Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus is provided, comprising: a base element; a key top configured to pivot in relation to the base element; a first electrode coupled with the key top; a second electrode coupled with the base element; an isolating layer; the key top having a first pivoted position in which the first electrode, the second electrode, and the isolating layer form a capacitor with a first capacitance, and a second pivoted position in which the first electrode, the second electrode, and the isolating layer form a capacitor with a second capacitance.

Abstract: A touch screen is disclosed. The touch screen can include a touch panel and a display, where the display can have a conductive element coupled to or disposed along at least one side at a periphery of a conductive layer of the display. The conductive element can drive the conductive layer from multiple positions along the element to provide a grounding shield for the touch screen. The grounding shield can shunt display interference to ground rather than into the touch panel. The conductive element can also drive the conductive layer from multiple positions along the element, thereby providing an increased bandwidth, to quickly reach an appropriate voltage in association with the touch panel, consequently improving the touch sensitivity of the panel. The conductive element can include multiple configurations, e.g.

Abstract: The specification and drawings present a new apparatus and method for providing and using a uniform threshold for capacitive touch sensing in a user interface having a non-flat touch surface. The capacitive touch sensor can to provide a sensor signal using the uniform capacitance threshold level as a function of a location of an object (e.g., finger, stylus, etc.) on or near the non-flat touch surface of a user interface module using a substantially uniform distance between the non-flat touch surface and a capacitive touch sensor layer, and/or using a gradient of a dielectric constant of materials between the non-flat touch surface and the capacitive touch sensor layer according to a predetermined criterion.

Abstract: A projected capacitive touch sensor includes a substrate and sets of electrodes coupled to corresponding areas of the substrate. The areas are non-overlapping with respect to each other. The sets of electrodes include a horizontal sensing electrode that extends along a height of a first column within the area and vertical sensing electrodes that extend partially along the height of at least one column within the area. The at least one column includes at least two vertical sensing electrodes that are physically separate with respect to each other and electrically connected to each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a touch-sensitive surface (3) activation device (1) for a motorized mechanism used to open and close an opening such as an electric windscreen wiper, comprising a touch-sensitive surface which controls the opening and/or closing of at least one opening. The device comprises means for detecting (9) the charge applied to the touch-sensitive control surface and means (11) for inhibiting control of the opening and/or closing when the applied charge is outside an acceptable predefined charge range.

Abstract: A MEMS switch comprises a substrate, first and second signal lines over the substrate, which each terminate at a connection region, a lower actuation electrode over the substrate and movable contact electrode suspended over the connection regions of the first and second signal lines. An upper actuation electrode is provided over the lower actuation electrode. The connection regions of the first and second signal lines are at a first height from the substrate, wherein signal line portions extending from the connection regions are at a lower height from the substrate, and the lower actuation electrode is provided over the lower height signal line portions, so that the lower height signal line portions are buried. The area available for the actuation electrodes becomes larger and undesired forces and interference are reduced.

Abstract: A power seat system for a vehicle, includes an operational switch configured to be operated by an occupant for changing positions and attitudes of a vehicle seat whose positions and attitudes are electrically adjusted, a sensor portion positioned in the vicinity of the operational switch and detecting a hand of the occupant approaching the operational switch without contacting the hand of the occupant, and a control portion changing the positions and attitudes of the vehicle seat by actuating an actuator on the basis of an output from the operational switch, the control portion configured to display an operational display indicating adjusting portions and directions of the vehicle seat, which is adjustable by means of the operational switch on the basis of the output from the sensor portion, at an display device provided in a vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to an operating unit for operation of household appliances, especially for operation of a hob or a washing machine. In this connection, operating elements are arranged on an electrically conductive operating plate, by which they are capacitively coupled with a receiving device that is located in or at the household appliance. Transmission of the operation of the operating elements to the receiving device takes place by detection a load change in the receiving device, the load change being caused by the operating elements.

Abstract: A control knob (10) includes a base (14) and a shaped wall (12). A plurality of sensor elements (32) are located within and circumferentially spaced around said shaped wall. Processor circuitry (40, 50) is connected to the plurality of sensor elements (32) for controlling an end-use device. The processor circuitry (40, 50) senses user touch commands on both sides of the shaped wall (12), and determines user desired commands based on the sensed user touch commands.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to implementing different key types on a keypad or keyboard. The implementation can be enabled e.g. by an apparatus including a substrate (28) including a capacitive sensor element (29), the capacitive sensor element having a first electrode (24) forming a first capacitor with an object touching or coming into proximity of the first electrode, wherein the capacitive sensor element is configured to generate a first signal responsive to the object touching or coming into proximity of the capacitive sensor element, a first capacitor circuit coupled to at least the first electrode, and a dome (26) configured to complete, responsive to the dome being depressed, an electric circuit including at least the first capacitor and the first capacitor circuit to form a second capacitor circuit, wherein the second capacitor circuit is configured to generate a second signal.

Abstract: An integrated touch panel including a first, second, and third substrates, a first and second adhesive layers, a first and second axial conductive layers, a shielding layer, a first and second conductive films, two first and second conductive electrodes is provided. The first axial conductive layer, the first adhesive layer and the second axial conductive layer are laminated in order between the first substrate and the second substrate. The shielding layer and the first conductive film are adjacent to each other and disposed between the second substrate and the third substrate. The second adhesive layer and the second conductive film are laminated in order between the first conductive film and the third substrate. Two first conductive electrodes are disposed in parallel between the first conductive film and the second adhesive layer, and two second conductive electrodes are disposed in parallel between the first conductive film and the second adhesive layer.

Abstract: An appliance control panel is described. The control panel includes a front metal panel, a rearwardly positioned polymeric decorated film and an adhesive layer disposed between the panel and the decorated film. The film overlies an electronic control module which typically includes various displays and press-type switches. Various markings and indicia on the decorated film are visible through openings in the panel and the adhesive layer. The appliance control panel includes one or more capacitance touch switches.

Abstract: Provided is a key sheet allowing reliable sliding operation input through accurate coordinate position detection and depressing operation input of satisfactory depression operability through clear click feel. Fixation layers are formed at positions under depressing operation portions, and there are no fixation layers in portions around the depressing operation portions but gaps are formed. With this construction, it is possible to suppress a depression operation load to a low level at a time of depressing input operation, and, when contact switches with click feel are depressed, the click feel can be easily transmitted. Further, a surface sheet has movable contact portions which enter the gaps at a time of sliding input operation and which are displaced so as to be capable of coming into contact with a sensor sheet. With this construction, it is possible to sense, in a stable manner, capacitance at an in-plane position of a sliding operation surface of the sensor sheet.

Abstract: A control panel is disclosed. The control panel includes an electrically conductive substrate having a front surface. A first dielectric layer is disposed on the front surface of the substrate. A first electrode layer is disposed on a front surface of the first dielectric layer, wherein the first dielectric layer electrically isolates the first electrode layer from the substrate. The first electrode layer is in electrical communication with a switch circuit adapted to detect a change in a capacitance of the first electrode layer. A substantially transparent film can be provided to cover the electrode. The front surface of the substrate is a decorative surface substantially visible through the first dielectric layer, the first electrode layer, and the film.

Abstract: A start-up circuit having a micro crush capacitor that is operatable with a small pressure. The crush capacitor may be connected to a silicon controlled rectifier or similar device. Applying the pressure to the crush capacitor may turn on the SCR which may in turn activate a sensor. The circuit may be fabricated on a flexible substrate which together may be regarded as a flexible circuit. The flexible circuit may be held down on a back plate with a form plate clamping the circuit at its perimeter edge. The flexible circuit may be held firm with the plates for component insertion and/or circuit testing.

Abstract: A proximity sensor for controlling a component that may be installed on a window, on an interior or exterior pillar of a vehicle, on a control panel or any suitable location on a vehicle or any other structure. The sensor includes a substrate and a conductive layer disposed on the substrate. The conductive layer is formed from a conductive ink composition with the conductive layer defining at least one circuit for controlling the component when a user is in proximity to the conductive layer. A protective layer is disposed over the conductive layer. At least one of the conductive layer and the protective layer defines a graphic formed through the layer for visual identification to the user.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided that facilitate improved input device performance. The devices and methods utilize a transmitter sensor electrode and a receiver sensor electrode that are capacitively coupled to form a transcapacitance for capacitively sensing input objects in a sensing region. A measure of the transcapacitance may be used to determine positional information for the input objects in the sensing region. In accordance with the various embodiments, the devices and methods include a floating electrode that is ohmically insulated from other electrical elements during operation. A first portion of the floating electrode overlaps a portion of the transmitter sensor electrode and a second portion of the floating electrode overlaps a portion of the receiver sensor electrode. The floating electrode additionally includes at least one aperture within the first portion of the floating electrode, where the at least one aperture at least in part overlaps the transmitter sensor electrode.

Abstract: A control element includes a switching element, an operating element for operating the switching element, a printed circuit board, and an electrically conductive sensor element of a capacitive proximity sensor integrated in the operating element. The electrically conductive sensor element is designed to be electrically conductively connected to the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A nonvolatile nanoionic switch is disclosed. A thin layer of chalcogenide glass engages a substrate and a metal selected from the group of silver and copper photo-dissolved in the chalcogenide glass. A first oxidizable electrode and a second inert electrode engage the chalcogenide glass and are spaced apart from each other forming a gap therebetween. A direct current voltage source is applied with positive polarity applied to the oxidizable electrode and negative polarity applied to the inert electrode which electrodeposits silver or copper across the gap closing the switch. Reversing the polarity of the switch dissolves the electrodeposited metal and returns it to the oxidizable electrode. A capacitor arrangement may be formed with the same structure and process.

Abstract: A projected capacitive touch panel has an upper substrate and a lower substrate. The upper substrate has multiple upper conducting layers, and each upper conducting layer has multiple upper sensor units serially connected. The upper substrate further has an insulating ink layer being non-transparent, formed on a perimeter of the bottom of the upper substrate, covering an edge of the upper sensor unit located on one end of each upper conducting layer in a direction, overlapping with the lower ports and the lower wires of the lower substrate, and having multiple reserved slots, each formed through a portion of the insulating ink layer overlapping with a corresponding upper sensor unit, and multiple conductors, each mounted in a corresponding reserved slot. The insulating ink layer masks the wires and ports on the lower and upper substrates, thereby eliminating the use of a masking cover, saving the cost and thinning the product.

Abstract: Composite materials having conductive properties are described for use in testing circuits and in manufacturing electrical switches. The composite materials described, when in an unstressed state, generally behave as insulators. However, when sufficient mechanical pressure is applied to portions of the composite materials, the portions to which the mechanical pressure is applied become increasingly conductive. Methods for testing a PCB using composite material switches are also disclosed. A sheet that includes a composite material may be used to test electrical functionality of various regions on a PCB by way of local pressure application. The sheet may be easily applied to and removed from the PCB. Additionally, in forming an electrical switch, a voltage applied to one or more actuating elements may be used to provide mechanical pressure to a composite material that is disposed between two conductive members.

Abstract: A transparent conductive film includes: a transparent film substrate; a transparent conductor layer provided on one or both sides of the transparent film substrate; and at least one undercoat layer interposed between the transparent film substrate and the transparent conductor layer; wherein: the transparent conductor layer is patterned; and a non-patterned portion not having the transparent conductor layer has the at least one undercoat layer.

Abstract: The micro-switch structure comprises, on a substrate 1 coated with a passivation layer 2, a first signal line LS-IN and a second signal line LS-OUT disposed in the projected extension of one another, separated by a switching region 10; a control electrode 3 in said region, a dielectric material 4 with high relative permittivity invariant in frequency, disposed on the control electrode in such a manner that, between the two signal lines, the control electrode is wider on either side and, in the orthogonal direction, the dielectric protrudes on either side of the control electrode and rests on the passivation layer; parallel ground lines, disposed symmetrically on either side of the signal lines and formed on a topological level separated from that of the signal lines by at least one insulating layer made of a material different from that of the passivation layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a touch switch having two ITO-free electrode layers that are bonded together, the touch switch having good visibility, and a planar body that forms such a touch switch. The planar body includes a mesh-like electrode formed in a mesh shape by multiple conductor lines L on one side of a substrate, in which the mesh-like electrode is separated into multiple conductive areas disposed at intervals, and non-conductive areas each disposed between each of the conductive areas; each non-conductive area has multiple cutting portions that cut the conductor lines L, and each non-conductive area insulates between the adjacent conductive areas by the cutting portions.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrostatic actuation micro-switch of capacitor type composed of two plates, the first of which is a flexible membrane and the second of which comprises at least one control electrode, the two plates being separated by a thickness of vacuum or gas and at least one layer of at least one electrical insulating material situated on the control electrode characterized in that it furthermore comprises a charge drain consisting of oriented conducting nanotubes on the surface of the said electrode, the said drain being overlaid with the said layer of electrical insulating material. The subject of the invention is also a method for fabricating the micro-switch according to the invention.

Abstract: A touch substrate includes a base substrate, a common electrode and a wire electrode. The base substrate has a plurality of common electrode areas. A common electrode is disposed in each of the common electrode areas. The common electrode has a plurality of first electrode lines extended in a first direction and arranged in a second direction crossing the first direction and a plurality of second electrode lines arranged in the first direction. The wire electrode is connected to an end of the common electrode to apply a voltage to the common electrode. The common electrode and the wire electrode are simultaneously formed through a same process using a printing substrate.

Abstract: An operator control apparatus of an electronic domestic appliance contains an operator control panel on that side of the operator control apparatus which faces a user, at least one electrically conductive sensor element on that side of the operator control panel which is averted from the user, and a printed circuit board with at least one electrically conductive contact area which is arranged on that side of the printed circuit board which faces the operator control panel so as to be associated with the at least one sensor element. In this case, the at least one sensor element and the at least one contact area of the printed circuit board are connected to one another by an adhesive which is electrically conductive at least in the connection direction.

Abstract: An electrostatic capacitance-type input device in which input position detecting electrodes are disposed in an input area of a substrate, includes a lower layer-side conductive film, an interlayer insulating film, and an upper layer-side conductive film, which are stacked on the substrate in order from the substrate side.

Abstract: A capacitive touch switch having a printed circuit board and capacitive electrode provided on a surface of the printed circuit board is disclosed. The printed circuit board is interposed between a transparent planar light guide and the electrode, the planar light guide being attached to a first face of a transparent cover whose second face is adapted to be touched by the user, a light source being connected to the printed circuit board and being able to convey light to the planar light guide.

Abstract: A mounting structure includes a first member that includes a first electrode, a second member that includes a second electrode facing the first electrode, and an anisotropic conductive material that includes conductive particles electrically connecting the first electrode and the second electrode by being deformed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The first electrode is positioned in a bottom portion of an opening portion of an insulating layer that is formed in the first member. At least a part of the periphery of the opening portion of the insulating layer overlaps with the second electrode in a plan view. Also, a particle diameter of the conductive particles is equal to or more than twice a depth value of the opening portion.

Abstract: A control device for an electrical appliance has a control panel wherein a plurality of capacitive sensor elements for a capacitive proximity switch are arranged under the control panel and are arranged in a continuous row, in order to form an elongated slider for operation by application of a finger and drawing the finger over them. The sensor elements are all identical and have a rectangular shape, wherein they are each arranged with one of their first sides facing one another and with all of their sides parallel to one another. They are aligned in the same way with respect to the continuous row, wherein the first sides are rotated through an angle of between 46° and 75° to form the row along which the sensor elements are arranged.

Abstract: Control knob comprising a mobile part (3) capable of being actuated manually and linked with an electromechanical transducer (7). The knob also comprises a metal surface (15) arranged in the vicinity of the mobile part and means to measure the capacitance of the metal surface so that the presence of a finger in the vicinity of the mobile part can be detected.

Abstract: An input panel for a portable electronic device including a switch sheet, a touch-sensing sheet and an interposing sheet is provided. The switch sheet includes a circuit board and at least one dome switch. The circuit board has at least one contact pad, and the dome switch is disposed on the contact pad. The touch-sensing sheet is disposed on the switch sheet for sensing a touch action. The interposing sheet is disposed between the switch sheet and the touch-sensing sheet. The touch-sensing sheet contacts the dome switch when the touch-sensing sheet is pressed, so that the dome switch is deformed elastically to switch on the contact pad.

Abstract: A touch switch for an electrical appliance having a capacitive flat electrode, a light source, a transparent cover and a printed circuit board connected to the electrode is disclosed. The light source is mounted on a face of the printed circuit board opposite the transparent cover and the printed circuit board presents a cut-out for allowing light transmission from the light source towards the transparent cover.

Abstract: A capacitive touch panel includes a first conductive film with anisotropic impedance, a second conductive film with conductive structures, and an insulating layer disposed between the first conductive film and the second conductive film. The conducting direction of the conductive structures is perpendicular to the direction of least impedance of the first conductive film.

Abstract: Compact input devices formed on flexible substrates are disclosed. The input devices may be formed using three or more conducting layers. By including three or more conducting layers, the diameter of the input device may be minimized. In addition, to improve the flexibility of portions of the input device mounted, some portions of the input device may be made to have fewer layers than other portions of the input device.

Abstract: A touch switch apparatus for detecting the presence of an object such as a human appendage, the apparatus having a touch pad, an electric field generated about the touch pad and also having a preferably integrated and local control circuit connected to the touch pad and to a controlled device. Practical applications for touch switch apparatus, including use of touch switch apparatus in connection with other structure to emulate mechanical switches.

Abstract: A touch panel includes a cover glass, a first base plate and a second electrode layer. A first electrode layer is formed on a surface of the cover glass, and the first base plate is disposed on one side of the first electrode layer opposite the cover glass. The second electrode layer is formed on a surface of the first base plate opposite the first electrode layer.

Abstract: A matrix touch panel has an upper panel, a separation layer, an insulation layer and a lower panel. The lower panel has a plurality of first transparent electrodes on a bottom intersected by a plurality of second transparent electrodes on the upper panel. A plurality of wires and leading lines are formed on a border of the upper and lower panels. One terminal of each wire is connected to one end of the corresponding first or second transparent electrode, and the other terminal is connected with a corresponding leading line. One end of the first and second transparent electrode corresponding to the wires has an inner lead and an outer lead. The outer lead is electrically connected with the wires. An area defined between the inner lead and the outer lead varies to generate different impedance to balance the impedance difference among the wires with different lengths.

Abstract: A push switch includes an operating member, a holding member, a detecting electrode including a plate-shaped spring, a conductive coil spring, and a wiring substrate. The operating member includes a top portion. The rear surface of the top portion and the holding member define a storage space. The detecting electrode, received in the storage space, includes a detecting portion in resilient contact with the top portion, a base in resilient contact with the coil spring, and a height adjusting portion coupling the detecting portion to the base. The amount of compression of the detecting electrode is defined depending on the height of the storage space. The detecting portion detects a change in capacitance caused when the operation surface is touched by a human body and a detection signal indicating the change is output to the wiring substrate through the height adjusting portion, the base, and the coil spring.

Abstract: A capacitive sensing apparatus is described that incorporates a light guide having a light scattering means for illumination of the apparatus. The apparatus has a capacitive sensor mounted on a substrate that provides a capacitive sensing area for generating an electric field that emanates from the apparatus. A light source is arranged in optical communication with the light scattering means via the light guide. This arrangement acts to mitigate the effects of interference between the capacitive sensor and the light source. When an opaque substrate is employed an air gap is located between the substrate and the light guide so as to provide a substantially uniform illumination across the light guide. Appropriate selection of the refractive indices of the light guide, ng, and a transparent substrate, ns, provides the same desired uniform illumination in alternative embodiments. The capacitive sensing apparatus finds particular application within a touch sensitive display.

Abstract: A switch adapted to make and/or break a connection in an electric circuit to operate a device has a front to face the user and a rear to face away from the user, a housing, and switch mechanism. The switch mechanism includes in operative connection, a lens facing the front, an information element, a control element, a lighting element, a capacitive sensing element and a power element to operate the lighting element and sensing element. The switch includes a communication element to provide electrical connection to the device and is activated by the control element when a change in capacitance is sensed by the capacitive sensing element such that the information element and lighting element can be viewed through the lens and the device is operated.

Abstract: A capacitive touch circuit includes a single comparator, a reference voltage control unit, a resistance adjusting unit, a delay unit, and a relaxation oscillation control unit. The comparator has a first input terminal, a second input terminal, and an output terminal. The reference voltage control unit is electrically connected to the second input terminal and includes a high level voltage source, a low level voltage source, and a voltage switching controller. The voltage switching controller electrically connects either the high level voltage source or the low level voltage source to the second input terminal of the single comparator according to an output signal of the single comparator. The relaxation oscillation control unit is electrically connected to the resistance adjusting unit, the delay unit, and the reference voltage control unit.

Abstract: A touch control button apparatus including a touch control light emitting surface, a touch sensing conductor, a touch sensing device and a light emitting device, which is under the touch control light emitting surface and surrounded by the touch sensing conductor. The touch sensing device detects the capacitance value variation of the touch sensing conductor when the touch control light emitting surface is touched by the object, to determine how the light emitting device is lightened.

Abstract: A capacitive type touch panel includes: a transparent substrate; an array of first conductors formed on a surface of the transparent substrate; an array of second conductors formed on the surface of the transparent substrate; a plurality of conductive first bridging lines, each of which interconnects two adjacent ones of the first conductors; a plurality of conductive second bridging lines, each of which interconnects two adjacent ones of the second conductors and each of which intersects insulatively a respective one of the first bridging lines; and a plurality of spaced apart insulators, each of which is disposed at an intersection of a respective one of the first bridging lines and a respective one of the second bridging lines to separate the respective first and second bridging lines.

Abstract: A key-press structure comprises a transparent substrate, a plurality of characters formed inside the transparent substrate thereby forming a plurality of keys, and a touch control member disposed on the surface of the transparent substrate such that each of the keys is operable to sense a touch event.

Abstract: A switch module consists of a build-up multi-layer structure and some passive devices. The build-up multi-layer structure has multitudes of conductive layers and dielectric layers laminated upon each another. At least one dielectric layer is interfered between any two conductive layers. Any one passive device is a portion of at least one conductive layer and electrically connects multitudes of conductive pads on the surface of the build-up multi-layer structure.

Abstract: A capacitive touch switch which is used, for example, in a control device for an electronic domestic appliance, includes a sensor area as part of a capacitive sensor element having a capacitance which changes when touched. A measuring electrode, which is coupled to the sensor area, is disposed on a printed circuit board and is at a first potential. An additional electrode, which is disposed near the measuring electrode, likewise on the printed circuit board, is electrically insulated from the measuring electrode and is at a second potential, which is different from the first potential. The additional electrode brings about a shielding of the measuring electrode and thus an output signal of an associated sensor circuit that is less sensitive to interference. A circuit configuration for a capacitive touch switch and a control device for an electronic domestic appliance, are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a seat control system for a vehicle. The system includes a substrate with a plurality of touch zones disposed on one surface of the substrate, and a plurality of electrode patterns disposed on the opposite surface. An inner electrode of each pattern is aligned with one of the touch zones. Each pattern is electrically coupled to an active electrical component, which energizes the electrodes of the pattern such that electric fields emanate therefrom. The pattern may be capacitively coupled to the component. When the electric field of the inner electrode is disturbed by a stimulus proximate the corresponding touch zone, the component is activated. Upon activation of one of the components, a controller causes the seat to move in a desired direction.

Abstract: A touch sensor is physically integrated with a light emitting device to provide a switching device with built-in backlighting. In some embodiments, the touch sensor and the light emitting device share electrical components.