Abstract: An output clock recovery circuit (10) for recovering an output clock (14) from a source clock (12) and time stamp information (18A, 18B) includes a time stamp translator (22) and a phase-locked loop circuit (17) including a fraction processor (34). The time stamp translator (22) receives the time stamp information (18A, 18B) and uses an algorithm that translates the time stamp information (18A, 18B) into a time stamp decimal component (48) and a time stamp integer component (50). The time stamp decimal component (48) is less than one and is processed by the fraction processor (34). The time stamp integer component (50) is maintained within a predetermined range of integers that are greater than zero. The output of the fraction processor (34) and the time stamp integer component (50) can be input into a feedback divider (36) of a feedback loop of the phase-locked loop circuit (17) to recover the output clock (14).

Abstract: In a method for forming an in-molded capacitive sensing device a plastic film is provided, the plastic film comprising a first side and a second side. A capacitive sensor pattern is disposed on at least a portion of the second side, the capacitive sensor pattern including a region for facilitating electrical contact. A resin layer is printed over a portion of the capacitive sensor pattern such that access to the region for facilitating electrical contact is maintained. A plastic layer is injection molded onto a portion of the resin layer such that the capacitive sensor pattern becomes in-molded between the plastic film and the plastic layer while access to the region for facilitating electrical contact is maintained.

Abstract: A flexible circuit assembly is provided which includes a flexible circuit, a substrate of a capacitive-sensing device and an electronic component that are coupled to the flexible circuit. The flexible circuit includes a first portion having a first conductive contact pad, a second portion having a second conductive contact pad, and a third portion disposed between the first portion and the second portion. The flexible circuit is configured to fold at the third portion between the first portion and the second portion so that the first conductive contact pad couples to a first conductor disposed along a first edge of the substrate and the second conductive contact pad couples to a second conductor disposed along a second edge of the substrate of the capacitive-sensing device. The first edge of the substrate of the capacitive-sensing device is non-parallel to the second edge of the substrate of the capacitive-sensing device.

Abstract: A passive stylus for capacitive sensors comprises a tip and a shaft. The tip is configured to couple electrically with a capacitive sensing device and to couple physically and electrically with the stylus shaft. The tip comprises a contact surface, a support region, and a flexible region. The contact surface is configured to contact a device surface associated with the capacitive sensing device. The flexible region is disposed between the contact surface and the support region. The flexible region comprises a hardness gradient. The support region is configured to provide structural support to the flexible region.

Abstract: An object position sensing apparatus including a substrate, a conductive crossbar, and a plurality of resistive elements coupled to the crossbar is described. The resistive elements are coupled to circuitry that can apply an excitation signal, such as a voltage change, to the resistive elements. For each resistive element, an electrical effect responsive to the excitation signal, such as a change in charge flowing to the resistive element, is determined. When an object is proximate to the plurality of resistive elements, the electrical effects change, and a position of the object in one or multiple dimensions can be determined from changes in the electrical effects.

Abstract: The relaxation oscillator includes a comparator and a latch. The comparator includes a comparator output and a comparator input that is configured to receive a first input signal in response to a first signal and configured to receive a second input signal in response to a second signal. The latch includes a latch-set input that is configured to be coupled to the comparator output in response to a third signal, a latch-reset input that is configured to be coupled to the comparator output in response to a fourth signal and a latch output that is configured to output the second signal. The relaxation oscillator is configured to achieve an approximately fifty percent duty cycle without requiring the use of a second comparator.

Abstract: Capacitance sensing apparatuses are described. The apparatus includes capacitance sensor elements that traverse a sensing region. The apparatus also includes sensor circuitry that has multiple inputs. More than one of the capacitance sensor elements are electrically coupled to the same input. A position of an object along an axis of the sensing region is unambiguously identified according to which subset of the inputs senses a change in capacitance that is induced when the object is proximate to the sensing region.

Abstract: A method of generating cursor motion signals for improved usability is provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises detecting object motion in a sensing region and providing cursor motion signals in accordance with cursor motion values generated responsive to continuation of the object motion in the inner region. This embodiment further comprises providing cursor motion signals configured to generate cursor motion that combines incremental cursor motion with additional cursor motion responsive to the object moving from the inner region into the outer region, where the incremental cursor motion comprises motion toward an edge of the display correlating to an edge of the sensing region proximate the object, and where the additional cursor motion comprises cursor motion indicated by cursor motion values generated responsive to continuation of the object motion in the outer region of the sensing region.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are described for detecting a measurable capacitance using charge transfer techniques. According to various embodiments, a charge transfer process is performed for two or more times. During the charge transfer process, a pre-determined voltage is applied to the measurable capacitance, and the measurable capacitance is then allowed to share charge with a filter capacitance through a passive impedance that remains coupled to both the measurable capacitance and to the filter capacitance throughout the charge transfer process. The value of the measurable capacitance can then be determined as a function of a representation of a charge on the filter capacitance and the number of times that the charge transfer process was performed. Such a detection scheme may be readily implemented using conventional components, and can be particularly useful in sensing the position of a finger, stylus or other object with respect to an input sensor.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are described for determining a measurable capacitance for proximity detection in a sensor having a plurality of sensing electrodes and at least one guarding electrode. A charge transfer process is executed for at least two executions. The charge transfer process includes applying a pre-determined voltage to at least one of the plurality of sensing electrodes using a first switch, applying a first guard voltage to the at least one guarding electrode using a second switch, sharing charge between the at least one of the plurality of sensing electrodes and a filter capacitance, and applying a second guard voltage different from the first guard voltage to the at least one guarding electrode. A voltage is measured on the filter capacitance for a number of measurements equal to at least one to produce at least one result to determine the measurable capacitance for proximity detection.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor is disclosed. The capacitive sensor comprises a plurality of spaced-apart X traces disposed along an X axis and a plurality of spaced-apart Y traces disposed along a Y axis with each of the Y traces forming a single crossing with each of the X traces. The X traces and the Y traces are arranged in an intertwined pattern about each crossing. The X traces and the Y traces are insulated from each other.

Abstract: A method of generating a signal comprising providing a capacitive touch sensor pad including a matrix of X and Y conductors, developing capacitance profiles in one of an X direction and a Y direction from the matrix of X and Y conductors, determining an occurrence of a single gesture through an examination of the capacitance profiles, the single gesture including an application of at least two objects on the capacitive touch sensor pad, and generating a signal indicating the occurrence of the single gesture.

Abstract: A ballistics subsystem is coupled to a force sensor of an isometric input device. The ballistics subsystem augments control by applying a dual gain transfer function that smoothly transitions from separate gain factors for low and high force inputs. When applied in a cursor device, such as a joystick or force pad, pointer movement is coupled to input force, not input displacement. Traditionally, an array of miniature strain gauges is used to measure the input force. A more recent method optimized for very low cost uses an array of capacitive sensors. Regardless of what physical mechanism is used to measure input force, customized algorithms are generally used to establish the feel and usability of an isometric joystick. The invention comprises several new methods for optimizing the use of an isometric joystick as a cursor-positioning device, altering the transfer function gain to take advantage of asymmetry, detecting selection and deselection, and combined selection and deselection.

Abstract: A circuit assembly for providing a switch sensor and a capacitive sensor. The circuit assembly has a first pattern of conductive material in a first plane and a second pattern of conductive material in a second plane. An insulating member in an intermediate plane separates the first and second patterns. In a switch sensor area, the insulating member has openings to allow a first conductive element in the first pattern to contact a second conductive element in the second pattern responsive a force being applied to the first conductive element. In the capacitive sensor area, the insulating member maintains spacing between conductive material in the first and second patterns. The circuit assembly also includes a preventative capacitance configuration that limits non-intentional capacitive coupling in the capacitive sensor area.

Abstract: A user interface of a smart compact device employs a combination comprising a display screen in combination with an activating object that is capable of reporting X and Y position information in a first state and a second state. Selected data is displayed or hidden depending on whether the first state or second state is detected.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an object position detector. The object position detector comprises a touch sensor formed as a closed loop and having a physical constraint formed on an upper surface of the touch sensor and coextensive with the closed loop. The touch sensor is configured to sense motion of an object proximate to the closed loop. The object position detector also comprises a processor coupled to the touch sensor and is programmed to generate an action in response to the motion on the touch sensor.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a button wheel. The button wheel comprises a support frame including a pair of parallel opposed inner surfaces. A platform is nestably mounted in the support frame. The platform includes a pair of parallel opposed outer surfaces forming a pair of linear bearings with the parallel opposed inner surfaces of the support frame to allow the platform to translate from a biased rest position in a direction parallel to the opposed inner surfaces and the opposed outer surfaces. The button wheel also includes first and second spaced apart mounts fixed to one of the support frame and said platform. The button wheel includes a shaft disposed along an axis and including a first end rotatably engaged in the first mount and a second end rotatably engaged in the second mount. A wheel is mounted on the shaft and a rotation sensor is in operative communication with the wheel. The button wheel also includes a translation sensor coupled between the support frame and the platform.

Abstract: A method of generating a signal comprising providing a capacitive touch sensor pad including a matrix of X and Y conductors, developing capacitance profiles in one of an X direction and a Y direction from the matrix of X and Y conductors, determining an occurrence of a single gesture through an examination of the capacitance profiles, the single gesture including an application of at least two objects on the capacitive touch sensor pad, and generating a signal indicating the occurrence of the single gesture.

Abstract: The disclosed device is directed towards a method for recognizing a gesture made on a touch-sensor pad in a touch-sensing system providing X and Y position information to a host comprising detecting a first presence of a conductive object on the touch-sensor pad. The method includes comparing the duration of the first presence with a first reference amount of time, and initiating a first gesture signal to the host if the duration of the first presence is less than the first reference amount of time. The method also includes detecting a second presence of the conductive object on the touch-sensor pad and comparing the duration between the first presence and the second presence with a second reference amount of time.

Abstract: A user interface of a smart compact device employs a combination comprising a display screen in combination with an activating object that is capable of reporting X and Y position information in a first state and a second state. Selected data is displayed or hidden depending on whether the first state or second state is detected.