Abstract: A device in accordance with the present invention has a top metal layer that shows increased resistance to degradation such as abrasion, erosion, or both. A device in accordance with the present invention includes a device layer and a top metal layer. The device layer includes contact sensing elements and has a plurality of depressions that extend into the device layer. The first metal layer overlies or is adjacent to the contact sensing elements and extends into the depressions. Preferably, a surface of the metal layer opposed to the device layer is contoured to the depressions. In some embodiments the top metal layer makes electrical connections to the contact sensor, but in other embodiments it does not. Preferably, the device forms a finger swipe sensor, and the contact sensing elements are coupled to finger swipe processing electronics.

Abstract: A device in accordance with the present invention has a top metal layer that shows increased resistance to degradation such as abrasion, erosion, or both. A device in accordance with the present invention includes a device layer and a top metal layer. The device layer includes contact sensing elements and has a plurality of depressions that extend into the device layer. The first metal layer overlies or is adjacent to the contact sensing elements and extends into the depressions. Preferably, a surface of the metal layer opposed to the device layer is contoured to the depressions. In some embodiments the top metal layer makes electrical connections to the contact sensor, but in other embodiments it does not. Preferably, the device forms a finger swipe sensor, and the contact sensing elements are coupled to finger swipe processing electronics.

Abstract: A system for and method of illuminating a contact (or touch) device such as a fingerprint sensor are disclosed. In an exemplary system, a touch sensor system has a surface or contact area and comprises a substantially transparent molding positioned over the contact area and a dynamic illuminator positioned to show through the molding. The dynamic illuminator is for indicating a status of the touch sensor system, such as power on, standby, error, low power, an input mode for receiving user input, or a selected operating mode. The touch sensor system includes any one of a fingerprint sensor, a miniature joystick, a touch-sensitive navigation disc, a touch-sensing navigation pad, an N-way pressure-sensitive directional control, to name a few touch sensor devices. In one embodiment, when the touch sensor comprises a fingerprint sensor, the operating mode is for emulating an input device such as a scroll wheel, a push button, a steering wheel, a joy stick, a pressure button, and a mouse.