Patents by Inventor Lin-Hsiang Hsieh
Lin-Hsiang Hsieh has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11775092Abstract: A pointing stick assembly includes: a head having a top surface configured to interface with a finger; a shaft connected to the head, wherein the shaft configured to be moved downward based on a finger pressing down on the head and to be tilted based on a finger tilting the head; a first sensor layer comprising a receiver electrode and a transmitter electrode; a second sensor layer comprising a transmitter electrode; and a third sensor layer comprising a plurality of receiver electrodes. The first sensor layer is configured for detection of presence of a finger based on a change in capacitance between the receiver electrode and the transmitter electrode of the first sensor layer caused by the presence of the finger on the top surface of the head.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2023Date of Patent: October 3, 2023Assignee: Synaptics IncorporatedInventors: Wei-Lung Lee, Chih-Chien Chou, Lin-Hsiang Hsieh
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Publication number: 20230195247Abstract: A pointing stick assembly includes: a head having a top surface configured to interface with a finger; a shaft connected to the head, wherein the shaft configured to be moved downward based on a finger pressing down on the head and to be tilted based on a finger tilting the head; a first sensor layer comprising a receiver electrode and a transmitter electrode; a second sensor layer comprising a transmitter electrode; and a third sensor layer comprising a plurality of receiver electrodes. The first sensor layer is configured for detection of presence of a finger based on a change in capacitance between the receiver electrode and the transmitter electrode of the first sensor layer caused by the presence of the finger on the top surface of the head.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2023Publication date: June 22, 2023Inventors: Wei-Lung Lee, Chih-Chien Chou, Lin-Hsiang Hsieh
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Publication number: 20230095769Abstract: A pointing stick assembly includes: a head having a top surface configured to interface with a finger; a shaft connected to the head, wherein the shaft configured to be moved downward based on a finger pressing down on the head and to be tilted based on a finger tilting the head; a first sensor layer comprising a receiver electrode and a transmitter electrode; a second sensor layer comprising a transmitter electrode; and a third sensor layer comprising a plurality of receiver electrodes. The first sensor layer is configured for detection of presence of a finger based on a change in capacitance between the receiver electrode and the transmitter electrode of the first sensor layer caused by the presence of the finger on the top surface of the head.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2021Publication date: March 30, 2023Inventors: Wei-Lung Lee, Chih-Chien Chou, Lin-Hsiang Hsieh
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Patent number: 11614813Abstract: A pointing stick assembly includes: a head having a top surface configured to interface with a finger; a shaft connected to the head, wherein the shaft configured to be moved downward based on a finger pressing down on the head and to be tilted based on a finger tilting the head; a first sensor layer comprising a receiver electrode and a transmitter electrode; a second sensor layer comprising a transmitter electrode; and a third sensor layer comprising a plurality of receiver electrodes. The first sensor layer is configured for detection of presence of a finger based on a change in capacitance between the receiver electrode and the transmitter electrode of the first sensor layer caused by the presence of the finger on the top surface of the head.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2021Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Assignee: Synaptics IncorporatedInventors: Wei-Lung Lee, Chih-Chien Chou, Lin-Hsiang Hsieh
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Patent number: 10185427Abstract: A device and method for operating a capacitive input device configured to sense input objects and their applied force in a sensing region includes a pliable component having an input surface and a first substrate including a first plurality of sensor electrodes. The device also includes a support substrate spaced apart from the pliable component; a second substrate having a second plurality of sensor electrodes and a plurality of apertures; and a spacing layer disposed between the pliable component and the support substrate and having a plurality of raised features aligned with and facing away from the apertures of the second substrate.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2014Date of Patent: January 22, 2019Assignee: SYNAPTICS INCORPORATEDInventor: Lin-Hsiang Hsieh
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Patent number: 10108299Abstract: Methods and devices are described for operating an input device for an electronic system which includes a housing. The input device includes an input surface and a first substrate having a first plurality of sensor electrodes configured to sense input objects proximate the input surface, and a pair of force sensing electrodes on the bottom of the first substrate. The input device includes a second substrate having a planar spring plate including a perimeter region surrounding an interior region, the perimeter region including a leaf spring coupled to the housing, and a spacing layer configured to physically couple the interior region of the second substrate to the first substrate. A force applied to the input surface deflects the first substrate and the interior region relative to the perimeter region, changing a variable capacitance formed between the force sensing electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: September 8, 2016Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: Synaptics IncorporatedInventors: Richard R. Schediwy, Oscar Ayzenberg, Raymond Chin, Lin-Hsiang Hsieh, Robert Kin Hung Lee, Chris Rehn, Joseph Kurth Reynolds, Yeh-Cheng Tan
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Patent number: 9927886Abstract: An input device, and a method for providing an input device, are provided. The input device includes a touch sensor substrate having a first side and a second side. The second side is opposite the first side. At least one sensor electrode is disposed on the sensor substrate, and the at least one sensor electrode is configured to sense input objects in a sensing region on the first side. A switch is disposed on the second side of the touch sensor substrate. The input device also includes a transmission element having first and second portions. The transmission element is configured such that sufficient depression of the first portion causes the second portion to actuate the switch.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 2010Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: Synaptics IncorporatedInventor: Lin-Hsiang Hsieh
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Patent number: 9898095Abstract: In an example, an isometric input device configured to control a user interface indicator of an electronic device includes a plurality of sensor electrodes disposed on a sensor substrate. The input device further includes a control member mechanically coupled to the sensor substrate over at least a portion of the plurality of sensor electrodes. The input device further includes a conductive support substrate and a compliant member disposed between the sensor substrate and the conductive support substrate. The input device further includes a securing component extending through the conductive support substrate and the compliant member and engaging with the control member, the securing component defining a gap between the sensor substrate and the conductive support substrate.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2015Date of Patent: February 20, 2018Assignee: SYNAPTICS INCORPORATEDInventors: Lin-Hsiang Hsieh, Chun-Hung Shen, Hui-Chu Chiu, Tzeng-Fu Kao, Jia-Hua Lu
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Publication number: 20170336904Abstract: An example isometric input device configured to control a user interface indicator of an electronic device includes a plurality of sensor electrodes disposed on a sensor substrate. The input device further includes a spring plate disposed between top and bottom spacers, the bottom spacer contacting the sensor substrate and defining a gap between the sensor electrodes and the spring plate. The input device further includes a control member mechanically coupled to the spring plate and a mounting plate in contact with the top spacer. The input device further includes a mounting bracket having an assembly of the mounting plate, the spring plate, the top and bottom spacers, and the sensor substrate mounted thereto.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2016Publication date: November 23, 2017Inventors: Lin-Hsiang HSIEH, Chao-Wei LIN
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Patent number: 9748952Abstract: Devices and methods are provided that facilitate improved input device performance. The devices and methods utilize a first electrode and a second electrode disposed on a first substrate and a deformable electrode structure. The deformable electrode structure overlaps the first electrode and the second electrode to define a variable capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode that changes with the deformation of the deformable electrode structure. The deformable electrode structure comprises a spacing component configured to provide spacing between the deformable electrode structure and the first electrode and the second electrode. Finally, a transmission component is configured such that biasing the transmission component causes the deformable electrode structure to deform and change the variable capacitance. A measurement of the variable capacitance can be used to determine force information regarding the force biasing the transmission component.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2011Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: Synaptics IncorporatedInventors: Robert James Bolender, Narain Kumar Vijayashanker, Joseph Kurth Reynolds, Lin-Hsiang Hsieh, Shwetank Kumar
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Patent number: 9671898Abstract: Devices and methods are provided that facilitate improved input device performance. The devices and methods utilize a first substrate with proximity sensor electrodes and at least a first force sensor electrode disposed on the first substrate. A second substrate is physically coupled to the first substrate, where the second substrate comprises a spring feature and an electrode component. The electrode component at least partially overlaps the first force sensor electrode to define a variable capacitance between the first force sensor electrode and the electrode component. The spring feature is configured to facilitate deflection of the electrode component relative to the first force sensor electrode to change the variable capacitance. A measure of the variable capacitance may be calculated and used to determine force information regarding the force biasing the input device.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2015Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: Synaptics IncorporatedInventors: Lin-Hsiang Hsieh, Richard Schediwy
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Publication number: 20160378259Abstract: Methods and devices are described for operating an input device for an electronic system which includes a housing. The input device includes an input surface and a first substrate having a first plurality of sensor electrodes configured to sense input objects proximate the input surface, and a pair of force sensing electrodes on the bottom of the first substrate. The input device includes a second substrate having a planar spring plate including a perimeter region surrounding an interior region, the perimeter region including a leaf spring coupled to the housing, and a spacing layer configured to physically couple the interior region of the second substrate to the first substrate. A force applied to the input surface deflects the first substrate and the interior region relative to the perimeter region, changing a variable capacitance formed between the force sensing electrodes.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2016Publication date: December 29, 2016Inventors: Richard R. Schediwy, Oscar Ayzenberg, Raymond Chin, Lin-Hsiang Hsieh, Robert Kin Hung Lee, Chris Rehn, Joseph Kurth Reynolds, Yeh-Cheng Tan
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Publication number: 20160378202Abstract: In an example, an isometric input device configured to control a user interface indicator of an electronic device includes a plurality of sensor electrodes disposed on a sensor substrate. The input device further includes a control member mechanically coupled to the sensor substrate over at least a portion of the plurality of sensor electrodes. The input device further includes a conductive support substrate and a compliant member disposed between the sensor substrate and the conductive support substrate. The input device further includes a securing component extending through the conductive support substrate and the compliant member and engaging with the control member, the securing component defining a gap between the sensor substrate and the conductive support substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2015Publication date: December 29, 2016Inventors: Lin-Hsiang HSIEH, Chun-Hung SHEN, Hui-Chu CHIU, Tzeng-Fu KAO, Jia-Hua LU
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Patent number: 9471169Abstract: Methods and devices are described for operating an input device for an electronic system which includes a housing. The input device includes an input surface and a first substrate having a first plurality of sensor electrodes configured to sense input objects proximate the input surface, and a pair of force sensing electrodes on the bottom of the first substrate. The input device includes a second substrate having a planar spring plate including a perimeter region surrounding an interior region, the perimeter region including a leaf spring coupled to the housing, and a spacing layer configured to physically couple the interior region of the second substrate to the first substrate. A force applied to the input surface deflects the first substrate and the interior region relative to the perimeter region, changing a variable capacitance formed between the force sensing electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2013Date of Patent: October 18, 2016Assignee: Synaptics IncorporatedInventors: Richard R. Schediwy, Oscar Ayzenberg, Raymond Chin, Lin-Hsiang Hsieh, Robert Kin Hung Lee, Chris Rehn, Joseph Kurth Reynolds, Yeh-Cheng Tan
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Publication number: 20160179217Abstract: In an example, an isometric input device configured to control a user interface indicator of an electronic device includes a plurality of sensor electrodes, a control member, a conductive support substrate, and a compliant member. The plurality of sensor electrodes is disposed on a sensor substrate. The control member is mechanically coupled to the sensor substrate over at least a portion of the plurality of sensor electrodes. The compliant member is disposed between the sensor substrate and the conductive support substrate. The compliant member defines a gap between the sensor substrate and the conductive support substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 23, 2014Publication date: June 23, 2016Inventors: Lin-Hsiang HSIEH, Tzeng-Fu KAO, Chao-Wei LEE
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Patent number: 9354720Abstract: In an example, an isometric input device configured to control a user interface indicator of an electronic device includes a plurality of sensor electrodes, a control member, a conductive support substrate, and a compliant member. The plurality of sensor electrodes is disposed on a sensor substrate. The control member is mechanically coupled to the sensor substrate over at least a portion of the plurality of sensor electrodes. The compliant member is disposed between the sensor substrate and the conductive support substrate. The compliant member defines a gap between the sensor substrate and the conductive support substrate.Type: GrantFiled: December 23, 2014Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: SYNAPTICS INCORPORATEDInventors: Lin-Hsiang Hsieh, Tzeng-Fu Kao, Chao-Wei Lee
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Publication number: 20160077648Abstract: A device and method for operating a capacitive input device configured to sense input objects and their applied force in a sensing region includes a pliable component having an input surface and a first substrate including a first plurality of sensor electrodes. The device also includes a support substrate spaced apart from the pliable component; a second substrate having a second plurality of sensor electrodes and a plurality of apertures; and a spacing layer disposed between the pliable component and the support substrate and having a plurality of raised features aligned with and facing away from the apertures of the second substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 11, 2014Publication date: March 17, 2016Inventor: Lin-Hsiang Hsieh
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Publication number: 20150227256Abstract: Devices and methods are provided that facilitate improved input device performance. The devices and methods utilize a first substrate with proximity sensor electrodes and at least a first force sensor electrode disposed on the first substrate. A second substrate is physically coupled to the first substrate, where the second substrate comprises a spring feature and an electrode component. The electrode component at least partially overlaps the first force sensor electrode to define a variable capacitance between the first force sensor electrode and the electrode component. The spring feature is configured to facilitate deflection of the electrode component relative to the first force sensor electrode to change the variable capacitance. A measure of the variable capacitance may be calculated and used to determine force information regarding the force biasing the input device.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2015Publication date: August 13, 2015Applicant: Synaptics IncorporatedInventors: Lin-Hsiang Hsieh, Richard Schediwy
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Patent number: 9075095Abstract: A device and method for operating a capacitive input device configured to sense input objects and their applied force in a sensing region, the device including a pliable component having an input surface and characterized by a bending stiffness, and first and second arrays of sensor electrodes. The input device further includes a third array of sensor electrodes and a spacing layer disposed between the third array. The pliable component is characterized by a compressive stiffness and configured to deform in response to a force applied to the input surface and to deflect the second array of sensor electrodes towards the third array of sensor electrodes, wherein the deformation of the input surface and the deflection of the second array of sensor electrodes is a function of the ratio of the bending stiffness of the pliable component and the compressive stiffness of the spacing layer.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: July 7, 2015Assignee: Synaptics IncorporatedInventors: Pascale El Kallassi, Bob Mackey, Lin-Hsiang Hsieh
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Patent number: 9041418Abstract: Devices and methods are provided that facilitate improved input device performance. The devices and methods utilize a first substrate with proximity sensor electrodes and at least a first force sensor electrode disposed on the first substrate. A second substrate is physically coupled to the first substrate, where the second substrate comprises a spring feature and an electrode component. The electrode component at least partially overlaps the first force sensor electrode to define a variable capacitance between the first force sensor electrode and the electrode component. The spring feature is configured to facilitate deflection of the electrode component relative to the first force sensor electrode to change the variable capacitance. A measure of the variable capacitance may be calculated and used to determine force information regarding the force biasing the input device.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2011Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: Synaptics IncorporatedInventors: Lin-Hsiang Hsieh, Richard R. Schediwy