Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a scrolling input device that maps a physical movement of a scroll gesture into a digital scrolling and includes a touch-surface with an active area, at least one force sensor, and a microcontroller. The force sensor is configured to detect force applied to the active area by sensing strains in the touch-surface during the physical displacement of the scroll gesture and to provide an output based on the sensed strains indicating information of an amount of the force applied to the active area. The microcontroller is configured to calculate the amount of the force applied to the active area based on the output of the force sensor and touch locations of the scroll gesture, to estimate a scrolling speed based on the calculated amount of the force, and to estimate the digital scrolling based on both the physical movement and the estimated scrolling speed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a button input structure of an electronic device, which can achieve a binary function and detect an external force applied to the button input structure. The disclosed button input structure includes a button component, mechanical switches, strain-based sensors, a substrate underneath the button component to accommodate the mechanical switches and the strain-based sensors, and a holding basket configured to provide mechanical support to the substrate, the strain-based sensors, the mechanical switches, and the button component. Herein, depression of the button component caused by the external force can produce strain on the substrate. Each of the strain-based sensors attached to the substrate is configured to detect the external force applied to the button component by sensing the strain on the substrate and configured to provide an output indicating information of a touch point of the external force and an amount of the external force.

Abstract: A user interface apparatus is disclosed, having a housing, an elongated pad on the exterior surface, a first strain sensor near the proximal end of the pad and fixed to the interior surface, and a second strain sensor near the distal end of the pad and fixed to the interior surface. The first strain sensor generates a first electrical signal with a maximum magnitude when force is applied directly to the proximal end, decreasing in magnitude as force is applied further away. Similarly, the second strain sensor generates a second electrical signal with a maximum magnitude when force is applied directly to the distal end, decreasing in value as force is applied further away. This user interface apparatus is configured to detect force applied to the elongated pad at points between the proximal end and the distal end, providing a floating slider function for various applications.

Abstract: A user interface apparatus is disclosed with a housing, an exterior surface having a cylinder and first and second bumps, and an interior surface with aligned first and second strain sensors fixed to it. The strain sensors generate electrical signals when the respective bumps are depressed by a knob's rim protrusions. The knob is rotatably coupled to the distal end of the cylinder, allowing its protrusions to intermittently engage and depress the bumps as it is rotated around the cylinder. This interface provides an improved structure for detecting and responding to user input through rotation and depression of the knob in electronic devices. The radial distance between the center point of the cylinder and each bump allows this engagement and depression by the knob's protrusions during rotation.

Abstract: Strain-based sensor configuration in a mobile communication device is provided. In embodiments disclosed herein, a cut slot and an additional sensor(s) are added in a mid-frame of the mobile communication device, in addition to an existing sensor(s) in the mid-frame. The additional sensor(s) can help differentiate an unintended press from an intended press to thereby improve accuracy and reliability in determining strength and position of the press.

Abstract: Described herein are input structures that include an input surface and one or more sensor modules attached to the input surface. Each sensor module includes one or more sensors operably attached to a substrate. The one or more sensors are operable to detect strain on the substrate. One or more portions of the substrate are removed to produce a stress concentration region in proximity to at least one sensor. The stress concentration region concentrates strain in proximity to the at least one sensor.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a scrolling input device that maps a physical movement of a scroll gesture into a digital scrolling and includes a touch-surface with an active area, at least one force sensor, and a microcontroller. The force sensor is configured to detect force applied to the active area by sensing strains in the touch-surface during the physical displacement of the scroll gesture and to provide an output based on the sensed strains indicating information of an amount of the force applied to the active area. The microcontroller is configured to calculate the amount of the force applied to the active area based on the output of the force sensor and touch locations of the scroll gesture, to estimate a scrolling speed based on the calculated amount of the force, and to estimate the digital scrolling based on both the physical movement and the estimated scrolling speed.

Abstract: Described herein are input structures that include an input surface and one or more sensor modules attached to the input surface. Each sensor module includes one or more sensors operably attached to a substrate. The one or more sensors are operable to detect strain on the substrate. One or more portions of the substrate are removed to produce a stress concentration region in proximity to at least one sensor. The stress concentration region concentrates strain in proximity to the at least one sensor.