Universal button for mobile terminal

Abstract

A universal button for a mobile terminal is disclosed. In one aspect, a single button may detect both a relative position of an actuator (e.g., a finger or stylus) as well as an amount of force that the actuator applies to the button. Based on an intersection of these detected values, a function may be provided by the mobile terminal. In this fashion, the single button may provide more functions, possibly eliminating buttons while preserving the functions of the eliminated buttons.

Description

Ref. No. P241503-WO-UTL 1UNIVERSAL BUTTON FOR MOBILE TERMINALPRIORITY APPLICATION

[0001] The present application is related to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 680,673, filed on August 8, 2024, and entitled “UNIVERSAL FORCE ACTIVATED BUTTON,” the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.BACKGROUNDI. Field of the Disclosure

[0002] The technology of the disclosure relates generally to buttons for use on mobile terminals and, more particularly, for multi-function buttons.IL Background

[0003] Computing devices abound in modern society, and more particularly, mobile communication devices have become increasingly common. The prevalence of these mobile communication devices is driven in part by the many functions that are now enabled on such devices. Increased processing capabilities in such devices means that mobile communication devices have evolved from pure communication tools into sophisticated mobile entertainment centers, thus enabling enhanced user experiences. With the advent of the myriad possibilities available to such devices, there has been increased pressure to find ways for the user to interact with the device so as to activate functions within applications. Concurrently, there has been pressure to eliminate buttons and input / output ports. For example, most mobile phones have eliminated the audio jack port, consolidating to a single USB port to provide variegated input and output options. These pressures provide room for innovation.SUMMARY

[0004] Aspects disclosed in the detailed description include a universal button for a mobile terminal. In particular, a single button may detect both a relative position of an actuator (e.g., a finger or stylus) as well as an amount of force that the actuator applies to the button. Based on an intersection of these detected values, a function may be provided by the mobile terminal. In this fashion, the single button may provide more functions, possibly eliminating buttons while preserving the functions of the eliminated buttons.WT Ref. No. 2867-3472-WORef. No. P241503-WO-UTL 2

[0005] In this regard, in one aspect, a button for a computing device is disclosed. The button includes a first sensor configured to detect a position where force is being applied to the button, a second sensor configured to detect when force being applied to the button equals or exceeds a threshold, and an output cable coupled to the first sensor and the second sensor and configured to supply data from the first sensor and the second sensor to a control circuit.

[0006] In another aspect, a computing device is disclosed. The computing device includes a housing and a button positioned on a face of the housing. The button includes a first sensor configured to detect a position where force is being applied to the button, a second sensor configured to detect when force being applied to the button equals or exceeds a threshold, and an output cable coupled to the first sensor and the second sensor and configured to convey data from the first sensor and the second sensor. The computing device also includes a control circuit coupled to the output cable, the control circuit configured to determine a function to be activated based on an intersection of position where force is being applied as indicated by the first sensor and when the force being applied equals or exceeds the threshold as indicated by the second sensor.

[0007] In another aspect, a method of using a button on a device to actuate a function is disclosed. The method includes detecting a position on the button at which force is being applied, detecting an amount of force being applied to the button, and determining a function to actuate based on an intersection of the position and the amount of force.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1A is a side elevational view of a mobile terminal having a universal button according to a first aspect of the present disclosure;

[0009] Figure IB is a top plan view of the mobile terminal of Figure 1A;

[0010] Figure 2A is a back view of a capacitive sensor combined with a dome switch button according to aspects of the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 2B is a front view of the structure of Figure 2A;

[0012] Figure 3A is a side elevational cross-sectional view of an aspect of the button structure of Figure 2 A;

[0013] Figure 3B is a side elevational cross-sectional view of a suspended aspect of the button structure of Figure 2A;

[0014] Figure 4A is a side elevational view of a mobile terminal having a universal button according to a second aspect of the present disclosure;WT Ref. No. 2867-3472-WORef. No. P241503-WO-UTL 3

[0015] Figure 4B is a top plan view of the mobile terminal of Figure 4A;

[0016] Figure 5A is a side elevational cross-sectional view of an aspect of the button structure of Figure 4 A;

[0017] Figure 5B is a side elevational cross-sectional view of a suspended aspect of the button structure of Figure 4A;

[0018] Figure 6A is a side elevational view of a mobile terminal having a universal button according to a third aspect of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 6B is a top plan view of the mobile terminal of Figure 6A;

[0020] Figure 7 is a side elevational cross-sectional view of a suspended aspect of the button structure of Figures 6 A and 6B;

[0021] Figure 8A is a side elevational view of a mobile terminal having a universal button according to a first aspect of the present disclosure;

[0022] Figure 8B is a top plan view of the mobile terminal of Figure 8A;

[0023] Figure 9 is a side elevational cross-sectional view of a suspended aspect of the button structure of Figures 8 A and 8B;

[0024] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a package that may be used with aspects of Figures 6A-9;

[0025] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for using the button of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 12 is a block diagram of a control circuit that may be used with buttons of the present disclosure; and

[0027] Figure 13 is a block diagram of a mobile terminal, which may include the buttons of Figures 1A-10 according to the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The embodiments set forth below represent the necessary information to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and illustrate the best mode of practicing the embodiments. Upon reading the following description in light of the accompanying drawing figures, those skilled in the art will understand the concepts of the disclosure and will recognize applications of these concepts not particularly addressed herein. It should be understood that these concepts and applications fall within the scope of the disclosure and the accompanying claims.

[0029] It will be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms.WT Ref. No. 2867-3472-WORef. No. P241503-WO-UTL 4These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and similarly, a second element could be termed a first element without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0030] It will be understood that when an element such as a layer, region, or substrate is referred to as being “on” or extending “onto” another element, it can be directly on or extend directly onto the other element, or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on” or extending “directly onto” another element, no intervening elements are present. Likewise, it will be understood that when an element such as a layer, region, or substrate is referred to as being “over” or extending “over” another element, it can be directly over or extend directly over the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly over” or extending “directly over” another element, no intervening elements are present. It will also be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, no intervening elements are present.

[0031] Relative terms such as “below” or “above” or “upper” or “lower” or “horizontal” or “vertical” may be used herein to describe a relationship of one element, layer, or region to another element, layer, or region as illustrated in the Figures. It will be understood that these terms and those discussed above are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures.

[0032] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a," “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises," “comprising," “includes,” and / or “including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0033] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inWT Ref. No. 2867-3472-WORef. No. P241503-WO-UTL 5 the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0034] In keeping with the above admonition about definitions, the present disclosure uses transceiver in a broad manner. Current industry literature uses “transceiver” in two ways. The first way uses transceiver broadly to refer to a plurality of circuits that send and receive signals. Exemplary circuits may include a baseband processor, an up / down conversion circuit, filters, amplifiers, couplers, and the like coupled to one or more antennas. A second way, used by some authors in the industry literature, refers to a circuit positioned between a baseband processor and a power amplifier circuit as a transceiver. This intermediate circuit may include the up / down conversion circuits, mixers, oscillators, filters, and the like but generally does not include the power amplifiers. As used herein, the term transceiver is used in the first sense. Where relevant to distinguish between the two definitions, the terms “transceiver chain” and “transceiver circuit” are used respectively.

[0035] Additionally, to the extent that the term “approximately” is used in the claims, it is herein defined to be within five percent (5%).

[0036] Aspects disclosed in the detailed description include a universal button for a mobile terminal. In particular, a single button may detect both a relative position of an actuator (e.g., a finger or stylus) as well as an amount of force that the actuator applies to the button. Based on an intersection of these detected values, a function may be provided by the mobile terminal. In this fashion, the single button may provide more functions, possibly eliminating buttons while preserving the functions of the eliminated buttons.

[0037] Contemporary mobile terminals, such as smartphones, typically have a frame or housing that has one or more user interface elements as well as some form of input / output (VO) port. The VO port may be, for example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) receptacle, a LIGHTNING port, or the like. The user interface may include speakers, a microphone, a touchscreen, and a plurality of buttons (e.g., volume, silence, and / or sleep / low power). Older phones may have an action button associated with or incorporated into the touch screen. As noted above, there is pressure to consolidate these buttons.

[0038] Aspects of the present disclosure contemplate consolidating multiple functions into a single button. To do this, the button incorporates a first location sensorWT Ref. No. 2867-3472-WORef. No. P241503-WO-UTL 6 that indicates where in an x-y plane pressure is being applied to the button. The button further incorporates a second sensor that indicates how much force is being applied to the button. By evaluating the intersection of outputs from these two sensors, a desired function may be determined and activated. More specifically, multiple functions may be enabled including authentication (e.g., through a fingerprint sensor), scrolling, zooming, volume control, or the like.

[0039] Figures 1A & IB illustrate an exemplary aspect of a first location sensor for a button used in a mobile terminal 100. In this regard, the mobile terminal 100 has a frame or housing 102 having a primary screen 104 on a first face 106. A side button 108, according to aspects of the present disclosure, is positioned on a second face 110. The side button 108 may extend outwardly from the second face 110 (i.e., in the z-direction).

[0040] In this aspect, the side button 108 includes a capacitive sensor (or a capacitive fingerprint sensor) 112 better illustrated in Figures 2A through 3B that allows detection of where force is applied to the side button in an x-y plane. The side button 108 also interoperates with a force sensor 114 (e.g., a dome sensor or the like). The force sensor 114 may detect when force applied to the button exceeds a predefined threshold. Note that in some aspects, the force sensor 114 may incorporate multiple thresholds. The sensors 112, 114 may be positioned or associated with a module substrate 118 secured to the frame by anchors 120.

[0041] As noted, additional details and variations are discussed with reference to Figures 2 A through 3B. In this regard, Figures 2 A & 2B illustrate how the capacitive sensor 112 may be positioned on a first side of the button 108, and the sensor 114 is a dome switch 200 positioned on the other side with a cable 202 providing electrical connections to the two sensors 112, 114. As illustrated, the sensor 112 is a capacitive fingerprint sensor. Using the fingerprint sensor may allow authentication functionality. While shown as a sinuous shape, the cable 202 may be arranged differently. Likewise, the number of conductors within the cable 202 may be varied depending on the nature of the sensors 112, 114.

[0042] Figures 3A & 3B illustrate two alternate mounting possibilities for the force sensor 114. In Figure 3A, the force sensor 114 is preloaded with an anchor 300 attached to an interior surface 302 of the frame 102. As force is applied to the button 108, the button 108 pushes against a flexible printed circuit (FPC) 304. The force sensor 114 is attached to the FPC 304 by solder joints 306. Rubber pads 308 allow compression against the anchor 300.WT Ref. No. 2867-3472-WORef. No. P241503-WO-UTL 7

[0043] In contrast, Figure 3B is similar to the illustration of Figure IB, where the force sensor 114 is suspended. The anchors 310 (identical to anchors 120) couple the FPC 304 to the frame 102 at the second face 110.

[0044] Instead of a capacitive sensor (or capacitive fingerprint sensor) 112, an ultrasonic sensor or ultrasonic fingerprint sensor may be used, as better illustrated in Figures 4A through 5B. Again, the fingerprint sensor may allow for authentication. In this regard, Figures 4A & 4B illustrate a mobile terminal 400 that has a frame or housing 402 having a primary screen 404 on a first face 406. A side button 408, according to aspects of the present disclosure, is positioned on a second face 410. The side button 408 may be flush with the second face 410.

[0045] In this aspect, the side button 408 includes an ultrasonic sensor (or an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor) 412, better illustrated in Figures 5A & 5B, that allows detection of where force is applied to the side button in an x-y plane. The side button 408 also interoperates with a force sensor 414 (e.g., a dome sensor or the like). The force sensor 414 may detect when force applied to the button exceeds a predefined threshold. Note that in some aspects, the force sensor 414 may incorporate multiple thresholds. The sensors 412, 414 may be positioned or associated with a module substrate 418.

[0046] As with the aspect of Figures 1A & IB, the force sensor 414 may have multiple ways of being instantiated, as seen in Figures 5A & 5B. In Figure 5A, the force sensor 414 is preloaded with an anchor 500 attached to an interior surface 502 of the frame 402. As force is applied to the button 408, the button 408 pushes against a flexible printed circuit (FPC) 504. The force sensor 414 is attached to the FPC 504 by solder joints 506. Rubber pads 508 allow compression against the anchor 500.

[0047] In contrast, Figure 5B is similar to the illustration of Figure 3B, where the force sensor 414 is suspended, and flex or torsion of the FPC 504 actuates the force sensor 414.

[0048] The above aspects contemplate that the sensors may be separate structures and may be provided in separate chips and packages. However, the present disclosure is not so limited, and Figures 6A-10 illustrate similar aspects where both sensors are integrated into a single package. The single package may have commercial advantages as well as provide some modicum of space savings.

[0049] In this regard, Figures 6A & 6B illustrate an exemplary aspect of a location sensor for a button used in a mobile terminal 600. In this regard, the mobile terminal 600 has a frame or housing 602 having a primary screen 604 on a first face 606. A side buttonWT Ref. No. 2867-3472-WORef. No. P241503-WO-UTL 8608, according to aspects of the present disclosure, is positioned on a second face 610. The side button 608 may extend outwardly from the second face 610 (i.e., in the z- direction).

[0050] In this aspect, the side button 608 includes a capacitive sensor (or a capacitive fingerprint sensor) 612, better illustrated in Figure 7, that allows detection of where force is applied to the side button in an x-y plane. The side button 608 also interoperates with a force sensor 614 (e.g., a dome sensor or the like). The force sensor 614 may detect when force is applied to the button that exceeds a predefined threshold. Note that in some aspects, the force sensor 614 may incorporate multiple thresholds. The sensors 612, 614 may be positioned or associated with a module substrate 618 secured to the frame by anchors 620.

[0051] As better seen in Figure 7 (and also Figure 10 by extension), the force sensor 614 may be positioned in a single package 700 with the capacitive sensor 712.

[0052] Figures 8A & 8B illustrate an exemplary aspect of a location sensor for a button used in a mobile terminal 800. In this regard, the mobile terminal 800 has a frame or housing 802 having a primary screen 804 on a first face 806. A side button 808, according to aspects of the present disclosure, is positioned on a second face 810. The side button 808 may be flush with the second face 810.

[0053] Instead of a capacitive sensor (or capacitive fingerprint sensor) 112, 612, an ultrasonic sensor or ultrasonic fingerprint sensor may be used. In this aspect, the side button 808 includes an ultrasonic sensor (or an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor) 812, better illustrated in Figure 9 (and by extension Figure 10), that allows detection of where force is applied to the side button in an x-y plane. The side button 808 also interoperates with a force sensor 814 (e.g., a dome sensor or the like). The force sensor 814 may detect when force is applied to the button that exceeds a predefined threshold. Note that in some aspects, the force sensor 814 may incorporate multiple thresholds. The sensors 812, 814 may be positioned or associated with a module substrate 818 in a single package 900 (see Figure 9).

[0054] As better seen in Figure 9, the package 900 may include both the sensors 812, 814 and the package may be positioned on FPC 902.

[0055] Figure 10 illustrates a package 1000 that may include the force sensor 1002 and the location sensor (either ultrasonic or capacitive) 1004 positioned on a substrate 1006 (or lead frame). Wirebonds or the like may be used to provide conductiveWT Ref. No. 2867-3472-WORef. No. P241503-WO-UTL 9 connections (for signals or the like) between the sensors 1002, 1004 and any metallization or conductive traces.

[0056] Note that there may be a calibration routine for the package 1000 that finds the sweat spot for any offsets, but such experimentation is considered routine. The package 1000 may be smaller than the individual chips used for each sensor.

[0057] A process 1100 for using the buttons 108, 408, 608, 808 of the present disclosure. In particular, the process 1100 starts by detecting force being applied at a specific x, y position (block 1102). That is, either the sensor 112 or 412 detects where force is being applied in the x, y plane of the surface of the button 108, 408, 608, 808. The force may be applied by a user, such as a finger or a stylus. Optionally, the sensor 112, 412, 612, 412 may detect a change in that position (Ax, Ay) (block 1104). Further, the sensor 114, 414, 614, 814 may detect an amount of force being applied (block 1106). A control circuit (e.g., control circuit 1200 in Figure 12) may compare the intersection of detected values to possible functions (block 1108). Possible functions include authentication, scrolling (where, for example, the change in position may be used), zoom in / out, autofocus, camera activation, volume up / down, summon keyboard, summon voice activation (e.g., activate SIRI), close application, right mouse click / left mouse click, phone unlock, other software defined quick access functionality (e.g., through gestures in position and / or force-threshold combinations, or the like. Note further, the force sensor 114, 116 may be associated with multiple force thresholds and provide different detected values based on which threshold has been exceeded (e.g., applying a “light” touch might be associated with a first threshold and a “hard” touch be associated with a second threshold). Based on the intersection of the detected values, the control circuit may cause provision of the indicated function (block 1110).

[0058] To assist in the provision of the processing of detected values, the mobile terminal 100 may have a control circuit 1200 illustrated in an application processor 1202 or the like in Figure 12. The control circuit 1200 may operate with a look-up table (LUT) 1204 stored in memory 1206 to find the desired function based on the intersection of detected values.

[0059] The universal buttons according to aspects disclosed herein are well suited for mobile terminals, but the disclosure is not so limited, and such buttons may be provided in or integrated into computing accessories (e.g., remote controls, joysticks, mouse, trackballs, etc.) or any processor-based device (although, again, it may make more sense for button consolidation on mobile devices). Examples, without limitation, include a set-WT Ref. No. 2867-3472-WORef. No. P241503-WO-UTL 10 top box, an entertainment unit, a navigation device, a communications device, a fixed location data unit, a mobile location data unit, a global positioning system (GPS) device, a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a smartphone, a session initiation protocol (SIP) phone, a tablet, a phablet, a server, a computer, a portable computer, a mobile computing device, a wearable computing device (e.g., a smartwatch, a health or fitness tracker, eyewear, etc.), a desktop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a monitor, a computer monitor, a television, a tuner, a radio, a satellite radio, a music player, a digital music player, a portable music player, a digital video player, a video player, a digital video disc (DVD) player, a portable digital video player, an automobile, a vehicle component, avionics systems, a drone, and a multicopter.

[0060] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary mobile communication device 1300 wherein the universal button can be provided. Herein, the communication device 1300 can be any type of communication device, such as those listed above as well as access points, base stations (e.g., eNB or gNB), and any other type of wireless communication devices that support wireless communications, such as cellular, wireless local area network (WLAN), Bluetooth, Ultra-wideband (UWB), and near field communications.

[0061] More particularly, the communication device 1300 will generally include a control system 1302, a baseband processor 1304, transmit circuitry 1306, receive circuitry 1308, antenna switching circuitry 1310, multiple antennas 1312, and user interface circuitry 1314, which may include the touch screen and the universal button of the present disclosure. In a non-limiting example, the control system 1302 can be a field- programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), as an example. In this regard, the control system 1302 can include at least a microprocessor s), an embedded memory circuit(s), and a communication bus interface(s). The receive circuitry 1308 receives radio frequency signals via the antennas 1312 and through the antenna switching circuitry 1310 from one or more base stations. A low noise amplifier and a filter of the receive circuitry 1308 cooperate to amplify and remove broadband interference from the received signal for processing. Downconversion and digitization circuitry (not shown) will then downconvert the filtered, received signal to an intermediate or baseband frequency signal, which is then digitized into one or more digital streams using an analog-to-digital converter(s) (ADC).

[0062] The baseband processor 1304 processes the digitized received signal to extract the information or data bits conveyed in the received signal. This processing typicallyWT Ref. No. 2867-3472-WORef. No. P241503-WO-UTL 11 comprises demodulation, decoding, and error correction operations. The baseband processor 1304 is generally implemented in one or more digital signal processors (DSPs) and ASICs.

[0063] For transmission, the baseband processor 1304 receives digitized data, which may represent voice, data, or control information, from the control system 1302, which it encodes for transmission. The encoded data is output to the transmit circuitry 1306, where a digital-to-analog converter(s) (DAC) converts the digitally encoded data into an analog signal, and a modulator modulates the analog signal onto a carrier signal that is at a desired transmit frequency or frequencies. A power amplifier will amplify the modulated carrier signal to a level appropriate for transmission and deliver the modulated carrier signal to the antennas 1312 through the antenna switching circuitry 1310 to the antennas 1312. The multiple antennas 1312 and the replicated transmit and receive circuitries 1306, 1308 may provide spatial diversity. Modulation and processing details will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0064] It is also noted that the operational steps described in any of the exemplary aspects herein are described to provide examples and discussion. The operations described may be performed in numerous different sequences other than the illustrated sequences. Furthermore, operations described in a single operational step may actually be performed in a number of different steps. Additionally, one or more operational steps discussed in the exemplary aspects may be combined. It is to be understood that the operational steps illustrated in the flowchart diagrams may be subject to numerous different modifications, as will be readily apparent to one of skill in the art. Those of skill in the art will also understand that information and signals may be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the above description may be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0065] The previous description of the disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other variations. Thus, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the examples and designs described herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.WT Ref. No. 2867-3472-WO

Claims

Ref. No. P241503-WO-UTL 12What is claimed is:

1. A button for a computing device comprising: a first sensor configured to detect a position where force is being applied to the button; a second sensor configured to detect when force being applied to the button equals or exceeds a threshold; and an output cable coupled to the first sensor and the second sensor and configured to supply data from the first sensor and the second sensor to a control circuit.

2. The button of claim 1, wherein the first sensor comprises an ultrasonic sensor.

3. The button of claim 1, wherein the first sensor comprises an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor configured to detect a fingerprint to be used in an authentication function.

4. The button of claim 1, wherein the first sensor comprises a capacitive sensor.

5. The button of claim 1, wherein the first sensor comprises a capacitive fingerprint sensor configured to detect a fingerprint to be used in an authentication function.

6. The button of claim 1, wherein the second sensor comprises a dome switch.

7. The button of claim 1, wherein the second sensor is configured to detect when force applied to the button equals or exceeds a second threshold.

8. A computing device comprising: a housing; a button positioned on a face of the housing, the button comprising: a first sensor configured to detect a position where force is being applied to the button; a second sensor configured to detect when force being applied to the button equals or exceeds a threshold; and an output cable coupled to the first sensor and the second sensor and configured to convey data from the first sensor and the second sensor; andWT Ref. No. 2867-3472-WORef. No. P241503-WO-UTL 13 a control circuit coupled to the output cable, the control circuit configured to determine a function to be activated based on an intersection of position where force is being applied as indicated by the first sensor and when the force being applied equals or exceeds the threshold as indicated by the second sensor.

9. The computing device of claim 8, further comprising a memory coupled to the control circuit, the memory comprising a look-up table (LUT) used by the control circuit to determine the function based on the intersection stored in the LUT.

10. The computing device of claim 8 selected from a group consisting of a mobile terminal, a smartphone, a tablet, a remote controller, a joystick, and a mobile communication device.

11. The computing device of claim 8, further comprising a singular package containing the first sensor and the second sensor; and a touch screen mounted on the housing, wherein the button is distinct from the touch screen.

12. The computing device of claim 8, wherein the button is flush with the face.

13. The computing device of claim 8, wherein the button extends outwardly from the face.

14. The computing device of claim 8, wherein the function is selected from a group consisting of: authentication, zoom, focus, scroll, take picture, adjust volume, and silence.

15. A method of using a button on a device to actuate a function, the method comprising: detecting a position on the button at which force is being applied; detecting an amount of force being applied to the button; and determining a function to actuate based on an intersection of the position and the amount of force.WT Ref. No. 2867-3472-WORef. No. P241503-WO-UTL 1416. The method of claim 15, further comprising actuating the function, wherein the function is one of: authentication, zoom, focus, scroll, take picture, adjust volume, or silence.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising detecting a change in the position of force being applied to the button.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein detecting the position comprises detecting the position using an ultrasonic sensor.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein detecting the position comprises detecting the position using a capacitive sensor.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein detecting the amount of force comprises using a dome switch.WT Ref. No. 2867-3472-WO

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