the KoD switch is pressed. For example, one avoided problem in the prior art is that the large Z-direction travel distance of the KoD switch (e.g., 1-2 millimeters, much larger than what is required for a typical tactile dome switch) is used to move the pressure electrode pad so that the pressure electrode does not detect the threshold distance of the touch sensor when not pressed. Another avoided problem in the prior art is the difficulty in mechanically allowing a KoD component having a pressure pad that moves in and out of engagement proximity to the touch sensor surface of a touchscreen device.

[0025] In some embodiments, a printed circuit board (PCB) or flexible printed circuit (FPC) can be used directly as the base for the KoD on the touchscreen. The PCB / FPC may have rotary and press electrode pads connected to a tactile dome switch. The rotary electrode pads are connected to the outer legs of the dome, and the center of the dome is switched (selectively, for example, based on the pressed or unpressed state of the KoD) to a press electrode pad. Thus, there is no need to use a separate physical rotary electrode pad to return the spring connection to the KoD touch surface. Also, the travel distance in the Z direction (direction toward the touchscreen device) in such embodiments may be less than 1 millimeter (e.g., 0.3 to 0.5 millimeters), which is typical for tactile dome switches.

[0026] In some embodiments, the KoD includes a folded FPC to allow a portion of the FPC to be positioned flat and close to the touchscreen without the other portion of the FPC acting as an extra electrode on the touchscreen. The folded FPC may also include a hole for receiving a central hub which can be bonded to the touchscreen with adhesive. The KoD may rotate around the central hub to allow rotation of a rotating electrode pad around the central hub.

[0027] In some embodiments, twin-shot injection molding is used to manufacture conductive plastics used for electrode pad portions. In some embodiments, insert molding is used to insert metal electrodes into a mold tool before plastic injection. In some embodiments, three-dimensional (3D) printing of two materials can be used, where one filament contains the conductive material. In some embodiments, laser direct structuring can be used to produce molded interconnect devices.

[0028] The embodiments disclosed herein may be used in the automotive and consumer product markets. As a non-limiting example, the KoD disclosed herein may be used in automotive center stacks and consumer electronics. However, it will be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein may be used in any environment in which the KoD of a touchscreen device may be useful or beneficial.

[0029] Also disclosed herein are KoD devices having a robust electrode design that reduces susceptibility to external elements such as the ingress of water and dirt, and improves the adhesive area for attachment to the touchscreen of a touchscreen device. One or more conductive pads on the rear of the KoD device are detected by the control circuit of the touchscreen device (e.g., via the touch sensor of the touchscreen device) to report the position / angle of one or more conductive pads.

[0030] Some KoD devices disclosed herein are electromechanical solutions that provide at least some protection from external elements (e.g., water, dust, dirt). In some embodiments, a base assembly for the KoD device encloses at least partially the electrodes of the KoD device. This base assembly can be mounted directly to a touchscreen using the entire surface area of ​​the base assembly, thus maximizing adhesion (as opposed to using only a portion of the surface area of ​​the base assembly that is bonded to the touchscreen). Edge lips or side walls of the base assembly can reduce the inflow of water and dirt, thus preventing any external elements such as water and dirt from entering the electrode area. In some embodiments, a fully sealed KoD device can be produced using a seal (e.g., a rubber seal) between the base assembly and the upper rotating component.

[0031] In contrast to arranging one or more electrode pads in contact with the touchscreen surface of a touchscreen device, the KoD devices disclosed herein avoid (i.e., inhibit, but not always prevent) allowing external elements such as dust and liquids to travel under the electrodes and degrade both electrical and mechanical performance. Furthermore, the embodiments disclosed herein allow for the application of adhesive to the entire bottom side of the base assembly, in contrast to KoD devices having an adhesive area that reaches only the internal central region for attaching the KoD to the touch sensor. As a result, in contrast to other KoD devices known to the inventors of this disclosure, the KoD devices disclosed herein do not allow (i.e., inhibit, but not always prevent) external elements to enter between the touchscreen and the electrodes of the KoD device. Consequently, the embodiments disclosed herein, which represent a robust solution to suppress the ingress of liquids and contaminants, are at least partially sealed and increase the adhesive surface area, allowing the KoD device to bond well to the touchscreen device.

[0032] The embodiments disclosed herein provide the inventors of this disclosure with improved performance and water resistance compared to known devices. Furthermore, due to the adhesive that completely covers the underside of the base assembly, dirt and liquids are prevented from entering beneath the KoD device disclosed herein, thus preventing the intrusion of dirt or liquids. This improved adhesive surface area can improve one or more of the strength, durability, and stability of the connection between the KoD device and the touchscreen device.

[0033] Figure 1 is a block diagram of the KoD system 100 in several embodiments. The KoD system 100 includes a KoD 102 and a touchscreen device 104. The touchscreen device 104 includes a touch sensor 106 and a control circuit 108 operably coupled to a touchscreen 120 above the touch sensor 106. The KoD 102 includes a touch surface 116, a switch 114, a rotating electrode pad 112, and a pressure electrode pad 110. The touch surface 116 is electrically connected to the rotating electrode pad 112 and selectively electrically connected to the pressure electrode pad 110 via the switch 114. The KoD 102 is configured to be mounted to the touchscreen device 104 with the rotating electrode pad 112 and the pressure electrode pad 110 engaged and close 118 with the touch sensor 106.

[0034] As used herein, the term “engaged proximity” refers to proximity to a touchscreen (e.g., touchscreen 120) such that a touch sensor (e.g., touch sensor 106) of a touchscreen device (e.g., touchscreen device 104) within that proximity can respond measurably to contact with the touch surface (e.g., touch surface 116) while a pressing electrode pad (e.g., pressing 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 cases, an electrode pad may be referred to as engaged proximity to the touchscreen of the touchscreen device, and in other cases, an electrode pad may be referred to as engaged proximity to the touch sensor of the touchscreen device, both of which interchangeably refer to the definition of “engaged proximity” provided above.

[0035] In some embodiments, KoD102 includes a touch surface 116 comprising a conductive material (not shown), which is configured to operate such that the touch surface is in an open position by default and in a pressed position in response to pressure applied to the touch surface 116 (pressure that triggers a switch 114). KoD102 also includes a press electrode pad 110 configured to be positioned in close engagement with the touch sensor 106 of the touchscreen device 104 in both the open and pressed positions. The press electrode pad 110 is maintained at a constant distance from the touchscreen 120 regardless of the open or pressed position of KoD102. The press 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 electrically isolated from the conductive material of the touch surface 116 in response to the open position of the touch surface 116. In some embodiments, KoD102 further includes a rotating electrode pad 112 configured to be positioned in close engagement with the touch sensor 106 of the touchscreen device 104 in both the released and pressed positions of the touch surface 116. The rotating electrode pad 112 is electrically connected to the conductive material of the touch surface 116 in both the released and pressed positions of the touch surface 116. Thus, the control circuit 108 of the touchscreen device 104 can be programmed (e.g., using firmware or software) to detect when a user touches the touch surface 116 (e.g., "grab detection").

[0036] In some embodiments, KoD102 further includes an FPC configured to electrically connect a press electrode pad 110 and a rotating electrode pad 112 to a touch surface 116. In some embodiments, KoD102 includes a PCB configured to electrically connect a press electrode pad 110 and a rotating electrode pad 112 to a touch surface 116. In some embodiments, KoD102 includes a folded FPC configured to electrically connect a press electrode pad 110 and a rotating electrode pad 112 to a touch surface 116. In some embodiments, KoD102 includes a conductive overmolded structure containing the press electrode pad 110 and the rotating electrode pad 112.

[0037] In some embodiments, the distance between the release position and the pressed position of the touch surface 116 is less than 1 millimeter, preferably 3 / 10th of a millimeter (0.3 mm) to 1 / 2 millimeter (0.5 mm). In some embodiments, the distance between the release position and the pressed position of the touch surface 116 is about 1 / 6th of a millimeter (0.6 mm). In some embodiments, the press electrode pad 110 is configured to remain electrically floating (e.g., not electrically connected to the touch surface 116) in response to the touch surface 116 being in the release position. KoD 102 further includes a switch 114 configured to selectively and operably couple the press electrode pad 110 to the conductive material of the touch surface 116 in response to the pressed position (e.g., the switch 114 may include the touch surface 116 of the switch 114). This embodiment is described in some detail when the press 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 touch surface 116 in response to the touch surface 116 being in a released position, and it is understood that the reverse is also achievable. Thus, generally, the touch surface 116 is electrically connected to the press 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 press 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 a plurality of dome switches (e.g., for a KoD device large enough to accommodate a plurality of KoDs).

[0038] Figure 2 is a bottom view of an example of a flat circuit 200 for KoD according to several 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 press electrode pad 202 and a rotary electrode pad 204. The rotary electrode pad 204 is electrically connected to the dome switch pad 210 such that the rotary electrode pad 204 is electrically connected to the 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 device is in contact with the tactile dome switch 206, the rotary electrode pad 204 is electrically connected to the user's finger, stylus, or other touch device via the dome switch pad 210 and the touch surface 212.

[0039] The pressure electrode pad 202 is selectively electrically connected to the touch surface 212 of the tactile dome switch 206 in response to the pressed position of the tactile dome switch 206, and electrically isolated from the touch surface 212 in response to the released position of the tactile dome switch 206. As a result, when a user's finger, stylus, or other touch device comes into contact with the tactile dome switch 206 and presses the contact dome switch 206 to the pressed position, the pressure electrode pad 202 is electrically connected to the finger, stylus, or other touch device via the touch surface 212. On the other hand, even when the tactile dome switch 206 is in the released position and a user's finger, stylus, or other touch device is in contact with the touch surface 212, the pressure electrode pad 202 remains electrically isolated from the user's finger, stylus, or other touch device. As a non-limiting example, a trace electrically connected to the pressure electrode pad 202 may extend under the tactile dome switch 206 to the contact pad 214 beneath the tactile dome switch 206. When KoD is applied to the touchscreen of the touchscreen device, the tactile dome switch 206 is outside the engagement proximity from the touch sensor of the touchscreen device. When the tactile dome switch 206 is pressed, the tactile dome switch 206 may come into contact with the contact pad beneath it, thereby electrically connecting the tactile dome switch 206 to the pressure electrode pad 202.

[0040] Figures 3A to 3C show various diagrams of the KoD300 according to several embodiments. Figure 3A is a top perspective view of the KoD300. Figure 3B is a bottom view of the KoD300 in Figure 3A. Figure 3C is a bottom perspective view of the KoD300 in Figures 3A and 3B.

[0041] The KoD300 includes a body 306 that supports a conductive (e.g., metal) structure, including a press electrode pad 310, a rotating electrode pad 312, a dome switch pad 314, a press contact trace 308, a rotating trace 316, a conductive structure 402, and a conductive structure 404. The body 306 may include a rigid electrical insulating material (e.g., acrylic). The press electrode pad 310 and the rotating electrode pad 312 may be positioned on the bottom side of the KoD300, and may be configured to be rotatably fixed in close proximity to the touchscreen (e.g., in close proximity to the touch sensor of the touchscreen, directly to the touchscreen).

[0042] The dome switch pad 314 and the pressure contact trace 308 may be located on the upper side of the KoD300. The KoD300 also includes a dome switch 302 operably coupled to the dome switch pad 314. The dome switch pad 314 is electrically connected to a rotating electrode pad 312 via a rotating trace 316 on the upper part of the body 306. In a non-limiting example, a conductive structure 404 may connect the rotating trace 316 on the upper part of the body 306 to the rotating electrode pad 312 on the lower part of the body 306. The pressure contact trace 308 may extend below the dome switch 302 to the pressure contact 406. The pressure contact 406 is configured to be electrically connected to the dome switch 302 in response to the dome switch 302 being in the pressed position and electrically isolated from the dome switch 302 in response to the dome switch 302 being in the released position. The pressure contact trace 308 is electrically connected to the pressure electrode pad 310 by the conductive structure 402.

[0043] The KoD300 includes a dome switch 302 and a touch surface 304 of the dome switch 302. The touch surface 304 includes a conductive material that electrically connects the touch surface 304 to the user's finger or stylus interacting with the KoD300. In both the open and pressed positions of the dome switch 302, a touch to the touch surface 304 may 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 open position of the dome switch 302, a touch to the touch surface 304 may be electrically isolated from the press electrode pad 310. In the pressed position of the dome switch 302, a touch to the touch surface 304 may be electrically connected to the press electrode pad 310 via the dome switch 302, the press contact 406, the press contact trace 308, and the conductive structure 402.

[0044] The KoD300 further includes a recess 408 configured to receive a central hub (not shown). The central hub may be fixed (e.g., glued) to the touchscreen, and the KoD300 may rotate around the central hub. Thus, during operation, the KoD300 may rotate 412 around its central axis 410, and the positions of the pressing electrode pads 310 and the rotating electrode pads 312 may rotate 412 around the central axis 410.

[0045] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the KoD300 in Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C of the KoD system 700 according to several embodiments. The KoD system 700 includes a touchscreen device (e.g., touchscreen device 806 in Figure 5) including a touchscreen 702. The KoD300 is fixed to the touchscreen 702 (e.g., fixed to the touchscreen 702 using adhesive). When the KoD300 is positioned on the touchscreen 702, the rotating electrode pad 312 and the pressure electrode pad 202 (Figure 3A) of the KoD300 are always in close engagement with the touchscreen 702 (e.g., with the touch sensor of the touchscreen 702). The rotating electrode pad 312 is permanently connected to the dome, and the pressure electrode pad 202 is electrically floating by default (e.g., electrically disconnected from the touch surface 304 (Figure 3A)). The rotation of KoD300 706 causes the rotation of the rotating electrode pad 312 along with KoD300. The pressing of the dome switch 302 (Figure 3A) electrically connects the pressing electrode pad 202 to the touch surface 304, as previously discussed.

[0046] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the KoD system 700 with the KoD 300 in the released position 808. Figure 5 shows the touchscreen device 806, the touchscreen 702 of the touchscreen device 806, the KoD 300, and the user's finger 804 touching the touch surface 304 (Figure 3A) without pressing the dome switch 302 (Figure 3A) to the pressed position. In other words, the KoD is in the released position 808. As a result, the rotating electrode pad 312 (Figure 3B) is electrically connected to the touch surface 304 (Figure 3A), and consequently to the user's finger 804. Consequently, the touchscreen 702 detects touches in close proximity to the rotating electrode pad 312. To illustrate the touch detected via the rotating electrode pad 312, a rotating ring 802 displayed on the touchscreen 702 in close proximity to the rotating electrode pad 312 is shown. By rotating the KoD300, the position of the detected touch can be moved radially around the longitudinal central axis of the KoD300 by the rotation of the rotating electrode pad 312.

[0047] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the KoD system 700 with the KoD 300 in the pressed position 904. Figure 6 shows a user's finger 804 applying pressure 906 to the dome switch 302 (Figure 3A). As a result, the KoD 300 is in the pressed position 904. The pressing of the dome switch 302 electrically connects the touch surface 304 (Figure 3A) to the pressure electrode pad 310 (Figures 3A, 3B, and 3C), and electrically connects the user's finger 804 to the pressure electrode pad 310. As a result, the touch sensor of the touchscreen device 806 detects a touch in close proximity to the pressure electrode pad 310, which is indicated by the pressure ring 902 displayed on the touchscreen 702, indicating the detection of a touch detected in response to the pressure electrode pad 310. The rotating ring 802 is also electrically connected to the user's finger 804 when it is in contact with the touch surface 304, as the rotating electrode pad 312 (Figure 3B) is always electrically connected to the touch surface 304. This connection allows the touch to be detected by the touchscreen 702 located near the position of the rotating electrode pad 312. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 6, the pressed position 904 may result in a displacement of less than 1 millimeter (e.g., 0.3 to 0.5 millimeters) of the touch surface relative to its position in the released position 808 (Figure 5).

[0048] In some embodiments, the touchscreen device 806 is configured to display multiple different graphical user interface elements that are close to the KoD300 at different times, allowing the user to interact with different graphical user interface elements at different points in time via the KoD300. As a non-limiting example, the touchscreen device 806 may be configured to display various different automotive graphical user interface elements at different times. As a particular 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 car seat and / or rearview mirror control elements. The touchscreen device 806 and the KoD300 may work together to allow the user to interface with these elements via rotation and pressing of the KoD300.

[0049] Figure 7 is a bottom view of an example of a planarized FPC 1000 for a KoD (e.g., KoD 1100 in Figure 8) according to several 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 press electrode pad 1010 and a rotating electrode pad 1012.

[0050] The rotating electrode pad 1012 can be electrically connected to the dome switch contact 1008 (for example, via one or more conductive traces of the FPC 1000). Therefore, when a user touches the dome switch coupled to the dome switch contact 1008, the user's finger can be electrically connected to the rotating electrode pad 1012 regardless of the position of the switch (for example, switch 114 in Figure 1) of the KoD (for example, KoD 1100 in Figure 8).

[0051] The pressure electrode pad 1010 can be electrically connected to the press contact 1014 (for example, via one or more conductive traces of the FPC 1000). Thus, when a user presses the dome switch coupled to the dome switch contact 1008, the user's finger can be electrically connected to the pressure electrode pad 1010 in response to the press of the dome switch (for example, by bringing the dome switch into contact with the press contact 1014 at the pressed position of the switch).

[0052] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of an example of a KoD1100 including the FPC1000 of Figure 7. The FPC1000 is configured in a folded FPC configuration, in contrast to the flattened FPC1000 of Figure 7, which is in a flat configuration (i.e., not folded). The KoD1100 includes a dome switch 1104 operably coupled (e.g., electrically connected and mechanically connected) to the dome switch contact 1008 (Figure 7) of the FPC1000. The KoD1100 also includes a body 1110 configured to support the FPC1000. The KoD1100 further includes a central retaining spigot 1106 extending through the central hole 1006 of the FPC1000. In some embodiments, the body 1110 may be configured to rotate around the central retaining spigot 1106. Thus, the KoD1100 is configured to rotate around the central axis 1112 of the KoD1100. The body 1110, the central retaining spigot 1106, or both, may include locking features for securing the central retaining spigot 1106 to the body 1110 so as to allow rotation of the body 1110 around the central retaining spigot 1106. In non-limiting examples, the body 1110 or the central retaining spigot 1106 may include a retaining mechanism (not shown), and the other of the body 1110 or the central retaining spigot 1106 may include a retaining actuator (not shown) for mechanically connecting the body 1110 to the central retaining spigot 1106. In some embodiments, the central retaining spigot 1106 may be configured to be directly attached (e.g., glued) to the touchscreen. In some embodiments, one or more intervening structures may be placed between the KoD 1100 and the touchscreen. As a non-limiting example, a base assembly (e.g., base assembly 2318 in Figure 20, base assembly 2504 in Figure 21A, and base assembly 2504 in Figure 21B) may be located between the KoD1100 and the touchscreen.

[0053] The KoD1100 also includes an actuator 1108 operably coupled to a dome switch 1104. The actuator 1108 includes a touch surface 1102 (e.g., the top and / or side of the actuator 1108). Thus, when a user touches the touch surface 1102, the user's finger can be electrically connected to the dome switch 1104 and the dome switch contact 1008 via the actuator 1108. For example, in response to a touch on the touch surface 1102, the user's finger can be electrically connected to a rotating electrode pad 1012 (Figure 7) which is electrically connected (e.g., constantly) to the dome switch contact 1008 via an FPC 1000. As a result, when a user rotates the KoD1100, the rotating electrode pad 1012 can be constantly detected by a touch sensor on a touchscreen, which fixes the KoD1100 regardless of its position (e.g., pressed position, released position). As a result, as the rotating electrode pad 1012 moves in front of the touchscreen of the touchscreen device, the touch sensor of the touchscreen device can track the position of the rotating electrode pad 1012. The dome switch 1104 is also configured to selectively electrically connect the touch surface 1102 to the press electrode pad 1010 of the FPC 1000 (Figure 7) via the press contact 1014 when the KoD 1100 is in the pressed position. As a result, in response to the user pressing the actuator 1108 and the KoD 1100 being in the pressed position, the touch surface 1102 is electrically connected to the press electrode pad 1010, and in response to the press electrode pad 1010 being electrically connected to the user's finger, the touch sensor detects the touch. The press electrode pad 1010 can rotate along with the rotation of the KoD 1100, but the press of the KoD 1100 can be detected in response to the detection of both the press electrode pad 1010 and the rotating electrode pad 1012. Detection of only one pad may be associated with the release state of the KoD1100.

[0054] Figures 9A to 9C are a series of diagrams of two PCB KoD parts 1208 according to several embodiments. Figure 9A is a top perspective view, Figure 9B is a bottom perspective view, and Figure 9C is a top perspective view of part 1208 with a dome switch 1228. Part 1208 includes a bottom PCB 1214, an upper PCB 1218, and a retaining actuator 1216 between the bottom PCB 1214 and the upper PCB 1218. Various layers of part 1208 can be joined using adhesive. As a non-limiting example, the bottom PCB 1214 can be fixed to the retaining actuator 1216 by using adhesive between the bottom PCB 1214 and the retaining actuator 1216. Alternatively, the retaining actuator 1216 can be fixed to the upper PCB 1218 by using adhesive between the retaining actuator 1216 and the upper PCB 1218.

[0055] Figure 9B shows that the bottom PCB 1214 includes a rotating electrode pad 1210 and a press electrode pad 1212 (e.g., a metal electrode such as a copper electrode). Therefore, if a different number, size, or configuration of electrode pads is desired, the bottom PCB 1214 can be easily replaced with a different bottom PCB having the desired number, size, and configuration of electrode pads. Figures 9A and 9C show that the top 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 top PCB 1218 also includes a press contact 1220 configured to be electrically connected to the dome switch 1228 in response to the pressed position of the dome switch 1228 and electrically isolated from the dome switch 1228 in response to the released position of the dome switch 1228. The upper PCB 1218 further includes a press contact trace 1224 configured to electrically connect a press contact 1220 to a press electrode pad 1212.

[0056] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of two PCB KoD1300s, including the portion 1208 shown in Figures 9A-9C, according to several embodiments. Figure 11A is a cross-sectional view of two other PCB KoD1400s, according to several embodiments. The KoD1300 in Figure 10 includes a touch cap 1306 on a cushion 1304. The KoD1400 in Figure 11A includes a touch cap 1308 held in place via a clip 1320. The KoD1300 and KoD1400 show portion 1208 including a bottom PCB 1214, a retaining actuator 1216, and an upper PCB 1218, and a dome switch 1228 on the upper PCB 1218. The KoD1300 and KoD1400 also include a hub 1310 extending through the bottom PCB 1214. The hub 1310 may be configured to attach to a touchscreen (e.g., touchscreen 702 in Figure 4). As a non-limiting example, the hub 1310 may be secured to the touchscreen by adhesive 1316 at the bottom of the hub 1310. Similar to the rotation of the KoD 1100 around the central retaining spigot 1106 in Figure 8, the portion 1208 is configured to rotate around the hub 1310 so as the portion 1208 rotates, the rotating electrode pad 1210 (Figure 9B) moves. In some embodiments, the hub 1310 may include a retaining arm 1312 configured to provide mechanical resistance to a retaining actuator 1216 as the portion 1208 rotates relative to the hub 1310. The retaining actuator 1216 and the retaining arm 1312 may also function as a locking feature portion 1330 between the portion 1208 and the hub 1310 to secure the portion 1208 to the hub 1310 so as to allow the portion 1208 to rotate around the hub 1310.

[0057] KoD1300 includes a touch cap 1306 operably coupled to a dome switch 1228 so as to allow the user to press the dome switch 1228 to the pressed position by pressing the touch cap 1306. KoD1300 also includes a cushion 1304 positioned on the upper PCB 1218 around the upper PCB 1218. The cushion 1304 is configured to compress in response to pressing the touch cap 1306 so as to allow the touch cap 1306 to displace relative to the portion 1208. In non-limiting examples, the cushion 1304 may include an open-cell foam or other material (e.g., an elastic polymer) or an object that compresses and returns to its pre-compressed volume and shape (e.g., a spring).

[0058] The touch cap 1306 includes a touch surface 1314. 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 constantly 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 and released positions of the KoD 1300. The user's finger is also electrically connected to the press electrode pad 1212 (Figure 9B) when the KoD 1300 is in the pressed position and electrically isolated from the press electrode pad 1212 when the KoD 1300 is in the released position.

[0059] The KoD1400 also includes a touch cap 1308 operably coupled to the dome switch 1228 so as to allow the user to press the dome switch 1228 to the pressed position by pressing the touch cap 1308. The touch cap 1308 includes a touch cap side 1318 that extends downward around the side of the portion 1208 to guide the touch cap 1308 when the touch cap is pressed to the pressed position. The KoD1400 also includes a clip 1320 that extends through the upper PCB 1218 to hold the touch cap 1308 in place relative to the portion 1208. The retaining actuator 1216 may include a passage 1322 to allow the clip 1320 to traverse through the retaining actuator 1216. The upper PCB 1218 may also include a passage through which the clip 1320 extends, but each distal end of the clip 1320 may have a horizontal dimension larger than the passage through the upper PCB 1218 to prevent the touch cap 1308 from being pulled away from the portion 1208. Each proximal end of the clip 1320 may be secured to the touch cap 1308.

[0060] The touch cap 1308 includes a touch surface 1324. The touch surface 1324 may extend along the top surface of the touch cap 1308 and / or along the 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 constantly 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 and released positions of the KoD 1400. The user's finger is also electrically connected to the press electrode pad 1212 when the KoD 1400 is in the pressed position and electrically isolated from the press electrode pad 1212 when the KoD 1400 is in the released position.

[0061] Figure 11B is an exploded view of an example of the KoD1400 shown in Figure 11A. As previously discussed, the KoD1400 includes a touch cap 1308 having a touch surface 1324, a dome switch 1228, a clip 1320 (e.g., a conductive clip), an upper PCB 1218, a retaining actuator 1216, a bottom PCB 1214, a hub 1310, and an adhesive 1316 (e.g., an adhesive for applying the KoD1400 to the touchscreen of a touchscreen device).

[0062] Figures 11C to 11H are various views of the KoD1400 shown in Figures 11A and 11B. Figure 11C is a bottom view, Figure 11D is a cross-sectional view through section DD of Figure 11C, Figure 11E is a top view, Figure 11F is a cross-sectional view through section FF of Figure 11C, Figure 11G is a top perspective view, and Figure 11H is a bottom perspective view.

[0063] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of an injection-molded KoD1600 according to several embodiments. In non-limiting examples, the KoD1600 may include a twin-shot injection-molded KoD. The KoD1600 may have some similarities to the KoD1300 in Figure 10. For example, the KoD1600 includes a retaining actuator 1606, a hub 1610, a retaining arm 1612, an adhesive 1628, a touch cap 1306, a touch surface 1314, a dome switch 1228, and a cushion 1614, similar to the retaining actuator 1216, a hub 1310, a retaining arm 1312, an adhesive 1628, a touch cap 1306, a touch surface 1314, a dome switch 1608, and a cushion 1614 of the KoD1300 in Figure 10, respectively. However, unlike the bottom PCB 1214 and top PCB 1218 of the KoD1300 in Figure 10, the KoD1600 includes a substrate 1604 (e.g., an ABS substrate) and an overmolding 1602 (e.g., a conductive overmolding).

[0064] The overmolding 1602 includes conductive structures such as the pressure electrode pad 1624, the rotary electrode pad 1626, the dome switch pad 1622, and the pressure contact 1620, which are analogous to the pressure electrode pad 1212, the rotary electrode pad 1210, the dome switch pad 1222, and the pressure contact 1220 in Figures 9A-9C. However, in contrast to conductive trace materials of PCBs such as their counterparts in KoD1300 in Figure 10, the pressure electrode pad 1624, the rotary electrode pad 1626, the dome switch pad 1622, and the pressure contact 1620 may include injection-molded material. As a non-limiting example, the injection-molded material may include conductive polymers, electrically insulating polymers coated on conductive material, or other conductive overmolding materials. The pressure electrode pad 1624 is electrically connected to the pressure contact 1620 via the overmolding 1602. Furthermore, the rotating electrode pad 1626 is electrically connected to the dome switch pad 1622 via the overmolding 1602. However, the pressing electrode pad 1624 and the pressing contact 1620 are electrically insulated from the rotating electrode pad 1626 and the dome switch pad 1622 by the substrate 1604. For simplicity, it should be noted that the pressing electrode pad 1624, the pressing contact 1620, the rotating electrode pad 1626, and the dome switch pad 1622 are not shown in detail to illustrate their separate structures, as shown in Figure 12. However, such details are shown in Figures 13A and 13B.

[0065] The substrate 1604 is configured to provide structural support to the overmolding 1602 and to insulate the press electrode pad 1624 and press contact 1620 from the rotating electrode pad 1626 and dome switch pad 1622. The substrate 1604 contains an electrical insulating material. More details regarding KoD1600 are shown in Figures 13A and 13B.

[0066] Figures 13A and 13B illustrate examples of the substrate 1604 and overmolding 1602 of the KoD1600 shown in Figure 12. Figure 13A is a bottom perspective view, and Figure 13B is a top perspective view of the substrate 1604 and overmolding 1602. Figure 13A shows the press electrode pad 1624 and the rotary electrode pad 1626. Figure 13B shows the press contact 1620 and the dome switch pad 1622.

[0067] Figures 14A and 14B are a series of diagrams of another KoD2000 according to several embodiments. Figure 14A is a bottom perspective view, and Figure 14B is a top perspective view of the KoD2000. 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 press electrode pad 1812 and a rotary electrode pad 1814. The touch surface 1810 is electrically connected to the rotary electrode pad 1814 regardless of whether the KoD2000 is in a pressed or released position. The touch surface 1810 is electrically connected to the press electrode pad 1812 in response to the KoD2000 being in a pressed position. The touch surface 1810 is electrically isolated from the press electrode pad 1812 in response to the KoD2000 being in a released position.

[0068] The KoD2000 also includes a hub 1816 inserted into an overmolded structure 1806. The hub 1816 is configured to be fixed to the touchscreen, 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 touchscreen in a rotational direction around the hub 1816 in response to the rotation of the overmolded structure 1806 around the hub 1816. The pressure electrode pad 1812 can also rotate around the hub 1816. As a result, both the pressure electrode pad 1812 and the rotating electrode pad 1814 can be detected in response to the pressed position of the KoD2000 and touch to the touch surface 1810. In such a pressed position of the KoD2000, the rotation of the KoD can be tracked by tracking the rotation of the rotating electrode pad 1814, the pressure electrode pad 1812, or both.

[0069] Figures 15A to 15C illustrate examples of the KoD2000 overmolded structure 1806 of Figures 16A and 16B. Figure 15A is a top perspective view, Figure 15B is a bottom perspective view, and Figure 15C is a side perspective view of the overmolded structure 1806, including the overmolded 1916 positioned within the substrate 1918. The overmolded structure 1806 includes the overmolded 1916 and the substrate 1918 configured to support the overmolded 1916. In some embodiments, the overmolded 1916 is configured to snap into the substrate 1918. In some embodiments, the overmolded 1916 and / or the substrate 1918 include one or more structures configured to mate with one or more recesses of the substrate 1918 and / or the overmolded 1916.

[0070] Figure 16 is a side perspective view of the overmolding 1916 of the overmolding structure 1806 shown in Figures 15A to 15C. The overmolding 1916 includes a dome switch pad 1922 which is electrically connected to a rotating electrode pad 1814. The dome switch pad 1922 is configured to allow a dome switch to be mounted on the dome switch pad 1922. The dome switch is operably coupled to the touch cap 1808 such that the touch surface 1810 of the touch cap 1808 is electrically connected through the dome switch to the dome switch pad 1922 and the rotating electrode pad 1814 in response to both the pressed and released positions of the KoD2000.

[0071] The overmolded 1916 also includes a press contact 1920 electrically connected to the press electrode pad 1812. The press contact 1920 is configured to electrically connect to the touch surface 1810 (Figure 14B) of the touch cap 1808 (Figures 14A and 14B) in response to the pressed position of the KoD2000 (Figures 14A and 14B). As a non-limiting example, a dome switch may be configured to contact the press contact 1920 in response to the pressed position of the KoD2000. Alternatively, the dome switch may be configured not to contact the press contact 1920 in response to the released position of the KoD2000.

[0072] Figure 17 is a top perspective view of the substrate 1918 of the overmolded structure 1806 shown in Figures 15A-15C. The substrate 1918 includes a cap clip 1912 configured to secure the touch cap 1808 (Figures 14A and 14B) to the overmolded structure 1806. The substrate 1918 also includes a retaining actuator 1914 (e.g., a spring retaining actuator) configured to mate with a retaining element of the hub 1816 (Figure 14A). In some embodiments, the retaining actuator 1914 is mirror image (e.g., symmetrical) as shown in Figure 17, providing the user with a similar experience of rotating the KoD2000 in both rotational directions of the KoD2000.

[0073] Figures 18A to 18F are diagrams of the KoD2000 in Figures 14A and 14B. Figure 18A is an exploded view of the KoD2000 in Figures 14A and 14B. As previously discussed, the KoD2000 includes a touch cap 1808 having a touch surface 1810, a dome switch 2004, an overmolded structure 1806, a hub 1816 having a retainer 2006 (configured to mate with the retainer actuator 1914 in Figure 17), and an adhesive 2002 (for example, to secure the hub 1816 to a touchscreen device).

[0074] Figures 18B to 18F are other diagrams of KoD2000 from Figures 14A to 14B and Figure 18A, accompanied by callouts that identify various elements as described above. Figure 18B is a bottom view, Figure 18D is a top view, Figure 18C is a section taken along line CC in Figure 18B, Figure 18E is a section taken along section EE in Figure 18B, and Figure 18F is a section taken along section FF in Figure 18B.

[0075] Figure 19 is a flowchart illustrating a method 2200 for operating a KoD device (e.g., any of the KoD devices disclosed herein) according to several embodiments. In operation 2202, method 2200 includes the step of electrically connecting a user's finger in contact with the touch surface of a KoD device to a rotating electrode pad in response to a finger touch on the touch surface of the KoD device, regardless of whether the KoD device is in a pressed or released position.

[0076] In operation 2204, method 2200 includes the step of electrically connecting a finger to a pressure electrode pad of a KoD device in response to a press position of the KoD device. In some embodiments, the step of electrically connecting a finger to a pressure electrode pad in response to a press position includes the step of bringing a dome switch and a pressure contact that are electrically connected to a touch surface in response to a press on the pressure contact of the dome switch, the pressure contact being electrically connected to a pressure electrode pad.

[0077] In operation 2206, method 2200 includes the step of electrically isolating a finger from the pressure electrode pads of the KoD device in response to the release position of the KoD device. In some embodiments, the step of electrically isolating a finger from the pressure electrode pads in response to the release position includes the step of electrically isolating a pressure contact from a dome switch electrically connected to the touch surface, the pressure contact being electrically connected to the pressure electrode pads.

[0078] In operation 2208, method 2200 includes the step of maintaining a pressure electrode pad at a certain distance from the touchscreen of a touchscreen device, regardless of the pressed and released positions of the KoD device.

[0079] Figure 20 is a block diagram of the KoD system 2300 according to several embodiments. The KoD system 2300 may be similar to the KoD system 100 in Figure 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 in Figure 1. Similar to the control circuit 108 and touch sensor 106 of the touchscreen device 104 in Figure 1, the touchscreen device 2304 includes a control circuit 2308 operably coupled to the touch sensor 2306. The KoD device 2302 includes a touch surface 2316, a switch 2314, a rotating electrode pad 2312, and a press electrode pad 2310 similar to the touch surface 116, switch 114, rotating electrode pad 112, and press electrode pad 110 in Figure 1. At least one electrode (e.g., press electrode pad 2310, rotating electrode pad 2312) contains a conductive material. The touch surface 2316 is electrically connected to the rotating electrode pad 2312 and selectively electrically connected to the pressure electrode pad 2310 via a switch 2314. The KoD device 2302 is configured to engage with and approach the touch sensor 2306 and attach to the touchscreen 2320 of the touchscreen device 2304 with at least one electrode (e.g., the rotating electrode pad 2312 and the pressure electrode pad 2310). In a non-limiting example, the rotating electrode pad 2312 and the pressure electrode pad 2310 may be positioned at a certain distance from the touchscreen 2320 of the touchscreen device 2304.

[0080] The KoD device 2302 also includes a base assembly 2318 configured to be positioned between the touchscreen 2320 of the touchscreen device 2304 and the press electrode pads 2310 and the rotating electrode pads 2312. At least one electrode is configured to interact with the touch sensor 2306 via the base assembly 2318 and the touchscreen 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 press electrode pads 2310 and the rotating electrode pads 2312) via the base assembly 2318 and the touchscreen 2320. In other words, at least one electrode is engaged with and approaching the touch sensor 2306 via the base assembly. In some embodiments, the base assembly 2318 is configured to at least partially cover the end of the KoD device 2302 that includes one or more electrodes. The thickness of the base assembly 2318, including the adhesive used to secure the base assembly 2318 to the touchscreen device 2304, may be, without limitation, about 0.5 millimeters (0.5 mm) or less.

[0081] In some embodiments, the base assembly 2318 includes one or more side walls that extend toward the conductive cap of the KoD device 2302 (for example, to at least partially accommodate an internal housing such as the internal housing 2626 in Figure 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 (for example, to liquids, dust, dirt, or other contaminants). In some embodiments, the base assembly 2318 includes a strut (for example, strut 2630 in Figure 21B) configured to extend into the internal housing of the KoD device 2302 (for example, the internal housing 2626 in Figure 21B) to allow the internal housing to rotate around the strut. As the internal housing rotates, the rotating electrode pads 2312 and the pressing electrode pads 2310 may also rotate, and the rotating electrode pads 2312 and the pressing electrode pads 2310 are mechanically coupled to the internal housing around the support column together with the internal housing. In some embodiments, the base assembly includes a retaining element (e.g., retaining element 2628 in Figure 21B), and the internal housing includes a retaining element actuator (e.g., retaining element ball 2618 and retaining element spring 2622 in Figure 21B) to provide mechanical resistance, and optionally, tactile "click" feedback for rotating the internal housing around the support column. The retaining element and retaining element actuator may function as a locking mechanism for securing the base assembly to the internal housing, while at the same time allowing the internal housing to rotate within the base assembly around the support column.

[0082] The KoD device 2302 includes a touch surface 2316 containing a conductive material, which is configured to be positioned in the open position by default and to be positioned in the pressed position in response to pressure applied to the touch surface 2316 (pressure that closes the switch 2314 to electrically connect the touch surface 2316 to the press electrode pad 2310). The KoD device 2302 also includes a press electrode pad 2310 configured to be positioned in close engagement with the touch sensor 2306 of the touchscreen device 2304 in both the open and pressed positions. For example, the touch press electrode pad 2310 may be positioned at a constant distance from the touchscreen 2320 and the touch sensor 2306, regardless of the open and pressed positions of the KoD device 2302. The press electrode pad 2310 is electrically connected to the conductive material of the touch surface 2316 in response to the pressed position and electrically isolated from the conductive material of the touch surface 2316 in response to the open position. The KoD device 2302 further includes a rotating electrode pad 2312 configured to be positioned in close engagement with the touch sensor 2306 of the touchscreen device 2304 in both the released and pressed positions. For example, the rotating electrode pad 2312 can be positioned at a constant distance from the touchscreen 2320 and touch sensor 2306 regardless of the released and pressed 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 pressed positions.

[0083] In some embodiments, the base assembly 2318 is configured to carry adhesive (e.g., adhesive 2624 in Figure 21B) on a side of the base assembly 2318 opposite to at least one electrode (e.g., the surface of the base assembly 2318 facing the touchscreen 2320 of the touchscreen device 2304). The adhesive is configured to fix the KoD device 2302 to the touchscreen 2320 of the touchscreen device 2304. Thus, the base assembly 2318 is configured to be fixed to the touchscreen 2320. In some embodiments, at least substantially the entire side surface of the base assembly opposite to at least one electrode is configured to carry adhesive.

[0084] In some embodiments, the KoD device 2302 further includes an FPC configured to electrically connect a press electrode pad 2310 and a rotary electrode pad 2312 to a touch surface 2316. In some embodiments, the KoD device 2302 includes a PCB configured to electrically connect the rotary electrode pad 2312 to the touch surface 2316 and to further switchably connect the press electrode pad 2310 to the touch surface 2316. In some embodiments, the KoD device 2302 includes a folded FPC configured to electrically connect the rotary electrode pad 2312 to the touch surface 2316 and to further switchably connect the press electrode pad 2310 to the touch surface 2316. In some embodiments, the KoD device 2302 includes a conductive overmolded structure containing the press electrode pad 2310 and the rotary electrode pad 2312.

[0085] In some embodiments, the distance between the release position and the pressed position of the touch surface 2316 is less than 1 millimeter (e.g., 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm). In some embodiments, the distance between the release position and the pressed position of the touch surface 2316 is about 0.6 mm. In some embodiments, the pressure electrode pad 2310 is configured to remain electrically floating in response to the touch surface 2316 being in the release position. The KoD device 2302 further includes a switch 2314 configured to selectively and operably couple the pressure electrode pad 2310 to the conductive material of the touch surface 2316 in response to the pressed position. In some embodiments, the switch 2314 includes a dome switch.

[0086] Similar to KoD102 in Figure 1, KoD device 2302 may include any KoD, such as KoD300, KoD1100, KoD1300, KoD1400, KoD1600, KoD2000, or other KoD devices, with the addition of base assembly 2318. As a non-limiting example, KoD device 2302 may include the implementation of an overmolded internal housing (e.g., similar to KoD1600 or KoD2000), with the addition of base assembly.

[0087] Figures 21A to 21J are diagrams of a KoD device 2500, which is an example of the KoD device 2302 in Figure 20. Figure 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 the touchscreen of a touchscreen device. The side 2506 of the base assembly 2504 is configured to face the touchscreen and is opposite to 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 touchscreen, an adhesive can be applied to at least substantially the entire surface of the side 2506 of the base assembly 2504 that is opposite to the side of the base assembly 2504 that faces one or more electrodes.

[0088] Figure 21B is an exploded view of the KoD device 2500 shown in Figure 21A. The KoD device 2500 includes a conductive decorative ring 2602 (e.g., including laser-cut metal), a ring adhesive 2604 (e.g., replaceable with a clip for clipping the conductive decorative ring 2602 to the conductive cap 2606), a conductive cap 2606 (e.g., including a touch surface 2502), a dome switch 2608, a dome PCB 2610, a starlock retainer 2612, a bearing 2614, a connecting spring 2616 (e.g., two connecting springs), a retaining ball 2618 (e.g., a ball that functions as a retaining actuator, possibly a 3 mm ball formed of thermoplastic plastic such as Delrin®), an electrode PCB 2620 (e.g., including at least one electrode such as the rotating electrode pad 2312 and / or pressing electrode pad 2310 in Figure 20), a retaining spring 2622, a base assembly 2504 (e.g., formed of ABS), and adhesive 2624 (e.g., 3M 467 adhesive). In some embodiments, the adhesive 2624 may be sized to cover at least substantially the entire surface of a side 2506 of the base assembly 2504 that is opposite to one or more electrodes of the electrode PCB 2620 (i.e., the side 2506 of the base assembly 2504 that is configured to face the touchscreen device). For example, as shown in Figure 21B, the adhesive 2624 is the same size as the side 2506 of the base assembly 2504.

[0089] The base assembly 2504 and conductive cap 2606 together enclose the other components (e.g., electrode PCB 2620, internal housing 2626, retaining spring 2622, retaining ball 2618, bearing 2614, connecting spring 2616, starlock retainer 2612, dome PCB 2610, and dome switch 2608). The base assembly 2504 may be directly attached to the touchscreen (e.g., touchscreen 2320 in Figure 20) with adhesive 2624. The base assembly 2504 may also include a retainer 2628 that engages with the retaining ball 2618, providing mechanical resistance to rotation of the KoD device 2500, and the base assembly 2504 may be mechanically attached to the internal housing 2626. The base assembly 2504 further includes a support column 2630 configured to be coupled to a bearing 2614, thereby allowing the internal housing 2626 and components coupled to the internal housing 2626 (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 support column 2630.

[0090] In some embodiments, a connecting spring 2616 is configured to connect the dome PCB 2610 to the internal housing 2626. In some embodiments, the assembly can be secured to the base assembly 2504 using a starlock retainer 2612 and the connecting spring 2616. However, in some embodiments, the dome PCB 2610 can be connected to the electrode PCB 2620 using solder. In some embodiments, a relatively thin bearing 2614 with a thickness of 1-2 mm can be used to reduce the overall height of the KoD device 2500. In some embodiments, instead of using a bearing 2614, the interface between two different plastics can be used as the bearing, which may be a relatively low-cost implementation. As shown above, the overall height of the KoD device 2500 should preferably not exceed 10 mm.

[0091] At least one electrode of the electrode PCB 2620 (e.g., the pressure electrode pad 2310 and the rotating electrode pad 2312 in Figure 20) can be detected through the base assembly 2504 and the adhesive 2624. The thickness of the base assembly 2504 may affect performance as the base assembly extends onto the touch sensor surface.

[0092] Figures 21C to 21H show various diagrams of the KoD device using the callouts identified above. Figure 21C is a bottom view of the KoD device 2500, Figure 21E is a top view of the KoD device 2500, and Figure 21G is a perspective view of the KoD device 2500. Figure 21D is a cross-sectional view taken through cross section DD of Figure 21C, Figure 21F is a cross-sectional view taken through cross section FF of Figure 21C, and Figure 21H is a cross-sectional view taken through cross section HH of Figure 21C.

[0093] Figures 21I and 21J are cross-sectional views of the KoD device 2500. Figure 21I shows a retaining ball 2618 engaging with a retainer 2628 on the inner wall of the side wall 2812 of the base assembly 2504. A retaining spring 2622 is configured to apply an outward force to the retaining ball 2618, maintaining the engagement between the retaining ball 2618 and the retainer 2628. Figure 21I also shows an adhesive 2624 applied (supported) to the side surface 2506 of the base assembly 2504, which is configured to face the touchscreen device. In a non-limiting example, the adhesive 2624 may be configured to cover at least substantially the entire side surface 2506 of the base assembly 2504, as shown in Figure 21I. Also in a non-limiting example, the thickness 2810 of the base assembly 2504 may be substantially 0.5 mm or less.

[0094] As shown in Figure 21J, the KoD device 2500 may include at least one seal 2806 between the base assembly 2504 and the conductive cap 2606 to prevent external materials 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 internal housing 2626, as shown in Figure 21J.

[0095] Figures 22A and 22B show a KoD system 3002 similar to the KoD system 2300 in Figure 20. The KoD system 3002 includes a touchscreen device 3008 similar to the touchscreen device 2304 in Figure 20. The touchscreen device 3008 includes a touchscreen 3010 similar to the touchscreen 2320 in Figure 20. The touchscreen device 3008 also includes a touch sensor and control circuit (not shown) similar to the touch sensor 2306 and control circuit 2308 in Figure 20. The KoD system 3002 further includes the KoD device 2500 in Figure 21A, which is fixed to the touchscreen 3010. As a non-limiting example, the base assembly 2504 (not shown) of the KoD device 2500 may be fixed to the touchscreen 3010 using adhesive 2624 (Figure 21B). When the conductive cap 2606 rotates 3018, the rotating electrode pad of the KoD device 2500 can be rotated together with the conductive cap 2606. The pressing electrode pads and rotating electrode pads of the KoD device 2500 can engage and come into close proximity with the touch sensor of the touchscreen device 3008 3016.

[0096] Figure 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 touchscreen device 3008 is positioned to display a ring 3014 on the touchscreen 3010 corresponding to the detection of one or more of the pressure electrode pads and the rotary electrode pads. This detection results from the electrical connection of the touch surface 2502 to the rotary electrode pads and the switchable connection of the touch surface 2502 to the pressure electrode pads, as discussed above. Thus, the KoD device 2500 is configured to electrically connect the finger 3012 to one or more of the pressure electrode pads and the rotary electrode pads.

[0097] The firmware of the control circuit of the touchscreen device 3008 (for example, the control circuit 2308 in Figure 20) can be tuned based on the sensitivity performance of the KoD device 2500, taking into account the presence of the base assembly 2504, in order to provide appropriate performance.

[0098] Figure 23 is a flowchart illustrating a method 3100 for assembling a KoD system (e.g., KoD system 2300 in Figure 20) according to several embodiments. In operation 3102, method 3100 includes the step of applying an adhesive (e.g., adhesive 2624 in Figure 21B) to a base assembly (e.g., base assembly 2318 in Figure 20, base assembly 2504 in Figure 21A) of a KoD device (e.g., KoD device 2302 in Figure 20, KoD device 2500 in Figure 21A), the base assembly at least partially housing one or more electrodes (e.g., pressing electrode pad 2310 and / or rotating electrode pad 2312 in Figure 20) configured to interact with a touch sensor (e.g., touch sensor 2306 in Figure 20) of a touchscreen device (e.g., touchscreen device 2304 in Figure 20, touchscreen device 3008 in Figures 22A and 22B). As a non-limiting example, Figure 21B shows an adhesive 2624 applied to a base assembly 2504. In some embodiments, the step of 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 touchscreen device.

[0099] In operation 3104, method 3100 includes the step of securing a KoD device to the touchscreen of a touchscreen device, the base assembly being located between one or more electrodes and the touchscreen. As a non-limiting example, Figures 22A and 22B show a KoD device 2500 secured to a touchscreen device 3008 via adhesive 2624 of Figure 21B.

[0100] Figure 24 is a block diagram of a computing device 3200 that may be used in several embodiments. The computing device 3200 includes one or more processors 3202 (sometimes referred to herein as "processor 3202") operably coupled to one or more data storage devices (sometimes referred to herein as "storage device 3204"). The storage device 3204 includes computer-readable instructions (e.g., software, firmware) stored in the storage device. The computer-readable instructions are configured to instruct the processor 3202 to perform the operations of embodiments disclosed herein. As a non-limiting example, the computer-readable instructions may be configured to instruct the processor 3202 to perform at least part or all of the control circuit 108 in Figure 1 and / or the control circuit 2308 in Figure 20.

[0101] 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 storage device 3204 includes volatile data storage devices (e.g., random-access memory (RAM)) and non-volatile data storage devices (e.g., flash memory, hard disk drives, solid-state drives, erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM)), without limitation. 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 storage device 3204 may be implemented in a single device (e.g., a semiconductor device product, a system on a chip (SOC)).

[0102] It should be noted that care should be taken to ensure that capacitive coupling between the dome switch and the pressure electrode pad does not trigger false pressure detection. False detection should be minimized or eliminated if this capacitance is at least four times (or even ten times) smaller than the capacitance of the electrode node in the pressed state. Care should also be taken to avoid interfering with the touchscreen by placing the central dome too close to it. Furthermore, for extremely low-profile KoDs, care should be taken to keep the touch surface away from the engagement proximity of the touch sensor, especially in the released position, to avoid the touch surface itself triggering a touch by the touch sensor. Additionally, for KoDs with relatively large diameters, multiple pressure electrode pads around the diameter can be used. In response to pressure on the KoD, the pressure electrode pad closest to the location of the pressure can be electrically connected to the touch surface of the KoD.

[0103] Examples A non-exclusive and non-limiting list of exemplary embodiments is as follows. It is not explicitly and individually indicated that each of the exemplary embodiments listed below is combinatorial with all other exemplary embodiments listed below and all of the embodiments considered above. However, these exemplary embodiments are intended to be combinatorial with all other exemplary embodiments and embodiments considered above, unless it is obvious to those skilled in the art that the embodiments are not combinatorial.

[0104] Example 1: A knob on display (KoD) device comprising: a touch surface containing a conductive material, configured to be positioned in a released position by default and in a pressed position in response to pressure applied to the touch surface; and a pressure electrode pad configured to be positioned in close engagement with a touch sensor of a touchscreen device in both the released and pressed positions, the pressure 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.

[0105] Example 2: The KoD device according to Example 1, further comprising a rotating electrode pad configured to be positioned in close engagement with the touch sensor of a touchscreen device in both the released and pressed positions, wherein the rotating electrode pad is electrically connected to a conductive material of the touch surface in both the released and pressed positions.

[0106] Example 3: The KoD device according to Example 2, further comprising a flexible printed circuit configured to electrically connect a pressing electrode pad and a rotating electrode pad to a touch surface.

[0107] Example 4: The KoD device according to Example 2, further comprising a printed circuit board configured to electrically connect a pressing electrode pad and a rotating electrode pad to a touch surface.

[0108] Example 5: The KoD device according to Example 2, further comprising a folded flexible printed circuit configured to electrically connect a pressing electrode pad and a rotating electrode pad to a touch surface.

[0109] Example 6: The KoD device according to Example 2, further comprising a conductive overmolded body including a pressing electrode pad and a rotating electrode pad.

[0110] Example 7: A KoD device according to any one of Examples 1 to 6, wherein the distance between the release position of the touch surface and the press position of the touch surface is less than 1 millimeter (1 mm) (e.g., 0.3 to 0.5 mm).

[0111] Example 8: The KoD device according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the distance between the release position and the pressed position of the touch surface is between 3 / 10th of a millimeter (0.3 mm) and 5 millimeters (5 mm).

[0112] Example 9: The KoD device according to any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the pressure electrode pad is configured to remain electrically levitating in response to the touch surface being in a release position.

[0113] Example 10: The KoD device according to any one of Examples 1 to 9, further comprising a switch configured to selectively and operably couple a press electrode pad to a conductive material on a touch surface in response to a press position.

[0114] Example 11: The KoD device according to Example 10, wherein the switch comprises a dome switch.

[0115] Example 12: A display knob (KoD) device comprising at least one electrode comprising a conductive material, configured to be positioned in close engagement with a touch sensor of a touchscreen device, and a base assembly configured to be positioned between the touchscreen of the touchscreen device and the at least one electrode, wherein the at least one electrode is configured to interact with the touch sensor via the base assembly.

[0116] Example 13: The KoD device according to Example 12, wherein the base assembly is configured to secure the KoD device to the touchscreen of a touchscreen device by carrying an adhesive on the touch sensor side of the base assembly opposite at least one electrode.

[0117] Example 14: The KoD device according to Example 13, wherein at least substantially the entire touch sensor side of the base assembly is configured to support adhesive.

[0118] Example 15: The KoD device according to any one of Examples 12-14, wherein the base assembly is configured to at least partially cover the end of the KoD device, which includes at least one electrode.

[0119] Example 16: The base assembly is approximately 0.5 mm thick (0.5 mm), the KoD device as described in any one of Examples 12-15.

[0120] Example 17: The KoD device according to any one of Examples 12-16, wherein the base assembly includes one or more sidewalls extending toward the conductive cap of the KoD device.

[0121] Example 18: The KoD device according to Example 17, further comprising one or more seals between one or more sidewalls of the base assembly and the conductive cap of the KoD device.

[0122] Example 19: A KoD device according to any one of Examples 12-18, wherein at least one electrode includes a pressure electrode pad configured to interact with a touch sensor in response to a user pressing a conductive cap of the KoD device.

[0123] Example 20: A KoD device according to any one of Examples 12-19, wherein at least one electrode includes a rotating electrode pad configured to rotate within the engagement proximity of a touch sensor in response to a user rotating a conductive cap of the KoD device.

[0124] Example 21: A vehicle comprising a KoD system, wherein the KoD system comprises a touchscreen device and a KoD device as described in any one of Examples 12 to 20.

[0125] Example 22: A display knob (KoD) device comprising: at least one electrode comprising a conductive material, configured to be positioned in close engagement with the touchscreen of a touchscreen device; and a base assembly configured to be positioned between the touchscreen of a touchscreen device and the at least one electrode, wherein the at least one electrode is configured to be positioned in close engagement with the touchscreen of the touchscreen device via the base assembly.

[0126] Example 23: The KoD device according to Example 22, further comprising an adhesive on the side of the base assembly opposite at least one electrode for securing the KoD device to the touchscreen of a touchscreen device.

[0127] Example 24: The KoD device according to Example 23, wherein the adhesive is applied to at least substantially the entire side of the base assembly opposite at least one electrode, such that the adhesive is the same size as the entire side of the base assembly opposite at least one electrode.

[0128] Example 25: The KoD device according to any one of Examples 22-24, wherein the base assembly is configured to at least partially cover the edges of the KoD device.

[0129] Example 26: The KoD device described in any one of Examples 22-25, wherein the base assembly exhibits a thickness of 0.5 mm or less.

[0130] Example 27: The KoD device according to any one of Examples 22-26, wherein the base assembly includes one or more side walls extending toward the conductive cap of the KoD device.

[0131] Example 28: The KoD device according to Example 27, further comprising one or more seals between one or more sidewalls of the base assembly and the conductive cap of the KoD device.

[0132] Example 29: A KoD device according to any one of Examples 22-28, wherein at least one electrode includes a pressure electrode pad configured to interact with a touch sensor in response to a conductive cap of the KoD device being pressed.

[0133] Example 30: A KoD device according to any one of Examples 22-29, wherein at least one electrode includes a rotating electrode pad configured to rotate within the engagement proximity of a touch sensor in response to the rotation of a conductive cap of the KoD device.

[0134] Example 31: The KoD device according to any one of Examples 22 to 30, further comprising an internal housing coupled to at least one electrode, and a bearing coupled to the internal housing, wherein the base assembly includes a support rod coupled to the bearing so as to allow the internal housing and at least one electrode to rotate around the support rod.

[0135] Example 32: The KoD device according to Example 31, wherein the base assembly includes a retaining arm, and the internal housing includes one or more retaining arm actuators to provide mechanical resistance to rotation of the internal housing around the support column.

[0136] Example 33: A display knob (KoD) system comprising a touchscreen device having a touch sensor and a touchscreen, and a KoD device, wherein the KoD device includes a base assembly fixed to the touchscreen of the touchscreen device, and one or more electrodes positioned via the base assembly to engage with and in close proximity to the touch sensor of the touchscreen device.

[0137] Example 34: The KoD system according to Example 33, wherein the base assembly includes a support column extending from the base assembly, and the KoD device further includes an internal housing coupled to one or more electrodes, the base assembly is configured to at least partially house the internal housing, and the internal housing and one or more electrodes are configured to rotate around the support column of the base assembly.

[0138] Example 35: The KoD system according to Example 33 or 34, wherein the touchscreen device further comprises a control circuit configured to control the touchscreen device in order to display a plurality of different graphic user interfaces on which the KoD device is configured to interact.

[0139] Example 36: The KoD system according to any one of Examples 33-35, wherein the base assembly is fixed to the touchscreen using adhesive.

[0140] Example 37: The KoD system according to Example 36, wherein the adhesive covers at least substantially the entire surface of the base assembly facing the touchscreen.

[0141] Example 38: The KoD system according to any one of Examples 33 to 37, wherein the KoD device further comprises a touch surface electrically connected to one or more electrode press electrode pads in response to a first position of the KoD device, the touch surface being electrically isolated from the press electrode pads in response to a second position of the KoD device.

[0142] Example 39: The KoD system according to Example 38, 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 first and second positions of the KoD device.

[0143] Example 39A: A KoD system according to any one of Examples 33 to 39, comprising a rotating electrode pad configured to electrically connect to the touch surface of a KoD device regardless of the pressed position of the KoD device and the released position of the KoD device.

[0144] Example 40: A method for assembling a display knob (KoD) system, the method comprising: applying adhesive to a base assembly of a KoD device, the base assembly accommodating at least partially one or more electrodes; and fixing the KoD device to the touchscreen of a touchscreen device, the base assembly being located between one or more electrodes and the touchscreen, the one or more electrodes being positioned via the base assembly in close engagement with the touch sensors of the touchscreen device.

[0145] Example 41: The method according to Example 40, wherein the step of applying adhesive to the base assembly includes applying adhesive to substantially the entire surface of the base assembly which is configured to face the touchscreen.

[0146] Example 41A: The method according to Example 40, wherein one or more electrodes are positioned at a fixed distance from the touch sensor of a touchscreen device.

[0147] Example 42: A display knob (KoD) device comprising: a touch surface including a conductive material, configured to be positioned in a release position and a pressed position; and a pressure electrode pad configured to be positioned in close engagement with a touch sensor of a touchscreen device in both the release position and the pressed position, the pressure electrode pad being electrically connected to the conductive material of the touch surface in response to one of the pressed position and the release position, and electrically isolated from the conductive material of the touch surface in the other of the pressed and released positions.

[0148] Example 42A: The KoD device according to Example 40, wherein the pressure electrode pad is electrically connected to the conductive material of the touch surface in response to the press position and electrically isolated from the conductive material of the touch surface in the release position.

[0149] Example 43: The KoD device according to Example 42, further comprising a rotating electrode pad configured to be positioned in close engagement with the touch sensor of a touchscreen device in both the released and pressed positions, wherein the rotating electrode pad is electrically connected to a conductive material of the touch surface in both the released and pressed positions.

[0150] Example 44: The KoD device according to Example 43, further comprising a flexible printed circuit configured to electrically connect a pressing electrode pad and a rotating electrode pad to a touch surface in response to either a pressed position or a released position.

[0151] Example 45: The KoD device according to Example 43, further comprising a printed circuit board configured to electrically connect a pressing electrode pad and a rotating electrode pad to a touch surface in response to either a pressed position or a released position.

[0152] Example 46: The KoD device according to Example 43, further comprising a folded flexible printed circuit configured to electrically connect a press electrode pad and a rotating electrode pad to a touch surface in response to either a press position or a release position.

[0153] Example 47: The KoD device according to Example 43, further comprising a conductive overmolded body including a pressing electrode pad and a rotating electrode pad.

[0154] Example 48: The KoD device according to any one of Examples 43-47, further comprising a hub configured to be fixed to the touchscreen of a touchscreen device, wherein a rotating electrode pad is configured to rotate around the hub.

[0155] Example 49: The KoD device according to Example 48, further comprising a stopper actuator mechanically coupled to a rotating electrode pad, wherein the hub includes a stopper configured to provide mechanical resistance to the stopper actuator in response to the rotation of the stopper actuator around the hub.

[0156] Example 50: A KoD device according to any one of Examples 42-49, wherein the distance between the release position of the touch surface and the press position of the touch surface is less than 1 millimeter (1 mm) (e.g., 0.3-0.5 mm).

[0157] Example 51: A KoD device according to any one of Examples 42-50, wherein the distance between the release position of the touch surface and the press position of the touch surface is 0.3-0.5 millimeters (0.3-0.5 mm).

[0158] Example 52: The KoD device according to any one of Examples 42 to 51, wherein the pressure electrode pad is configured to remain electrically levitating in response to the touch surface being in a release position.

[0159] Example 53: The KoD device according to any one of Examples 42 to 52, further comprising a switch configured to selectively and operably couple a press electrode pad to a conductive material on a touch surface in response to a press position.

[0160] Example 54: The KoD device according to Example 53, wherein the switch comprises a dome switch.

[0161] Example 55: A method for operating a display knob (KoD) device, the method comprising: electrically connecting the touch surface of the KoD device to a rotating electrode pad regardless of the pressed or released position of the KoD device; electrically connecting the touch surface to a press electrode pad of the KoD device in response to the pressed position of the KoD device; and electrically isolating the touch surface from the press electrode pad of the KoD device in response to the released position of the KoD device.

[0162] Example 56: The method according to Example 55, further comprising the step of maintaining the pressing electrode pad and the rotating electrode pad at a constant distance from the touchscreen of the touchscreen device, regardless of the pressed and released positions of the KoD device.

[0163] Example 57: The method according to Example 55 or 56, wherein the step of electrically connecting the touch surface to the press electrode pad in response to a press position includes the step of bringing the dome switch into contact with the press contact in response to a press on the dome switch, the dome switch being electrically connected to the touch surface and the press contact being electrically connected to the press electrode pad.

[0164] Example 58: The method according to any one of Examples 55 to 57, wherein the step of electrically isolating the touch surface from the pressure electrode pad in response to the release position includes the step of electrically isolating the pressure contact from the dome switch, the dome switch being electrically connected to the touch surface and the pressure contact being electrically connected to the pressure electrode pad.

[0165] Example 59: A display knob (KoD) system comprising a touchscreen device including a touchscreen and a touch sensor, and a KoD device fixed to the touchscreen, wherein the KoD device comprises a touch surface and a pressing electrode pad and a rotating electrode pad configured to remain at a constant distance from the touchscreen regardless of the pressed and released positions of the KoD device.

[0166] Example 60: The (KoD) system according to Example 59, wherein the KoD device further comprises a hub fixed to a touchscreen, and a rotating electrode pad is configured to rotate around the hub in response to the rotation of the KoD device.

[0167] Example 61: The (KoD) system according to Example 59 or 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 pressing 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.

[0168] conclusion When used in this disclosure, the terms “module” or “component” may refer to a specific hardware implementation configured to perform actions of a module or component and / or software object or software routine that are stored in and / or executed by general-purpose hardware of a computing system (e.g., computer-readable media, processing devices, etc.). In some embodiments, the different components, modules, engines, and services described in this disclosure may be implemented as objects or processes that run on a computing system (e.g., as separate threads). While some of the systems and methods described in this disclosure are generally described as being implemented in software (stored and / or executed in general-purpose hardware), specific hardware implementations, or combinations of software and specific hardware implementations, are also possible and intended.

[0169] When used in this disclosure, the term “combination” referring to multiple elements may include any combination of all elements or any various different partial combinations of some elements. For example, the phrase “A, B, C, D, or any combination thereof” may mean any one of A, B, C, or D; any combination of A, B, C, and D; and any one of any partial combinations 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.

[0170] The terms used in this disclosure, and in particular in the appended claims (e.g., the text of the appended claims), are generally intended to be “open” terms (for example, the term “including” should be interpreted as “including, but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” and the term “including” should be interpreted as “including, but not limited to,” and so on).

[0171] In addition, if a specific number of introduced claim enumerations are intended, such intention will be explicitly enumerated in the claims; if there is no such enumeration, such intention does not exist. For example, to aid understanding, the following attached claims may include the use of introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce a claim enumeration. However, the use of such phrases should not be interpreted as the introduction of a claim enumeration by the indefinite article “a” or “an” limiting any particular claim containing such introduced claim enumerations to embodiments containing only one of such enumerations (for example, “a” and / or “an” should be interpreted as meaning “at least one” or “one or more”), even if the same claim contains the introductory phrase “one or more” and an indefinite article such as “a” or “an” (for example, “a” and / or “an” should be interpreted as meaning “at least one” or “one or more”), and the same applies to the use of explicit articles used to introduce a claim enumeration.

[0172] Furthermore, even if a specific number of claims enumerated is explicitly listed, a person skilled in the art will recognize that such a statement should be interpreted as meaning at least the number listed (for example, a simple enumeration of "two enumerations" without other modifiers means at least two enumerations, or two or more enumerations). Moreover, 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, such a structure is generally intended to 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.

[0173] Furthermore, any separating words or phrases that present two or more alternative terms should be understood as construing the possibility of including one of the terms, either or both of the terms in this specification, the claims, or the drawings. For example, the phrase "A or B" should be understood as including the possibility of "A" or "B" or "A and B".

[0174] While this disclosure is described herein with respect to certain exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize and understand that the invention is not so limited. Rather, numerous additions, deletions, and modifications can be made to the exemplary and described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed below together with their legal equivalents. In addition, features of one embodiment can be combined with features of another disclosed embodiment, as conceived by the inventors, but still remain within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A display knob (KoD) device, A conductive cap on the top of the KoD device, wherein the conductive cap has a touch surface at least at the center of the conductive cap, A dome switch located beneath the conductive cap, wherein the dome switch is electrically connected to the touch surface of the conductive cap, A printed circuit having conductive pads, wherein the conductive pads have one or more dome switch pads on which the dome switch is mounted, The base assembly provided at the bottom of the KoD device, An internal housing between the conductive cap and the base assembly, the internal housing enabling the internal housing to rotate around a support column in the base assembly, At least one electrode comprising a conductive material, wherein the at least one electrode includes a first electrode electrically connected to the touch surface of the conductive cap via the dome switch and one or more dome switch pads, and the at least one electrode is mechanically coupled to the internal housing so as to rotate with the internal housing, Equipped with, The bottom side of the base assembly is attached to the touchscreen of a touchscreen device, and the at least one electrode is positioned to engage with and be close to the touchscreen of the touchscreen device via the base assembly, in a KoD device.

2. The KoD device according to claim 1, further comprising an adhesive applied to the bottom side of the base assembly for fixing the KoD device to the touchscreen of the touchscreen device.

3. The KoD device according to claim 1, wherein the printed circuit including the conductive pad includes one of a printed circuit board (PCB) or a flexible printed circuit.

4. The conductive pad includes a press contact below the dome switch, The one or more electrodes include a second electrode, The second electrode is electrically connected to the pressing contact, The second electrode is mechanically coupled to the internal housing so as to rotate with the internal housing. The dome switch is electrically connected to the press contact such that it is electrically connected to the second electrode in response to the touch surface being in the pressed position of the touch surface. The KoD device according to claim 1, wherein the touch surface is electrically isolated from the second electrode in response to being in an open position of the touch surface.

5. The KoD device according to claim 1, wherein the base assembly has a thickness of 0.5 millimeters or less.

6. The KoD device according to claim 1, wherein the base assembly includes one or more side walls extending toward the conductive cap of the KoD device.

7. The KoD device according to claim 6, further comprising one or more seals between the one or more side walls of the base assembly and the conductive cap of the KoD device.

8. The KoD device according to claim 1, wherein the printed circuit including the conductive cap, the dome switch, and the conductive pad is configured to rotate with the internal housing in response to the rotation of the conductive cap of the KoD device.

9. Further comprising a bearing coupled to the internal housing, The KoD device according to claim 1, wherein the support column is coupled to the bearing such that the internal housing and the at least one electrode can rotate around the support column.

10. The KoD device according to claim 9, wherein the base assembly includes a retaining arm, and the internal housing includes one or more retaining arm actuators for providing mechanical resistance to rotation of the internal housing around the support column.

11. It is a display knob (KOD) system, A touchscreen device comprising a touch sensor and a touchscreen, It is a KoD device, A conductive cap on the top of the KoD device, wherein the conductive cap has a touch surface at least at the center of the conductive cap, A dome switch located beneath the conductive cap, wherein the dome switch is electrically connected to the touch surface of the conductive cap, A printed circuit having conductive pads, wherein the conductive pads have one or more dome switch pads on which the dome switch is mounted, The base assembly provided at the bottom of the KoD device, An internal housing between the conductive cap and the base assembly, the internal housing being able to rotate around a support extending from the base assembly, One or more electrodes comprising a conductive material, wherein the one or more electrodes include a first electrode electrically connected to the touch surface of the conductive cap via the dome switch and the one or more dome switch pads, and the one or more electrodes are mechanically coupled to the internal housing so as to rotate with the internal housing, The bottom side of the base assembly fixed to the touchscreen of the touchscreen device, A KoD device comprising: one or more electrodes positioned in close engagement with the touch sensor of the touchscreen device via the base assembly; The KoD system is equipped with [this feature].

12. The KoD system according to claim 11, wherein the printed circuit including the conductive pad includes one of a printed circuit board (PCB) or a flexible printed circuit.

13. The KoD system according to claim 11, wherein the base assembly is fixed to the touchscreen using an adhesive.

14. The KoD system according to claim 13, wherein the adhesive extends to at least substantially the entire surface of the base assembly facing the touchscreen.

15. The conductive pad includes a pressure contact below the dome switch. The one or more electrodes include a second electrode, The second electrode is electrically connected to the pressing contact, The second electrode is mechanically coupled to the internal housing so as to rotate with the internal housing. The dome switch is electrically connected to the press contact such that it electrically connects to the second electrode in response to the touch surface being in the pressed position of the touch surface. The KoD system according to claim 11, wherein the touch surface is electrically isolated from the second electrode in response to being in an open position of the touch surface.

16. The KoD system according to claim 15, wherein the first electrode is electrically connected to the touch surface of the conductive cap regardless of the pressed position of the KoD device and the released position of the KoD device.

17. The KoD system according to claim 11, wherein the printed circuit including the conductive cap, the dome switch, and the conductive pad is configured to rotate with the internal housing in response to the rotation of the conductive cap.

18. A method for assembling a display knob (KoD) system, the method being: A step of providing a KoD device, the KoD device comprising: a conductive cap on top of the KoD device, the conductive cap having a touch surface at least at the center of the conductive cap; a dome switch below the conductive cap, the dome switch being electrically connected to the touch surface of the conductive cap; a printed circuit having conductive pads, the conductive pad having one or more dome switch pads on which the dome switch is mounted; a base assembly provided at the bottom of the KoD device; an internal housing between the conductive cap and the base assembly, the internal housing enabling the internal housing to rotate around a support extending from the base assembly; and one or more electrodes comprising a conductive material, the one or more electrodes including a first electrode electrically connected to the touch surface of the conductive cap via the dome switch and the one or more dome switch pads, the one or more electrodes being mechanically coupled to the internal housing so as to rotate with the internal housing; The steps include applying adhesive to the bottom side of the base assembly of the KoD device, A method comprising the steps of fixing the KoD device to the touchscreen of a touchscreen device using the adhesive on the bottom side of the base assembly, such that one or more electrodes are positioned to engage with and be close to the touch sensors of the touchscreen device via the base assembly.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the step of 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 the touchscreen.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the one or more electrodes are positioned at a first distance from the touch sensor of the touchscreen device.

Images