Abstract: The present invention is directed to a low-profile or ultra-thin navigational pointing device incorporating haptic feedback related to the hardware designs, and sensor optimization relative to the functionally of joysticks, computer mice, gaming equipment, cell phones, personal digital assistants, telecommunications equipment, entertainment equipment, and other electronic pointing devices requiring height profiles of 5 mm or less. In one embodiment, a device in accordance with the present invention includes a support structure component, a read component, a sensor component, and a capture enclosure component. The read component is coupled to the support structure, and the sensor component is coupled to the capture enclosure where it is positioned in close proximity to the read component by capture enclosure.

Abstract: A multidirectional input member according to the present invention includes a base plate on which a looped sensor that includes a plurality of groups of non-contacting electrodes configured in a loop is formed and an operation plate locating opposite to the base plate. The operation plate has a first loop-shaped protrusion that is located at a plane opposite to the base plate, that is protruded toward the base plate side, that is opposite to the looped sensor, and that is configured with a resistant rubber member. The first protrusion has a configuration in which its sectional area of a plane parallel to the base plate is tapered in the direction from the operation plate side toward the base plate side.

Abstract: A multidirectional input member according to the present invention includes a base plate on which a looped sensor that includes a plurality of groups of non-contacting electrodes configured in a loop is formed and an operation plate locating opposite to the base plate. The operation plate has a first loop-shaped protrusion that is located at a plane opposite to the base plate, that is protruded toward the base plate side, that is opposite to the looped sensor, and that is configured with a resistant rubber member. The first protrusion has a configuration in which its sectional area of a plane parallel to the base plate is tapered in the direction from the operation plate side toward the base plate side.

Abstract: A two-stage switch apparatus includes: a PCB including first and second electrodes; a conductive dome disposed on the PCB; an insulating film covering a surface of the conductive dome on a side opposite to the PCB, and third and fourth electrodes above the conductive dome; and a button actuator provided over a side of the insulating film, which is opposite the PCB. The button actuator includes a conductive elastic body protruding to the side of the insulating film at positions corresponding to both the third and fourth electrodes. An analog portion is formed by the conductive elastic body, the third electrode and the fourth electrode, when the conductive elastic body contacts both the third and fourth electrodes. A digital portion is formed by the conductive dome and the second electrode, when the button actuator is pressed and the conductive dome is indented.

Abstract: A two-stage switch apparatus includes: a PCB including first and second electrodes; a conductive dome disposed on the PCB; an insulating film covering a surface of the conductive dome on a side opposite to the PCB, and third and fourth electrodes above the conductive dome; and a button actuator provided over a side of the insulating film, which is opposite the PCB. The button actuator includes a conductive elastic body protruding to the side of the insulating film at positions corresponding to both the third and fourth electrodes. An analog portion is formed by the conductive elastic body, the third electrode and the fourth electrode, when the conductive elastic body contacts both the third and fourth electrodes. A digital portion is formed by the conductive dome and the second electrode, when the button actuator is pressed and the conductive dome is indented.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to variable resistance zones for sensing input to an electronic device, as well as ministops for controlling deformation of the input components to ensure the accuracy of the inputs sensed. In one embodiment, a system in accordance with the present invention includes multiple variable resistors, an actuator, and a converter. The actuator overlies the multiple pressure-sensitive variable resistors and is configured to generate a pressure at a contact location on the multiple variable resistors. The converter is coupled to the multiple variable resistors and is programmed to map a pressure at the contact location to a pressure, location, or both along the surface of the actuator.